Tournament F.A.Q.
How do I prepare for a tournament?
What should I pack?
What is “appropriate” clothing for a tournament?
Dress formally. Imagine you are going to court. We prefer a suit for boys and girls (skirt or pants for the girls), but you need not wear one. Boys can “dress down” in a dress shirt with tie and nice pants. Girls can wear a conservative dress or blouse and skirt/dress pants.
How much will this cost?
The team pays for registration, judges, and transportation. You will pay for food and lodging. Check the information sheet for those costs as they vary from tournament to tournament.
How long will the tournament take?
That varies from tournament to tournament. Check the information sheet for times.
What can I expect at the tournament?
You can expect to compete for at least three rounds (the number will vary). Before, after, and between those rounds, you can expect a good deal of waiting in school cafeterias. Many trips involve bus trips over three hours long. To put it simply, you will experience the “hurry up and wait” situation.
How does the tournament conduct rounds?
That is an excellent question. The answer depends on the event.
In speech rounds (which the tournament refers to as “I.E.,” “individual events”), you will compete in front of a judge and four to seven fellow competitors. At the beginning of the tournament, you will receive a “schematic,” which tells you what room you should attend in which round. It will also give you a set order of presentation. You will present before the judge, then sit down and watch others until the end of the round. The judge will take notes on your performance. At the end of the round, s/he will decide the ranks in the room. You will earn ranks according to the judge’s preference. A rank of “1” means the judge felt you performed the best. A rank of “2” means second best, and so on. The judge will not provide oral critiques, so do not ask the judge what s/he thought.
In debate rounds, you will meet a single competitor (either team or individual). The judge will lead the round according to the structure you already understand. At the end of the round, you will leave while the judge completes the ballot. The ballot will indicate who won the round, why, and how many quality points each speaker earned. The judge will not provide oral critiques, so do not ask the judge what s/he thought.
Can I watch rounds if I’m not required elsewhere?
Sometimes. Tournament organizers welcome observers in “break” rounds, the octa-, quarter-, semi-, and final rounds. They may allow you to observe preliminary rounds, but that rule varies from tournament to tournament. Many early season tournaments allow observers in preliminary rounds; many later tournaments do not. In any case, you should always ask the judge if you feel unsure about observing.
What if I experience a problem at the tournament?
Coaches generally judge rounds, so you may not see your coach at first. If you cannot find a coach, report to the tab room (tabulation room, a room where the tournament collects and collates ballots) and ask for help. If you experience an ethical dilemma concerning a judge or fellow competitor, always speak to your coach before attempting your own solution.
How can my parents reach me at a tournament?
Of course, you may bring a cell phone (but remember that a cell phone ring during a round results in an immediate loss). If you don’t have one, Mr. Clarkson’s number appears at the bottom of the info sheet. If your parent receives no answer, Mr. Clarkson is probably judging. They may lea