WILDCAT Forensics · many other fields of study, career, and occupations. The skills gained through...

FORENSICS

We X_______________________________ (parent) and

X_________________________ (student) have read and

reviewed the expectations, policies, procedures, etc. within

the Wildcat Forensic Handbook carefully and agree to the

rules and regulations laid fourth within it. We

acknowledge that failure to abide by any policy/rule can

result in the removal of the student from this program and

the squad. We shall ask questions if needed.

X_______________________________________

X_______________________________________

(this must be returned to Mr. Hamilton by the end of the

1st week of school)

WILDCAT

Forensics

Includes

• Team rules and expectations

• Tournament schedule

• Policies and Procedures

John H. Guyer High School

Squad Handbook 2014-2015

Wildcat Forensics

7501 Teasley Denton, Texas

Denton, TX 76210

Phone: : 940-369-1217,

Fax: 940-369-4965

Email: [email protected]

[email protected]

For Information email: [email protected]

Wildcat Forensics are a part of the UIL Academic Team and

compete in both the fall and the spring in various public

speaking and performance events. Students will have the

opportunity to earn an exclusive slot to compete at UIL and

be a part of Guyer’s squad.

Students will have the opportunity

through competition to earn membership in the National Fo-

rensic League, a speech and debate honor society. Students

earn membership in NFL by competing at tournaments and

earning points. National Finals will be held in June.

Wildcat Forensics is a member of the

Texas Forensic Association and will compete in TFA tourna-

ments periodically.

http://www.txfa.org/


Table of Contents

From the Directors 4

Policies and Expectations—Generally 5

Policies and Expectations—Conduct 6

Policies and Expectations—Competition Prerequisites 7

Policies and Expectations—Tournament Dress 1 8

Policies and Expectations—Tournament Dress 2 9

Policies and Expectations—Transportation 10

Policies and Expectations—Hotel Conduct/Overnight Trips 11

Policies and Expectations—Parental Responsibilities 12

Policies and Expectations—Fees 13

Policies and Expectations—NFL Officers 14

Policies and Expectations—Tournament Competition 15

Tournament Lingo 16

Tournament Schedule 17

Notes 18-19


Dear Students and Parents:

This year I am looking forward to continuing to grow the

program and anticipate seeing the fruits of previous year’s labor

culminate into much success. My expectations for this program are

high. Substantial hard work and dedication will be required to meet

these expectations. In order to meet these heightened goals, some

changes have been made to this handbook. Please read this handbook

thoroughly and make note of what we are requiring of you.

The opportunity to engage in competitive Debate/Interp and

Public Speaking is a life changing experience that positively impacts

many other fields of study, career, and occupations. The skills gained

through participation in Forensics are truly invaluable. With that in

mind, the goal for Wildcat Forensics is to develop a program that pro-

duces students who display a high level of professionalism,

integrity, and diligence while developing excellent communication

and analytical skills.

As a teacher, motivational speaker, consultant, and former

competitor in forensics I am here to bring a multitude of insights into

a competitive forensics program as the coach of our squad.

Furthermore, we are blessed to have Ms. Karen Gossett back

on for 1 more year in a part-time role to assist us at tournaments and

in practices, classroom time, etc. Her 30+ years of experience will be

a blessing during this transitional period.

We look forward to a great year!

Sincerely,

Mr. Hamilton & Ms. Gossett

Page 17

August 29-30: Van/Hallsville Swing (overnight Thurs-Sat)

September 6: Plano Senior High: TFA/NIETOC

September 12-13: Grapevine: Debate & Extemp Only

September 20: Parish High School - Interp Only

September 26-27: Newman Smith - (No Mrs. G)

October 10-11: Southlake

October 18: Richardson High School (tentative)

October 24-25: Plano West TFA/NIETOC

October 31-November 1: UNT (pending on location)

November 7-8: Prosper High School

November 21-22: Crandall High School (overnight)

December 6: Creekview High School TFA/NIETOC

January 9-10: Copell High School

January 17: Guyer High School

January 23-24: Flower Mound/Marcus Swing (tentative)

January 31: Royse City High School

February: TBA (UIL CX District)

March 5-8: TFA State El Paso, Texas

March TBA: UIL District

March 19-21: UIL CX State

April 24-25: UIL Region

May 7-10: NIETOC Lincoln, Nebraska

May 26-27: UIL State

NEED TO KNOW LINGO: Abbreviations to Know: IEs: Individual Events LD: Lincoln-Douglas Debate DA or DUET: Duet Acting DUO: Duo Interpretation INTERP: Performance Events CX or POLICY: Team Debate EXTEMP: Extemporaneous Speak-ing IX or FX: International or Foreign Extemp USX or DX: United States or Domes-tic Extemp PO: Poetry PR: Prose DI: Dramatic Interp HI: Humorous Interp OO: Original Oratory SC or CONG: Student Congress IM: Impromptu Speaking SPEAKS: Speaker points for Debat-ers UIL: University Interscholastic League TFA: Texas Forensic Association NFL: National Forensic League TOC: Tournament of Champions PF D or TT: Public Forum Debate (aka Ted Turner Debate) New Terminology Postings or Sectioning: The lists

at tournaments that tell competi-tors in which rooms they are com-peting, in what order, and against whom. Usually posted in the caf-eteria or commons. Called schems or schematics in the northern states.

Break: To place high enough in previous rounds or to win enough debates to advance to the next level of competition.

Cume: Cumulative ranks in pre-liminary rounds of competition, or all rounds of NFL competition.

Round: A session of competition. Individual events may have as

many as 8 competitors in a round performing for at least one judge. CX is one team versus one team for one judge. LD is flighted meaning that each judge will see two debates back-to-back be-tween different debaters.

Prelims: The first round or rounds of competition. In IEs you always get at least one, in debate at least 3, depending on the tournament.

Outrounds: Rounds of competition following prelims. You must quali-fy for these rounds by placing 1st or 2nd in your prelim rounds or winning a certain number of de-bates. Octos, Quarters, Semis, and Finals are all outrounds.

Octos: Top 16 debaters or teams in a tournament.

Quarters: Top 8 debaters or teams in a tournament.

Semis: Top 4 debaters or teams in a tournament, or top performers in prelims chosen to advance.

Finals: Top 2 debaters or teams, or top 6-8 performers in each event advancing from semis.

Qual: To be qualified for the TFA State Tournament, UIL Region or State, or NFL Nationals in an event or events.

Lay Judge: A judge with little or no experience at judging a tourna-ment (often a parent, community volunteer, or bus driver.)

Sweeps or Sweepstakes: Award given to the top school overall in the tournament.

Book: Small black notebook per-formers use in prose and poetry.

Congress: Competitive event that simulates a real congressional session, but focuses on speech making and the use of parliamen-tary procedure.

TOC: Tournament of Champions, requires legs or bids to qualify for competition.


Policies and Expectations Generally

As a representative of Wildcat Forensics, Guyer High

School, and Denton ISD, members are expected to maintain

the highest level of professionalism and respect. Should

conduct, acts, or incidents not fall within a specific provision

of this handbook, the director of Wildcat Forensics shall

implement reasonable measures to ensure that members

maintain this standard of professionalism and respect.

Additionally, all Guyer High School and Denton ISD rules

and policies remain in effect at any Wildcat Forensics event.

To maintain the highest level of professionalism and to

avoid the expense and headaches associated with students

who become academically ineligible, students must maintain

at least a 75 average in all other classes in order to compete

as a member of Wildcat Forensics. Grades will be checked

periodically throughout each six week period.

Failure to comply with policies of this handbook may

result in dismissal from our squad.

Policies and Expectations Conduct

Good sportsmanship is paramount. Refrain from

speaking ill of other competitors and judges, no matter

how much they annoyed you during a round.

Although tournaments are also highly social gather-

ings, arriving late to rounds or skipping rounds is not

tolerated and will have consequences.

When not involved in outrounds, debaters are expected

to support teammates who are still in competition and

to observe final rounds.

ABSOLUTELY No PDA (public display of affection).

No hats in any building.

We will clean up after ourselves before we leave a

school.

Members will remain in tournament dress code at all

times, unless permitted to change into travel clothes.

At all times, clothing must fall within the Guyer High

School Dress Code.

You move it or use it, you return it to the correct place.

We never criticize someone or the place. If you have a

negative or critical comment to make remember this

very simple rule: don’t.

We travel and compete to learn and prepare for the

district meet. Therefore, if you don't make finals go

and watch them.

At the awards ceremonies we will sit together as a

team. We will clap for everyone, BUT, we will not

jump up and down and yell. At all times we will con-

duct ourselves in a professional and respectful manner.

Students who commit to a tournament by signing up

are signifying their intention to attend and compete in

all scheduled rounds. For Information email: [email protected] John H. Guyer High School

Page 15

Policies and Expectations Tournament Competition

Attitude – All students are expected to be professional and respect-

ful during all events associated with Wildcat Forensics. Disrespect-

ful attitudes will not be tolerated and will result in one or more of

the following: verbal reprimand, GHS discipline (detention, etc),

suspension from a future tournament (including UIL or NFL Dis-

trict), and/or failure of the course.

Other Rules – A Student competing as a member of Wildcat Forensics

must abide by all district, campus, and Wildcat Forensics rules and guide-

lines. Wildcat Forensics rules and guidelines are contained in the Wildcat

Forensics handbook (attached) and the Debate/Interp course syllabus.

This document is intended as a summary of these guidelines.

Events – Each student is expected to participate in multiple events

throughout the semester and at each tournament.

Debate & Speech –

Each student is expected to compete in Extemp or Oratory.

They may also compete in CX Debate, Lincoln Douglas De-

bate, Student Congress or Public Forum Debate when available.

These debate formats form the foundation of Wildcat Forensics.

In addition to debate, students may compete in additional

speaking events when tournament scheduling allows.

Oral Interp—

Students will choose 3 or more events during the course of the

year.

Prose or Poetry

Dramatic

Humorous

Duet or Duo


Policies and Expectations The Board

With a growing squad, it becomes essential for responsible, experienced

students to lead certain aspects of team logistics and organization.

Each board member is to exemplify professionalism and responsibility.

Officers are expected to complete duties as assigned by their coaches.

Officers were elected according to the following:

Enrollment in Debate/Competition class

Experience

Professionalism

Team members are expected to defer to the direction of The Board in the

absence of a coach. 2014—2015 Forensic Board

ELYSE GUILSTORF

DRAKE LAWSON

LAUREN CHAMPION

MADDIE SPEARS

TIFFANY WANG

District Tournament Selection Guidelines

Due to the growing size of Wildcat Forensics and the limited number of

entries in district competitions, the Director will select students to compete

at these competitions based on the following factors. None of these factors

are determinative, but each are to be considered an integral part.

Attitude – The degree that the student displays a professional, coach-

able, and respectful attitude.

Past Participation – The degree to which the student has participated

as a member of Wildcat Forensics.

Classroom Effort – The degree to which the student makes effective

use of class time and adequately prepares to compete.

Record & Ability to Win – The student’s ability to be successful.


Policies and Expectations Competition Prerequisites

Students enrolled in the Debate / Competition course

must meet each of the following requirements within the 2

weeks prior to each tournament:

Required forms signed and returned

Complete practice round performed for each event entered

at the tournament (Class time may be used to complete

this requirement, although time in class to complete these

rounds IS NOT GUARANTEED.)

Grade report indicating current average of 75 or greater

and no missing assignments (This is in addition to UIL

eligibility requirements)

Students NOT enrolled in the Debate / Competition course

Students desiring to compete as a member of Wildcat Foren-

sics but NOT enrolled in a course must meet each of the fol-

lowing requirements within the 2 weeks prior to each tourna-

ment:

Min of 3hrs of preparation with a coach (With prior no-

tice, more hours may be required.)

Required forms signed and returned

Complete practice round performed for each event entered

at the tournament (may count towards 3hr requirement)

Grade report indicating current average of 75 or greater

and no missing assignments (This is in addition to UIL

eligibility requirements)

Coaches may make exceptions to the above requirements on a

case-by-case and tournament-by-tournament basis, but only

upon a written showing by the student of unforeseeable exi-

gent circumstances.

Policies and Expectations Tournament Dress 1

The following are the dress requirements for attending a tour-

nament as part of Wildcat Forensics. The reason for the rules

is very simple: we are representing Guyer High School and

Denton ISD, and we will display excellence in both our dress

and behavior.

The Van Trip - You must stay within the school dress code.

Remember you must be “Tournament ready” in less

than 15 minutes upon arriving at the meet.

At The Tournament – Ladies ALWAYS IN SCHOOL DRESS CODE! No belly shirts,

spaghetti straps, etc.

Make sure your blouse isn’t low cut. No cleavage.

Make-up is fine but don’t over do it.

NO JEWELRY (pearls/small pearl earrings are acceptable)

NO TIGHT FITTING CLOTHES

Letter jackets are not to be worn during rounds.

Dress shoes! No open toed shoes or sandals.

Interp specifics:

*You may wear pants suits or appropriate dresses

(to be determined by coach) and pearls. We will have a

mock fashion show before tournaments.

Debate and Extemp Specifics:

A suit is required.

Black, grey and navy are suggested

White or blue blouse suggested. ( Exceptions upon ap-

proval.)


Page 13

Policies and Expectations Fees

Student entry fees, travel (when necessary,) and accommodations are

usually covered by Wildcat Forensics for tournaments. Occasionally fees

are charged for charter bus rentals at a flat rate per person. These

fees will come up if we (1) have a large ticket expense (National

contests or traveling universities and/or (2) the squad runs out of

funds, let’s be honest, it can happen. But we try and budget well.

Team members are responsible for paying back the team if for any reason

they do not compete in a tournament in which they sign up for.

Drop fees will be imposed any time you drop a tournament event after the

posted deadline. If the drop occurs after entry has been made, you are

responsible for the entry fee and the drop fee. Drop fees are due no later

than 5 days after the drop is made. Students will not be permitted to travel

again until fees are paid. Final report cards will be withheld.

Failure to board the bus or compete in a scheduled round of competition

will result in the loss of the privilege of attending the next tournament you

would normally be allowed to attend. Additionally, YOU are responsible

for the entry fee, drop fee, and any other penalty fee imposed by the host

school. This is generally triple the entry fee, which can be as much as $100

depending upon the tournament and event. If you have a second “no

show,” you will be dropped from the squad for the remainder of the

season.

The budget granted to the Wildcat Forensic Team will probably not cover

our expenses for the season. Even the money we raise by hosting our tour-

nament will not be sufficient to finish out the year. Therefore, on occasion,

we may request a fee from students to offset the cost of out-of-town travel.

Students are required to pay for airfare and

hotel for out-of-state regular season tourna-

ments.

If you have financial hardships, please

contact the Director to work out a payment

plan or seek additional options.


Policies and Expectations Parental Responsibilities

Thank you in advance for committing your time to sup-

port our students!

The Wildcat Forensic Team is a relatively new and

growing organization with a conservative budget. There-

fore, fundraising is a necessary evil to prevent students

having to individually pay out of pocket for every tour-

nament. Parents will be asked to participate and/or di-

rect Wildcat Forensics fundraisers.

As an integral part of fundraising, Wildcat Forensics

will host tournaments during the year. The team will

need parents to prepare food, solicit donations, and staff

the hospitality area for attending coaches and judges.

Additionally, parents may be needed to stock and staff a

concession stand for competitors.

Parents may also be needed to serve as chaperones at

tournaments.

Parents may also be asked to judge and critique students.

We are always searching for judges qualified to serve as

judges at tournaments, and will train any parent interest-

ed in serving in this capacity.

Beyond this, we request any other ideas and suggestions

that allow us to continue raising sustainable funding for

a lengthy season.

If parents have ANY questions, comments, or concerns

at any point throughout the season, parents should can-

didly bring them to the attention of the director.

STUDENTS WILL BRING HOME A PACKET FOR YOU

TO RETURN….THIS WILL TAKE PLACE INSTEAD

OF A FORMAL MEETING. WE WILL USE EMAIL

AS OUR PRIMARY CORRESPONDANCE.

Page 12



Policies and Expectations Tournament Dress 2

At The Tournament – Gentlemen

ALWAYS IN SCHOOL DRESS CODE!

You are required to wear a suit and tie.

Black, navy or grey is suggested with white or blue shirts.

Must be clean-shaven.

Remove everything from your pockets prior to performing.

NO JEWELRY This includes rings and watches.

No tennis shoes are allowed during the contest, DRESS

SHOES only.... . NO white socks.

Letter jackets are not to be worn during rounds.

After the Tournament - After you are finished competing

you must remain in your tournament clothes unless otherwise

directed by your coach.

Any sponsor may reserve the right to make you modify

your tournament clothing. Do not take this personally,

just comply!

Failure to comply with the team dress code will result in your

being sent home!!!

Policies and Expectations Transportation

According to District policy,

ALL students will travel to tournaments via district

transportation. NO EXCEPTIONS. See District

Policy FMG Local.

The school sponsor, in his/her discretion, may allow

students to ride home with their parents after

tournaments provided the following conditions are

met:

o If the student desires to ride home with

parents, a written parental request must be

submitted to the school sponsor. On one-day

trips, this request must be submitted 24 hours

prior to departure. For extended trips

(overnight), this request must be submitted 72

hours prior to departure.

o If the student wishes to return home with

anyone other than the parent(s) or guardians,

guideline number 1 should be followed, with

the exception that administrative approval

will be required.

o Parents are responsible for obtaining this

administrative approval.

o The student’s parent(s) or persons approved

by the administration must make contact with

the school sponsor prior to the picking up of

the student being released. (see District

Policy FMG Local)


Page 11


Policies and Expectations Hotel Conduct / Overnight Trips

School sponsors will establish a curfew and “lights out”

time. Any student who, without permission, is not in

their room at the appointed time or who leaves their

room after the appointed time will be immediately

removed from the squad.

No boys in girls’ rooms and vice versa, NO

EXCEPTIONS.

Once at the hotel, you are NOT to leave the premises.

Students will respect the hotel property and neighbors;

specifically, students will refrain from being overly

noisy, running down halls or letting doors slam against

their jams.

No smoking, use of drugs or alcohol, acts of vandalism

or other improper/illegal behavior is tolerated. Such

poor conduct will result in having his/her parents called

to retrieve the student, at the parent’s expense, and will

not be allowed to participate in the next tournament.

Students are expected to act maturely and responsibly.

If, for any reason, it is thought that a student cannot live

up to these expectations, he/she will not be allowed to

compete.

POLICIES ON THIS PAGE ARE ZERO TOLERANCE

POLICIES…ANY STUDENT IN VIOLATION WILL

BE REMOVED FROM THE SQUAD. Parents will be

responsible for any tournament fees incurred as a result

of the student’s removal from the squad. Additionally,

the school sponsor may have the student’s parents called

to retrieve the student, at the parent’s expense or to

allow the student to return via school

transportation.

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