AB Speech and Debate Code of Honor

1. Speech and Debate is an optional extracurricular activity. Academic classes take priority at all times.

2. All research, writing, presentations, etc. for this activity and for your academic classes must adhere to the academic integrity standards (ex. Sources cited, no plagiarism, no falsification of research) as laid out in the AB Student Handbook.

3. Cheating in any form during team activities is not allowed.

4. Students attending tournaments are responsible to be familiar with and follow the rules for their event as specified by the Massachusetts Speech and Debate League or the entity running the tournament. These are easily accessible online.

5. Respect your teammates/peers and competitors both in and out of competition. We do not tolerate/participate in bullying, harassment or discrimination of any kind toward any individual or group. All unreconciled points of conflict should be brought to the attention of your captain and/or your coach/advisor in a timely manner.

6. Respect all adults involved with this activity, including coaches, parent volunteers, judges and MSDL Board members. All points of conflict should be brought to the attention of your coach/advisor, the team chaperone (in lieu of the coach) or the tournament director at each tournament.

7. Respect all spaces in which you practice and/or compete. Rooms should be put back in the manner in which you found them before exiting. Do not sit at or touch anything on the the teacher’s desk. Do not unplug anything in a classroom. Do not eat in classrooms without permission.

Consequences of failing to follow all or part of this code while a member of the team may result in disciplinary action by the team advisor(s)/coach(es) in addition to any action taken by the school administration. Actions may include but are not limited to restricting tournament attendance, removal from leadership position or removal from the team. See the team document regarding Consequences and Reparations.