Which tournaments should you go to? Depends on the type of competitor you are! See the explanations below and match the type of competitor you want to be to the Tournament Schedule.
Speech and Debate is commitment-flexible: you can do as much or as little as you want. Naturally, you get out what you put in - if you want to be a champion, you are going to need to compete a lot. However, unless you've lied to a partner, you aren't hurting anyone by not going.
Types of competitor lifestyles:
- TOC track: the Tournament of Champions in April invites only competitors who have reached high levels at large, high-level tournaments. The TOC anoints certain tournaments as "bid tournaments" where you can earn your qualification for the TOC itself. These are always highly competitive tournaments, so it can be worth going even if you don't plan on going to the TOC! But if the TOC is your goal, be sure you have several opportunities to get your bids on your calendar. The team also expects that you will support our local league occasionally, even if you think you are too cool for it.
- Nationals track: it is a little easier to qualify to nationals as you only need to rank at the top of our local area at the qualifier tournament in March. It's not easy though! You should be going to large tournaments, and some TOC bid tournaments, to get the experience and see the best at work. You also need to go to local tournaments so you learn how to qualify
- Varsity track: if Speech and Debate isn't your top priority, but you still like to be competitive, we have plenty of quality tournament experiences in the Philadelphia area. It doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg or take up every weekend to be a rewarding experience
- Everyone! If you are young, or new, or unsure, or if you joined Speech and Debate to try something new and learn how to speak in public and not to win trophies, there are still plenty of tournaments for you! Our local league tournaments and one-day invitationals are a great experience no matter your level.
You can always decide to change your goals whenever you want. And you can always sign up for any tournament, regardless of what you've done before. Now, see on the Tournament Schedule which tournaments are for you!