Dear Speech and Debate Colleague,

 

I am pleased to invite all member schools to The First/Second Year State Speech and Debate Tournament, scheduled for February 3 & 4, 2012 at Gainesville State College. A special “Thank You” goes out to Tom Preston and Gainesville State College for hosting this tournament.

 

The tournament will offer Novice and Junior-Varsity division in ALL of the following events: Policy Debate, Lincoln-Douglas Debate, Public Forum Debate, Extemporaneous Commentary, Original Oratory, Impromptu Speaking, Dramatic Interpretation, Humorous Interpretation, Prose/Poetry, Declamation and Duo Interpretation. Depending on numbers in individual events/duo, divisions may be collapsed but awards will be given in both Novice/JV Divisions.

 

This is still a young tournament for Georgia, so understanding eligibility requirements is vital.

• Any school currently a member of the Georgia Forensic Coaches Association may attend this tournament.
• Students competing in their First- or Second-year of competitive forensics may enter.
• In partnered events, BOTH competitors must meet this requirement.
• Students may double-enter except as follows: Policy Debate may be single-entered ONLY; No double-entry between Lincoln-Douglas Debate and Public Forum Debate,
• Students may not enter more than two events total. - All students must meet eligibility requirements
• Rules governing tabulation for the GFCA State Varsity Tournament will govern this tournament as well
• Students qualified for the GFCA State Varsity Tournament and qualify as First/Second Year competitors may attend BOTH State Championships.

 

Policy Debate Topic- Resolved: The United States federal government should substantially increase its exploration and/or development of space beyond the Earth's mesosphere.

 

Note: The Novice Policy division will be an open evidence division.  Teams are not restricted to the GFCA Novice Packet.

 

Public Forum Debate Topic- Resolved: The costs of a college education outweigh the benefits.

 

LD Topic- Resolved: It is morally permissable for victims to use deadly force as a deliberate response to repeated domestic violence.

 

Champions will be named in all divisions. All entries advancing to elimination rounds will received awards. Sweepstakes Awards will be given to the top three schools based upon the GFCA sweepstakes formula and will combine both Novice and JV divisions.

 

Information about guidelines and rules may be found on the GFCA website: thegfca.org. Feel free to contact GFCA President Mario Herrera at 404-242-2297 with any questions.