1. Delbarton Forensic Society Parents Meeting
September 30, 2015
The language of truth is simple - Seneca

2. Agenda Introductions Communication Program purpose and benefits
Competitive events
Schedule and tournaments
Major policies overview
Parental involvement

3. Introductions Adult Staff Student Officers
Moderators/Public Forum and Lincoln-Douglas Debate coaches: Fr. Michael Tidd, OSB, Mr. Philip Bauchan
Public Forum Debate coach: Mr. Christopher Fielder (Seton Hall University ‘16)
Speech coaches: Mr. LaJuan Foust (Delbarton faculty), Ms. Abby Deely (Seton Hall University ‘16)
Student Officers
President: Jai Amin ‘16
Vice President: James Dolan ‘16
Novice Masters (Debate): Ryan Hosler ‘16, EJ Murphy ‘16
Novice Masters (Speech): John Beute ‘16, Justin Donaher ‘16, Theodore O’Brien ‘17

4. Introductions Forensics Boosters Executive Committee
President: Mrs. Colleen Donaher (mother of Justin Donaher ’16)
Vice-President (President-Elect for ): Mrs. Kathleen Townsend (mother of Jack Townsend ’19)
Wreath Sale Chair: Mrs. Gwen Eichler (mother of Alex Eichler ’16)
Social Chair: Mrs. Ami Amin (mother of Jai Amin ’16)
Judge Training Mentors: Mrs. Ami Amin, Mrs. Stephanie Dolan (mother of James Dolan ’16) and Mrs. Sasi Swami (mother of Vish Swami ’18)

5. Program Purpose
To develop student excellence in public speaking and argument
To represent Delbarton in local and national forensic tournaments at the highest possible level of ethical and competitive quality.

6. Program Benefits
Builds self-confidence and trains members to express themselves effectively
Develops effective persuasion skills
Develops lifetime business communication and leadership skills
Empowers members with skills that benefit the wider community

7. Competition Events Debate Speech Lincoln-Douglas Debate (1 on 1)
Public Forum Debate (2 on 2)
Congressional Debate
Speech
Public Address (Declamation, Original Oratory)
Interpretation (Dramatic, Humorous, Duo)
Limited Prep (Extemporaneous, Impromptu)

8. Communication
Coach Contact Information
Fr. Michael: cell:
Mr. Bauchan: cell
Mr. Foust: cell
Team Bulletin ed to all parents weekly; posted weekly on team Google Drive folder for students Team Schoology page (available to anyone):

9. Tournament Schedule Local tournaments Travel tournaments
NJ Speech & Debate League (State Tournament in March)
NJ District, National Forensic League (national qualifier in March)
Paterson Catholic Forensic League (national qualifier in February at Delbarton)
Travel tournaments
Some require missed classes
Most limited to varsity competitors & a specific number of entries
National tournaments (NCFL & NSDA Nationals) at the end of the school year require qualification

10. Meetings, Practices, and Tournament Registration
Meetings and practices
Business meeting: every first Tuesday of the month at 2:45 PM
Practices 2 days a week, usually 2:45-5:30 PM (varies by event)
Tournament registration
Done 4 to 6 weeks in advance, sometimes further out (for travel tournaments)
Students confirm registrations at monthly team meetings

11. Tournament Attire and Materials
Required tournament attire
Dark suit (blue or gray), white dress shirt designed for a tie, tie, white t-shirt, dark dress belt, dark dress socks, black or burgundy dress shoes (dress shoes = that carry a shine)
Students should NOT wear
Khakis and a blazer
Shirts not designed for a tie
Casual cloth belts (Vineyard Vines) or shoes (any shoe not shinable)
White socks
Required Materials for All Tournaments
8 ½ x 11 pad folio (for speakers AND debaters) and pads
Small bag or briefcase
Red & black pens (team supplies these)

12. Travel Tournament Policies
Detailed policies found in team Handbook (on our Schoology page)
Safety is the absolute priority
“Travel together, stay together, return together”
The entire team celebrates Mass when we travel on a Sunday (just as for an all-school Mass on campus)

13. Parental Involvement Judging (Mr. Bauchan, Judge Chair)
We provide training & judge support
NJSDL judge training at Delbarton: Sunday 10/11, 12-4:30 PM, FAC
Family commitment: Judge at 3 tournament days/year OR judge substitution fee ($150/tournament day or $450 for the year)
Register at SignupGenius.com (linked on team Schoology page)
Can be at one multi-day tournament or over several tournaments
Use fee to hire judges provided by tournaments

14. Parental Involvement Fundraising Direct contributions (optional)
Suggested amount: $600 per family
In-kind donations also accepted (miles, points)
Christmas Wreath sale
Each family is asked to sell at least 10 wreaths OR you can substitute $150 in lieu of participation (similar to soccer & other athletic teams’ sales)