Oct Montreal Jr Tournament

I have decided this year to host only junior level events ( grades 7 to 9 ), in CNDF format ( with 6-6-6-6-3-3 junior times ), and will be open to all schools in Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec and the 4 maritime provinces. I am planning to host six events this year, which should provide a substantial opportunity and experience for a large group of students that may not have as many other events at their grade level. There will be no suggestion that schools should send their less experienced debaters this year, although I do encourage schools to use these opportunities to give as many students as possible some tournament experience over the course of the year.

As with the events last year, there is no cost to attend any tournament.

The first tournament will be held on Saturday, October 2. The remaining schedule will be confirmed shortly, but the plan is for events to follow on Sat. Nov. 6 and Sat. Dec. 4 this term, followed by three more tournaments in 2022.

Before the first tournament, I will host a workshop on Wednesday, Sept. 29 at 7:00 p.m. This workshop is open to anyone, and during this time I will go over the tournament style and format in more detail than I will on the mornings on the events. I encourage anyone who may wish to compete in an event, or their coaches to attend as it will make the events themselves run more smoothly. You are also welcome to have any debater attend, of any grade level. I do not require you to register specifically for this with names and numbers, but an idea of who is attending would help!

The prepared topic for the first tournament will be: This House would lower the voting age in Canada to 14 years old.

I realize I used this at one point last year, but given the election timing it would be an excellent topic for young students to prepare.

The team cap will be approximately 60-64 teams. I will accept two teams per school, and as a reminder you must send a judge who is available for all four rounds. You may register a third team if you are able to send a second judge. It is unlikely I can accept four teams per school, but I can wait-list if you are interested. Your first judge must be an adult judge, but second judges may be experienced high school students.

The detailed schedule is posted on the google doc which will be sent to schools that register. Sign-in time will by 10:00 a.m Eastern. ( I will open zoom calls about 9:30 a.m. ). For all events we will run two prepared rounds back to back, followed by a meal break, followed by two impromptu rounds run back to back, and then a final round for the top two teams.

I accept entries from actual schools, or entities who are recognized members of their provincial debating organization. I do not accept any independently student organized teams. Hybrid teams accepted with prior approval and for unique circumstances. All teams will be expected to be accompanied by their school teacher and/or adult judge who will be the point of contact should there be an issue, and I should know at all times who I can contact easily if I need to address an issue. Teachers / coaches are the only ones allowed access to observe debates ( if they are not otherwise judging ). We cannot manage other spectators.

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN. You may register by emailing me your school name ( the teacher contact should email me ) and the number of teams you wish to enter. You will need to send judge(s) names and debaters names in advance of the tournament, but I do not need that for registration. There is no specific registration deadline, but events may fill up, and I will be looking to finalize as much as I can 2-3 days in advance.

I look forward to seeing you at these tournaments. Please reach out if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Chris George