Team Handbook

a.  Activity Permit & NDSA Dues

Speech is a MSHSL sponsored activity though South Washington County Schools and requires online registration and a $135.00 activity fee for this activity, but please contact the Activities Office for scholarship waiver information if you are concerned about the fee. Please DO NOT pay this fee until the final team roster has been posted. 

1. Registration and payment Instructions can be found here:  http://phs.sowashco.org/activities/athletics

2. Link for Fee Pay:  https://sowashco.feepay.com/

National Speech & Debate Association Dues- As a member of the Park speech team, you are required to pay an additional one-time lifetime membership fee of $20.  NSDA Website

b.  Dress Guidelines

Women:  Wear a dress, a suit, or a skirt and blouse.  Shoes should be black pumps—no spike heels or platforms.  This is not a fashion parade or party; it’s business.

Men:  Wear a collared shirt with a tie, dress slacks, and a sport coat.  An actual suit would be   even better.  Wear black or brown shoes that take a shine.

*** If you need any assistance or would like to borrow items from the Speech Closet, please contact Head Coach Erin ASAP.

c.  Lettering Policy

1. You must attend 7 out of the 8 tournaments.  Only through bona fide school-related conflicts and/or extenuating personal/family circumstances can you attend fewer and earn a letter.*

2. You must commit to at least one 30 minute practice session per week.

3. You must be in good standing:

   • Not missing scheduled practice without prior notification to your category coach. 

   • Not missing MORE than 2 weeks of practice the whole season.

   • Not be tardy to practice more than 3 times.

   • Not tardy more than one time on a Saturday morning.

   • Must call or e-mail Friday nights/Saturday morning for emergency absence.

   • Must behave appropriately to other contestants, to coaches, and to judges.

4. Must attend both Student Showcase and Team Fundraiser at Cub

*Exception to above:  If you do not attend the required number of tournaments, you may still letter if you earn a medal (1-6) at the Section 3AA Tournament .

d.  All Call Practices

• What is an All Call Practice?

  • You meet with other coaches on the team to get feedback on your piece to give outside perspective on your piece to work on with you category in practice.

  • Every All Call Practice is not required throughout the season, but you will be assigned and required to attend 1-2 of the All Calls.

  • You will be notified by a coach via email the weekend BEFORE you are being called to an All Call practice.