ODOWDDEBATE verum * rhetoricus * pugna * victoria
APPLICATION FOR 2013-2014 MEMBERSHIP (Fall Tryout)
Directions: Please respond to all of the following questions to the best of your ability. There are no right or wrong
answers, but do keep in mind that this is an important part of the process in becoming a member of this year’s team.
Your application will be evaluated by debate team coach Mr. Jon Thorpe and by the captains and incoming captains
of the Parliamentary, Lincoln Douglas, Public Forum, Policy, and Congress squads.
This form is due by to Mr. Jon Thorpe by 5 p.m. September 12, 2013. You may fill out this form and email it to
odowddebate@bishopodowd.org. The tryout will take place on Friday, September 13 at 3:15 p.m. Please meet in
room 119.
1. Name (PLEASE PRINT):
2. Grade (2013-2014 academic year) and cumulative GPA (if you are a freshman, please list
your cumulative junior high school GPA):
3. Have you previously been a member of the O’Dowd debate team?
□ Yes □ No
4. If yes, in what event and at what level?
□ Parliamentary
□ Novice
□ Public Forum
□ JV
□ Lincoln Douglas
□ Varsity
5. Please list (a) the classes that you are enrolled in this academic year, and (b) the classes you
plan to take next year:
6. Please list any other extracurricular activities in which you have been or are currently
involved:
7. Debate is a year-long activity. Are you able to commit to attending practice regularly (at least
twice a week) and participating in tournaments (on the weekends) in light of your other
extracurricular activities and family responsibilities? Please note that weekend tournaments can
last from 1 to 3 days. Each day can require 9 - 16 hours of your time.
□Yes
□No
8. Would you be willing to attend a debate camp during the summer?
□ Yes
□ No
□ Maybe
9. Please list any publications (newspapers, magazines, etc.) you read regularly:
10. Do you have any experience with public speaking? If yes, through what activity?
11. How do you respond to criticism, both from your peers and your instructors?
12. Pick one recent news event or government policy and discuss why this topic interests you.
Please fill the available space with your analysis.
13. Why do you want to be on the debate team?
PLACEMENT QUESTIONNAIRE
1. “I work best…”
□ By myself
□ With a partner
2. “I perform best…”
□ Under pressure when I have to improvise
□ When I’ve had weeks to prepare
3. Are you more interested in…
□ Moral and philosophical questions
□ Policy and government disputes
4. Do you feel comfortable speaking quickly?
□ Yes
□ No
5. Do you enjoy conducting research?
□ Yes
□ No
6. Do you consider yourself to be an organized person?
□ Yes
□ No
7. Which form of debate are you most interested in?
□ Parliamentary
□ Public Forum
□ Lincoln Douglas
□ No preference
Today’s Date:
Prospective Debater’s Signature:
________________________________________
Email Address:
________________________________________
Prospective Debater’s Parent Signature: ________________________________________
Parent Email Address:
________________________________________
Parents: Your signature above provides a clear indication that you have read this document in its entirety and
understand the duties, responsibilities, and commitments that will be undertaken by your child if he or she is accepted
into O’Dowd Debate. Debate is a serious activity that provides benefits above and beyond those of any other
extracurricular activity. Debate, however, also requires a parental commitment that extends beyond that of other
extracurricular activities. Your signature above attests to your willingness to undertake, at a minimum, the normal
commitments and responsibilities that correspond with having a child participate in the debate program.