Widefield Novice Invitation

Sept. 20, 2022

Dear Colleague:

Widefield High School wishes to welcome you and your team to our novice tournament to be held on Saturday, October 15, 2022. It is our hope that this tournament will provide your team with a positive beginning to the speech season.

In addition to novice competition, NSDA will be offering a judging workshop. We will complete the general and events and judging portions at this workshop. This is an excellent opportunity to bring prospective critics such as parents, new teachers, and recent graduates into the program. The workshop will begin at 9:00 a.m.

REGISTRATION

Widefield High School – 8:00 – 8:30 a.m. We plan to end by 3:00 p.m.

ENTRIES

There is no prescribed limit on the number of entries you may bring in a given event, but please do your best to bring enough varsity student judges to cover your entries or be willing to judge yourself! Bring any brand new kids to observe. Note that we will NOT offer CX debate.

EVENTS

Duo THERE IS NO DOUBLING

Drama

Humor

Poetry

Program Oral Interp

Foreign Extemp

US Extemp

Informative Speaking

COST

Novice event entries $6.00 per person

Public Forum, Duo $12.00 per team

Lincoln-Douglas Debate $6.00 per person

Deadline for drops or additions will be October 13th. All drops should be made on speechwire.com or phoned to 719-352-9733, or sent to my e-mail: owens@wsd3.org

Please register as early as possible.

AWARDS

Generous numbers of ribbons only will be awarded for 1^st-6^th place in both debate and events.

DEFINITION OF A NOVICE COMPETITOR

The spirit of our meet is to provide a positive learning environment for NEW forensics students. A novice, therefore, must not have competed in more than one high school forensic meet (in any event) prior to this year. That means a student who “filled in” once last spring could still compete if you believe he/she is “new” at this. Please use good judgment in deciding which of your students are true beginners.

JUDGING

Schools should provide one experienced student judge for every two debate entries. One student judge should be provided for every six students entered in events. If possible, please bring extra judges. We will use as many varsity students as possible to judge each round. Therefore, some sections may have three critics; please “warn” your students. Coaches will be used to judge only if needed. Please remember to bring student judges that you feel have the necessary background to provide positive and instructive criticism. IF YOUR PROGRAM IS NEW and you can’t bring any varsity students please feel free to come! We really want to support your efforts. You may bring observers also!

ROUNDS OF COMPETITION

Three rounds of competition will be guaranteed in all areas. No Finals!

FOOD

Coffee, juice and breakfast items will be served in the morning with lunch provided at noon for coaches and all judges. We will have concessions available for competitors.

RULES

CHSAA guidelines will be used in debate and events with the exception of oratory and info. Novice orators may use their script if necessary. Computers are welcome in all events, except informative speaking. Remember, no prepared speeches in extemp.

Coaches will receive their student’s exact code at registration as well as on speechwire.com. You will need to share these with your students.

DEBATE TOPICS:

Lincoln-Douglas: Resolved: The United States ought to implement a single-payer universal healthcare system.

Public Forum: Resolved: The United States Federal Government should substantially increase its investment in high-speed rail.

Sincerely,

Stephanie Owen

owens@wsd3.org

719-352-9733

*NOTE: The tournament is at Widefield High School

615 Widefield Drive

Colorado Springs, CO 80911