Judging Cheat Sheet for Quick Reference

Dear Parents and Judges...

I would like to take an opportunity to welcome your student and your family to the Arbor View Speech and Debate family! My name is Ms. Sarah Stewart. I am the Speech & Debate coach and club advisor. Many of you are new to this program so I wanted to take the time to answer any potential questions you may have about how this team may affect your life.

As the coach and advisor of the Arbor View team, I want your student(s) to feel successful and gain important life skills that can be learned by competing in Speech and Debate. As a high schooler, I did not have the opportunity to participate in a program, however I bring to the table a plethora of theatrical experience as well as a knowledge of English rhetorical knowledge.  I am thrilled to now coach your student(s) as they acquire the incredibly important skills of critical thinking, persuasion, articulation, and professionalism.  

Speech & Debate will require hard work from your student. Your student may be enrolled in the class, others are members through the club which meets after school. Regardless of how your student(s) is affiliated with our team it is guaranteed that outside time is required to memorize scripts, build cases, and rehearse and practice performances. On this website you will find a tournament schedule for the year. Students should compete in as many tournaments as they can throughout the year, and students are always welcome to come and observe tournaments. The tournaments are incredible learning opportunities for the students; the skills of self-assessment, perseverance, failure, and success will really come to life. I promise that your student will benefit from these tournaments.

Tournaments are held at different high schools around the Las Vegas valley; it is your child’s responsibility to secure a ride TO and FROM the tournament. Unfortunately, we do not have the funds to procure a bus every month, and legally I am not allowed to give or assign rides for any students. Our team leadership takes on that role before each tournament to ensure that all participants have the opportunity to compete and attend. There will be food available at the tournaments for the students to buy, or your student can bring snacks and food.

The cost of tournament food, ballots, and use of school facilities comes at a price, and to be a member of the class or club, we ask for dues of $40 per year, plus $10 per tournament entry, payable to the school banker. Students who pay dues can expect priority registration in tournaments.

We do ask parents/guardians to help fulfill our requirement for judging at the tournaments. As our students compete, we are required to provide a certain number of judges at the tournament. Even if you have never attended a Speech & Debate tournament before this, you will receive a brief training and explanation of your role when you arrive to help judge events; a majority of the judges are parents just like you who are new and nervous. The Speech & Debate coaches are available to assist in all of your needs.

I am so very excited for this team and your students! However, success comes from hard work. Practicing at home, weekends, and after school will ensure your child’s success. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

I know this will be an incredible year.

Thank you,

Ms. Sarah Stewart

STEWASL2@nv.ccsd.net