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Rostrum
A PUBLICATION OF THE NATIONAL FORENSIC LEAGUE
VOLUME 87
ISSUE 2
OCTOBER 2012
Introducing Our New Website!
INSIDE:
Navigating
the Site
Even More
Resources!
Top Ten
New Features
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in
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The
TheUTNIF would
competitive like toisonce
season nowagain
in fullcongratulate
swing and we allencourage
of the veryyou
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keep the
and coaches who gave their all at last summer’s NFL National Tournament
UTNIF in mind. It is never too early to begin thinking about plans for the future in
Indianapolis,
and what youIndiana.
will do to prepare yourself for the highest levels of competitive
excellence. Choosing the UTNIF’s rigorous course of practice and study is a
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in the right the passion,
direction. dedication,
Join us and hard
next summer work
and see forof the season,
yourself why
the NFL tournament truly represents the best of our community.
the UTNIF is one of the largest and most successful speech and debate In 2013, the
UTNIF will continue
workshops to do its
in the country. Ourpart in contributing
alumni have won to the NFL’s
League long tradition
championships and of
excellence and integrity in speech and debate education.
final rounds in the House, the Senate, Public Forum, Policy Debate, U.S. Extemp,
Extemp Commentary, Impromptu Speaking, Dramatic Interpretation, Humorous
As you begin the new competitive year, we encourage you to keep us in mind.
Interpretation, Poetry, and more.
Join us next summer and see for yourself why the UTNIF is one of the largest
and most successful speech and debate workshops in the country. Our alumni
have won NFL championships and NFL final rounds in the House, the Senate,
Public Forum, Policy Debate, US Extemp, Extemp Commentary, Impromptu
Speaking, Dramatic Interpretation, Humorous Interpretation, Poetry and more.
UTNIF
UTNIF www.utspeech.net
Dept.of
Dept. ofCommunication
CommunicationStudies
Studies www.utdebatecamp.com
www.utdebatecamp.com
11University
UniversityStation,
Station,A1105
A1105 phone: (512) 471-5518
Austin,TX
Austin, TX78705
78705 jvreed@austin.utexas.edu
jvreed@austin.utexas.edu
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www.nationalforensicleague.org
In this Issue
: Volume 87 : Issue 2 : OCTOBEr 2012
From the Cover Inside
20 Introducing Our New Website 4 From the Editor
5 2012-13 Topics
Features 32 Academic All Americans
8 2013-14 Policy Debate Topic Synopsis 42 Diamond Coach
14 Strong Federal Investment in Transportation: Recognition
Why We Can’t Wait by Joung Lee 49 Donus D. Roberts Quad
29 Pi Kappa Delta at 100 Ruby Coach Recognition
38 Gaining an Understanding of 50 Coach Profile:
Online Interp Source Rules Jeffrey Miller
86 NDCA Coaches' Corner
Year in Review by Aarron Schurevich
53 Century Society Report
54 Point Leaders
58 State All Americans
66 Largest Schools
67 Largest Number of New Degrees
68 Chapter Honor Societies
75 Charter Chapter Report
84 New Degrees Summary
Have you registered for the IPPF yet?
See page 13 for details!
Rostrum | OCTOBER 2012 3
From the Editor Board of Directors
Don Crabtree, President
Park Hill High School
Dear National Forensic League, 1909 6th Avenue
St. Joseph, MO 64505
This issue of Rostrum is filled with several important (816) 261-2661
updates. In September, we debuted our new website, crab@ponyexpress.net
www.nationalforensicleague.org. Within these pages, we Kandi King
are pleased to give you an in-depth tour of the site’s new 6058 Gaelic
features—along with the rich variety of additional programs San Antonio, TX 78240
(210) 641-6761
and services now available to our members, alumni, parents, mamakjking@yahoo.com
and supporters.
Pam Cady Wycoff
This month, we also celebrate the many accomplishments of our students Apple Valley High School
and coaches from the past school year, including our inaugural list of State All 14450 Hayes Road
Apple Valley, MN 55124-6796
Americans, recognizing the top 1% of point earners in each state. Congratulations (952) 431-8200
on outstanding season! By continuing to enter points and track your progress Pam.Wycoff@district196.org
through our online Honor Society Records, you are sparking legacy. In the coming
months, we are committed to finding even more ways to recognize our members Tommie Lindsey, Jr.
James Logan High School
and advocate the power of speech and debate. 1800 H Street
Union City, CA 94587
We look forward to hearing your feedback about our new website and other (510) 471-2520, Ext. 4408
initiatives so that we may better serve you. To share your thoughts and ideas, Tommie_Lindsey@nhusd.k12.ca.us
please email info@nationalforensicleague.org.
Pamela K. McComas
Topeka High School
Sincerely, 800 W. 10th
Topeka, KS 66612-1687
(785) 295-3226
pmccomas@topeka.k12.ks.us
J. Scott Wunn Timothy E. Sheaff
Executive Director Dowling Catholic High School
1400 Buffalo Road
West Des Moines, IA 50265
(515) 222-1035
tsheaff@dowlingcatholic.org
Powering speech. Bro. Kevin Dalmasse, FSC, Admin Rep
Pittsburgh Central Catholic High School
Launching leaders. 4720 Fifth Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15213-2952
(215) 514-2859
dalmasse@gmail.com
Rostrum David Huston
Colleyville Heritage High School
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Rostrum is published monthly (except June-August) by the National Forensic League, 125 Watson Street, PO Box
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guarantee advertised products and services unless sold directly by the League.
4 Rostrum | OCTOBER 2012
www.nationalforensicleague.org
2012-2013
Topics Topic Release Information
Lincoln-Douglas Topic Release Dates
OCTOBER 2012
August 15 September-October Topic
Public Forum Debate
October 1 November-December Topic
Resolved: Developed countries
December 1 January-February Topic
have a moral obligation to mitigate
February 1 March-April Topic
the effects of climate change.
May 1 National Tournament Topic
Public Forum Topic Release Dates
August 15 September Topic
September / October 2012
September 1 October Topic
Lincoln-Douglas Debate
Resolved: The United States October 1 November Topic
ought to extend to non-citizens November 1 December Topic
accused of terrorism the same December 1 January Topic
constitutional due process January 1 February Topic
protections it grants to citizens. February 1 March Topic
March 1 April Topic
May 1 National Tournament Topic
2012-13 2013-14 Policy Debate Topic Voting
Policy Debate • Topic synopsis printed in the October Rostrum
Resolved: The United States federal • Final vote to occur online in December
government should substantially • Topic for 2013-14 released in the February Rostrum
increase its transportation
Other topics are available by visiting us online at
infrastructure investment in the
www.nationalforensicleague.org.
United States.
Vote Online for 2013-14
2012-13 PARTNER CONTEST Policy Debate Resolutions
International Public Policy Forum Chapter advisors may vote online for the 2013-14 Policy Debate
topic areas until 4 p.m. CDT on October 19, 2012. To vote, rank
Resolved: Adaptation should be the your preferences for the topic areas 1 (best) though 5. The two
most urgent response to climate areas receiving the lowest totals will be placed on the second
change. ballot to select the 2013-14 debate topic. Only chapter advisors are
permitted to vote. You will be required to log in to vote. To log
in, visit www.nationalforensicleague.org » Enter Points, then select
Policy Topic Selection from the left side menu.
Questions? Email us at info@nationalforensicleague.org.
Rostrum | OCTOBER 2012 5
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THIS IS WKU FORENSICS
To the University, Forensics is an opportunity to demonstrate academic excellence,
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The WKU SUMMER FORENSIC INSTITUTE will be held July 7-13, 2013!
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email: jace.lux@wku.edu phone: 270-745-6340
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Policy Debate:
Synopsis of the Problem
Areas for 2013-14
I technology sector. Furthermore,
the topic offers debaters the opportunity II
to investigate a unique foreign policy tool
PROBLEM AREA I: which has been debated only in small PROBLEM AREA II:
EXPORT CONTROLS areas of past topics. Affirmatives would INDIA
have opportunities to investigate the
role U.S. technology plays in international
Resolved: The United States Resolved: The United States
terrorism, proliferation, security, and
federal government should human rights issues. For example they
federal government should
substantially strengthen its could strengthen controls on computers substantially increase its
export controls on military and microprocessors to China or Taiwan diplomatic engagement
and/or dual-use technology to prevent missile proliferation. Another toward India in one or more
toward one or more of the affirmative case area could reverse the of the following: nuclear non-
following: China, India, Israel, U.S.-India Civil Nuclear Agreement to proliferation, trade, terrorism.
prevent the transfer of U.S. nuclear
Russia, Taiwan.
technology to India. Affirmatives could
also stop all current or future arms sales
to Israel. Negatives would have the The region of South Asia has become
In an era where both domestic and ability to highlight the impacts of export one of primary focus for American
international technology transfers are controls on trade, international relations, lawmakers. Anchoring the region is India, a
immigration, and domestic technological nation with a complex history of relations
becoming necessary for a variety of
competitiveness. For example, negative with the United States. There is no doubt
reasons, many continue to inquire if
teams would have ample ground to read of the strategic importance of India in the
current export controls are adequate to
relations disadvantages to each of the global order. India ranks second highest in
protect U.S. technology from misuse.
global population with just over 1.1 billion
The U.S. faces many challenges in export countries listed in the topic, or negatives
people and is expected to overtake China
control policy including threats from could read a business confidence
for having the world's largest population
nations that illegally acquire technology. disadvantage. Negatives would have
by the year 2050. Combined with having
A fair division of ground exists in the access to counterplans on alternate export one of the largest economies in the world
literature base between those who want control mechanisms like sanctions or quid- and a place among the nuclear powers,
to prioritize security concerns and protect pro-quo mechanisms. Solvency debates India has staked its claim as a rising global
technology and those who want to reduce will also be diverse on both the type of power. In November 2010, President
export controls to stimulate growth in the technologies and the types of controls. Obama stated, “India is not simply
8 Rostrum | OCTOBER 2012www.nationalforensicleague.org
Cast Your Vote Online!
Chapter advisors may vote online for the 2012-13 Policy Debate topic areas until 4 p.m. CDT on October 19,
2012. To vote, rank your preferences for the topic areas 1 (best) though 5. The two areas receiving the lowest
totals will be placed on the second ballot to select the 2013-14 debate topic. Only chapter advisors are
permitted to vote. You will be required to log in to vote. To log in, visit www.nationalforensicleague.org »
Enter Points, then select Policy Topic Selection from the left side menu.
emerging. India has emerged.”
Despite its importance on the global
III power shift back to the Institutional
Revolutionary Party, which had run the
stage, India has eluded the national country as effectively a single-party
high school debate community as a
PROBLEM AREA III:
state for seven decades. Because of the
primary topic of discussion. This resolution LATIN AMERICA prevalence of Mexico in the news and
focuses high school debaters on three Cuba in the study of American history,
important areas that emphasize foreign novice debaters should be able to make
policy interactions between the United
Resolved: The United States
their entry into the topic relatively
States and India: nuclear non-proliferation, federal government should easily, while issues related to indigenous
terrorism, and trade. The India topic substantially increase its peoples and deeper discussions of
provides a rich and extensive literature economic engagement capitalism will provide fertile educational
base. Affirmatives will have an ample set of
toward Cuba, Mexico, or ground for advanced and kritik-oriented
plan mechanisms to choose from including debaters. Affirmative cases may examine
persuading India to join international Venezuela.
the role of embargoes and sanctions,
nonproliferation regimes, negotiating a remittances from immigrants, foreign
bilateral investment treaty, and further assistance, and issues regarding the drug
negotiations on the development of joint economies. Negative arguments may
U.S.-India counterterrorism efforts in Emerging from a 19th century
address the efficacy of foreign assistance,
the region. Negative teams will also find dominated by European colonialism and
non-economically oriented solutions to
their ground to be extensive. Aside from a late 20th-century existence as a proxy
issues raised by the affirmative, kritiks
traditional disadvantage ground, such battlefield for the Cold War, Latin America
of capitalism, the state and the United
as politics and spending disadvantages, is arriving on the world scene in ways that
States specifically, and the effects of these
a negative will find plenty of ground in are likely to reshape the international
policies on United States hegemony.
China's reaction to the affirmative plan. political landscape. This resolution focuses
Furthering United States engagement on the nations of Cuba, Mexico, and
VO TE
with India will certainly implicate U.S.- Venezuela, each having its own unique
Sino relations. Negatives can also engage dynamic which provides fertile ground
in counterplan debates that are more for a year of debating. Cuba features a
coercive approaches to pressure India than long-standing leftist government that will
through diplomatic engagement. Solvency undergo a transition in the not too distant
debates will be extensive and diverse as future, while Venezuela's Hugo Chavez is
negative teams will be able to generate fighting to hold onto power in his country.
in-depth arguments on the type of Mexico has a long-standing relationship
online no later than
engagement the affirmative advocates. with the United States but has seen a October 19, 2012
Rostrum | OCTOBER 2012 9IV nations equally important. History proves
that engagement is achievable but is
not without its challenges. Affirmative
zero-sum game for influence between
those two powers. Southeast Asia is “the
third engine” for Asian growth, already
PROBLEM AREA IV: positions may include: reduction(s) surpassing Europe as the U.S.'s trading
in tactical nuclear weapons, greater partner, and has multiple nations with
RUSSIA reduction(s) in strategic nuclear arms, projected economic growth greater
reduction(s) in ICBMs, confidence-building than that of India or China. However,
measures to de-militarize the expansion of the region is rife with sweatshops, sex
Resolved: The United States
NATO along Russia's borders, commitment trafficking, piracy, terrorism, pollution,
federal government should not to build or direct military installations energy shortages, and political corruption.
substantially increase its near Russian borders or strategic forces, The Congressional Research Service
engagement toward the trade agreement focused on energy and identifies U.S. interests in the region as
promoting stability, ensuring freedom of
Russian Federation in one non-energy sectors, bilateral investment
treaty. Negative positions may focus sea lanes, enhancing trade and investment,
or more of the following: supporting treaty allies, and promoting
on: weakened deterrence and military
nuclear arms reduction, readiness, perception of appeasement, democracy/human rights in the region.
missile defense cooperation, effect on Putin's and Obama's credibility, Recent events such as standoffs in the
trade barrier reduction. NATO cohesion, democracy promotion, Spratley Islands and the South China Sea
pressure on human rights abuses, critical have left U.S. allies wondering if the U.S.
analyses of international relations. has abandoned them to be absorbed
into China's growing hegemonic sphere.
V
Affirmative military positions could
The United States' relationship with
increase the presence of troops, bases, or
Russia is of strategic importance, both in
technology in the region to combat piracy,
terms of national security and economic
project power, or train local forces for
stability. Despite this significance,
Stephen Cohen, professor of Russian PROBLEM AREA V: challenges such as terrorism. Affirmative
plans promoting economic engagement
studies at NYU, writes: “And yet, in the SOUTHEAST ASIA could advocate increasing development
United States, there is virtually no critical
aid or expanding opportunities for trade
discussion, certainly no debate, about and economic growth. China is a key
American policy toward Russia.” Russia has Resolved: The United States
position for negative teams because it
remained on the periphery of debates federal government should views U.S. involvement as an expansion of
in recent years, but a more in-depth substantially increase its the containment doctrine; even increased
evaluation focused on the three core
issues facing the two superpowers would
military presence and/or economic engagement would jeopardize
the region's trade with China. In the
be timely and educational: nuclear arms economic engagement in
past, U.S. engagement has emboldened
reduction, missile defense cooperation, and Southeast Asia. local nations in their dealings with China,
trade barrier reduction. In a post-Cold War creating incidents that have heightened
world, military concerns are still of vital the chance for war. Development
importance but encompass more than the disadvantages, international relations
security of the world's two largest nuclear President Obama's “Asian Pivot” put arguments, the interaction between
arsenals. Additionally, increasing economic the U.S. back in Southeast Asia, a region economic growth and environmental
interdependence coupled with Russia's that China views as its sphere of influence. decay, local corruption/misuse of aid and
accession to the World Trade Organization Professor Donald Weatherbee, an expert actor arguments, all serve to make the
make trade relations between the two on the region, identifies this area as a topic extremely balanced for debate.
For online voting instructions, see page 9.
10 Rostrum | OCTOBER 2012Looking for college
scholarships?
Look no further.
American Legion Oratorical Contest
As part of the National Forensic League and American Legion
partnership, the top three finishers from the Legion's National
Oratorical Contest may earn a berth in Original Oratory or U.S.
Extemporaneous Speaking at the National Forensic League National
Tournament. The first place finisher is awarded an $18,000 scholarship,
second place $16,000, and third place $14,000. The scholarships may be
used at any college or university in the United States.
Want to get involved? Follow these simple steps!
• Visit www.legion.org/oratorical to learn more.
• Click “Request Information” or contact
your state's American Legion Department
to learn when the first contest will be.
• Also click on “Assigned Topics” to learn
the extemporaneous topic areas.
• Prepare your original oration on some aspect of
the Constitution with emphasis on the duties
and obligations of a citizen to our government. Rebecca Frazer, 2012 National ChampionRESOLVED: ADAPTATION
SHOULD BE THE MOST URGENT
RESPONSE TO CLIMATE CHANGE.
Register today at: www.bickelbrewer.com/ippfStrong Federal Investment
in Transportation:
Why We Can’t Wait
by Joung Lee
W
hen was the last time let alone improve their conditions and
you thought about how performance. For example, a recent
the road on which you’re Congressionally-chartered commission
traveling was built? Or have you ever (report available on NFL.transportation.org)
thought about how much it would cost noted that in order to meet increasing
to build a mile of a subway line? You demands and to underpin strong
probably haven’t had to think about economic growth, the United States must
these things because you and your invest at least $225 billion every year for
family have generally been able to get to the next 50 years. But right now, we’re
wherever you want, whenever you want. investing $90 billion, or about 40 percent
To a large extent, this kind of experience of the amount of resources necessary.
has been enabled by consistently When it comes to infrastructure
robust investments in transportation investments, the consequence of inaction
infrastructure throughout our history. can seem unnoticeable at first. But like
Perhaps, providing a transportation the proverbial frog in a gradually heating
system, on which all people and goods pot that slowly meets its end, continued
rely, is akin to being a referee at a sports accretion of all the problems attendant
match—as long as the ref doesn’t make with lack of transportation investment—
an erroneous call, he or she will go more potholes, more congestion, more
unnoticed. In other words, like when all unsafe bridges, more broken buses and
the right calls are made in a game, there is trains—is a sure recipe for declines in
little acknowledgement or appreciation— economic strength and quality of life in
just like when highway bridges withstand the U.S.
cold and hot weather for decades, when In recent years, the federal investment
years go without a single plane crash, or in highway and transit has declined,
when trains and trucks deliver millions of amounting to less than 1.5 percent of the
online merchandise order on time. gross domestic product. (While China’s
Increasingly, however, this critical economy is less mature and therefore
element of the daily American life— provides an imperfect measuring stick,
the historically unparalleled access its infrastructure spending in 2006 was
to mobility—is under threat from a staggering nine percent of its GDP.)
our collective inability to make the In fact, the U.S. now ranks 24th on key
necessary investments in transportation global indicators for infrastructure quality
infrastructure to just maintain existing among 142 countries around the world,
highway, transit, and freight systems, according to the World Economic Forum’s
14 Rostrum | OCTOBER 2012www.nationalforensicleague.org
Global Competitiveness Report for FY currently amounts to 18.4 cents per Traveled (VMT) fee. In addition to
2011-12. This is a significant fall from the gallon. Unlike a sales tax which fluctuates providing sustainable funding in the long
number eight spot six years prior. with the price of a good, the gas tax run, a VMT fee can address a number
So what can be done to address this has remained flat since 1993. As a result, of desirable transportation policy goals,
infrastructure shortfall? This is where the it has lost 37 percent of its purchasing such as reducing traffic congestion or
federal government’s leadership comes power by 2012 due to inflation, while harmful pollutant emissions, by varying
in. As exemplified by the construction the cost of building and maintaining the per-mile charge based on relevant
of the Interstate Highway System in the transportation infrastructure has risen. vehicle characteristics (e.g., size, weight,
20th century, there is no other actor in One obvious solution is to raise this gas emissions class) or the time and location
either the public or private sector that tax by 11 cents to bring its purchasing of travel. This would create financial
can marshal the significant amount of power back to what it used to be 19 years incentives to, for example, purchase less
resources necessary throughout the ago. This action can raise about $15 billion polluting cars or avoid peak hour travel
entire country to facilitate interstate in additional revenues every year to help when possible. The biggest challenge
commerce and movement of people like shore up our chronic underinvestment in facing the VMT fee is the lack of political
Uncle Sam. For example, from 1950 to infrastructure, while costing only about support for a major transition that would
1989, U.S. industries realized production $5 in additional expense per vehicle each be necessary to collect this fee from
cost savings averaging 18 cents annually month. However, gas tax increase tends every vehicle (compared to the gas tax
for each dollar invested in the road to face immense political opposition at which is already embedded into the
system according to the Federal Highway both the federal and state levels, and it fuel price at the pump), and to address
Administration. Such gains in efficiency cannot be seen as a long-term funding the public perception that individual
provided every year by highway source given that vehicles are relying less privacy would be comprised under this
transportation coincided with significant and less on gasoline consumption, while approach.
gains seen throughout the American placing the same amount of wear-and- While there are benefits and
economy during those years. tear on our roadways. drawbacks to each method of generating
In terms of paying for federal Another option that is starting to transportation revenue, there is no
investments in transportation, we have receive more attention is a fee based shortage of technically feasible options,
historically relied on the gas tax, which on distance traveled, or a Vehicle Miles as seen in the table on the next page.
Rostrum | OCTOBER 2012 15In addition to long-term economic rates. Rather than paying more later nation is dependent not only on keeping
productivity and quality-of-life benefits for the same amount of labor and this and other valuable transportation
that a robust federal transportation equipment needed to construct and assets in peak condition, but also
investment would engender nationwide, repair roads, rails, and runways, taking adding significant new system capacity
the current economic malaise provides advantage of the low interest rate now enabled by the federal government. If
a unique opportunity to get even more would enable governments to provide we can realize this goal, it would once
bang for the buck in two ways. First, the benefits of infrastructure investment at a again assure world-class mobility for all
construction industry was one of the substantially lower cost to the taxpayer Americans for decades to come.
hardest hit sectors in the great recession, in the long-term.
with the unemployment rate sitting Throughout history, America
at 16.4 percent in 2011, almost double has always possessed both the
the national average of 8.9 percent. As necessary vision and willpower to Joung Lee serves as Associate Director
such, a major transportation investment make transformative changes for for Finance and Business Development
initiative would significantly aid in the betterment of its citizens. While at the American Association of State
Highway and Transportation Officials
recovery of a critical industry. Second, the development of the Interstate (AASHTO), where he focuses on surface
the cost of borrowing by government System has been one of our crowning transportation finance, policy, and
currently remains at historically low achievements, the future success of the legislative matters.
16 Rostrum | OCTOBER 2012The Villiger Tournament
The Saint Joseph's University Villiger Speech and Debate Team invites you to its 33rd
Annual High School Speech and Debate Tournament. We offer all NCFL events
including: Declamation, Dramatic Performance, Duo Interpretation, Extemporaneous
Speaking, Oral Interpretation, Original Oratory, Cross Examination Debate, Lincoln
Douglas Debate, Public Forum Debate, and Congressional Debate.
When: November 17 & 18, 2012
Where: Saint Joseph's University
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Competitors at the 2011 Villiger Tournament reached deep outrounds all over the
country including finals at the NCFL Grand National Tournament and the NFL
National Tournament.
Villiger offers TOC bids in Extemporaneous Speaking, Quarterfinals of Public Forum,
and Finals of Congressional Debate.
If you have any questions, please contact the 2012 tournament directors:
Margaret Durkin: (215) 805-1976 Laur Fiatoa: (215) 715-9381
Gabrielle Richards: (570) 592-5712 Team Office: (610) 660-1080
Email: villigerdebate@yahoo.com
Also, if you are interested in College Forensics, Saint Joseph's offers a variety of
scholarship packages for forensics. Please do not hesitate to contact Moderator Robb
DelCasale at RDelCasaleSJU4n6@aol.com
The Villiger Team hopes
to see you in November!Leaders Academy Seeks Teacher in Seoul, South Korea
Job Responsibilities
1) Teach students forensics, social studies, and English. Design and manage curriculum for assigned courses. Emphasis is on debate.
2) Provide differentiated instruction to a variety of abilities and counsel students to find appropriate competitions.
3) Provide in‐depth feedback and guidance to both students and parents about the progress of each student.
4) Will coach students at tournaments, possibly including international tournaments.
Qualifications (must haves) Contract
1) Bachelor’s degree 1) Year‐long contract starts ASAP
2) Forensics experience & expertise 2) Salary based on qualifications; overtime available
3) Passion for teaching & coaching 3) Includes flights and housing stipend
Preferences (but not necessary) Leaders Academy
1) Teaching certificate Jaesok Building floors 3 & 4,
2) Mock Trial or Moot Court experience 908‐1 Daechi, Gangnam, Seoul, Korea
3) Civics or Economics expertise Phone: 82‐2‐562‐9799
Applicants should send CV and cover letter to hatridge@gmail.com. Include “NFL Recruitment” in the subject heading.
About Leaders Academy
• Leaders Academy is one of the oldest and most respected debate academies in Korea.
• For the 2012 NFL‐Korea Cup competition, winners of high school Public Forum and Extemporaneous Speaking as well as
middle school Public Forum Debate and Extemporaneous Speaking were all coached at Leaders Academy.Cover Story
Introducing
Our New Website
L
earning how to find your way member schools, students, and coaches.
around a new website always Resources holds all the different forms,
takes time. This is especially manuals, written resources, and videos
true when it’s a new version of a site the League has to offer. This includes
you’ve been using for a while, and that everything you get with your Team
site is starting to offer information and or Individual Resource Package, but
resources that have never been available we’ll get into more detail on that later.
before. That’s what we’ve done with the Finally, Community is where you can find
new www.nationalforensicleague.org: League publications, as well as contact
for the first time, we’re making available information for both your district
to our members Team and Individual leadership and other speech & debate
Resource Packages that include a wealth organizations.
of materials, from debate evidence to The other main menu that you’re
Extemp topic analysis, to a searchable likely to use frequently is About
script database and final round Us. That’s the place to find
videos from our most recent National information about the
Tournament. League’s history, the
But let’s start with a tour of the site Board of Directors
itself. On the home page, the first thing and our staff, how to
you’ll notice is the navigation bar at the advocate for speech and
top. That’s the best way to explore the debate, and how to contact the
site. The menu includes four primary League itself.
options: High School, Middle School, Once you click on a primary landing
Figure 1 – A dark blue crumb trail assists
Alumni, and About Us. page, you can use the links on the left
with navigation on our new site.
The High School and Middle School side of the page to explore further.
menus both include the same four Those links change as you get deeper
options: Get Involved, Recognition, into the site, but you can always click
Resources, and Community. Get Involved on the topmost blue link to return to
is where you can go to join the League, a higher level in the site’s navigation.
find a tournament calendar, and get There’s also a dark blue “crumb trail”
information about the District and (figure 1) under the main menu that both
National Tournaments. Recognition is shows you where you are on the site and
the place to find information about all can be used to find your way back to
the different ways in which we recognize where you started.
20 Rostrum | OCTOBER 2012www.nationalforensicleague.org
www.nationalforensicleague.org
Rostrum | OCTOBER 2012 21That should give you a sense of how
the site is put together. But let’s return to
the home page, since there are still plenty
of features worth mentioning there.
On the left side of the homepage,
you’ll see the USER LOGIN box. That’s
how you log in to the site and get access
to the League’s resources and your
Dashboard.
In the middle of the home page,
you’ll find a series of yellow links,
which provide a quick way to access a
number of pages that League members,
supporters, and those interested in
learning more about us are likely to use.
Just below the yellow bar are news
items, featured videos, the latest issue
of Rostrum, and information about both
the National and District Tournaments.
You’ll also see the list of top schools that
you’re used to seeing on our website. But
there’s now a whole lot more there. Click
on Top Competitors, and you’ll see a list
of those students with the most points in
each of the National Tournament’s main
events. Just click on the event for which
you’d like that information and give the
data a chance to load. There’s also an
option to see the students with the most
points overall, the contenders for League
All American status! Stay tuned as even
more information, including rankings of
the top students in each state, becomes
available here.
Once you start exploring the site,
there are also a number of navigation
aids that can help keep you from getting
lost. At the bottom of every page is a
basic site map that can link you to all
the primary landing pages under each of
the main menu items. There’s also a list
of Quick Links that easily takes you to
frequently used parts of the site, such as
where you go to enter points, the current
debate topics, a list of district contacts,
and the League’s forms and manuals.
There’s even a link to a complete site
map, where you can find a link to every
single page on the entire site! You’ll also
see many of those same links on the
right side of many pages, including links
to access that complete site map, login,
enter points, and the current topics.
22 Rostrum | OCTOBER 2012www.nationalforensicleague.org
“In short, the new www.nationalforensicleague.org
has something for everyone.”
Now let’s talk about what happens the Register link in the USER LOGIN box full range of materials available to League
once you actually log in to the site. If on the home page. But before you do students and coaches.
you are a coach at a League member that, you’ll need to get your Student The first thing you’ll see after logging
school, just use the username and PIN from your coach, who can access in is your Dashboard. This is where you’ll
password you use to enter points. Any that information through the Website get information just for you. There is
active coach at a member school gets PIN Codes link in the points site. That information about your current standing
access to member resources, and any PIN will allow you to create an account, in the League, including your current
active coach at a school with a Team which gives you access to the resources points and degrees. There are also alerts
Resource Package can access those available to League members. You can regarding resources and features that
resources, even if they don’t have also purchase an Individual Resource have been added to the site. And this is
permission to enter or edit points. Package when you sign up for an account. where you’ll be able to find any pages
Chapter advisors can make sure all their An annual subscription is just $18 for a you mark as “favorite” by clicking the
assistants have access to the full range student at a member school, and $9 for a heart image in the same blue bar in which
of resources, even if particular assistants student at a school that has purchased a you find the crumb trail. Finally, your
shouldn’t be entering points themselves. Team Resource Package! Dashboard is the place to go to edit your
If you are a student at a League Everyone else, including parents and profile, which is where you can purchase
member school, you need to create a judges, can sign up for a free account an Individual Resource Package if you
username and password by clicking on and either get access to a limited range don’t have one already.
of resources or purchase access to the
Rostrum | OCTOBER 2012 23Now that you’re logged in, you can is available the day after each topic is why that $18 investment is more than
also access the resources available to you announced. For Policy, a novice starter worth it.
as either a League member or a Resource file is online, and evidence updates are Plus, for just $150, a school can
Package subscriber. posted twice each month. For Extemp, purchase a Team Resource Package. That
Fortunately, those resources are also new topic analysis videos and practice gives all their coaches access to those
easy to find. Just click on “High School” at questions are posted every week. For same great resources, and allows students
the top of the home page. Then, on the Interp, we have a fully searchable script to purchase an Individual Resource
left side of the page, click “Resources.” database that will help you find that Package for just $9! That means your
From there, you just have to select the perfect piece. We’ll also be hosting a team saves money as long as you have
role that best describes you and then series of webinars each and every month, at least one coach and 15 students. With
the kind of event for which you’d like to and posting demonstration rounds on each additional coach, it’s even easier to
find resources, either speech or debate. each new debate topic. see why spending that $150 makes sense.
That’s where you’ll see a variety of print That makes both the Individual and Moreover, since the Team Resource
and video materials for those events, Team Resource Packages an outstanding Package includes a 50% discount on final
and where you’ll also have the option value. For just $18 a year, a member coach round DVDs, it’s also a great option for
to further specify what you’re looking or student gets nine different PF topic teams that still want to be able to watch
for, whether it’s only Public Speaking or analyses, five different LD topic analyses, those rounds offline.
Interp event resources, or only those at least 16 Policy Debate evidence In short, our new website has
materials for Public Forum, Lincoln- updates, more than 40 different Extemp something for everyone. Given the
Douglas, Policy, or Congressional Debate. topic analyses, and much more. Include low price and the variety of resources
And there are already plenty of the videos of the final rounds from the available, don’t miss out on this
resources available now. For Public Forum most recent National Tournament, which inexpensive way to get the most out of
and Lincoln-Douglas, a new topic analysis cost $199 on DVD, and it’s easy to see your season!
Have other questions? Visit the FAQs section of our site, or email info@nationalforensicleague.org.
24 Rostrum | OCTOBER 2012www.nationalforensicleague.org
The Power of
Membership
Spark Success 3 $99 Annual School Membership
We’re committed to giving you and your 3 $15 Lifetime Student Membership
students even more support every year.
We’ve expanded our tools, online resources,
recognition, and advocacy—all while keeping
What’s included?
dues affordable. See what’s included.
League Membership Highlights
• Honor Society membership – student and
coach certificates, honors, and service citations;
Supercharge your squad student seals, online database and points
tracking; automatic points uploading from Joy of
with additional resources. Tournaments, TRPC/TRIEPC, and SpeechWire
In addition to your annual membership, you • Resources – all of the same great materials you’ve come to
now have the option to enhance your students’ expect—two copies of Rostrum magazine per month; access to the
National Tournament final round online video archive (1983-2011) †;
experience with our Team and Individual
more than 600 videos, including topic analyses, skills, and coaching †;
Resource Packages. These packages include monthly practice Extemp questions; event-specific resources; access
event-specific materials that aren’t available to our fundraising portal, GiveYouthAVoice.org—and more!
anywhere else!
• District Tournaments and specialty awards – access to National
Tournament qualification series; awards for district level achievement,
3 Team Resource Package Student of the Year, coach Diamonds; All American and Academic All
• Active Schools – $150/year American; State All American; and service citations
• Advocacy and recognition promotion – more than 125,000 pieces
3 Individual Resource Package of support and recognition materials distributed to administrators,
• Student Access with Team Package – $9/year alumni, parents, and coaches annually; access to a clearinghouse of
advocacy and support materials
• Access without Team Package – $18/year
See reverse for details. Enjoy additional benefits in 2012-13!
• Discounts – GEICO (up to 15% off); Playscripts (10% off all purchases);
access to Individual Resource Package (see reverse for details); access
†
Not a member of the League, but want our online resources? to 2013 Online Institute (25% off)
For $149, individuals can gain basic access to the National • 2012 Nationals Script List ($10 value)
Tournament final round video archive (1983-2011) and more than 600
• Four eTextbooks, lesson plans, and activities ($300 value)
other instructional videos online. For $299, you also get premium
access to our searchable script database and the ability to watch • 2012 semifinal rounds available online ($14.99 value/event)
current year National Tournament final round videos online. • 2012 middle school final rounds available online ($9.99 value/event)
• Free eLearning evening classes for students and coaches, including
topic analysis, new coach workshops with Q&A, district leadership
Becoming a member is easy! seminars, and more ($150 value)
Apply online: • Several thousand additional pieces of recognition material to
administrators
www.nationalforensicleague.org » Join the League
Rostrum | OCTOBER 2012 25Additional Resources Easy, Online Access
Supercharge your squad’s experience with custom resources! Once you’ve signed up, go to
We’re expanding our focus far beyond our National Tournament to www.nationalforensicleague.org.
Log in to view your customized
bring a rich variety of programs and services to our students and offer dashboard. There, you will find
comprehensive teacher training resources. Designed to help you expand information about accessing
your Team and Individual
and enrich your program for a low, inclusive price, this package gives you Resource Packages.
the resources to help your students achieve their potential.
Here’s a quick overview of the additional tools, demonstrations, scripts, videos, and classes
you and your students can access. We’ll be adding more resources throughout the year!
Team Resource Package Individual Resource Package
3 $150 Active Schools 3 $9 with Team Package
Simply check the box on your membership
application or renewal form—or upgrade online! 3 $18 without Team Package
What’s included? What’s included?
Team Resource Package Highlights Individual Resource Package Highlights*
• Current year National Tournament final round videos • Analyses of previous year’s semifinal and final round
available online, including Interp events ($199 value) † performances
• 50% off purchase of current year National Tournament • Two eLearning evening classes per month
final round DVDs ($98 value) • Policy Debate – a demonstration debate on the 2012-13
• Fully searchable, multi-year Script Database topic with commentary; plus monthly 100-page update
including all Interp pieces performed at the National files and topic analysis videos
Tournament in previous years; search by year, category, • Weekly Congressional Debate and Extemp – includes
gender, and placement—coming soon! ($199 value) † two topic area video briefings: 20 practice questions; two
• Free coach access to Individual Resource Package original pieces of legislation
($18/year value) • Interpretation events – newly released scripts reviewed
• Additional 50% off student access to Individual monthly
Resource Package ($9/year value) • Original Oratory – topic/concept database; Oratory
• Additional 25% discount to 2013 Online Institute briefing (new books, studies, etc.)
†
Item available to non-member individuals. See reverse for details.
• Lincoln-Douglas Debate – demonstration debate
on each bi-monthly topic with commentary; 100-
page evidence file including philosophical positions,
case arguments and responses; topic analysis videos;
philosopher’s library (30+ videos)
Why is there an additional fee for these resources?
• Public Forum Debate – demonstration debate on each
Imagine how much it costs the League to produce—and host
monthly topic with commentary; 100-page evidence file
online—so many videos, eLearning clinics, debates, and resources,
including arguments, frameworks, and background; topic
plus provide our summer institute experience. Thanks to generous
analysis videos
donors and volunteers, we’re able to cover many costs, but we also
ask schools and students who take advantage of these resources to * Available exclusively to League students and coaches.
pay a share. That helps keep basic membership accessible to all.
26 Rostrum | OCTOBER 2012www.nationalforensicleague.org
Top Ten New Features!
Resources. We are working around the clock Connect. Follow the National Forensic League
➊ to provide you with countless, event-specific
resources this year—many of which are included with the
➐ on your favorite social media platforms! Like us
on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, or join our LinkedIn
$99 school membership fee! For more information about group. Also, join our Alumni Network and stay in touch
the value of League membership, see pages 25-26. via our newsletters and biannual digital alumni magazine.
Dashboard. Anyone who visits our site—
➋ students, coaches, parents, alumni, media
professionals, and more—has the ability to sign in with
a free account and access our custom dashboard. The
ability to favorite frequently accessed materials and
receive important updates from the League are just some
of the benefits of registering on the new site. Keyword Search. Receiving a round of
Webinars. Our new site allows us to host
➑ applause at the Summer Leadership Conference,
this seemingly innocent addition of a functional search
➌ eLearning clinics with state of the art technology
and provide an extremely inexpensive summer institute
bar is certain to make anyone’s visit to our website more
enjoyable.
experience for students and coaches. Check back often
to learn more about dates and topics, available through Complete Site Map. While the fresh new look
our new Virtual Classroom. ➒ and improved site architecture are designed to be
more intuitive than ever before, if you get stuck, we offer
both a basic and a complete site map, available at the
bottom of every page, to help you find exactly what you
need.
Online Store. Even our trophy shop has received
➓ a much-deserved facelift! Watch for additional
merchandise, DVDs, and low-cost resources available for
purchase in the coming weeks and months ahead.
Script Database. For those who purchase our
➍ Team Resource Package, we are excited to offer
a fully searchable, multi-year script database including
all Interp pieces performed at the National Tournament
in previous years. Search by year, category, gender,
and placement—completely accessible from your
dashboard—coming soon!
Recognition. Our home page leaderboard and
➎ rankings are a great way to keep up to date on
League standings. Of course, you can also track your
own progress via the dashboard, or through your school
profile page and membership reports within the points
site.
Press and Media. Our team is growing
➏
Spark Insight
our press and media section in order to spark
excitement and garner attention about the power of
speech and debate across the country—and beyond.
Rostrum | OCTOBER 2012 27Connect with us online!
National Forensic League
https://www.facebook.com/NationalForensicLeague
NFL/Forensic League
https://twitter.com/NFLspeechdebate
NatLForensicLeague
http://tinyurl.com/9v6cmc9
National Forensic League
http://tinyurl.com/985j5h6
Presidential Style Debate Contest—
Let’s Show Them How It’s — Really Done!
Enter our video contest this October, and you could
win a FREE Team Resource Package for your school.*
RENSIC L
L FO EA
O
NA G * Upload your persuasive, five-minute video (limit one
UE
TI
per topic area): Health Care, Economy, Education.
NA
I APPR OVE Visit www.nationalforensicleague.org for
THIS MESSAGE complete contest rules and deadlines.
E ST
Spark democracy.
PR
NT
SI
CO
E
DE
N TI E
A L D E B ATwww.nationalforensicleague.org
Pi Kappa Delta at 100
Y
ou’ve probably heard and community service
something about Pi Kappa projects. When they
Delta (PKD). As an official graduate, they can use
collegiate partner organization of the their PKD degree status as
National Forensic League, PKD has been a conversation starter with
reaching out to graduating seniors at the prospective employers or
National Tournament. graduate school admissions
“We’ve always had a close working officers.
relationship with Pi Kappa Delta,” said “Realistically,” Jensen noted, “your
Executive Director Scott Wunn, “so they PKD degree status is verification of your
were a natural.” speech and debate ability by a nationally-
Beginning this year, League students recognized intercollegiate honorary.
who joins Pi Kappa Delta may transfer This should be pretty compelling to
ten percent of their cumulative merit an employer, and it relieves you of the
points into the PKD Credit Point System. awkwardness of having to talk about
They can then continue to earn points what you did four years ago when you
for competition, service, and scholarship were in high school.”
activities throughout their college So what exactly is Pi Kappa Delta? Like
careers. Even if they decide not to the National Forensic League, PKD is a
compete in college, PKD membership comprehensive forensic organization—
provides alumni with a subtle means of meaning it supports service, scholarship,
inserting their high school speech and and competition in many different
debate experience into their college individual events and forms of debate.
resumés. Thanks to a grant from the Arthur
“I think joining is even more important N. Rupe Foundation, PKD launched
for students who are not planning on intercollegiate competition in Public
competing in college,” stated Gina Jensen, Forum Debate last year. The same grant
PKD’s current president. Students can funded Caress Russell’s full-time position
continue to earn points for judging at as PKD’s Public Forum Debate National
high school tournaments, or for scholarly Coordinator.
Rostrum | OCTOBER 2012 29You can also read
