Question 1

Where can I see examples of NCFCA speech and debate?

Accepted Answer

NCFCA's YouTube channel has lots of great content, including examples of each
competitive event from national champions. We also encourage you tosign up tojudge at an online tournament. Committing to judge at least one round will give
you access to the rest of the tournament as an observer. The 2021 National
Championship (June 21-26) is online this year.

Question 2

Can my student compete in more than 1 style of debate?

Accepted Answer

Students will need to choose between Team Policy or Lincoln-Douglas debate
because these run concurrently during club meetings and at tournaments.
Debaters may also choose to compete in moot court at national tournaments
without conflict, but we do not offer moot court instruction or practice during club
meetings at this time.

Question 3

Which style of debate is better for my student?

Accepted Answer

Team Policy is a good fit for concrete thinkers who like to debate the practical
application of ideas in political issues. Lincoln-Douglas is a good fit for abstract
thinkers who like to debate the philosophical value of ideas affecting society.
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While both styles of debate will require research and writing, be prepared for a
higher workload in Team Policy. Team Policy rounds are twice as long, but
speaking time is shared with a partner, unlike the 1:1 debate in Lincoln-Douglas.
Debaters should consider the benefits and challenges of working with a partner
before deciding.
As an example, if the resolutions were regarding immigration, Team Policy
students would affirm or negate specific immigration policies, while Lincoln-
Douglas competitors might debate whether immigration is a human right.

Question 4

Can my student compete in more than 1 speech event?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Students are able to compete in up to 5 speech events per tournament.
Before they graduate, we encourage students to try at least one speech from each
category: platform, interpretation, and limited preparation.

Question 5

Are students able to participate in speech or debate only, or must they do both?"

Accepted Answer

Students may participate and compete in either speech or debate alone, but we
highly encourage both! At a minimum, we recommend debaters compete in
impromptu speech. Since debate consists of both prepared (i.e., constructive) and
limited preparation (i.e., rebuttal) speeches, impromptu provides additional
practice in thinking quickly on your feet!

Question 6

Why are parents required to stay during club meetings?

Accepted Answer

Parental involvement is vital to our program! We want to equip students and
parents. Our students depend upon your feedback in club meetings in order to
benefit from regular practice in speech and debate. Parents are far better
prepared to help their students, to provide valuable feedback, and to confidently
judge at tournaments when they participate in club discussions.

Question 7

What do I do with my younger children during club meetings?

Accepted Answer

Bring them with you! If you do not have alternate childcare, please know that TRC
is a family-friendly environment. For younger school-age siblings, we are
considering starting a juniors program to teach younger siblings the basics of
public speaking. Your pre-school children will need to stay with you.

Question 8

Can my eager elementary-aged student join the juniors program without a registered older sibling at TRC?

Accepted Answer

We're sorry, but no. Space in the juniors program is limited, so we reserve that for
siblings of older competitors. We hope you'll reach out when your student turns
12!

Question 9

Is there a dress code at TRC?

Accepted Answer

What you wear is part of what you are communicating to others, as well as
yourself. Because delivery is an essential aspect of speech and debate, parents
and students will dress modestly at club meetings..
 
To learn more click here!

Question 10

How long do tournaments last?

Accepted Answer

Tournaments are typically 3-4 days in length, with each day of competition running
about 12 hours long. Rounds alternate between debate and speech. There are 6
preliminary rounds of debate and 3 preliminary rounds of speech (divided into 2
alternating "patterns" of 5 speech events each) before elimination rounds begin.
Qualifying tournament season runs January-April. In the 2021 season, there were
7 qualifying opportunities. TRC members are required to commit to participating in
at least 1 qualifying tournament per year.

Question 11

What is a qualifying tournament?

Accepted Answer

A qualifying tournament is one in which students may qualify for their Regional
Championship by making it to elimination rounds in speech or debate. Marathons
(i.e., practice tournaments) and third-party tournaments (e.g.,Ziggy) provide
helpful practice, but students cannot qualify for the Regional Championship by
their participation in these events.

Question 12

How far might I have to travel for a tournament?

Accepted Answer

If the tournament is online, you may not have to leave your home! For in-person
tournaments within our region, you are most likely to travel to Connecticut, New
Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania. The location of the National Championship
varies.

Frequently asked questions