Tomorrow, the annual Forensic League of Arizona Winter Trophy Tournaments begin. Division One is hosted by the ASU Speech and Debate team, and Division Two is hosted by Sierra Linda High School. A big “Thank you!” to the hosts.
After looking over the semester, I have a few things to say to the community: First off, I am so lucky to get to work with such a talented group of coaches and students. I feel fortunate to have so many wonderful colleagues. There are a few items, however, that we can do to make tournaments an even better experience. Please report all drops to the registration table as soon as you know about them. If the students aren’t actually dropped, they become a No-Show. We expect that as coaches, you are aware of your entry and know when students who you have entered aren’t at the tournament. A drop can be removed and the event rebracketed. A no-show wreaks havoc with debate power-matching, and unbalances IE sectioning. Unreported drops are the bane of the tab room. Tell us when students aren’t there. Check the registration paperwork carefully. The computer isn’t perfect. If someone isn’t listed on your entry who should be, it is always much easier to take care of that prior to round one starting than to try to shoehorn them in once the tournament has started. We want to work with you as much as we can, and mistakes happen to all of us, but don’t be afraid to communicate with the tournament directors.
Thank you all for all of your hard work, and good luck this weekend!
AZ Speech and Debate Coaches Association 