A Brush up on Tournament Etiquette
SEDA works hard to create a very collegial atmosphere. The
following is a refresher on (or for new members, an introduction
to) SEDA "etiquette". These pointers are offered for
debaters, coaches, parents and all observers general
information. These practices and rules have evolved over the
years to increase fair play, participant enjoyment and ease of
hosting. Following some of these simple rules can go a long way
toward improving everyone's debate experience, so it's worth
briefly reviewing them here. This list is not exhaustive --
everyone could probably add a few points. However, here is some
advice on some of our more commonly experienced problems. If you
would like more information on these points, call the SEDA
office.
Before the Tournament
As interest in debate grows, the size of tournaments grows too.
This has meant that students sometimes end up on waiting lists.
Prompt registration and early notice of cancellations is greatly
appreciated and makes the work in the office easier. Also, please
be patient as we manage the waiting list. Pressuring to get the
teams enrolled won't help anyone. Yes, we know debaters need time
to prepare and therefore, need to know if they will be attending
the tournament. But remember, the host could have said, "sorry, the
tournament is full" rather than going out of their way to manage a
waitlist.
Try your best to accommodate the host. Every club has hosted
something at sometime and we all know how much work it can be. Any
assistance you can offer will be appreciated. Register your teams
and required judges on time! If you can bring along extra judges,
great! If you know someone in the host community who can judge,
call them and put them in touch with the host!
Give the earliest possible notice that someone is canceling. Last
minute changes equal lots of work and potential tournament delay.
If you are running late for a tournament or are unavoidably
delayed, please contact the SEDA cell phone (530-8811) and let us
know. It may be best for everyone to begin without you.
At the Tournament
Debaters (and coaches) have certain rights:
a. to inform SEDA before a round begins about
any conflicts with a judge in their room - tell us ASAP if there is
a problem so we can change a judge;
b. to help a moderator/timekeeper or judge if
there is confusion about how to run the round;
c. to inform SEDA of any irregularities in a
round (we don't usually overturn decisions, but we will listen to
your concerns and correct what we can).
Debaters (coaches, parents, and observers) must take care
not to:
d. Watch rounds of their upcoming
opponents. Scouting is not permitted. The rationale for
this rule is that observing your opponent gives you unfair, advance
knowledge of their cases. This rule also applies to parents,
coaches, teammates, judges or anyone else who is tempted to watch a
debate and then spread that information around. Teams with byes are
encouraged to watch and learn from other teams, but if you are
going to observe a debate, make sure it is in another
division.
e. Distract the debaters.
Coaches, parents, timekeepers, moderators, and all other observers
must be very careful that they do not show any non-verbal cues to
the debaters that could be considered a tactic to throw off the
other team (eye-rolling, mouthing comments, shaking or nodding
their head, etc.). Audience members are not allowed to make
comments during the debate. Of course, Judges may show reactions
(smiling or nodding encouragement, frowns, etc.). Everyone is to
wait quietly while the judges make their decisions.
f. Complain unproductively.
Negative comments about the judging, the food, and other debaters
spread like wildfire. Everyone tries their best, but sometimes
problems occur. Please don't make people feel worse than they
already do. We advise: "go with the flow". Bring problems to the
hosts' or SEDA's attention immediately so we can deal with the
problems as they occur.
Respect the judges, even if you really, really
disagree with their decision. These people are volunteers who give
up free time for the good of debate. Many are rookies just trying
to do their best. Remember to thank the judges and shake their
hands. Debaters, coaches and parents can ask politely for more
comments after the round, but they must not give judges a hard
time, pressure them about their decisions or argue with them. Keep
a lid on the "rink rage". Register judging complaints with SEDA as
soon as they occur.
Say "thank you" to the organizers. While we all
know that participants appreciate the work the host does, it's
still nice to hear it once in a while. So before your head for
home, take a minute say thanks. For most hosts, the reason they
work so hard is because they care about students. It is very
gratifying to have some of these students come up to you and shake
your hand.
Remember, at SEDA we don't just play to win. We play to learn
and we play to have fun!
Printable version of SEDA's
Tournament Etiquette.
Printable version of SEDA's Fair Play Code.
