HOW TO SIGN UP FOR A TOURNAMENT
Sign-up sheets (taped to folders) are placed on the small wooden desk alongside the wall next to where Mr. Smith's desk is in the classroom. The sheets contain information relating to the tourney host site, the dates of the tourney, what division is being hosted (novice, varsity, or both), and the deadline date for signing up. Under that info is a table with all the events listed with numbered lines. Students simply write their FIRST AND LAST NAME on a blank line under the event in which they would like to compete. Each event is listed by their appropriate abbreviation (i.e. CX is policy debate), so if students have questions about what event abbreviation to look for, they should ask. Signing up must occur before the given deadline! Many schools are very reluctant to allow late entries. Remember, it is the STUDENT'S RESPONSIBILITY to sign up for all the required tourneys on time.
***Keep in mind that by signing up for a tourney the student is COMMITTING to the entire weekend.
HOW TO EFFECTIVELY PREPARE FOR A TOURNAMENT
We will use as much class time as possible to prepare for the various events that students might be participating in; however, it will become necessary for students to prep for their events at home and via worksessions as well. Each week, at least two worksessions are offered at various time of the day to allow students who are involved in other activities a chance to attend. Remember that each Debate I student must attend a minimum of 360 minutes worth of worksession time each semester, and Debate II students must attend a minimum of 480 minutes. Regardless of when and where students prep, they should be continually rehearsing their scripts/speeches/cases, researching to locate new and better evidence, and generally keeping updated on various skills, such as flowing, questioning, listening, and reading.
TOURNAMENT ATTIRE
Professional, business-style dress is most preferred for student competitors in debate. The following are pictures of what appropriate dress looks like for both men and women.
Men - suits preferred. At a very minimum, nice shoes, dress pants/slacks, button-up LONG-SLEEVE shirt, and a matching tie.
Women - options are available. Pant suits are quite popular for women now and are worn by successful business and professional women all around the globe. Some women, though, still prefer a more traditional style with a long skirt and professional blouse (and maybe even a jacket, too). Some still wear nice dresses, but this is becoming less popular.
TIPS FOR BOTH - Dark colors are preferred over bright ones. Keep the focus on what you are "selling," not on how you look. Sometimes, though, a nice yellow, pink, light blue, etc., colored shirt or blouse will look very nice with a grey, black, or navy colored suit/pants. Dress shoes should always be worn: no loafers, sandals, flip-flops, sneakers, etc. Women can violate the "no sandals" rule if, and only if, the open-toed shoes they are wearing are of a professional grade. Gentlemen, your socks should match the color of your pants.
GOING SHOPPING - Suits and professional outfits can be expensive. A nice jacket alone can cost upwards of $60, shoes upwars of $50, and so on. If a full suit is simply not affordable at this time, then don't worry about going that route. You should be able to find a nice shirt and tie combo at places like Walmart, Target, Kohls, Gordmans, etc., for a good price, along with some nice khaki style pants, socks, and shoes. You can also try thrift stores. When I was in high school, I found a full, three-piece suit for only $25. I wore it for three years. Just for this year, I had to get a new outfit as well, and so I wen to Kohls. On sale, I found a great charcoal, pinstriped suit (pants and jacket) for only $120. Presuming it lasts me for at least 4-5 years, it is money well spent. My wife has also found great pants and dresses before at thrift stores for a great price. Take time to shop around and find something that you like and can be comfortable wearing.
ONLY PURCHASE ONE OUTFIT FOR NOW - You only compete so many times a semester (even the very active students only travel about 5 weekends a semester), and no one really cares that you are wearing the same outfit over and over again. As long as the outfit is well maintained, properly washed or cleaned, and kept ironed, you will look sharp every time you wear it.
TRANSPORTATION
The LSR7 school district provides free transportation to events. All students, per district and LSHS policies, are expected to ride the bus provided to tournaments, unless approval has been granted IN ADVANCE as to why that cannot occur (i.e. another school activity occurring right after a tourney and a parent pickup is necessary). It is eseential, then, that students are ON TIME with regard to departures from LSHS. Please also note that we will often arrive home late on Fridays (often well after 10:00 PM) and potentially on Saturdays (potentially well after 7:00 PM), and having a parent or appropriate person available to pick up the student when we arrive back at LSHS is expected. Everyone will receive an itinerary well before the tourney date that will list all the expected times, who is attending, and contact info for coaches.
BEHAVIOR
Please make sure that you understand the procedures and code of ethics outlined in the course syllabus under Section XIII - Team Policies. Students are expected to follow all district, LSHS, and Team policies while at tourneys, and disciplinary consequences can result for inappropriate behaviors. Students may carry a cell phone with them to tourneys, though they should keep them turned to "silent" mode or "off" while competing. It is best to leave all other valuables at home. The district, LSHS, nor the Team are responsible for any theft or damage that may occur while at tourneys.
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