SpeechWire Tournament Services - Forensics Tournament Software

This is a unique opportunity to have NOVICE and all MIDDLE SCHOOL students walk through the tournament process. We will talk them through the typical tournament and go through three rounds of very non-stressful competition. Multiple judges will be in each round, if the numbers permit, and there could be other observers. Students do not need to be memorized, and we rely on varsity students to serve as judges. Additionally, we will offer JUDGES' TRAINING on SATURDAY OCTOBER 17th for your parents and WORKSHOPS for your contestants during the tournament.

On October 17th, Judges' Training will run from 10:00 to 11:30 AM, and the parents will be divided into PF, LD, and IE.

Judge Training for Congressional Debate will run concurrently with the first round (8:30-10:00 in the Central Unit PDC). PLEASE MAKE SURE YOUR PARENTS KNOW WHICH TRAINING SESSION TO ATTEND.

PLEASE SIGN UP YOUR JUDGE TRAINEES HERE! You can also just send your parents the link

During the first two rounds, there will be LIMITED time for some brief INSTRUTIONS from the varsity students. We are stressing that we do NOT want coaching! The idea is to really help address general issues like where to sit, returning furniture to its original location, checking to see if critique sheets were filled out correctly, the importance of quiet in the halls etc. Along with critique sheets, each contestant will receive an index card to write questions on. This is a great opportunity to get information about rate, gestures, eye contact, focal points, managing fear, flowing, popping, character development, articulation, crossfire, organization, etc. As they compete, they can write down questions that come to mind and ask these questions during the workshops.

After lunch, all student will complete their last round (4 for LD and PF, 3 for CD and IE). We do NOT want any verbal critiques or comments during the last round so that we can stay on schedule.

Workshops will be led by coaches and varsity students, so bring your best varsity folk to help the newbies! The Congressional Debate students will NOT hold any kind of Workshop since they are being walked through the process (moreso than other categories).

· Restricted to NOVICES: no students with previous experience in ANY CATEGORY is eligible. A student who previously competed in less than 3 tournaments is considered NOVICE (less than 25 points).

· Each Oratory and Interp student performs his/her “best 3 minutes” of the entire piece. Students do NOT need to be memorized. We want NO STRESS! However, judges will stop the competitor after 5 minutes so that we stay on time.

· Varsity speech team members (125+ NFL points) will judge each round using OSDA ballots and critiques with comments and ranks

· Judge Training for parents/new folks will occur on Saturday October 17 from about 10:00 to 11:30 AM for IE, LD and PF.

· Judge Training for CONGRESSIONAL DEBATE will occur during the first round of Congress. Middle and High School are combined, but with separate judges.

· Students are encouraged to write down any questions about competition, performance, etc. Then, those questions will be answered during the workshop portion of the day.

· Novice “places” will be announced and awards given IF THERE ARE AT LEAST 4 COMPETITORS IN THE CATEGORY. We REALLY want to avoid combining any categories!

* ANY middle schooler can compete whether or not it is their first year of participation

* The incoming 9th graders who competed in middle school are still considered novice for today's tournament.

Jeri Neidhard
Email address: jeri.neidhard@centerville.k12.oh.us
Phone number: 937-304-5513 (cell)

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