MOUNTAIN VIEW
HIGH SCHOOL
FORENSICS TEAM
HANDBOOK OF
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
2011 – 2012 Speech and Debate Tournament Calendar
September
17
23 – 24
Coaches’ Convention & Fall Forensic Festival at Horizon
SWSDI at Brophy (Congress & Debate only) (SAT)
October
1
14 - 15
Glendale Community College (PF or IEs only)
Desert Sun Classic at Desert Vista (PSAT)
November
4–5
18 – 19
Toro Country Classic at Mountain View (SAT)
Dobson Invitational (conflict w/ Thespian Festival & Glenbrooks)
December
2–3
FLA 5A Winter Trophy at McClintock…(SAT)
January
6–7
13 – 14
20 – 21
Lost Dutchman Invitational at Red Mountain (ACT)
Eagle Classic @ PCDS (LD & Policy only)
Southwest Championships at Arizona State University
February
3–4
17 – 18
2–3
Central Bobcat Bonanza
Harvard Invitational / Berkeley Invitational / Copper Canyon Invitational
Thunderbird Invitational
March
16 – 17
29 – 30 – 31
5A State at Mesquite (This is the last weekend of SPRING BREAK!)
NFL National Qualifying Tournament: Location TBD
TEAM PHILOSOPHY
Forensics clearly hones your academic skills; however, if it fails to teach fundamental moral
principles, it fails absolutely. Thus, the coaches expect that you respect certain behavioral
guidelines. A gracious competitor keeps in mind the following:

The speech and debate team functions as ONE TEAM encouraging each other and working together
without competition.

To enhance the educational and competitive value of forensics, competitors must work for the good
of the whole team. Selfishness helps no one. Competition is healthy, but not to the point of refusing
to help team members. The team should function so that people truly encourage each other’s efforts.

Education, not egotism, should comprise your primary reason for competing.

The coaches are here for a reason; their judgment is based on years of experience in this activity.

We will all be happier if we respect each other and each other’s property. Files serve as a good
example. Unfortunately, I have had debaters who have lost key rounds because others have taken
folders from their files. You are NOT allowed to remove files without the express permission of the
other team. This also applies to interp binders, VA stands for expos, extemp materials, etc.

In and out of the classroom, your behavior reflects on the forensics team as a whole. People
characterize you, and your teammates, as the “competitor” Mountain View produces. Our reputation
is also important in terms of winning rounds. If we are respected as individuals, we are more likely
to be respected as competitors.
ARIZONA INTERSCHOLASTIC ASSOCIATION RULES AND REGULATIONS

The Arizona Interscholastic Association specifies that no student may miss more than 10 days per
semester in any class.

Even if you miss only 6th period, you must count that as 1 of your 10 absences in that class. As a
result, you must anticipate days you will miss for other extracurricular activities. Plan ahead. Keep
track of your absences.

The Arizona Interscholastic Association specifies that no student may compete if they are not
academically eligible.
FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS OF TEAM MEMBERS

Local, In-State and Out-of-State Tournaments – Unfortunately due to a lack of District funding
for extra-curricular activities like speech and debate, each team member is responsible for a $400
team fee to be paid in full by December 31st. This can be paid by ECA Donations or by check or
cash to the bookstore. These fees will pay for additional coaching, local tournament entry fees,
evidence, interp binders, and other supplies.

We can and will offer fund-raising opportunities to offset these costs; however, the tournament we
host and the Sadie’s dance raise money for team as a whole to be used for the students who qualify
to nationals.

If any student wants to travel to an out of state tournament, those costs would be above and beyond
the $400 team fee. Another way to offset these costs is by fundraising or by the Extracurricular
Activity Donation. The ECA Donation is a dollar for dollar tax credit offered by the State of
Arizona. The tax credit is limited to $400 for married couples and $200 for individuals. A receipt
will be mailed to you for tax purposes.
GENERAL RULES AND EXPECTATIONS
Communications will be centralized.

Meg Howell and Tracy Weaver are the Head Coaches and will be the primary contacts of all
team issues.

Check your email often. You will be sent information via computer about practice schedules,
tournament sign-up and drop deadlines and tournament schedules. This information will also be
posted in rooms 725 and 729. At no point will the excuses “I did not receive the e-mail,” or “I
did not read the email,” or “I forgot to look at the bulletin on the wall” be accepted for not
meeting your responsibilities.

Meg or Tracy MUST also be notified, either in person or via e-mail, of anything that will affect
your participation in a particular practice or tournament. Do not rely on a teammate or anyone
else to tell Meg or Tracy. You need to take care of telling Meg or Tracy of this issues yourself
and give them sufficient notice.
Practice is mandatory. We will not be successful as a team without the practice.

All Events (Debate and IE) Meeting and Practice – We will have a meeting every Tuesday
and then stay for group work, individual coaching sessions and peer coaching until 6:30 or 7:00
p.m., or, when necessary, as late as 9:00 pm before important tournaments.

Group Practice Sessions by Event - LD Practice will meet with Geoff on Wednesday after
school. Additional LD work will be done with Angela on Tuesdays and Thursdays as needed,
and PFers will meet with Tracy on Tuesday after the team meeting and as needed.

Individual Practice Sessions – Individually you are expected to sign up and practice with Meg
or Tracy weekly. No IE or Duo competitor will be allowed to compete without having been
coached on a regular basis by Meg or Tracy or someone they designate as appropriate for your
event.
Participation on the team and other extracurricular activities is acceptable but difficult.
We firmly believe that while you are in high school, you should not be forced to limit your
activities; therefore, we will, on case by case basis, allow some team members to suspend their
participation on the team for a portion of the season in order to take part in another
extracurricular activity. We will continue to do so, with this caveat: those who wish to be
considered for out-of-state travel will be expected to show maximum commitment to the team,
and in general missing a large portion of the competitive season is incompatible with such a
commitment.
There is a seven tournament requirement.
 Mandatory Tournaments – All team members should plan to compete in the FLA Winter Trophy
Tournament, the AIA 5A State Tournament and the NFL National Qualifying Tournament.

Four Tournament Requirement – In addition to these important tournaments, team members
should compete in at least four other tournaments throughout the year if you want to earn a team
letter. These should be split as evenly as possible between the two
semesters of competition.

Toro Country Classic – Every year we host the Toro Country Classic. This is an important
fundraiser for our team. As a result, all team members will be expected to
work at and help plan
the Toro Country Classic in January.
All work deadlines MUST be met.
All work assignments—research, writing, revision, cutting, filing, memorization, etc.—will be due at
specific times. Exceptions may be given do to illness or family emergency. VERY occasionally,
coaches may choose to give a blanket extension to the group they supervise, if they feel it is warranted.
Entry and drop deadlines will be announced for every tournament.
If you want to ENTER after the deadline, it will not always be possible or could incur additional fees. If
you DROP after the deadline, you are responsible for all non-recoverable fees and any additional fees
we may incur.
Not meeting your obligations has consequences.
Consequences for not meeting these commitments will range from warnings, to extra work assignments,
to being barred from a tournament, to suspension from the team, to permanent removal from the team.
If you are barred from participation in a tournament, you are still responsible for all non-recoverable
tournament fees.
RULES AND EXPECTATIONS GOVERNING LOCAL
& IN-STATE TOURNAMENTS

Students are expected to ride in the transportation provided by the District. Please check your email
and in 725 or 729 for specific departure times. You will also receive a tournament schedule prior to
the tournament in your email and / or given to you at the meeting.

If for some reason, it becomes necessary for you to provide your own transportation to and from an
local tournament, you must provide turn in a note from your parents giving their permission and the
means in which you will arrive / depart from the tournament. If someone is picking you up, they
MUST come inside and see / speak with Meg or Tracy.

Students, who are chosen to compete at the AIA State Tournament and/or at the NFL District
Qualifying Tournament, must be available to compete. Do not schedule events that will conflict
with these tournaments. Similarly, students who compete in and qualify for NFL Nationals in June
are expected to attend.
RULES AND EXPECTATIONS GOVERNING
OUT-OF-STATE TOURNAMENTS

In June, members of the team who have earned slots at the district qualifying tournament will travel
to NFL Nationals.

Certain members of the team will travel to other national-level tournaments, at the discretion and
invitation of the coaches. This travel, which is partially subsidized by the speech and debate budget,
is a privilege that must be earned. Specifically, it is earned by:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Having been a member of the team for at least one full year (exceptions may be made).
Having faithful and prompt attendance at meetings and practices;
Completing work assignments by the deadlines set by the coaches;
Helping to teach younger members of the team, when asked to do so;
Achieving the competence (as assessed by the coaches) necessary to succeed on the national
circuit.

Policy and LD debaters who wish to be considered for travel must attend debate camp during the
summer preceding the year of competition. These camps are necessary for any debater who wishes
to acquire the skills and argument familiarity that national competition demands. Attendance at
summer institutes is recommended, but not required, for all other competitors.

Finally, it needs to be clear that, for Policy and LD debaters, camp attendance is a prerequisite to, but
not a guarantee of, travel. Other mitigating factors must be considered.

Students wishing to stay with friends or relatives on out of town tournaments must have written
permission from their parents prior to our making housing arrangements for the team. If a student
chooses to stay with friends or relatives, it is their responsibility to arrange transportation to and
from the airport and the tournament.
TOURNAMENT ETIQUETTE
Given the amount of commitment and effort invested in this activity, it is easy to become wrapped
in the competitive nature of forensics; however, it is important to remember that forensics is
primarily about education, socialization, and enjoyment. It is only natural to want to do well, but
mere accolades must be overlooked. Good all around competitors are rewarded for their efforts
one way or another. THESE RULES MUST BE FOLLOWED AT ALL TIMES:
First and foremost, it must be understood that all of the rules and regulations governing student behavior
as outlined in the Mountain View Handbook apply at all times while a member of the Forensics Team is
representing Mountain View High School at a tournament or on a trip.

The tournament begins upon arrival at the hotel or the school. Potential judges are always watching.

No one should have to remind you to be polite at all times, at tournaments and at Mountain View.

Do not even consider unethical behavior of any sort. Never use an obscenity or anything less than
professional language while at a tournament.

Never gossip or talk negatively about competitors, judges, coaches or teams anytime, anywhere.
The walls have ears.

Never write anything negative or unprofessional about any judges, coaches, and opponents. Blocks
for debate serve as a good example. Judges, coaches and our opponents all have access to our
blocks.

Diplomacy is key. Whether talking to judges, coaches or other competitors, exercise good judgment.

Alienating anyone in any way will hamper your future success. Competitors come back to judge
after graduation. Judges always remember rude people. Coaches have elephants’ memories.

When not competing or when waiting outside the room for the judge to arrive, do not make noise
that will disturb nearby rounds in progress.

Arrive to the rounds on time and prepared. Walk in ready to compete. Hair and make-up should be
checked and touched up before entering the room. Remove coat, gloves, change from trouser
pockets, etc.

Never walk into a round during someone’s performance.

IE competitors should sit where they can see the other speakers / performers, and where their
approach can be useful. Regard the audience on the approach. Begin making eye contact during the
approach.

Debaters should set up your files/tables so that you can watch the judge(s) during the debate.

In IE, wait until the judge calls your name or code before taking the stage. Never ask, “Are the
judges ready?” If they have called for you, they are ready. Simply pause until you have eye contact
with them.

Don’t BOW your head at the beginning or the end of your speech / performance.

Good posture and professional delivery may not always win rounds, but sometimes they do. More
importantly, they never lose rounds and can only enhance your image, even with a good judge.
Therefore, you should stand up straight during your speeches regardless of where you compete.

Don’t chat with friends, other competitors or the judge between speeches / performances. It may
distract the judge(s).

Pay attention to the speaker / interper. Don’t practice (even if just mouthing the words), daydream,
read, or maliciously distract the performer. Keep facial expressions during the other competitor’s
presentations positive and encouraging.

In Arizona, unless you have a college debate judge, NEVER talk to your partner during his or
anyone else’s speech for any reason. This means do not tag team CX. Keep such talk quiet and
minimal everywhere else. Also, keep facial expressions during your opponent’s presentation to a
minimum.

Do not react negatively to your partner, to your teammate or to your opponent during the round.
Even a frown can convey rudeness.

Don’t ever volunteer to keep time unless asked by the judge to do so.

Don’t volunteer information on event rules or judging procedures to inexperienced judges. Don’t
appear to be a “know-it-all.”

Don’t nag or prod judges for their decision or how they ranked the round. In debate, when a
decision is given, do not argue; simply say, “Thank you.” In IE, if a judge approaches you to give
you an oral critique, listen to their comments, do not justify your choices, do not contradict the
judges opinion; simply say, “Thank you.”

Don’t try to butter up a judge.

Don’t say, “Thank you for judging.” Be polite but not overwhelming.

Never give compliments or wishes of luck to competitors unless sincerely felt.

Never give unsolicited critiques.

During postings and awards, don’t show anger or uncontrolled elation: remain calm. Be aware that
one person’s elation is someone else’s disappointment. Never expect to break; never expect to win.
Handle yourself in a professional manner. Be gracious at all times. Win and lose gracefully.

Always be supportive of teammates. If you have a round off, watch someone. If you don’t break, it
is important to watch (and flow if you are a debater) the elimination rounds. You will almost
certainly make friends, show that you bear no hard feelings, and maybe even learn something.
THIS RULE IS NOT AN OPTION!

You should always plan to attend awards ceremonies even if you do not break and sit with our team.

During the awards assembly, remember that we represent Mountain View High School and that
alone determines our behavior. Always stand for the competitor or team taking 1st place. Reward
success of other teams and competitors with polite applause. Do not scream and holler or call out
cute remarks.

Never worry about things that are beyond your control.

Act maturely, no matter how difficult that may be!
THE NECESSITIES FOR SUCCESS

Review all ballots with an open mind. Determine, with the coach, which ballots merit attention.

Begin working toward the changes suggested on ballots. Keep in mind that any changes should be
perfected before the next tournament. If time doesn’t permit, only make the changes that can be
perfected.

For debate and speech events, head to the library for new research. Update the research in your
debate cases and speeches whenever new information is available. The research and revision
process is never ending.

Keep all drafts to document and review the progression of an oratory or expository speech. Through
the year, deleted information may want to be retrieved.

For interpretation events, the cutting may need revisions in order to find the most perfect 10 minutes
possible. The tech work and characterization work is a never-ending process.
TOURNAMENT DRESS
Too many times in our society first impressions are everything. Whether it’s an interview, a
public speaking engagement, or a business deal, the initial impression can be the key. Attire, hair,
hygiene, and make-up are all a part of the credibility package. Looking professional increases an
individual’s credibility and confidence.
The same idea can be applied to the realm of competitive forensics. If two speakers are equally
talented, the audience will indirectly use physical appearance and dress as an unwritten criterion.
It may or may not be fair, but a speaker should always look and feel his/her best. While men and
women dress differently, these are some basic guidelines that should be followed.
Men

Invest in suits or blazers/trousers that look professional and impressive. Be sure the outfits are
properly tailored and hemmed. Look for blacks, navy blues, grays, browns, olives, and khakis for
the typical colors. It isn’t necessary to spend an enormous amount of money on designer labels; try
exchanging attire with a teammate, shopping at secondhand stores, and looking through your older
brother or father’s closet.

Long sleeve shirts and ties should match and complement the suit or blazer. Typical dress shirt
colors are white, light blue, ecru, or gray. Don’t choose distracting or annoying ties. No flamboyant
patterns/colors and no polka dots.

Buy some nice looking dress shoes. Black, brown, and burgundy will match most outfits. Make
sure that they are polished and remove any scuffmarks. Tennis shoes or casual shoes are
inappropriate.

Always wear matching dress socks. Match the socks to the color of the pants, and never wear
athletic, white socks.

Hair should be cut neatly. Don’t have it long and hanging in the face. It should be combed away
from the face so that the audience can see the speaker’s smile and eyes. Hair color should be
natural. Avoid all colors of the rainbow. If hair is dyed or highlighted, please touch up the roots.
ALSO, NO HATS!

If you shave, then be clean-shaven. Facial hair, if any, should be kept trimmed and neat.

Jewelry should be at a minimum. At most, wear a dress watch but eliminate the rings, chains, and
bracelets.
 No visible body art, such as tattoos or piercings. Remove piercings before the tournament. Tongue
rings, even though they may not be visible, destroy articulation and should never be worn during
competition.
Women
Women have the liberty to choose suits, dresses, and skirt/blouse coordinates. Pick power colors like
black, brown, blue, gray, or red; however, this is not to say that other colors are inappropriate, like royal
blue or deep purple. Avoid shades that can be overpowering or dulling. Outfits should be properly
tailored and hemmed. The length of a dress or skirt should never be more than two inches above the
knees. The stylish long dresses are more appropriate for interpretation events than public address and
debate. While pantsuits are increasing in popularity, their acceptance on the speech circuit is still
questionable. If you choose to wear a pantsuit, it must be a tailored suit and must be approved prior to a
tournament. Never choose sleeveless garments.

Hosiery is a must for a professional look. If a significant portion of the leg is showing (from the
knee to the ankle), hosiery provides a consistent look. An example would be black dress, black or
neutral sheer hose, and black dress shoes. The hosiery should never be darker than the shoes, unless
wearing neutral colored hose and bone shoes. Some believe that opaque and thick tights should be
avoided. Always avoid trendy colors, such as green, red, purple, etc.

Buy some nice, comfortable pumps, 1.5 to 2-inch heels are most appropriate. Avoid trendy styles
like sandals and sling-backs. Black, brown, navy, and bone will match most outfits. Avoid trendy
colors and never wear white shoes.

Make-up, worn tastefully, can complete the professional look. It also helps your features to stand
out. Make-up should never be overpowering. Neutral eye shadows, soft blushes, and
complementary lipsticks provide a more refined look. Free make-up lessons are available at most
departmental cosmetic counters.

Hair should be styled away from the face and out of the eyes. Hair color should be natural. Avoid
all colors of the rainbow, and if hair is dyed or highlighted, please touch up the roots. ALSO, NO
HATS or LARGE HAIR ACCESSORIES!

Jewelry must be at a minimum. No dangling earrings, and no excessive rings or bracelets.
Necklaces should be tasteful and subtly worn.

No visible body art, such as tattoos or piercings. Remove piercings before a round. Tongue rings
destroy articulation and should never be worn during competition.

Manicures and fingernails should look natural. Never wear nail color that is distracting. Stay with
clear nail polish, French manicures, American manicures, or at the most soft flesh tones.
I have read and understand the policies and procedures outlined it the Mountain
View Forensics Team Handbook.
Student Signature __________________________________Date_______________
Parent / Guardian Signature __________________________Date_______________