Debate
Handbook
Grapevine High School
2011-2012
Debate
Handbook
Grapevine High School
2011-2012
Table of Contents
iii
Table of Contents
Table of Contents .................................................................................................................................. iii
Welcome Letter ........................................................................................................................................ v
Contact Information ............................................................................................................................... v
Frequently Asked Questions ................................................................................................................ 3
What Skills Will I Learn? .................................................................................................................................... 3
How Much Time Does the Activity Take? ...................................................................................................... 3
Can I Participate in Debate and Other After School Activities? ................................................................... 3
Can I Participate in Debate Without Taking the Class? ................................................................................. 3
What are the Different Debate Events? ............................................................................................................ 3
How do Tournaments Work? ............................................................................................................................ 4
What are the Tournament Fees?........................................................................................................................ 4
What is the Grapevine Classic? ......................................................................................................................... 4
What is U.I.L.? ..................................................................................................................................................... 4
What is N.F.L.? .................................................................................................................................................... 5
What is T.F.A.?..................................................................................................................................................... 5
What is the T.O.C? .............................................................................................................................................. 5
Class Expectations and Rules ............................................................................................................... 9
Extemporaneous Speaking ................................................................................................................................ 9
Debate ................................................................................................................................................................... 9
Congressional Debate ......................................................................................................................................... 9
Practices ................................................................................................................................................................ 9
Tournament Participation ................................................................................................................................ 10
Financial Responsibilities ................................................................................................................................. 10
Lettering in Debate............................................................................................................................................ 10
Officers ................................................................................................................................................................ 11
General Rules ..................................................................................................................................................... 13
GCISD Rules ...................................................................................................................................................... 13
Overnight Trip Rules ........................................................................................................................................ 14
Women................................................................................................................................................................ 15
Men...................................................................................................................................................................... 15
iv
Debate Handbook
Novice Debate Syllabus....................................................................................................................... 19
Grading ............................................................................................................................................................... 19
Class Requirements........................................................................................................................................... 19
Materials Needed .............................................................................................................................................. 19
Advanced Policies Syllabus ................................................................................................................ 20
Grading ............................................................................................................................................................... 20
Class Requirements........................................................................................................................................... 20
Materials Needed .............................................................................................................................................. 20
Tentative Tournament Calendar ........................................................................................................ 23
Forms to Return ..................................................................................................................................... 24
Introduction
v
Welcome!
Welcome to the Grapevine Debate Team. You are now a part of one of the most successful
teams in the history of Grapevine High School.
Each year we win awards on the local, state, and national levels. In the last few years we have
had students compete at University Interscholastic League State Tournament, Texas Forensic
Association State Tournament, National Forensic League Tournament, and the Tournament of
Champions. Every year, students enhance their education by participating in debate. Debate is
the number one extracurricular activity favored by Ivy League schools. Each year we have
students who are accepted and attend schools such as Northwestern University, Stanford,
Emory, Harvard and Rice to name just a few.
You have coaches with national honors. Coach Jane Boyd has experience coaching for 27 years
and received membership to the Barkley Forum Key Coach Society—the highest award that a
debate coach can receive. Our experienced coaching staff will help you achieve your goals.
Debate at Grapevine High School is a serious activity. We expect commitment, and we know
that you will gain skills that will be useful after high school and throughout life.
Please take a few minutes to review this handbook with your family. Debate is an activity that
involves the whole family, and it is important that parents and students know the
requirements, expectations and obligations.
If you have questions, please feel free to contact us. We look forward to working with you and
your family.
Sincerely,
Jane Boyd
Director of Forensics
Grapevine HS, Texas
Grant Hahn
Assistant Debate Coach, Director of Oral Interp.
Grapevine HS, Texas
vi
Debate Handbook
Contact Information
Debate Coaching Staff
Jane Boyd, Director of Forensics
Office Phone: 817-251-5248
Cell: 214-641-9549
Conference: 2nd, 8th (By appointment only, please)
Email: jane.boyd@gcisd.net
Grant Hahn, Assistant De bate Coach, Oral Interp. Director
Office: 817-251-5210
Email: grant.hahn@gcisd.net
Administration
Jerry Hollingsworth, Principal
Email: jerry.hollingsworth@gcisd.net
Phone: 817-251-5210
Assistant Principals
Dr. Terri Carter: terri.carter@gcisd.net
Mrs. Catherine Henry: catherine.henry@gcisd.net
Mr. Walter Berringer : walter.berringer@gcisd.net
Mr. Ryan Martin: ryan.martin@gcisd.net
Mr. Robert Torres: Robert.torres@gcisd.net
Main Phone: 817-251-5210
Debate Booster Club
Vice President (Acting President)
Melanie Uceda
GHS Debate Officers:
2011-2012 Debate Officers
Co-President: Carley Merckling and Zain Bharwani
Vice-President: Tina Farrell
Secretary: Kenny Johng
CX Capt: Daniel Sun
LD Capt: Nikisha Sisodiya
Congress Capt: Carley Merckling
Extemp Capt: Saher Merchant
Introduction
vii
Frequently Asked
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
3
Frequently Asked Questions
Because you are just starting, you might have some questions. Here are some common
questions and answers about some of the fundamentals of the Grapevine High School Debate
program.
What Skills Will I Learn?
Debate at Grapevine High School has a history of success. The elective creates skills such as
research, problem solving, critical thinking, communications, writing and political awareness.
Debate also is a major helper with college admissions and financial aid.
How Much Time Does the Activity Take?
Like athletics or music, practice time is expected and necessary for success. Depending on the
events in which you specialize, you will be expected to be at two practices a week. You will
also be expected to attend five (5) debate tournament s per each year as a beginner (novice)
and 10 a year as varsity member. Just like anything else, the more you go the better chance of
success.
Can I Participate in Debate and Other After School Activities?
Yes, Grapevine Colleyville Independent School District (GCISD) has a philosophy of creating
well-rounded students. We have a great working relationship with the athletic coaches and
band directors. The debate coaches and assistant coaches will work together to help. You will
be required to attend practices for both, but this will be worked out for your maximum
participation.
Can I Participate in Debate Without Taking the Class?
No, debate class provides the time to learn the theory and arguments and is required.
What are the Different Debate Events?
GHS offers five events:
 Cross-examination debate, also called policy or CX, consists of two debaters, who work
together as partners. The objective in CX is to offer solutions to contemporary world
problems.
 Lincoln Douglas Debate, or LD, is a one person event. The objective for LD is to debate
over the value or truth of a statement.
 Extemporaneous Speaking, or Extemp, is an individual event that has you speak on a
current event topic.
 Congressional Debate, where debaters imitate the United States Congress. The objective
for Congress is to write and debate resolutions that are national in scope, while using
the same procedures as congress.
4
Debate Handbook

Public Forum Debate is a team event that advocates or rejects a position posed by the
monthly resolution in manner suitable for non-specialist “citizen judges.”
How do Tournaments Work?
A tournament is the culmination of your hours in the classroom, practice and research.
Tournaments are fun. At each tournament between 30 and 50 schools with 500-1200
competitors will debate. You will only compete against people of your own
level. Tournaments usually start at 4:00 pm on Friday. The first evening usually includes three
preliminary rounds of debate. On Saturday, the events usually start early with the last
preliminary round of debate starting later that morning. After the preliminary rounds are
over, the top teams will advance to the elimination rounds. Local tournaments usually last
until very late on Saturday nights.
What Are the Tournament Fees?
The school budget pays for some supplies, teacher expenses, and some costs for local
tournaments. Each student will pay a $35 fee for every local tournament they attend. Out of
state travel to tournaments in Chicago, Atlanta, Stanford, etc. will have costs offset by the
Grapevine Classic. Students will pay at least 75% of their costs for the out of state trip. The
major fundraiser for the year is the Grapevine Classic.
What Is the Grapevine Classic?
The Grapevine Classic is a Texas Forensic Association and Tournament of Champions
qualifying tournament. About sixty-five schools from seven states attend this competition. We
will be responsible for creating invitations, providing judges, monitoring hospitality, cleaning
up, and running the tournament. Our parent boosters will be responsible for providing food
for the judges and adult guests. Everyone enrolled in one of the varsity debate has to work the
entire tournament and may not leave without the express permission of Ms. Boyd . Beginners
(novices) are expected to work eight (8) hours during the weekend.
What Is U.I.L.?
U.I.L. is the University Interscholastic League and the governing body of all extracurricular
and co-curricular activities in the state. U.I.L. started as the Texas Debate League in 1911 and
expanded into the U.I.L. in 1913. Our U.I.L. competition is in the spring. Students who
participate in the state tournament are eligible for scholarships to in-state colleges and
universities.
Frequently Asked Questions
5
What Is N.F.L.?
N.F.L. is the National Forensic League. The National Forensic League promotes ethical student
leadership by encouraging high school students to excel in speech, drama and debate. The
organization honors students as they perform for service organizations and in competitive
speech tournaments. N.F.L. hosts the national contests for all the different debate events that
we offer at Grapevine High School.
What Is T.F.A.?
T.F.A. is the Texas Forensic Association. T.F.A. founded in the 1970’s, T.F.A. is the primary
sponsor of tournaments in Texas. The tournament calendar starts in August and ends in March
with the State Tournament. To qualify for the state tournament a student must accumulate at
least ten points in their event through participation in elimination rounds at several local
tournaments.
What Is the T.O.C?
T.O.C. is the Tournament of Champions. Many debaters consider this the most challenging
national championship for debate. The championship tournament is held each year at the
University of Kentucky the first weekend in May. The T.O.C. only designates a few
tournaments around the country as qualifiers depending on their difficulty leg.
Class Rules and
Expectations
Class Rules and Expectations
9
Class Expectations
All students in debate classes at Grapevine High School are expected to be active members of
the Grapevine Debate Team. As a result, expectations differ somewhat from the typical class
offering. Student assignments will benefit not only the individual, but also the entire team;
therefore, deadlines must be strictly followed. Practices after school are an extension of the
class and are required. Tournament attendance is mandatory. Failure to complete assignments
on time, attend practices regularly, or compete in mandatory tournaments will result in a
lower class grade and possible removal from the class and team.
Extemporaneous Speaking
All students will compete in Extemp. There will be articles to collect, print, cut, read, highlight,
and file. Students will be responsible for assigned topic research and possible lectures. Weekly
practice speeches are required. Periodic quizzes over current events will be given.
CX and LD Debate
All students will compete in either CX or LD debate. Research assignments must be completed
on time. Incomplete research or research of poor quality will be returned and must be redone
to receive credit. Students will be responsible for topic lectures and outside reading. New
debate cases and arguments will be required throughout the year.
Congressional Debate
There will be required bill writing, research, speech writing, and parliamentary procedure.
Students will be responsible for creating new legislation, preparing speeches, and research.
Some parliamentary procedure quizzes will occur.
Public Forum Debate
Students will learn the basic elements of Public Forum Debate, including case preparation,
research, and practice debates.
Practices
Regular practices will be held on: Monday and Wednesday (CX), Tuesday and Thursday (LD
and Congress) FULL SQUAD MEETINGS will be Wednesday for 4:00-4:30. Additional
practices will be scheduled as necessary before major tournaments (primarily varsity
debaters). Any conflict with practice must be cleared in advance.
10
Debate Handbook
Tournament Participation
All members of the Grapevine Debate Team are expected to participate in any tournaments
that we host. Members are expected to compete in most local tournaments. Novices (1st year)
must compete in at least 5 tournaments a year and Varsity (2nd-4th years) must compete in at
10 tournaments during the school year.. All members who qualify for TFA State or NFL
Nationals are required to attend and participate in those tournaments.
Financial Responsibilities
All students have to pay their financial obligations prior to participating in each tournament.
Any exception must be cleared in advance with Ms. Boyd. Payments may be made in
installments for out of state tournaments if approved in advance. All students will participate
in scheduled fundraisers.
Lettering in Debate
Students must accumulate 550 points of debate activities to qualify for a letter. See attached.
Event
Debate team/class (Per year)
fundraiser
officer
extra tournaments(per tourn)
elimination rounds ( per local tournament)
Finals (congress or extemp) Quarters (debate) per local
tournament
Qualify for UIL Region
Qualify state (TFA or UIL)
All State (TFA)
Place at State
Qualify for NFL or TOC
Elim round (NFL or TOC)
Win Nationals or TOC
Win TFA State
Deductions
Ineligible to compete (per 3 weeks)
Ineligible to compete (per 6 weeks)
Points required to letter
*Final determine of lettering is at the discretion of the coaches.
Students will be responsible for recording points and documenting
Events which accumulate points.
points
100
10
25
25
25
50
75
100
125
175
100
150
500
300
-15
-30
550*
9th
10th
11th
12th
Class Rules and Expectations
Points are retroactive. 10-12 graders may document points to
Receive a letter based on this system.
Point sheets will be turned in when the student believes they have
Accumulated at least 550 points.
Officers
Students will apply for different offices and have an interview with the coach. After the
interview, the coach will select officers. Offices are: President, Vice President, Secretary,
Treasurer, and Captains of each event.
11
Class Rules and Expectations
13
Team Rules
We expect a level of maturity and responsibility for students who participate as a member of
the debate team.
General Rules
These are the overall guidelines to follow throughout your membership with the team.
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Promptness is necessary; you must arrive 15 minutes before scheduled time if we are
leaving from the school and 2 hours if from the airport.
If you are not competing you will watch all elimination rounds.
Sit with the team during awards assembly.
You will not compete without a signed participation form.
Students will participate in all fundraising activities.
No swimming at the hotel.
No trading evidence is allowed without the express permission of a coach.
GCISD Rules
The following district rules will apply for all tournaments and Grapevine High School Debate
Team hosted events. You will also be accountable for all other rules from the Grapevine
Colleyville Independent School District not listed here.
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No drugs, alcohol, or tobacco use.
No profanity or vulgarities.
No matches or lighters allowed.
Safety procedures apply for all modes of transportation.
Tournament Attendance
Few exceptions for participating will receive approval. For all requests use the following
guidelines.
 No one will leave the tournament site during the debate tournament. You will travel to
and from the tournament with the team. Any exceptions must be submitted to Ms.
Boyd in writing by the Wednesday prior to the tournament.
 Debaters are responsible for drop fees, transportation, hotel room, and any other
expenses incurred due to illness, conflict, or poor grades.
Debate Handbook
14
Overnight Trip Rules
All hotel and transportation rules will apply for all overnight trips.
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Place nametags on all luggage items.
Sleep only in the room assigned to you by the coaches.
No hotel phone use.
Curfew and lights out are mandatory.
Males and females will sleep in same-sex rooms.
If visiting other rooms, the door must be open.
No visitors from other schools are allowed without coach permission, and no Grapevine
student is allowed in another school’s room.
Class Rules and Expectations
15
Dress Code
Since debate is a subjective event and a round can be won or lost on an impression, the
following dress code will apply to all tournaments and every member on the team from the
moment you arrive at a tournament until you leave.
Women
Use your judgment when making clothing choices. Avoid extremes and dress for success.
Outfits should not be distracting or inappropriate. Appropriate clothing would include dresses
or suits. For accessories, the following guidelines apply to women.
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Wear dress shoes.
Avoid high heels.
Do not wear garish colored makeup.
Do not use or wear lots of glitter.
Hair should be kept out of your face.
No gaudy jewelry.
Do not wear hats.
No house shoes. Bring low heel shoes for between rounds.
Men
Appropriate clothing for men includes suits or dress pants, sports coat, and dress shirt
Ties are required and should be professional in nature. Shirts should be solid color. Dark
colors for suits are best: black, gray, charcoal, and navy blue. For accessories, the following
rules apply to men.
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Wear dress shoes.
Wear Dark Socks
Keep hair short or out of your face.
Do not wear gaudy belts.
Do not wear hats.
Debate Class
Syllabi
Debate Class Syllabuses
19
Novice Debate Syllabus
Debate one is an elective. You can graduate without it. The course will teach the following
concepts:
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Extemporaneous Speaking/Public Forum Debate
Congressional Debate
Lincoln Douglas Debate
Policy (CX) Debate
Public Forum Debate
Grading
Your grade is comprised of three categories.
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30%
30%
40%
Tournament Participation
Practice Attendance
Daily Assignments/Outside Activities
Class Requirements
Debate is a “No Hate” zone. Any conduct towards the contrary will not be tolerated and may
result in referral to the office. Dishonesty, cheating, and lying will not be tolerated. Students
must attend and participate in no less than 5 tournaments during the year. Students must
participate in designated practices. Each Student will work shifts during the Grapevine
Classic. Students will participate in all fund raising activities for the team. The following rules
will apply:
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Students will follow the tardy policy.
You will complete assignments on time.
You will bring materials to class daily.
You will respect and protect the rights, property, and body of others.
Materials Needed
The following materials are necessary for class participation and success on the debate team.
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Flash drive (minimum 1GB). A laptop is advised but not required.
20+ File folders (manila only)
Fine point pens (multiple colors)
Yellow highlighters
1 digital timer (with count-up, count-down, and number keypad)
1 ream of paper
Large spiral bound notebook
Debate Handbook
20
Debate II and III Syllabus
Novice Debate introduced research skills, organization of information, and effective use of
materials as applied in various forms of debate and communications. Proficiency in the
following elements is thus a prerequisite for the course: elementary and intermediate
processes of logic, reasoning, and critical thinking. Advanced debate will build on these skills
and offer more advanced argumentation techniques, philosophies, and strategies. The course
will be teaching the following concepts:
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Extemporaneous Speaking/Public Forum Debate
Student Congress
Lincoln Douglas Debate
Policy (CX) Debate
Grading
Your grade is comprised of three categories.
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30%
20%
50%
Tournament Participation
Practice Attendance
Daily Assignments/Outside Activities
Class Requirements
Debate is a “No Hate” zone. Any conduct towards the contrary will not be tolerated and may
result in referral to the office. Dishonesty, cheating, and lying will not be tolerated. Students
must attend and participate in no less than 10 tournaments per year. Students must participate
in designated practices. Appointments must be made outside of class time.
Each Student will work the entire Grapevine Classic. Students will participate in all fund
raising activities for the team. The following rules will apply:
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Students will follow the tardy policy.
You will not interrupt others.
You will complete assignments on time.
You will bring materials to class daily.
You will respect and protect the rights, property, and body of others.
A laptop is strongly advised for varsity debate
Tentative Tournament
Calendar
Tentative Tournament Calendar
23
Tentative Tournament Calendar (8/17/2011)
The calendar of tournaments is subject to change and includes only the tournaments
Grapevine High School attends.
Month
August
Date
25
August
September
September
27
3
9-10
September
17-19
September
17
September
23-24
October
October
October
1
7-8
14-16
School
Mandatory Parent Meeting 7:00 pm
Test
Byron Nelson HS
Plano Senior
Grapevine
Invitees
ALL PARENTS
Varsity
ACT
Varsity
ALL (MANDATORY)
Greenhill (Addison)
Varsity Select
Grand Prairie
ALL
Newman Smith (Carrollton)
NJFL Teacher Workshop
Transport
ALL
Bus-Fri
SAT
Southlake, Carroll
St. Mark's (Dallas)
ALL
Varsity Select
TSCA/TFA Convention, Irving
October
October
November
November
November
December
22
28-29
4-5
4-7
11-12
2-3
December
10
December
9-11
January
January
6-8
6-7
January
13-14
January
TBA
January
January
26-29
27-28
February
3-4
February
10-13
Guyer (Denton)
ACT
Plano West
UNT (Denton)
ALL
ALL
SAT
ALL
Minneapple, Minneapolis, MN
LD/Congress
Hockaday
ALL
South Garland
SAT
ALL
Creekview
ACT
ALL
Newman HS, New Orleans
Varsity Select
MBA (Nashville, TN)
Plano East
VCX Select
ALL
Coppell
ALL
UIL CX District
Selectees
Emory University, GA
Flower Mound
SAT
Colleyville Heritage
Varsity Select
ALL
ALL
Harvard
ACT
Varsity Select
SAT
Qualifiers
March
1-4
TFA State - Amarillo
March
9-10
NFL Districts
Selectees
March
15-17
UIL State CX
Qualifiers
March
April
23-24
12
UIL Academic District
NFL Congress
Selectees
ALL
21-22
UIL Region – Lubbock
April`
May
June
3-6
10-15
TOC - Lexington, KY
NFL Nationals
ACT
Qualifiers
SAT
Bus Fri.
Qualifiers
Qualifiers
Bus
Bus-Fri
24
Debate Handbook
Tentative Tournament Calendar
25
Debate Coaching
Staff