Eastview Debate Team Handbook

 

Dear Eastview Lightning Debate Team Member,

 

It is my pleasure to welcome you to the Eastview High School debate team.  Our team has a tradition of hard work, professionalism, and success.  We will continue to build upon this foundation.

 

In this team handbook you will find information that I hope will be useful to you all season long.  You will also find a set of team rules and policies.  I try to keep our list of rules short and meaningful.  They are here to enhance the debate experience for all team members.  Please be generally familiar with them and always feel free to ask for clarification.

 

Most importantly, remember that you are a valuable member of the team.  Your participation, opinion, and achievement all count.  If at any time I can help make this a better experience, please talk with me.

 

Sincerely,

 

Todd Hering

Head Debate Coach

 

To contact Mr. Hering

 

Home Phone:                952-423-7094

Voice Mail:                   651-683-6969 ext. 8689

E-Mail:                         Todd.Hering@District196.org

 

 

Introductory Information

 

Joining the Team

 

Any student at Eastview High School is eligible to join the debate team.  We do not hold auditions to join the team.  Being on the debate team does not guarantee that you will be able to debate at each tournament.   

 

To officially become a team member, you need to do the following:

  • Pay your Fine Arts Activity Fee in the main office ($70 activity fee)
  • Sign & turn in your MSHSL Eligibility Form (available in main office)
  • Give Mr. Hering your card from the main office as proof of payment

 

You must pay your activity fee by Monday, October 15 at the latest.  Students who have not paid their fees by this point will be ineligible for practice and competition until fees are paid.  We never want the activity fee to be a barrier to participation.  If this may be the case for you, please speak with me or e-mail me and we’ll work something out.

 

Costs & Supplies

 

In addition to your participation fee, there are other costs that you may encounter over the course of the season.  All of these costs are possible depending upon your involvement:

          Overnights:  Occasionally the team will stay overnight at a hotel the weekend of a

tournament.  Students are asked to pay a fee toward the cost of their lodging and

transportation (usually $25).

 

Meals:  Students are responsible for buying their own meals at tournaments.  Concessions

like pizza or sandwiches are usually available.

 

Clothing:  Students are asked to dress professionally at tournaments (see dress code

section for more detail).  For some students, this means purchasing new clothes.

 

NFL Membership:  Most students will become members of the National Forensics League.  This is a nationally recognized debate and speech organization.  Cost is $10.

 

Supplies:  Debaters will need to furnish a few supplies.  A good supply kit includes:

§         Fine or very fine point pens

§         Yellow legal pads

§         Scotch tape

§         4 x 6 note cards and a plastic file box

§         A scissors

 

Time Commitment  & Scheduling

 

The amount of time a student spends on debate is largely up to that individual.  All team members are strongly encouraged to attend two debate practices per week.  Mr. Hering will be flexible in accommodating students involved in other activities (Fall & Winter sports, band, choir, theater, etc.).  However, students who do the best typically compete and practice on a regular basis.   

 

Tournaments

 

Signing Up

Tournament registrations are usually due a full week before the tournament.  That means that Mr. Hering needs to know whether or not you are planning on attending upcoming tournaments.  Please sign up on the appropriate sheet on the debate bulletin board (outside room A302) at least one week in advance.  If you would like to attend but your partner can’t, please talk to Mr. Hering.  If you are unsure for some reason, please talk to Mr. Hering.  Early and clear communication is vital.

 

Limitations

For team members, tournament competition is a privilege, not a right.  You earn the right to compete by practicing regularly, representing the team well, and being a good Eastview student and citizens.  Some tournaments will have limited space.  Please see “Coaches Decisions” for more information.

 

Departure & Transportation

For each tournament, a departure time will be posted on the debate bulletin board.  For Saturday tournaments, you should meet the bus at the West (lower) entrance.  On Fridays, you will be expected to be at the West end of the Commons and ready to leave at the departure time.  We usually take a bus to tournaments.  For in-district tournaments, students are asked to provide their own transportation.

 

Return Times

Also posted on the bulletin board will be an estimated return time.  Please remember that this is always an estimate.  Late running tournaments could always push back return times.  Students will always be able to get inside Eastview High School to call their parents upon returning from a debate tournament.

 

Tournament Attire & Etiquette

Students are asked to dress professionally at debate tournaments.  Generally this means:

Boys:  A dress shirt & tie, and dress pants (Dockers etc. are fine).  Sport coat/suit are optional.

Girls:  A suit, nice blouse/sweater & knee length or longer-skirt/dress slacks, or professional dress are all appropriate.  Please ask if you have any questions.  Round Robins are informal.

 

Students are always expected to be polite, respectful, professional, and courteous at tournaments.  All tournament conduct (from the time you get off the bus until you leave) is a reflection on our team.

 

Canceling

Occasionally, you will need to cancel your commitment to a tournament.  If you need to cancel, please communicate this to Mr. Hering as soon as possible.  If you need to cancel the morning of the tournament, you must call Mr. Hering’s voice mail 651-683-6969 ext. 8689.  Students who fail to notify Mr. Hering in advance of their cancellation may be charged registration and/or judging fees.

 

 

Team Policies & Rules

 

General Policies

1)     All school rules are in effect during debate practice and competition.

2)     Treat all teammates and coaches with respect.

3)     Treat school, team, and individual property with respect.

4)     Be responsible…fulfill your commitments and take responsibility for your actions.

5)     During practice, you should be focused on debate.  Please do your relaxing and socializing in the student commons.

6)     In case disciplinary action is necessary, students may be sent home from practice, suspended from competition, or, in extreme cases be removed from the team.  Other school-sanctioned actions may be taken by school administration.

7)     Do NOT take food or beverages near the computers.  Please shut down the computers at the end of your practice session.  (Or log off if it’s early in the afternoon).  Please do not play games on the computers during practice time. 

 

Lettering Policy

Letters for debate are awarded to team members who prove themselves to be outstanding representatives of Eastview High School.

 

Eligibility:  To be eligible for lettering consideration, a student must:

1)      Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5, and

2)      Consistently follow all EVHS school rules and debate team policies, and

3)      Maintain a positive and constructive attitude.

 

Once a student has established eligibility, he/she will earn a letter by achieving one or more of the following during the debate season:

1)     By representing Eastview at the sectional or NFL district tournament, or

2)     By advancing to the quarter-finals at the Classic Debate Championships or Novice/JV State Tournament, or

3)     By earning 125 NFL points in debate, or

4)     By coaches decision (for consistent contributions to the team)

 

Selection for the Sections/District/State Team

Eastview High School is in Section I for debate.  We will select two Lincoln-Douglas debaters for sections. We are in the Central MN NFL District and we will select debaters for districts.  We can also select 4 teams to compete in the Classic Debate State Festival.  Being selected to the section/district team is a high honor.  It is also a difficult decision for coaches.  The Eastview debate coaches will select a section/district team based on which debaters will best represent Eastview High School (competitively and professionally).  There are several factors that we consider:

·        Positive Attitude (a belief that you can and want to do well)

·        Willingness to prepare (a commitment in both time and in favorably reacting to coaching)

·        Demonstration of debate skill (both throughout the season and at practice)

·        Demonstration of professionalism (you help build Eastview’s positive image)

·        On-task, non-distracting practice habits (how well is time used?)

·        Potential to benefit from sections competition

·        Auditions and/or interviews may be held to help coaches make their decisions.

 
Public Communications

When you communicate via public discussion groups on the web, you represent Eastview Debate.  Please do not criticize or evaluate others, discuss any Eastview team strategies or arguments, or get involved with debate “politics.”  If you choose to participate in the discussions, please be positive and respectful of others.

 

Coaches Decisions

Coaches will make decisions on the following matters:

1)     What level you will compete at (Novice, JV, Varsity).  Who your partner is.  You will have input in these decisions.

2)     Who will represent Eastview at any given tournament.  Space and registration limits may limit the number of debaters we can bring to any given tournament.  For example, we are only allowed two entries per division at the section tournament.  Coaches will make these decisions based on performance, professionalism, effort, potential, preparation and team contributions.

3)     Coaches have the right to review the arguments you will present.  You will be asked to not use arguments deemed inappropriate or offensive.

 

Suggestions For Success

 

·        Use your time efficiently

·        Communicate well with your coaches

·        Practice, practice, practice (well)

·        Build your knowledge through reading

·        Don’t play the blame game—focus on what you have control of

·        Have fun & stay healthy