Pinecrest

Speech and Debate Team

Student and Parent
Handbook
2015-2016

Table of Contents
Letter from your coach

Introduction to your coach

Philosophy of the Pinecrest Speech and Debate Team

Team Rules

Practice Attendance

12

Tournament Attendance/Behavior

13

Leadership Opportunities

16

Payment for Tournaments, Fundraising and Scholarships

18

Judging and Chaperoning

20

Speech and Debate Events

21

Travel Permission Form/Student Information Link

24

Submission to Rules and Regulations Form

26

Contact Information

27

Tentative Schedule

28

Hello and welcome to the Pinecrest Speech and Debate Team,

The Pinecrest Speech and Debate Team was established by Elizabeth (Libby) Carter in 2003.
Under Coach Carters leadership the team quickly grew in both size and prominence on the
tournament circuit. Pinecrest students have won many local tournaments, national tournaments,
and both the CFL Championship and the NFL Championship in Public Forum Debate. Pinecrest
has become one of the largest and most respected teams in the nation. Coach Carter retired in
January 2014. The sweepstakes trophy awarded at the Pinecrest Open Tournament is named the
Carter Cup in Coach Carters honor. Christina Speiser took over as the coach in January 2014.
This handbook is intended to provide an overview of our debate program as well as the rules,
policies and procedures that are an important part of helping this team to function well and to
maintain the standards of excellence that we have become known for. Some of the information
has been repeated as it fell under several sub-headings.
While this handbook is mostly aimed at students, parents/guardians are an integral part of our
team and we cannot possibly compete without their assistance. Our parents provide financial
support, moral support, and help as chaperones and judges. We have had amazing support in the
past and I look forward to continued support in the future.
Again, welcome to the Pinecrest Speech and Debate Team: Destination Excellence!
Sincerely,
Christina Speiser, MA.Ed, NBCT

Introduction to your Coach

CHRISTINA SPEISER:
Moore County Educator (English, AIG, Speech and Debate) for 12 years
Co-Chair-English Department, Pinecrest High School
Middle School Speech and Debate Coach for 6 years
High School Debate Coach for 3 years (Union Pines and Pinecrest)
Adjunct Professor of Reading Education-UNC Pembroke
Bachelors Degree in English-Montclair State University-NJ
Masters Degree in Reading Education-UNC Pembroke-NC
National Board Certified Teacher-English
Oxford University- International Politics Summer Program-UK
Completed Mean Green Debate Coach Training at UNT-TX
Completed Training for Teachers of Economics at the New York Stock Exchange, NY
Member, NCCAT Holocaust Educators and Civil Rights Educators
New Century Middle School Teacher of the Year-2008
Moore County Golden Apple Award Winner-2012

Philosophy of the Pinecrest Speech and Debate Team

ETHICS AND STANDARDS:
Pinecrest Speech and Debate students are expected to uphold the highest level of ethical behavior
at school, in tournaments, and even in their activities outside of school. Unethical behavior by
just one student can reflect poorly on the entire group. Students are expected to maintain good
character in both their attitude and behavior. Students should not complain or make negative
comments about judges, competitors or teammates at tournaments, or on social media. Members
of the Pinecrest Speech and Debate Team should act in a professional, respectful and mature
manner at all time. Any issues with students should immediately be brought to the attention of
the coach. Failure to maintain these ethical standards may result in limitations on a students
travel with the team. Remember that as a member of this team, students represent their family,
their school, their team and their coaches.
DESTINATION EXCELENCE:
The pursuit of excellence at Pinecrest is not just an individual goal; it is also a team goal.
Pinecrest Speech and Debate students are expected to work hard and to utilize all resources
available to help them to achieve success. Students must be self disciplined, accept criticism and
do what is necessary to improve. While at tournaments, students are expected to support each
other. If some Pinecrest students are still competing while others are done, all students are
expected to rally behind those still competing and to support the team. Excellence is a destination
for our team and we must all work together to achieve that goal.

GRADES AND ATTITUDES:

Pinecrest Speech and Debate students are expected to maintain high grades, as well as excellent
relationships with the faculty, staff and administrators at our school. School work comes before
speech and debate. Students are expected to manage their time well so that they can excel both in
their classes and at speech and debate competitions. When we are away at tournaments, students
are expected to make up all work missed according to the requirements set forth by each teacher.
Students should be proactive in getting assignments before leaving for a tournament so that it can
be turned in when we return. Students should not use speech and debate as an excuse for not
completing schoolwork. Additionally, when we return from a tournament, students should be at
school the next day. Yes, tournaments are tiring, but taking a recovery day after a tournament
is taking advantage of the situation and does not reflect well on the team. We have an excellent
reputation on campus and our teachers have been very gracious in working with students who
have absences due to debate. Do not abuse this privilege and help us to maintain our reputation
of excellence.
TEAM UNITY:
It is essential that we maintain team unity if we want to achieve our destination of excellence.
Students are expected to work with other students and their coach to accept critiques and to strive
to be the best at their individual events. The coach of the Pinecrest Speech and Debate Team
designates captains for each competitive event as well as club officers. Students are expected to
respect the captains and the experience that they bring to the team. The coach will always be
present at practices and will assist students, but the captains have the responsibility of organizing
and running all practices. All varsity members are expected to take a mentoring role with our

novices. When we travel, our mode of transportation will most likely be a bus or airplane. We
are a team and we travel as a team. All students will travel on the team bus or on the same flight
as the entire team. On the rare occasion that we have a small group and travel by car, students
will be assigned a car and parents/guardians will need to sign permission slips authorizing their
child to travel with that parent/guardian.
Arrogance, selfishness and ingratitude are completely unacceptable and will negatively impact a
students ability to travel with the team. During award ceremonies at tournaments, students are
expected to sit with our team and to cheer on our team members according to the standards set by
the tournament (such as the one clap). We always stand and applaud for the champion in each
event. Students who receive awards are expected to be gracious and not to show disappointment
because they didnt place as high as they expected. Students will not shout, yell or bring items
with them on stage during the awards ceremony. All events are important and contribute to the
team success. Disparaging remarks about other events will not be tolerated.
Our yearly tournament, the Pinecrest Open, is a large fundraiser for the team. Only novices will
compete at this event and all team members are expected to work at this event so that it can run
smoothly. In addition, we will need all of our parents to pitch in and help with this event. The
money from this tournament helps us to travel to tournaments throughout the year.
GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP:
Pinecrest Speech and Debate students are expected to show good sportsmanship at all times.
Students should be collegial to their competitors, shake hands at the end of a round and show
respect at all times. Students should not EVER question a judges decision or argue with a judge.
Remember that students are expected to adapt to their judges preferences, not the other way

around. Any critiques from judges should be accepted graciously and students should always
thank the judges before leaving the round. If there are any serious issues that occur during a
round, students should see the coach so that she can address this. If a student is unable to
maintain good sportsmanship, that students participation on the team will be evaluated.
DRESS CODE:
You never get another first impression. Therefore, Pinecrest Speech and Debate students are
expected to dress as the professionals that they are. The following guidelines should help
students to determine what to wear at tournaments:
Females: Skirts and dresses should be no more than three inches above the knee. Dress pants are
acceptable. Dress shirts should be worn and jackets are preferable. Shirts and blouses should not
have a revealing neckline and midriffs should not be exposed. Dress shoes should be worn.
Denim is not acceptable at any time. At national tournaments, it is recommended that students
wear comfortable dress shoes or at least wear comfortable footwear on their way to a round and
then change to heels or dressier shoes before going into a round.
Males: Dress pants, shirts, shoes and socks are acceptable attire at tournaments. Denim is not
acceptable at any time. All males should wear ties and jackets are preferable.
All students are expected to use good hygiene with their hair neatly cut and out of their faces.
All garments should be neatly pressed. During off time on speech and debate trips, a students
attire is expected to reflect the Moore County Schools dress code. All students must be in their
dress attire to receive an award on stage.

TEAM RULES
1. All Moore County Schools rules are expected to be followed at all times. This includes
bus rules, which are essential to our safety when we travel. Please consult the Moore
County Schools student handbook with specific information about these rules and the
consequences of any rules infractions. Depending on the severity of an infraction, team
consequences can range from missing a tournament to dismissal from the team.
2. Students are expected to be respectful to coaches, parents, judges, teammates and
competitors at all times. The use of profane or vulgar language should be avoided. Any
situation that creates a hostile or uncomfortable environment for someone else will not be
tolerated.
3. All students are responsible for their belongings. The coach is not responsible for items
left at tournaments, in hotels, on buses, etc. If the coach finds items left behind, she will
place them in the lost and found bin in room 2204. It is the students responsibility to
retrieve these items.
4. All students will be on time for travel to events. If we are traveling by plane, students
should arrive at the airport at least 1 hours before the flight. If we are traveling by bus,
students should arrive at school 15 minutes prior to our departure time. We will leave at
the scheduled departure time regardless of whether you are there are not. We will not call
you or wait for you. This is your responsibility. Students will not be able to compete if
their tardiness jeopardizes other members of the team. Students are responsible for drop
fees due to missed tournaments. When we travel by plane, parents are responsible for

getting their child to the airport as well as picking their child up at the airport when we
return.
5. All students will travel with the team on the same bus/plane, etc. If a parent is at a local
tournament, that parent may sign his/her child out with the coach at the end of the awards
ceremony and take their child home with them. A parent may not take another student
home with them. Parents may not bring other children on speech and debate trips.
6. All costs for tournaments will be established before the tournament and deadlines will
be set for drop dates. Students must sign up for all tournaments by using our online
tournament sign up links. Students will need to use their Moore County Google logins to
do this. In addition, all tournament fees must be paid by the drop deadline or a student
will be dropped from the tournament. A $150.00 per year team fee is required from all
students*. This fee covers NFL membership costs, a t-shirt and some of our tournaments
costs. This fee, the consent to travel form, and the agreement to abide by the rules and
regulations form, must completed and turned in before a student is eligible to compete
with the team. *No student will be turned away due to the inability to pay these fees. If
necessary, we can work out payments and we also have a limited number of scholarships
available. Please contact Mrs. Speiser for more information.
7. At all tournaments we are required to provide a certain number of judges, depending
on the number of entries. Therefore, we need parents to judge so that we can meet this
requirement. If we do not, we are charged judge fees. Judging is a great way for parents
to see what their child does and to experience the excitement of a speech and debate
tournament. We will provide training at the beginning of the year and we would be happy

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to provide training at a tournament. It is very easy and we can train anyone for an event
in a few minutes. Information about how to judge the various events is available on our
website at www.pinecrstdebate.org. We require that all parents/guardians sign up to judge
at two tournaments during the year (not including the Pinecrest Open) or pay $140.00 to
cover the two judge fees. All parents/guardians will need to sign up via our online sign up
for judges on the Pinecrest Speech and Debate website: www.pinecrestdebate.org by
September 30 or a bill will be sent for the $140.00 judge fees. Students will not be able to
participate until parent/guardians have either signed up or paid the judge fee.
8. Some eighth graders may be invited to compete on the team by the coach. The coach
will evaluate students during the middle school summer camp to determine whether or
not any eighth grade students are ready for high school level competition. This privilege
may be revoked at any time at the discretion of the coach. Eighth grade students may
only compete in local, one day tournaments and they will not be invited on overnight
trips. Eighth graders are not eligible for district or state tournaments.
9. Students or their parents/guardians may not hire and/or bring along a private coach on
our debate trips (local or nationals). Any former students who volunteer or are hired to
help the team will be invited at the discretion of the coach. Former students who may be
at tournaments cannot be in hotel rooms with Pinecrest students at any time.
.

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EXPECTATIONS FOR PRACTICE

1.

The coach will be in attendance at all practices and will work with students.
The team captain will organize and run the practice with the support of the coach. All
team members should share his/her scripts, speeches or cases with the team captain
for review.

2.

All students are to be included in conversations, drills, etc. at practice and are
expected to participate.

3.

All scripts, speeches, cases and evidence may not be shared with anyone
outside of our team. No student may use information from another students case
without permission from that student.

4.

All students are expected to be at practice every week unless the coach is
notified of a conflict. It is up to the coach to decide whether or not students are
prepared for a tournament. Students who are not ready will not be registered. Practice
will be held on Tuesdays after school for speech, Wednesdays before school for
Lincoln Douglas Debate, and Thursdays after school for Public Forum Debate.
Weekly practice attendance is mandatory. If students cannot make the set practice
day, he/she should see the coach to make arrangements for another day. If another
teachers room is being used for practice (with his/her permission), students are
expected to put all desks, etc. back where they found them. Students should not write
on the board or be anywhere near a teachers desk.

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TOURNAMENT ATTENDANCE/BEHAVIOR
1.

Students are able to compete at both local and national tournaments. The
schedule will show which tournaments are open to everyone and which tournaments
are by invitation only. Students may not elect to only compete at national
tournaments. In order to qualify for Harvard, there are several yearly requirements:
First, a student must earn 100 NFL points before December 15th. Second, a student
must have been to another national tournament before Harvard (Wake or GMU) and a
student must have been to at least four local tournaments. Third, a student must have
competed at the varsity level for the entire year (speech students must be in their
second year of competition). Upperclassmen competing in speech for the first time
this year may be considered for an invitation based on their performance as long as all
other requirements are met. Once all of these requirements are met, the coach will
make the final decision about whether or not a student qualifies for Harvard. She will
examine the students ability to prepare for the event, the willingness to listen to
coaches and captains and the overall behavior and maturity of a student. The final list
of those who qualify will be posted shortly after December 15th.

2.

Students must travel with the team. Students may be signed out by a parent at
the end of a local tournament and then may leave with that parent/guardian. A
parent/guardian may not sign out another student. Students may not drive themselves
to a tournament or ride with a parent/guardian to the tournament when we are
scheduled to travel together by bus. When traveling by air, all students must be on the
flight(s) planned by the coach. Students must arrive on time for all team travel.

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3.

Hotel costs are determined by planning on four students per room.

Parents/guardians will be booked at two per room. Parents will be asked to cover a
portion of the room at some national tournaments. If a parent wants to request a room
just for them and their child, that request must be made as soon as the tournament
sign up is released (a deadline will be set) and the parent will be expected to pay an
additional cost for those arrangements. All rooms will be booked by the team and the
coach or travel coordinator will check the team in at the hotel and distribute room
keys according to room assignments. Parents and students may not check themselves
in at a hotel.

4.

Students are expected to act appropriately at hotels. Students must talk at a

normal conversational level in their hotel rooms, the lobby and the hallways. Students
must be fully clothed (no pajamas) and have shoes on when in the lobby. Boys may
not enter a girls room and girls may not enter a boys room. Students must not move
furniture or make a mess in a hotel room. If students have food in their room, all trash
must be placed in the trash bin. When everyone in a room is done showering, students
should place all towels in the bathtub. Students are expected to clean up after
themselves and not leave clothes, etc. all over the room. Additionally, students will
follow all curfew guidelines established by the coach at each tournament. Students
represent the Pinecrest Speech and Debate Team and if they do not represent us well,
their travel will be limited. No one except team members of the same gender should
be in a hotel room at any time.

5.

Pinecrest Speech and Debate students are expected to show good

sportsmanship at all times. Students should be collegial to their competitors, shake

14

hands at the end of a round and show respect at all times. Students should not EVER
question a judges decision or argue with a judge. Remember that students are
expected to adapt to their judges preferences, not the other way around. Any critiques
from judges should be accepted graciously and students should always thank the
judges before leaving the round. If there are any serious issues that occur during a
round, students should see the coach so that she can address this. If a student is unable
to maintain good sportsmanship, that students participation on the team will be
evaluated.
6.

Tournament rules must be followed.

7.

If students wish to attend additional tournaments not listed on our schedule,

they must speak to Mrs. Speiser for approval. Students may not travel to another
tournament if it conflicts with a tournament on our schedule. Students should not ever
contact a tournament director. All communications between Pinecrest High School
and tournament directors will be handled by the coach. Parents/Guardians must
contact their childs administrator (AP) for approval if they would like travel days for
additional tournaments to be counted as excused absences.
A.

Students may not compete with the team until the following are completed and
turned in to Mrs. Speiser: A. Application is completed online. B. Consent to travel
form is signed and returned. C. Students and all parents/guardians sign and return
the Submission to Rules and Guidelines Form. D. The $150.00 yearly dues are
paid (See Mrs. Speiser if necessary-no student will be turned away due to the
inability to pay this fee). E. Parents/Guardians have signed up to judge two
tournaments (not including the Pinecrest Open) or paid a $140.00 judge fee by
September 30.

15

LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Each year, the coach will choose student leaders to serve as team officers and captains of the
different events.
1.

All officers and captains are required to attend monthly team leadership
meetings with Coach Speiser.

2.

All officers are required to do the following according to their position:

President-The president is expected to lead the team both at practice and tournaments. The
president will run all full team meetings and will address parents at all parent meetings.
He/she will assist the captains as needed.
Vice-President-The vice president will assist the president and fill in when he/she is not
available. He/she will assist the captains as needed.
Event Captains-Lincoln Douglas, Public Forum (varsity and novice), and Speech captains
will run all practices and lead students at tournaments.
3.

All captains are expected to run the practices with the guidance of the coach.

4.

All captains and officers are expected to attend all local and most national
tournaments.

5.

All captains are expected to compete in the event that they represent as captain.

6.

All officers and captains must ensure that all students receive the assistance
they need at practice.

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7.

Officers and captains may be removed if they are not completing the duties
assigned to them or if they have violated any of the rules or expectations set forth in this
document.

17

PAYMENT FOR TOURNAMENTS, FUNDRAISING AND

SCHOLARSHIPS
1.

All students are required to pay the $150.00 team fee at the beginning of the
year. This helps to cover NFL fees, t-shirt costs and some of our tournament costs.
Students will not be able to compete until this is paid. No student will be turned away due
to an inability to pay. We can offer a payment structure and a limited number of
scholarships are available. Please see Mrs. Speiser for more information.

2.

One day tournaments on our regular local tour schedule will not include an
additional charge for students (this does not include districts and states).

3.

The schedule in this handbook includes approximate costs for tournaments

based on past years so that parents can budget for the year. These prices vary and are
merely estimates.

4.

All tournament fee information will be provided in advance of a tournament.

Those fees must be paid prior to the drop date listed on www.pinecrestdebate.org or a
student will be dropped from the tournament. We will not maintain a past due balance on
any student accounts.

5.

Our tournament fees are determined by the number of students attending.

Therefore, all fees paid are non-refundable.

6.

If a student fails to show up for a local tournament or cancels after the drop
date given on www.pinecrestdebate.org , he/she will be responsible for a drop fee.. If a

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student is part of a public forum team or duo event, that student will also be responsible
for his/her partners drop fee.
7.

Any parent hotel fees must also be paid prior to the drop date for a tournament.

8.

All checks should be made payable to: Pinecrest Forensics Boosters.

9.

We will offer fundraising opportunities throughout the year. Some events, such
as Chick-Fil-A nights, benefit the team as a whole and these funds are used for our
tournament fees and bus costs. Others, such as Outback tickets, allow students to earn
individual money that will be credited to their speech and debate accounts to help pay for
tournaments. Students must complete a request form (www.pinecrestdebate.org) if they
want these funds to be applied to a tournament.

10.

We have a limited amount of money available to offer partial scholarships to

help students travel to national tournaments. Students must apply for scholarships by the
scholarship date provided when information is released for a tournament. In order to
qualify for a scholarship, a student must: have paid the $150.00 yearly team fee, regularly
attend practice, participate in local tournaments; and the student must have participated in
both our team and individual fundraising opportunities. Scholarships will only be
awarded for tournaments on our team schedule. If a student chooses to attend another
tournament on his/her own, that student is responsible for those fees. Scholarship
applications are available on the team website: www.pinecrestdebate.org.

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JUDGING AND CHAPERONING

1.

At all tournaments, we are required to provide a certain number of judges,

depending on our number of entries. Therefore, we need parents to judge so that we
can meet this requirement. If we do not, we are charged judge fees. Judging is a great
way for parents to see what their child does and to experience the excitement of a
speech and debate tournament. We will provide training at the beginning of the year
and we would be happy to give you training at a tournament. In addition, we will
provide judging videos on our website: www.pinecrestdebate.org . It is very easy and
we can train you in a few minutes for an event.

2.

We require that all parents/guardians sign up to judge at two tournaments

during the year (not including the Pinecrest Open) or pay $140.00 for two judge fees.
All parents will need to sign up via our online sign up for judges on the Pinecrest
Speech and Debate website: www.pinecrestdebate.org by September 30 or a bill will
be sent for the $140.00 judge fees. Students will not be able to participate until
parent/guardians have either signed up or paid the judge fee.

3.

Background checks are required for all parents who plan to attend overnight
trips with the team. The background check permission form is available from Coach
Speiser or our website: www.pinecrestdebate.org. Please complete it and send it in to
the coach as soon as possible. Please do not e-mail this form, We need a hard copy.

4.

Parents chaperoning students on debate trips may not drink alcohol while on
the trip. We also ask that parents who smoke do so away from students. Chaperones
on overnight trips must travel with the team throughout the trip.

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SPEECH AND DEBATE EVENTS

From the National Forensics League

Public Forum Debate

Public Forum Debate is audience friendly debate. Two pairs (teams) debate monthly controversial topics
ripped from newspaper headlines. Rounds begin with a coin toss between the competing teams to determine
side and order (Pro-Con or Con-Pro). Public Forum tests skills in argumentation, cross-examination, and
refutation.

Lincoln Douglas Debate

Lincoln Douglas Debate centers on a proposition of value, which concerns itself with what ought to be
instead of what is. A value is an ideal held by individuals, societies, governments, etc. One debater upholds
each side of the resolution from a value perspective. To that end, no plan (or counterplan) should be
offered. A plan is defined by the NFL as a formalized, comprehensive proposal for implementation. The
debate should focus on logical reasoning to support a general principle instead of particular plans and
counterplans. Debaters may offer generalized, practical examples or solutions to illustrate how the general
principle could guide decisions. Topics change every two months.

Congressional Debate
This is individual debate in a large group setting. Congressional Debate models the legislative process of
democracy, specifically, the United States Congress. Students optionally write legislation submitted by their
coach to a tournament, and they research the docket of bills and resolutions distributed by each
tournament. At the tournament, students set an agenda of what legislation to discuss, they debate the
merits and disadvantages of each, and they vote to pass or defeat the measures they have examined.
Parliamentary procedure forms structure for debate, and students extemporaneously respond to each
others arguments over the course of a session. Congressional Debate is a valuable learning exercise,
because students familiarize themselves with current social and political problems and learn appropriate
behavior and rules for formal meetings. Contestants are evaluated by judges for their research and analysis
of issues, argumentation, skill in asking and answering questions, use of parliamentary procedure, and
clarity and fluency of speaking.

Extemporaneous Speaking (United States and International)

A contestant draws three questions, selects one, then has 30 minutes to prepare a speech in response. The
contestant utilizes files of published materials (books, magazines, newspapers, online sources) s/he has
compiled as a resource for answering the question. At the completion of the 30 minute preparation period,
the student speaks on the topic for up to 7 minutes. The NFL divides extemp. into two separate events:
United States (dealing with domestic issues), and International (issues beyond US borders).

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Original Oratory
Orators are expected to research and speak intelligently, with a degree of originality, in an interesting
manner, and with some profit to the audience, about a topic of significance. Although many orations deal
with a current problem and propose a solution this is not the only acceptable form of oratory. Your oration
may simply alert the audience to a threatening danger, strengthen its devotion to an accepted cause, or
eulogize a person. An orator is given free choice of subject and judged solely on the effectiveness of
development and presentation.

Dramatic Interpretation
This is an individual category in which the selections are dramatic in nature. Selections shall be cuttings
from published-printed novels, short stories, plays, poetry, or any other printed-published materials.
Presentations must be memorized, without props or costumes. The time limit is 10 minutes which includes
an introduction.

Humorous Interpretation
This is an individual category in which the selections are humorous in nature. All other rules are the same as
Dramatic Interpretation.

Duo Interpretation
This is a two-person category in which the selection may be either humorous or dramatic in nature. All other
rules are the same as Dramatic Interpretation.

Oral Interpretation-Prose and Poetry

Poetry Reading
Poetry is writing which expresses ideas, experience, or emotion through the creative arrangement of words
according to their sound, their rhythm, their meaning. Poetry may rely on verse and stanza form. Only
published, printed works may be used. No plays or other dramatic materials may be used. A student may
not use the same source used in Duo, Dramatic or Humorous at any NFL tournament.

Prose Reading
Prose expresses thought through language recorded in sentences and paragraphs: fiction (short stories,
novels) and non-fiction (articles, essays, journals, biographies). A student may not use the same source
used in Duo, Dramatic or Humorous at any NFL tournament

Storytelling
Storytelling rules state a single published, printed story, anecdote, tale, myth or legend must be retold
without notes or props. The student may not tell a story used previously in any NFL district and/or national

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tournament. The delivery must be extempore, not read. No book or script may be used. The contestant
must not add original material or materially change the content of the story.

Impromptu Speaking
The Impromptu speech should be regarded as an original interpretation by the speaker of the designated
topic as supported by varied materials and gives a contestant opportunity to be creative and imaginative. An
impromptu speech should reveal the student's ability to organize her/his thoughts in a logical manner.

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PINECREST SPEECH AND DEBATE CONSENT TO TRAVEL FORM

I hereby certify that (students name)____________________________________ has
permission to participate in tournament field trips according to the policies and provisions stated
below and in the Pinecrest Speech and Debate handbook.
In the event of an accident or medical emergency, I authorize the supervising teachers to seek
medical assistance, and I will assume responsibility for all expenses.
The school system is responsible for supervising students, however, the school system is not
responsible for or liable for commercial transportation or transportation in any non-school owned
vehicle not driven by a school employee; or any occurrence or accident beyond its control.
In the event that an accident happens, medical assistance will be sought immediately. The
parent/guardian will be contacted, and medical charges will be assigned to the parent/guardian.
The behavior of our students as it relates to field trips is of critical importance. Students are
always expected to be on their best behavior. Inappropriate behavior will result in disciplinary
action, including in extreme cases being returned home separately at the parent/guardians
expense. By signing below, the parent/guardian agrees to come to the tournament site and pick
up his/her child if the childs behavior requires removal from the tournament.

My student has permission to travel with Pinecrest High School for the
2015-16 season:
PARENT/GUARDIAN SIGNATURE:__________________________________
DATE:______________________________

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EMERGENCY INFORMATION

Please go to our website: www.pinecrestdebate.org

to find the link to complete the student information
form to join the speech and debate team. It would be
helpful if a copy of your insurance card was
provided when these forms below are sent in, but it
is not required.

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Submission to Rules and Regulations Form

PRINT STUDENT NAME:___________________________________________

I have read the Pinecrest Speech and Debate 2015-2016 handbook and I agree to abide by the
rules and regulations listed.
____________________________________________student signature

I have read the Pinecrest Speech and Debate 2015-16 handbook with my child and I agree to
abide by the rules and regulations listed. I understand that I will need to judge at two
tournaments (not including the Pinecrest Open) or pay the $140.00 judge fee.
______________________________________________parent/guardian signature

______________________________________________parent/guardian signature

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CONTACT INFORMATION

Coach Christina Speiser cell phone:

910-690-5161

Twitter: cspeiserphs

Website: www.pinecrestdebate.org

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TENTATIVE SCHEDULE
DATE

TOURNAMENT

WHO COMPETES?

Pinecrest Novice
Bootcamp
Pinecrest High
School
(judge training in
afternoon)
Wake Forest
University (national)
Winston-Salem, NC

Pinecrest novices
compete against
each other-upper
classmen are paired
with novices or will
judge
Open to all

No cost

September 26, 2015

Pinecrest Open
Pinecrest H.S.
Southern Pines, NC

Novices compete
Others help out

October 3, 2015
(SAT)

Jack Britt High

School
Fayetteville, NC
North Mecklenburg
High School
Huntersville, NC
Charlotte Latin High
School
Charlotte, NC

Open to all

No cost
(No transportation
provided)
No cost
(Activity bus)

Sandhoke Early
College -Sandhills
Community College
Pinehurst, NC
Cary High School
Cary, NC
George Mason
University (national)
Fairfax, VA
Northwest Guilford
High School
Greensboro, NC

August 29, 2015

September 11-13,
2015
(ACT-12th)

October 10, 2015

October 31November 1, 2015

November 7, 2015
(SAT)

November 14, 2015

December 4-7, 2015
(SAT-5th)
December 12, 2015
(ACT)

APPROX. COST

Approx. $150.00
(Activity bus)

Open to all

No cost
(Activity bus)

Open to all

Approx. $125

Open to all

No Cost
(No transportation
provided)

Open to all

No cost
(Activity bus)
Approx. $300.00
(Charter bus)

Open to all

Open to all

No cost
(Activity bus)

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Laird Lewis at Myers

Park High School
Charlotte, NC
(national)

Open to all

Approx. $150.00
(Activity bus)

Durham Academy
Durham, NC
Cumberland
International (FSU)
Fayetteville, NC
Harvard University
Cambridge, MA
(national)

Open to all

Approx. $75.00

Open to all

No charge
(Activity bus)

Invitation only
(requirements must
be met)

March 4-5 or 5-6,

2016
(SAT-5th)

TFL East District

Tournament

Limited entries
chosen by the coach
(no 8th graders)

TBA

TFL East District

Congress/Policy
Tournament

Limited entries
chosen by the coach
(no 8th graders)

TBA

TFL State
Tournament

Open to all who

competed
throughout the year
(no 8th graders)

June 12-17, 2016

NSDA National
Championships
Salt Lake City, UT

Only students who

qualify through
district tournament

Approx. $500.00
plus airfare
(Airplane and
subway)
Varies-may be day or
overnight
tournament
depending on
location
Varies-may be day or
overnight
tournament
depending on
location
Varies-may be day or
overnight
tournament
depending on
location
To be determined

January 8-9, 2016

January 16-17, 2016

February 6, 2016
(ACT)
February 12-16,
2016

Please note that approximate costs listed above include transportation (unless it states plus
airfare), registration and hotel costs only. Food is not included. All prices are estimates to help
parents plan for the year. The actual cost will be announced when students are asked to sign up for
the tournament or are invited by the coach.

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*This is a tentative schedule. Tournaments may be added or deleted as necessary.

OTHER DATES OF IMPORTANCE (all dates are tentative and are subject to change):

AUGUST 26-Returning student meeting-8:15am in room 2204

AUGUST 26-New student meeting-3:45pm in room 2204 (officers need to attend)
AUGUST 26-Parent/guardian meeting in the media center at 6:00pm
AUGUST 29-Judge training for parents/guardians and other family members and friends1:00pm
FEBRUARY 9-National Speech and Debate Association Honor Society Induction and
Harvard Showcase: 6:30pm. All students with 25 or more NFL points and their
parents/guardians and siblings are invited. Those students traveling to Harvard are
required to attend.
APRIL 28-End of year celebration! All team members and their parents/guardians, siblings
and other family members are invited to attend: 6:00pm in the cafeteria.

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