TRAVEL & TOURNAMENT INFORMATION

Despite all the preparation and rules, tournaments are generally a very enjoyable, exciting, exhilarating experience.  If you are aware of the rules and understand them before you attend a tournament, the team will have a much more enjoyable experience.

These guidelines apply to any off-campus activity in Forensics. 

 I.   TOURNAMENT PREPARATION

  A.   You must receive "tournament ready" status by the coach(s). 

        The following steps should be completed:

         1.  Speech has been memorized (if appropriate for event)

         2.  Speech has been presented to at least 2 coaches.

         3.  Tournament instructions have been completed. For first tournament,

            you should have read the instruction packet as well as had an orientation

             with a coach.               

B.   Inform other instructors of your absence from any classes.

          1.  It is your responsibility to inform your your instructors of your absence.

          2. If you need a written excuse from the coach, I will provide it, upon 

         your request.    In the past, instructors have been very positive

           about participation in forensic activities.

 II.  PACKING/DRESS & HEALTH ISSUES

  A.  DRESS

 1.  Dress professionally, for the tournament.  You should dress as if you were going to a job interview.  Dress can be a factor in competition.  You are not required  to wear a  suit and tie (men), or dress (women), but it may help.  You should not wear jeans, sweatshirts, etc.

  2.  You should bring comfortable clothes for traveling to the tournament and for after the competition.

  3.  Pack lightly.  Combine packing with others.  Check to see if others are        bringing hair dryers, irons, etc. . . .

 B.   HEALTH ISSUES

 1.   Bring your primary insurance number with you.  In the event that you need medical attention, you will need your number.  You should also carry the name      and number of someone who can be contacted  in case of an emergency.

 2. Carry prescriptions for any medicine with you.

 3.   Inform the coach of any medical/psychological problems.

 a.  To insure your safety, and the safety of others, please  inform the coach of any special medications you are taking, special foods, or sleeping requirements.

 b.  We can not accommodate everyone's special needs, so you may be asked to bring a special  food with you on  the trip, etc.

III.  TRANSPORTATION

 A.  THE COACHES'  RESPONSIBILITY :

1.  To provide transportation through rental vans or  coordination of car pools.

2.  To coordinate student transportation, if students drive on their own.  Students must inform the coach, a week prior to tournament that they intend to drive.

3.  The coach  drives the van. The van requires a Class B License and insurance from the school.  Unless authorized by the coach, you should never drive the van.

B.  STUDENTS' RESPONSIBILITY

 1.  Be on time.  Departure time means just that.

 2. You will need to be at the designated meeting place at least 15 minutes prior to the departure time.  Plan where you will leave your car, and add time for traffic and parking delays.

 3. NOTE:   If you are going with the team, they may need  to be at the tournament earlier than you.  Don't focus on your time only.  Also, the coach needs to judge rounds when you  may not be scheduled to speak.

IV.  At THE TOURNAMENT (additional information provided about  tournaments themselves in other handout)

  A. ROUNDS OF SPEAKING

 1. You must speak in all prelim rounds (either 2 or 3, depending on the tournament).

 2.  You must stay in the room until all speakers are finished.  If and when,  you are double entered we will tell you the procedures.

3.  If you qualify, you will speak in the fourth, FINAL ROUND.

4.  If you have been entered in more than one event, you  must compete in all rounds of each event.  If there is a problem, always check with your coach, before you make a decision not to compete.

 B.  ETIQUETTE DURING ROUNDS                   

1.  Refrain from talking to judges, and other competitors.

2.  Be attentive to the other speakers.

3.  Do not walk in or out on another speaker. Listen at the door before you enter!!

4.  Do not sit in front of or obstruct the view of judge(s).

5.  Overall:  show respect for all competitors and judges.

 C.  MEETINGS CALLED BY COACHES

1.  Squad meetings at the tournament may be called. You are required to attend.

2.  Meetings may be prior to getting out of the van, before dinner, in the morning or on the tournament  site. 

 D.  HOTEL/MOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS

1.  The coach will make all arrangements for the hotel. It will generally be paid by the school, unless otherwise stated by the coach.

2.  Do not take it upon yourself to change rooms, make requests of the hotel/motel, etc., without consulting the  coach.  The school and coach are responsible for these rooms and arrangements.  Therefore, the coach needs         to be fully aware of all the arrangements.

3.  We attempt to have 2 people to a room, but we sometimes need to put 3 or 4 in a room.  

 4.  If you wish to have your own room, or bring a significant  other, you would be required to pay for the room yourself  and make prior arrangements with the coach.     The tournaments often take over the entire hotel/motel  and it would be difficult for you to get reservations without  going through the school reservation process.

 V.  CANCELING YOUR PARTICIPATION IN A TOURNAMENT

 A.   YOU WILL BE CHARGED FOR THE REGISTRATION FEE    ($5-25).  No matter what the excuse.

 B.  Registration is completed a week before the tournament, therefore we need to know when you cancel, as quickly as possible.  It also affects the transportation arrangements. 

 Vl.   FOOD & OTHER COSTS

 A.  Bring money for food.  (we will often be able to give you food money, but always have some cash, just in case.)

B.  Bring snack food and water if you need to eat something quite often. Tournaments run long hours and we aren't always together.

C.  Some tournament locations have great facilities within walking distance, others have nothing.     

 D.  On rare occasions we may be able to provide some food money.

  NOW, ENJOY THE TOURNAMENTS!