Student participation in speech and debate tournaments is optional. At this time, we are planning for approximately one tournament a month from October through April. Tournaments usually take place in and around the Atlanta area though there are tournaments scheduled throughout the country that students may consider. As tournament plans are finalized, those plans will be communicated to families wishing to compete.
Tournaments are typically 1-3 days long and cost on average $35 per student per event. Food and accommodations are optional and separate costs. Please remember to factor them into your planning. Also, please keep your class leader informed about your plans for tournaments this season. We want to work with your goals for your student.
While tournament participation is optional, our club does recognize the hard work required to compete. At our end-of-the-year celebration, students who participate in two or more tournaments will receive a pin (or honor cord for seniors). We also offer two more awards:
1. The Varsity Award for students who compete in each category of events twice during the season (one form of debate, one form of platform speech, one form of interpretive speech, one form of limited prep speech, and the wild card speech event).
2. The Service Award for students who set aside time to serve our club members. Opportunities will be communicated as they present themselves and may include: helping the juniors with speech or debate, leading the club in prayer or devotion, serving the larger homeschool community by promoting speech and debate, judging rounds or other homeschool events, etc.