OATS 1 (Online Asynchronous Tournament Series)

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General information

This is a College tournament in Minnesota.

View manager contact information

Hello Coaches, Competitors, and Judges!

Welcome to the 7^th season of the OATS (Online Asynchronous Tournament Series). Last year over 90 teams competed at the six regular season tournaments (on average about 50 teams per tournament), and we look forward to seeing so many of our friends again this season.

The OATS financial situation continues to be strong, so we are happy to announce that we are able to maintain the tournament series fee to $200 for the 26-27 season. We will maintain a $10/uncovered slot fee, and we will continue the fee waivers for student-run teams or those experiencing financial hardship. Look for a financial report from the 2025-2026 season on the Outspoken Culture website.

We will use multiple communication tools throughout the season. Outspoken Culture will continue using is an accounting software called Zoho Books. You will receive receipts through Zoho Books, so you may need to check your junk email box to locate receipts for payments. You can also expect emails to coaches and judges on Monday evening as well as additional email and social media communication throughout each tournament week.

The dates for video submission for the OATS include:

Forensics is still in a period of growth and change following the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. One way we can purposefully create more equitable spaces is through research at tournaments. We invite you to submit research proposals to the tournament staff to gather data from participants. Please see the research invitation policy on the Outspoken Culture website if you are interested.

We look forward to continuing to support student advocacy, accessibility, and health/wellness this 26-27 Season. Full information is available on the OATS Invite (available on Speechwire and the Outspoken Culture website). If you have questions feel free to contact Julie Walker by phone (call or text 706-844-2773) or email (julie.walker@smsu.edu).

Sincerely,

      Julie Walker                                                                

Executive Director, Outspoken Culture                                  

OATS Director            

TL:DR Details

• Tournaments will be fully asynchronous, including finals
• Entries and video links are due to Speechwire on Monday @ 7 p.m. CST
• Content warnings are encouraged to give adequate warning to judges/competitors
• We encourage coaches to enter accommodation notifications in the Content Warning/Topics area
• Preliminary rounds will be judged from Tuesday through Thursday @ 4 p.m. CST; Final rounds will be judged from Thursday 6 p.m. through Friday @ 2 p.m. CST; an official alternative schedule for Semifinals  is posted and will be used as needed
• Postings will go live on Thursdays at 6 p.m. CST (or ASAP depending on ballot completion)
• All 11 categories will be offered per ASC/OATS guidelines
• LP Category students will only be required to submit one video entry
• Extemp category entries will have four question options focused on various levels of Bloom’s Taxonomy
• The $200 Series Fee pays for all “covered-slot” entries for all OATS tournaments*
• Uncovered slots will incur an additional $10 fee
• Payments accepted by Venmo, PayPal, Zelle, or by check
• The dates for video submission for the OATS include:
• Those interested in conducting research at the OATS should look at the Outspoken Culture website for more information
• Any use of AI in the judging process is strictly prohibited

Manager contact information

Julie Walker
Email address: julie.walker@smsu.edu
Phone number: 7068442730

Mailing address

609 South 1st Street
Marshall, MN 56258