Team Expectations and Tournament Schedule

Bellingham School District Debate Team Expectations 2012-2013 Season

1. Have a team-mentality: All debaters are created equal! Fundraising, practice, research, logistics, and recruitment efforts are for the good of the team. Even though team dues are $35 per month (starting Oct 2012), participation in all fundraisers is mandatory. No participation = no tournaments. Please see your counselor if monthly dues are a hardship. Everyone must pay dues regardless of number of tournaments or practices they attend. If you attend even one practice in a month, your fees are $35.

2. Polite and Powerful: You must be respectful at all times towards school property, opponents, judges, parents/guardians, teammates, coaches…and yourself. Violations to this policy can mean restrictions in participation in practice and tournaments.

3. Support your peers: Be responsible for sharing evidence and completing research for the team. Participate in team activities. Share the wealth, give constructive feedback, and watch each other’s rounds when able.

4. Show up to win: All members must attend all periods to participate in the day’s practice. Only excused absences are allowed. Debaters must attend one practice per week (more is better!), because we want you to improve. You may not attend a weekend tournament if you missed practice during the week. Please let me know BEFOREHAND if you will have an excused absence from practice. Call me at (360) 620-9664 (after 6:30pm) or email me: alyhorry@gmail.com

5. Be accountable: All team members are responsible for fundraising ($35 team fee/month + help in all fundraising activities), practicing with their partner, and showing up to tournaments. Check your email or the blog everyday for updates. Team members must pay their share of the registration fee if they drop out of a tournament after committing to go. Similarly, students will be penalized for skipping tournament rounds without permission.

6. Rules for a reason: Obey all district and school policies during practices and trips. Your actions impact our debate program, funding, your teammates and debate partner.

7. Accept winning and losing as part of the game: Keep at it, seek support, and look at the big picture

8. Remember the big picture: Debate is an investment in your education, a place for friends, and a time to have fun. I agree to the above expectations in order to participate on the Bellingham School District debate team.

____________________________________________ Student Signature ____________________________________________ Parent/Guardian Signature

2012-2013 Speech and Debate Tournament Schedule

October 13th Kamiak HS, Mukilteo (no overnight)
October 26th-27th Mt Vernon HS (no overnight)
November 1st-3rd Whitman College, Walla Walla (open debaters only)
November 9th-10th, Snohomish HS (no overnight)
December 7th-8th, WWU Bellingham Mandatory participation from guardians/students!
December 14th-15th, Sedro Woolley HS (no overnight)
January 18th-19th Federal Way HS
February 1st-2nd Kamiak HS, Mukilteo February 26th
District 1 Debate Qualifiers Edmunds Heights, Edmunds
March 22nd-23rd State Debate @ University of Puget Sound, Tacoma