wheeler policy debate team handbook

WHEELER

POLICY

DEBATE

TEAM

HANDBOO

K

2016

-

2017

WHEELER POLICY DEBATE TEAM HANDBOOK

2

Table of Contents

Overview of the Debate (Forensics) Team _______________________________________________ 3

Benefits of Debate _______________________________________________________________________ 3

Team Ethic ____________________________________________________________________________ 3

Team Teacher Sponsorship _______________________________________________________________ 3

Meetings ______________________________________________________________________________ 4

Team Coaching _________________________________________________________________________ 4

Communication ________________________________________________________________________ 4

Team Website __________________________________________________________________________ 4

Team Parent ___________________________________________________________________________ 4

Fees __________________________________________________________________________________ 4

Parental Permission _____________________________________________________________________ 5

Varsity Letters _________________________________________________________________________ 5

Tournaments _________________________________________________________________________ 5-6

Parental Support _______________________________________________________________________ 6

National Forensics League (NFL) Recognition _______________________________________________ 6

Team Rules & Policies ___________________________________________________________________ 7

DEBATE TEAM REGISTRATION CHECKLIST _______________________________________ 9

PREPARING FOR YOUR FIRST TOURNAMENT _____________________________________ 9

Team Registration Form 2016 – 2017 _____________________________________________________ 10

Medical Release Form 2016 – 2017 ________________________________________________________ 11

Carpool Information & Travel Release Form 2016 – 2017 ____________________________________ 12


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Overview of the Debate (Forensics) Team Wheeler High School offers all students the opportunity to participate in its Debate Team. The

Team participates in Policy Debate tournaments. There is a commitment to the philosophy that

the development of debating skills and participation in debate competition is valuable for all

students, whether or not they choose to make this their primary activity. The program strives to

support the most committed debaters while providing opportunities for all students to improve

their skills and test themselves as appropriate, given their interest and other commitments.

Debate is a competitive high school activity designed to test and enhance the students

academically. Competitive debate opportunities will be made available to team members,

through participation in various debate tournaments. A sincere effort will be made to provide

appropriate opportunities to every deserving team member at every level of competition. The

most successful students will exhibit hard work, intelligence, determination, motivation and skill.

Benefits of Debate

Over the years, the team has earned their fair share of trophies. However, the less tangible

aspects of speech and debate competition -- developing teamwork and camaraderie from long

weekend tournaments, mastering difficult challenges, improving research skills, learning and

listening to others, increasing self-confidence, improving logical and intelligent analysis, improved

public speaking and 'thinking on your feet' -- are equally prized.

A number of Colleges and Universities throughout the country with active debate programs offer

college scholarships to high-achieving debaters, including Emory and UGA locally.

Some famous debaters, according to the website below, include former U.S. Presidents- William

Jefferson Clinton, John F. Kennedy, Richard Nixon, Jimmy Carter, Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin

Roosevelt, and Woodrow Wilson. Other famous debaters include Oprah Winfrey (talk show host),

Ted Turner, (CNN founder), Samuel Alito (Supreme Court Justice), Brad Pitt (Hollywood actor), and

Hillary Rodham Clinton (former - Secretary of State, NY Senator and First Lady of the United

States). http://globaldebateblog.blogspot.com/2007/08/ndca-lists-some-famous-debaters.html

Team Ethic and Unity

While the focus of training tends to be individual, the forensics (debate) program exists as a team

endeavor. Team unity is important and in order to maintain that unity, members are expected to

accept, work, share expertise with and support others on the team. Team members are to be

respectful and supportive of each other and as well as other members of the speech and debate

community. Tournaments are an educational experience and choices about debate partners,

evidence sharing, tournament invitations, etc. are made to enhance the team as a whole.

Partners for individual tournaments are determined by the team leadership. Please also refer to

the Team Rules and Policies on page 7.

Team Teacher Sponsorship

The Wheeler Debate Team exists under the teacher sponsorship of Social Studies teacher, Mr.

Sean Kurkjian. Thank you to Mr. Kurkjian for supporting our team! We couldn’t do it without him!

http://globaldebateblog.blogspot.com/2007/08/ndca-lists-some-famous-debaters.html


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Meetings

Meetings will be held on Wednesdays after school from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm in room 142. Check

our website (www.wheelerhighdebate.weebly.com) for location and meeting updates.

Team Coaching

We have a new coach starting this year named Jared Croitoru. Jared is originally from Chicago, IL

and is beginning his freshman year at Georgia State University, where he plans on studying

Actuarial Science. Jared had a very good experience debating in the Chicago Urban Debate

League, making it deep into the outrounds many times, and he also received a bid round at

Dowling. Jared did a lot of coaching his senior year in high school and he coached a team to a bid

round at Harvard.We also have some previous Wheeler debaters who periodically come in to

assist when they are on their breaks. Daniel Kreus, a Wheeler Magnet and Debate Team alumni

(2008-2012), just graduated from Dartmouth and was a member of Dartmouth’s Debate Team.

He attended the National Debate Tournament the past three years as has worked and

participated at Dartmouth’s summer Debate Institute for high school students (DDI). In addition,

other Wheeler Debate Team alumni including Pranav Shenoy and Lucy Zhang (Wheeler Magnet

and Debate Team alumni (2009-2013), Matthew Coffin and Erin Kreus (Wheeler Magnet and

Debate Team alumni 2012-2015), experienced current Debate Team members, and other college

students may also help coach as needed and available.

Communication

General team information is available at the team website (www.wheelerhighdebate.weebly.com).

In addition to information relayed during the course of regular weekly meetings, e-mails updates

will be sent periodically from the team parent and/or team officers. The information provided in e-

mails may require your response for participation, so please review carefully and respond as

requested by noted deadlines.

Team Website

The team website is www.wheelerhighdebate.weebly.com.

Team Parents

This year’s team parent is Laltita Kaligotla, Mihir Bellamkonda’s (2017) mom. She may be

reached via e-mail at [email protected].

Fees

Team dues are $200. The dues cover the student’s attendance at two (2) local tournaments

during the debate season. Expect additional costs If more than two (2) tournaments are

attended. There is a student fee for each extra tournament which can range from approximately

$40 to $100+ per tournament. Expect additional expenses for meals at all tournaments

attended. Also anticipate travel expenses for non-local tournaments. All debate fees are non-

refundable.

If a student cancels their participation in a debate tournament once registered and after the

cancellation / change deadline, they will be responsible for the payment of tournament fees

(including registration, cancellation/penalty and judging). All fees paid are non-refundable.

http://www.wheelerhighdebate.weebly.com/



mailto:[email protected]


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Parental Permission

All appropriate permission forms must be signed and submitted to the teacher sponsor, Mr.

Kurkjian, prior to attending any tournament.

Varsity Letters

Debate is considered a competitive sport in Georgia. As such, students can earn varsity letters for

their involvement and success in debate. Last year five team members earned a varsity letter. No

first-year debater may qualify for a varsity letter. The qualification requirements are:

Attend at least 4 tournaments at the varsity level OR

Attend at least 3 tournaments and advance to the quarterfinals at a Varsity/Open division

tournament OR

Exemplary achievement in the following categories as determined by team leadership:

1. Dedication / Commitment

2. Years involved

3. Enthusiasm

4. Effort

5. Leadership

Tournaments

Students compete in tournament events by preparing at team meetings and then attending

tournaments held at other schools. The Wheeler Debate Team participates in approximately 10

tournaments per year. Many tournaments are two (2) day events that begin on Friday afternoon

after school and continue on Saturday until late afternoon or evening. There are also some

Saturday only tournaments. Specific information regarding tournaments may often be found at

our website or www.joyoftournaments.com or www.tabroom.com.

Students must sign up as instructed on the website or tournament detail e-mail and pay any

tournament fees, once attendance is confirmed. Communication to the parents regarding

tournaments and changes in tournament times are the responsibility of the student.

Tournament attendance may be limited and openings are generally on a first come – first served

basis, with final determination made by the team leadership. Preference is generally given to top

debaters at national tournaments. Tournament attendance availability at preferred tournaments

is not guaranteed. At least two teams may be required for attendance at a particular tournament.

You will receive confirmation once registration is finalized.

What to wear… Do NOT go out and purchase anything new. Typically students dress as one might

if working in an office, although there is a wide range of attire. In any event, it’s a long day so be

sure that whatever you wear is comfortable. For the young men on the team…dress slacks, khakis

and a collared shirt with or without a tie. Some debaters wear suits. For the young ladies…nice

slacks, skirt, dress. Use your best judgment.

Below is the tentative schedule of tournaments that Wheeler has attended in prior years, with

some additional information meant to help you plan. Wheeler may or may not attend these

tournaments this year. Final schedule is yet to be determined.

Tournaments that are included in your team dues do not include National Tournaments. Please

plan accordingly.

http://www.joyoftournaments.com/

http://www.tabroom.com/


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Parental Support

Parents, we need you to support the Debate Team. Parents are needed to help with transportation

to and from tournaments, chaperoning at tournaments as well as occasionally chaperoning

overnight stays. If your child is participating in a team carpool, it is expected that you assist with

the driving during the tournament. All transportation to and from tournament is handled by the

students and/or their parents.

Meeting snacks are always welcome. This year, the team snacks will be provided by the team

funds.

If you wish to assist in any way, such as carpool scheduler, fundraiser, website or have ideas to

engage and improve the team please feel free to contact the team parents at

[email protected]. If you have some experience in policy debate that you would like

to share, please let us know!

National Forensics League (NFL) Recognition

The National Forensics League is an Honor Society that recognizes high school students in speech

and debate. The Wheeler Debate Team is a member and adheres to their Code of Honor. Once a

student earns 25 points they become a member of the NFL and will continue to accumulate

points throughout their debate career. There are varying levels of achievement, including the NFL

Academic All American Award to those meeting the following criteria:

NFL Member of Superior Distinction – 750 points

Maintain a 3.7 GPA out of 4.0

Student may apply during 6th or 7th semester

ACT Score of 27 or higher or SAT Score of 2000 or higher

Student should demonstrate qualities of character, leadership & commitment as verified

by the coach, teacher sponsor and Principal.

mailto:[email protected]


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Team Rules & Policies

1. If you sign up for a tournament you are expected to attend, with rare exceptions. When a

team or part thereof fails to attend, Wheeler incurs a fees and your debate partner may be

left without someone to debate with. The non-attending debater may be required to pay all

fees incurred;

2. Debate should NEVER TAKE PRECEDENCE OVER SCHOOL WORK. Students are responsible

for making up any work missed as a result of tournaments;

3. In addition to attending and participating as a debater, JV and Varsity debaters are

encouraged to attend at least one (1) tournament solely for the purpose of judging debates or

‘pulling up’ their team mates. Students will not be responsible for travel expenses when

attending a tournament to judge for the school. Students “earn” attendance at one

additional local tournament for serving as a team judge;

4. Trophies earned belong to the school and our team. Individual awards are an exception and

may be kept by the student;

5. The Wheeler High School Debate Team has a zero-tolerance policy toward drug, alcohol and

tobacco use. All school and GHSA rules will be enforced;

6. As part of a competitive activity based on persuasion, it is important debaters display a

certain level of professionalism at tournaments. Debaters are expected to follow an

appropriate dress code: no jeans, no shorts, no athletic pants, no t-shirts. Business casual is

appropriate.

7. The following NFL Code of Honor will apply:

As a member of the National Forensic League, I pledge to uphold the highest standards of

integrity, humility, respect, leadership and service in the pursuit of excellence.

i. Integrity: An NFL member obeys the highest ethical standards and adheres to

the rules of the League. NFL members recognize that integrity is central to

earning the trust, respect, and support of one's peers. Integrity encompasses

the highest regard for honesty, civility, justice, and fairness.

ii. Humility: An NFL member does not regard him or herself more highly than

others. Regardless of a person's level of success, he or she always looks

beyond oneself to appreciate the inherent value of others.

iii. Respect: An NFL member respects individual differences and fosters diversity.

He or she promotes tolerance, inclusion, and empowerment for people from a

variety of backgrounds.

iv. Leadership: An NFL member influences others to take positive action toward

productive change. NFL members commit to thoughtful and responsible

leadership which promotes the other core values in the NFL Code of Honor.

v. Service: An NFL member exercises the talents he or she has been given to

provide service to his or her peers, community, and the League. At all times an

NFL member is prepared to work constructively to improve the lives of others.


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“Changing the world one round at a time.” WEBSITE - www.wheelerhighdebateteam.weebly.com

WHAT

o Policy debate is a form of speech competition in which teams of two advocates for or against a

resolution that typically calls for policy change by the United States Government.

WHY

o Lean how to research topics, speak confidently and passionately, defend your position, think

quickly on your feet as well as listen and understand your opponents.

o Have a great time with students who like to know what is going on in the world around them.

Competitions are fun!

WHEN

o The season runs year round, letting you participate when you are able to.

o Practices are typically once a week, immediately after school. This year they are scheduled for

Wednesdays - 3:30 – 5:30 pm in room 142.

o Tournaments begin Friday after school and usually conclude sometime in the afternoon on

Saturday. Saturday only tournaments are also held. Occasionally an overnight stay is practical.

WHERE

o Practices are held in a Wheeler classroom – Room 142.

o The team offers an opportunity to attend approximately 8 -10 tournaments throughout the year

mostly at other Georgia high schools.

HOW

o The coach(es) are experienced debaters and teach beginning skills as well as advanced

strategies with the help of more experienced team members.

BONUS

o Earn a Varsity letter, NFL Academic All American Award, impress college admissions officers,

and possibly gain a college scholarship!

COSTS

o Team dues cover the cost of coaching and your attendance at two local tournaments during the

year. The team dues are $200.

o There is an additional fee for each additional tournament attended over the two tournaments

included in team dues. Tournament fees range from $35 to $100+ each, averaging around $50.

Other costs are occasional tournament overnight stays and meals. Novice Evidence packets

may be purchased for approximately $15-$20 when available.

CONTACT us at [email protected]

o Teacher Sponsor: Mr. Kurkjian

o Coaching: Jared Croitoru

Occasionally, Daniel Kreus, Pranav Shenoy, Lucy Zhang,

Matthew Coffin,Erin Kreus and fellow team mates

o Team Parents: Lalita Kaligotla

FIRST TEAM MEETING: Wednesday, August 3, 2016

3:30 pm – 5:30 pm

PARENT MEETING: Wednesday, August 3, 2016

4:30 – 5:30 pm

http://www.wheelerhighdebateteam/


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DEBATE TEAM REGISTRATION CHECKLIST

Wheeler Debate Team registration is going online. Please follow the instructions carefully to

ensure your student may participate in Wheeler's debate activities.

Carefully read the Debate Team Handbook - also linked from team website

wheelerhighdebate.weebly.com

Go to our website wheelerhighdebate.weebly.com and go to the ‘Join the

Team’ and choose ‘Online Registration Forms’

Complete the information requested in the online forms and PRINT 2 COPIES

PRIOR TO SUBMITTING. One copy will be signed in three places and

submitted and the second copy is for your records. You will receive an

acknowledgment but not a summary of the information you provide.

Submit your completed online forms by clicking the SUBMIT button at the

bottom of the page.

Return one copy of your signed forms to a team meeting no later than August

10 for returning members and August 17 for new members.

Submit a check payable to Wheeler Debate Team for $200 no later than August

10 for returning members and August 17 for new members.

PREPARING FOR YOUR FIRST TOURNAMENT

Attend and engage at our Wednesday Team Meetings

Prepare by studying and highlighting the Novice Evidence Packet when

available

Use the resources linked at our Team Website to learn more

Connect with other teammates and your coach for support

Participate in early debate tournament, even if you don’t consider yourself

ready. Many debaters will tell you that once you’ve debated at a tournament

you’ll have a quicker understanding of it.


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Team Registration Form 2016 – 2017

STUDENT:___________________________________________________________GRADE:_____________ E-MAIL:_____________________________________ CELL #:_________________ Texting: Yes No TEAM: NOVICE JUNIOR VARSITY VARSITY Have you debated before Wheeler or attended summer camp? Yes No

If yes, please describe your experience: _____________________________________________________

Other teams/clubs you participate in this year: _______________________________________________

4th Block Class and Teacher: ______________________________________________________________

T-SHIRT: ADULT SIZE (circle one): Small Medium Large XL XXL PARENT / LEGAL GUARDIAN INFORMATION NAME(S):________________________________________________________________________________ RELATION TO STUDENT: __________________________________________________________________ PHONE NUMBERS: HOME: __________________________________________ CELL:____________________________________________

WORK:___________________________________________ E-MAIL(S): ______________________________________________________________________________ ADDRESS: ______________________________________________________________________________ I hereby authorize Wheeler Debate Team to publish/publicly display photographs, video image or audio clip taken of my participating child, or persons under my legal guardianship, for use in the school / team website, team or school / team publications or to share with other team members. In consideration for my voluntary participation in Wheeler Debate Team, I agree that I will receive no financial compensation. Furthermore, I agree that participation in any print or online publication produced by The Wheeler Debate Team, or any outside third party interests, confers no ownership or special rights whatsoever. I release Wheeler Debate Team, its sponsor, coaches, and any outside third party interests from any claims of liability by me in connection with my participation in the production of these photographs. CIRCLE ONE: AGREE DON’T AGREE

We authorize the above listed contact information to be included on the Debate Team Roster and Directory and to be used for team purposes. We understand that privacy cannot be guaranteed. .

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: I/We have carefully read the Wheeler Debate Team Handbook, including Team Rules and Policies and agree to abide by all of the guidelines set forth therein.

CONSENT: As parent/guardian of the above mentioned student, I hereby consent to their participation in Debate Team activities and events.

STUDENT SIGNATURE:____________________________________________________________________ PARENT/GUARDIAN SIGNATURE:___________________________________________________________ DATE:___________________________________________________________________________________

TEAM DUES of $200 payable to … Wheeler High School Debate Team


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Medical Release Form 2016 – 2017

If any emergency medical procedures or treatment are required by the student, I, the student's parent or

guardian, hereby give authority and consent to the trip supervisor(s), including parent chaperones, taking,

transporting, arranging for, and consenting to the procedures or treatment in his/her discretion. I assume

responsibility for any emergency medical care that may be required.

My child has the following medical conditions to be aware of (Medicine, allergies, medical conditions or

problems.) I, as parent/guardian, assume responsibility for updating this information if changes occur

during the school year.

_____ (initial) The above mentioned student is adequately and currently covered by accident insurance

that will cover injuries sustained while participating in Wheeler Debate Team activities and events.

Medical Insurance Company: ________________________________ Phone: ________________________

Medical Insurance Policy Number: ____________________________Group: ________________________

If I cannot be reached, please contact

(Emergency contact name) ______________________________ at (Emergency contact phone) __________________

I have read and fully understand and agree to the above information and assume responsibility for risk or accident that could occur as well as any and all financial obligation associated. This acknowledgement and consent shall remain in effect until revoked in writing.

PARENT/GUARDIAN SIGNATURE:____________________________________________________________

PARENT/GUARDIAN SIGNATURE:____________________________________________________________

Parent Emergency Phone: __________________________________________________________________

DATE:___________________________________________________________________________________

STUDENT SIGNATURE:_____________________________________________________________________


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Carpool Information & Travel Release Form 2016 – 2017

Transportation to and from team tournaments is not provided by the county and is the student's or the parents' /

guardians' responsibility. Typically tournament transportation is provided by parent volunteers in a carpool

arrangement. If you choose to participate in team carpools, your student will be riding in other vehicles with

other drivers. Carpool arrangements will be made on a tournament to tournament basis. Please pay careful

attention to times as well as pick-up / drop-off locations as they may differ. In the event that we don’t have

enough drivers, attendance at an event may be canceled.

Please circle all of the following that apply to your child:

Yes / No I give my child permission to ride with a parent chaperone.

Yes / No I give my child permission to drive only himself/herself to Debate Team events.

Yes / No I give my child permission to ride with a student driver to Debate Team events.

Yes / No I give my child permission to drive himself/herself AND others to Debate Team events.

I release and waive, and further agree to indemnify, hold harmless or reimburse the Cobb County School District,

the Board of Education, its successors and assigns, its members, agents, employees and representatives thereof,

as well as trip supervisors and parent chaperones, from and against, any claim which I, any other parent or

guardian, the student or any other person, firm or corporation may have or claim to have, known or unknown,

directly or indirectly, from any losses, damages or injuries arising out of, during, or in connection with the student's

participation in the Wheeler Debate Team activities, any trip or transportation associated with this activity, or the

rendering or emergency medical procedures or treatment, if any. This release/waiver shall remain in effect until

revoked in writing.

STUDENT SIGNATURE:____________________________________________DATE:___________________

PARENT/GUARDIAN SIGNATURE:___________________________________DATE:___________________

PARENT/GUARDIAN SIGNATURE:___________________________________DATE:___________________

wheeler policy debate team handbook

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