Expectations

ATTENDANCE

• The Lodi Mock Trial season runs from mid-November and runs through early February, with practices held every Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 3:30-5:30 PM. Once varsity and JV teams are determined, JV will practice two nights per week. If the team advances to state, practices continue until early March.

• By joining the Lodi Mock Trial Team, you are making a commitment to attend all practices and competitions. Repeated unexcused absences (such as babysitting, haircuts, or work) may result in dismissal from the program. If you have frequent absences, you cannot remain on the varsity team, even if the absences are excused.

• Regular practices are essential for the team's preparation. During these sessions, students collaborate to discuss the case, develop strategy, revise questions, and practice presentations to ensure everyone is well-prepared for competition. The absence of even one student affects the entire team.

• If you are unable to attend practice, please email or speak directly to your coach before the start of practice. Lying about absences may lead to reduced competition time or dismissal from the program.

• We follow school rules to determine whether an absence is excused. For example, math meets, forensics competitions, and similar events are excused. Driver’s education lessons are also excused, but please try to avoid scheduling them during practice time.

• It is also crucial for students to attend all scrimmages and tournaments. Missing a competition puts the team at a disadvantage. If you know in advance that you will be absent, please notify your coaches and teammates as early as possible so the team can plan accordingly.

BEHAVIOR AND DECORUM

At Practices

• During practices, do not use your phone or Chromebook for games or other distractions. While sending a quick text to your parents or boss is fine, playing games, watching videos, or engaging in other non-mock trial activities is disrespectful to your coaches and teammates. If you have any downtime, read case materials, review the rules handbook, provide feedback to teammates, or study rules online.

• Stay focused on mock trial during practice. If you are feeling stressed due to an upcoming test or other issue, communicate with your coach about adjusting your practice time.

• When working as a team, disagreements may arise. If this happens, we expect you to voice your concerns in a mature, respectful manner and avoid unnecessary drama. If you need advice on handling a difficult conversation, don’t hesitate to ask your coach for guidance.

At Competitions

• Courtroom etiquette demands that all students behave courteously toward the opposing team before, during, and after the trial. Lodi students are expected to go above and beyond by demonstrating excellent sportsmanship: always shake hands, smile, and engage respectfully with opponents after the trial.

• Be polite and respectful to the presiding judge and panel judges. The presiding judge is the authority in the courtroom, so always refer to them as “Your Honor” and accept decisions respectfully, even if you disagree with them. Panel judges, who determine your scores, should be addressed as “members of the jury.” After each trial, ensure that at least one Lodi student personally thanks each judge for their time and efforts.

• Be prepared for the unexpected. There may be situations you are unprepared for—if you believe the rules were violated, calmly object and explain why. Maintain composure at all times, even if emotions are running high.

• Hats, gum, food, and beverages (other than water) are prohibited in courtrooms for both participants and spectators.

• Students not competing in a round are expected to help with timekeeping or note-taking. Phones should only be used as a stopwatch during competition; using your phone for any other purpose is unacceptable and could result in a penalty from the judges.

• Whether inside or outside the courtroom, be mindful of your surroundings. Never speak negatively about other teams in public areas! Unsportsmanlike conduct can result in reduced competition time or dismissal from the program.

• Important: Only students competing in a round may communicate with each other. Coaches and non-competing team members are not allowed to communicate with the six students competing during that round. 

DRESS CODE

• Your appearance affects how others perceive you and our team, so it is important to dress professionally. Dressing the part, even for scrimmages, helps you mentally prepare for competition and allows you to try out your outfit before the Regional Tournament.

• Professional dress typically means dress pants or a skirt, a dress shirt, dress shoes, and a tie for males. A jacket is optional but highly encouraged. Skirts or dresses should be of conservative length, and all clothing should be ironed. Shirts must be tucked in during competitions.

• Unprofessional dress includes jeans, leggings, athletic shoes, or spiked heels. Heels should be no higher than two inches.

• Costumes or uniforms are not allowed under mock trial rules.

• Important: If finding professional clothing presents a hardship for your family, please speak with Mrs. Potter. Many former team members and families have generously donated professional clothing, and we may have something available for you to borrow. If you borrow any items, please return them cleaned and ironed by the end of the season.

TRANSPORTATION

• All team members must ride school-provided transportation to and from events unless the principal has granted prior authorization.

• Students may ride home with their own parents, but the parent must sign out the student with the coach before leaving the event.

• Parents wishing to have their child ride home with another adult must submit a written request to the principal and coach before the event. The principal and coach must also hear from the adult providing the ride, confirming their responsibility.