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Saturday, August 30, 2008
New Parent Reception
On Monday, 1 September, we will be hosting a New Parent Reception in the Debate Squad Room (next to the trophy cases) in Crow Hall. Crow Hall is the academic building directly to your left as you exit the Chapel, following the Welcome Message from General Hobgood. The New Parent Reception will be at 4:30, will feature catering by the Apple House, and will cover everything you need to know about R-MA Speech and Debate. Please RSVP to bagregg@rma.edu
Monday, August 18, 2008
President's Message
Posted by Brennan MorrisFGLDS President
Captain
Rev. B.A. Gregg has always had a fun saying, that R-MA Speech and Debate is the “island of misfit toys.” Not to say that any of our kids are bad people or that we don’t get students with strong backgrounds; but so often, for one reason or another, newbies are in need of a new coat of paint to say the least. I can say from considerable experience that I was one of, if not the most rusty in the beginning. I’m Brennan Morris, President and Captain of the Randolph-Macon Speech and Debate Team, and keeping with years of tradition, it is my welcome task to give all new forensicators a sense of who I am, what I do and expect, and some friendly advice to make this new island more hospitable.
I come from an “interesting” background lets say. After a rather chaotic childhood I dropped out of seventh grade, and a periodic runaway. Through living on the streets from time to time, I decided to turn my life around; I wanted something better. I re-entered school and passed necessary tests to say on schedule. I spent my freshman year in public school before seeking a private school, which I felt would provide me with a better chance for college.
I chose R-MA over other schools specifically because of Speech and Debate; where I knew I could do well. From my first day on Speech and Debate I wanted to be a leader on the team, and worked for that. This not because I am power-hungry; I prefer to cooperate rather than order. That is why I will often put in 16-18 hour days, so often to assist others, or why I put myself out there in the first place. I learned of the streets the need to build a better life for myself; but also I found my own passion to be a non-judgmental friend and advocate for essentially anyone; whether they’re the brightest red truck in the toy bin, or that cruddy doll with gummy hair, and that half stuck open eye-lid. Enjoy the metaphor.
But, there is another clear point to be made: what I expect. The toughest thing for me as a Captain, was to assist the coach, rather than try to do his job. However, after a year in this position I have nailed that one down. My job is to: help anyone on the team in a professional sense, enforce the policies of the coach, and assist in the smooth implementation of team operations. Rev. B.A. Gregg sets the policy not me, or anyone else, and what he says is final. The buck, always, always, always, stops with Rev. Gregg. He has the responsibility for the team and every one of our actions and it is a responsibility he takes really, really seriously. As he has been around for years and has coached national and state championship teams, he really knows what he does and sees any issue – a debate case, a low grade in a class, or the choice of what event you should compete – from a lot of different sides. That’s not to say he’s unapproachable and decisions are final; you just need to have really good reasons for what you do and approach him in his office if you have an alternative plan.
But, another expectation is devotion. Speech and Debate is rewarding on an incredible scale, because of getting to be part of a championship team, and the chance to succeed, but that does not mean that it is not without hardship. There is no part-time debater. There is no occasional debater. There is no “iffy” debater. Competitors compete, and students are expected to go to every tournament without exception; and yes, in the course of my two years at R-MA I have never skipped a tournament. This is not really a bad thing – tournaments are fun, and we will get to go see things and do things, are more than worth the while, and that’s coming from me, a very very non-geeky person (though if you are a geek it will be even more amazing). At the same time, students are expected to maintain at the very least a 3.0 GPA, though that is a bare bottom minimum.
Though we have an amazing coaching staff, an unparalleled competition schedule, a very supportive administration, the best of research opportunities and squad facilities in the nation, all that will only go so far. You must eventually decide for yourself how much you are going to put into this event, and that effort will be directly proportional to what you get out of it. We expect you to capitalize for yourself on the opportunities that are being given and to make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime chance. That’s for you to decide, but keep in mind, we never regret taking advantage of opportunities.
So, as for the friendly advice… I think the most important thing is to be focused but relaxed. I could be doing the whole, “we’re going to a fun year, but get ready to work” kinda thing. But, that’s so mundane. There will be parts that are fun, and parts that are tough, but just relax. We and the returners on the team, are going to walk you through it all until you find your stride, and all of this is not nearly as hard as it might seem.
But, the real value of being on the team is a bit more sublime. Though I had my anxiety, going to R-MA was an experience that I welcomed very much; I love my independence. However, I can speak from personal experience that it will present you with a set circumstances that are new and challenging. Not in terms of just the team, but in terms of the entire experience of a boarding school. So, for right now in these beginning weeks, the real value of Speech and Debate is that you will have access to resources that few others will have. On one hand you will have advisors who know what they are doing to walk you through the process, all you have to do is follow the instructions. And, in another sense you will have… automatic friends. You will have a coach that won’t take any nonsense, and is very tough, but cares tremendously, and you will have me and the other returners right off the bat. We are a team, but we are also a family.
So, overall, this is going to be a neat experience, that’s a guarantee. You will be expected to work, and self-correct, and be proactive. Thus, just as I found motivation from isolation of the streets, you must find your own inspiration to push ahead and take advantage of the opportunities that will come. But, for right now, it’s worth it, because from day one you will be accepted for who you are, even if there are a few kinks in your coat of paint.
-Brennan
I come from an “interesting” background lets say. After a rather chaotic childhood I dropped out of seventh grade, and a periodic runaway. Through living on the streets from time to time, I decided to turn my life around; I wanted something better. I re-entered school and passed necessary tests to say on schedule. I spent my freshman year in public school before seeking a private school, which I felt would provide me with a better chance for college.
I chose R-MA over other schools specifically because of Speech and Debate; where I knew I could do well. From my first day on Speech and Debate I wanted to be a leader on the team, and worked for that. This not because I am power-hungry; I prefer to cooperate rather than order. That is why I will often put in 16-18 hour days, so often to assist others, or why I put myself out there in the first place. I learned of the streets the need to build a better life for myself; but also I found my own passion to be a non-judgmental friend and advocate for essentially anyone; whether they’re the brightest red truck in the toy bin, or that cruddy doll with gummy hair, and that half stuck open eye-lid. Enjoy the metaphor.
But, there is another clear point to be made: what I expect. The toughest thing for me as a Captain, was to assist the coach, rather than try to do his job. However, after a year in this position I have nailed that one down. My job is to: help anyone on the team in a professional sense, enforce the policies of the coach, and assist in the smooth implementation of team operations. Rev. B.A. Gregg sets the policy not me, or anyone else, and what he says is final. The buck, always, always, always, stops with Rev. Gregg. He has the responsibility for the team and every one of our actions and it is a responsibility he takes really, really seriously. As he has been around for years and has coached national and state championship teams, he really knows what he does and sees any issue – a debate case, a low grade in a class, or the choice of what event you should compete – from a lot of different sides. That’s not to say he’s unapproachable and decisions are final; you just need to have really good reasons for what you do and approach him in his office if you have an alternative plan.
But, another expectation is devotion. Speech and Debate is rewarding on an incredible scale, because of getting to be part of a championship team, and the chance to succeed, but that does not mean that it is not without hardship. There is no part-time debater. There is no occasional debater. There is no “iffy” debater. Competitors compete, and students are expected to go to every tournament without exception; and yes, in the course of my two years at R-MA I have never skipped a tournament. This is not really a bad thing – tournaments are fun, and we will get to go see things and do things, are more than worth the while, and that’s coming from me, a very very non-geeky person (though if you are a geek it will be even more amazing). At the same time, students are expected to maintain at the very least a 3.0 GPA, though that is a bare bottom minimum.
Though we have an amazing coaching staff, an unparalleled competition schedule, a very supportive administration, the best of research opportunities and squad facilities in the nation, all that will only go so far. You must eventually decide for yourself how much you are going to put into this event, and that effort will be directly proportional to what you get out of it. We expect you to capitalize for yourself on the opportunities that are being given and to make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime chance. That’s for you to decide, but keep in mind, we never regret taking advantage of opportunities.
So, as for the friendly advice… I think the most important thing is to be focused but relaxed. I could be doing the whole, “we’re going to a fun year, but get ready to work” kinda thing. But, that’s so mundane. There will be parts that are fun, and parts that are tough, but just relax. We and the returners on the team, are going to walk you through it all until you find your stride, and all of this is not nearly as hard as it might seem.
But, the real value of being on the team is a bit more sublime. Though I had my anxiety, going to R-MA was an experience that I welcomed very much; I love my independence. However, I can speak from personal experience that it will present you with a set circumstances that are new and challenging. Not in terms of just the team, but in terms of the entire experience of a boarding school. So, for right now in these beginning weeks, the real value of Speech and Debate is that you will have access to resources that few others will have. On one hand you will have advisors who know what they are doing to walk you through the process, all you have to do is follow the instructions. And, in another sense you will have… automatic friends. You will have a coach that won’t take any nonsense, and is very tough, but cares tremendously, and you will have me and the other returners right off the bat. We are a team, but we are also a family.
So, overall, this is going to be a neat experience, that’s a guarantee. You will be expected to work, and self-correct, and be proactive. Thus, just as I found motivation from isolation of the streets, you must find your own inspiration to push ahead and take advantage of the opportunities that will come. But, for right now, it’s worth it, because from day one you will be accepted for who you are, even if there are a few kinks in your coat of paint.
-Brennan
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Debate Tryouts Finalizing for 2008/09 Team
We are nearing the end of the Interview Process. The interviews will close-out on Wednesday, as the new Resolution comes out on Friday and the real fun begins at that time.
As you all know, we are limited to 10-15 students on the 2008/09 R-MA Speech and Debate Team. Currently, we are over that number who have either cleared the interview or are in process of Interview. In order to get the numbers down to where the President of the Academy wants, we will have a series of cuts in the next few weeks. The next cut will occur 1 September and 3 September.
We will never cut according to talent or ability; only according to work and effort. As Coach, my job is to help students develop their native talents and abilities. As Students, your job is to follow closely my dictates, fiats, commandments, critiques, suggestions, and eye movements. A good debater and speaker will quickly learn how to read my face so that they know when they screwed up. This is perfect training on how to judge the judge. And one of the central reasons why I never see you in competition.
Here is the list of students thus far:
- Bellard (Interview needing to be completed) pf
- Black (Interview needing to be completed)
- Christoph (Interview Passed) pf, ext, dec
- Collins (Returner, no information regarding intent)
- Dungan (Interview Passed) pf, ext, imp
- Gerber (Interview Passed) pf, oo, oi
- Hobson (Interview needing to be completed) pf, oi
- Holsinger (Interview Passed) oo, ext
- Loranger (Interview Passed) pf
- McAteer (Interview Passed) pf, ext, ld
- Maddock (Interview Passed) pf, ext, hi, ld
- Morris (Interview Passed) pf, ext, oo
- Nell (Interview Passed) pf, oi, duo
- Pennington (Interview needing to be completed) pf
- Pionkoski (Interview Passed) pf, oi, duo
- Pratt (Interview Passed) pf, oo, ext
- Sands (Interview needing to be completed) pf, oi, dec
- Skeffington (Returner, no information regarding intent)
- Smith (Interview needing to be completed) pf
CONGRESS
Congress slots are for Middle School students and walk-ons. They travel only locally. Their training will wait until the first full week of school.
- Jackson McGraw (Interviewed)
- Chaz Mixon (Interviewed)
For those Returners who have not yet contacted me regarding intent, you will be dropped on Wednesday from the roster if we don't hear from you.
For those new students who are needing to complete the interview, that needs to be done by Wednesday. My cell is 540.303.0380 and I can be reached most any time. The interview takes between 10-20 minutes.
For those students who have passed interview, preparation begins now:
For Novice Students:
Bellard, Black, Christoph, Hobson, Loranger, Maddock, Pennington, Smith
Almost every student will be doing Public Forum at Wake Forest University (12 September). We currently have several assignments for you before the Resolution comes out on Friday. The Assignments are on http://debateczar.blogspot.com/ and they are:
Assignment #1: Understanding the Format of Public Forum.
http://debateczar.blogspot.com/2008/08/novice-assignment-1.html
Print out the two .pdf documents and put them in your binder. Read them and put your name on the Comments section.
Assignment #2: Introduction to Public Forum Debate.
http://debateczar.blogspot.com/2008/08/novice-assignment-2-intro-to-pf-debate.html
Watch the two videos (about 15 minutes total). Put your name in the Comments section.
Assignment #3: Public Forum Demonstration Debate.
http://debateczar.blogspot.com/2008/08/novice-assignment-three.html
Watch the four videos (about 40 minutes total). Take notes on the debate. Put your name in the Comments section.
For Students in OI (Prose/Poetry):
Gerber , Hobson , Nell, Pionkoski, Sands
All students will be starting out in PF at Wake (except for Morris and Holsinger). You will pick up Prose/Poetry over the next month, performing snippets at coffee house and preparing to hit the local circuit first. For some, I have already selected your Prose piece (Gerber, Nell, Pionkowski); for the rest, that will come in the next few weeks. What I need you to start is to select a cutting-edge slam poem that speaks to you, transcribe the piece, and communicate that choice to me in the Comments section. I will then start looking for other pieces to add to that selected poem to build the lit. Should have it all selected about a week after you make the initial choice.
Please, let's get the poem selected by Friday 15 September. The poetry selection is found: http://debateczar.blogspot.com/2008/08/poetry-not-just-about-lillies.html
For Orators
Morris, Holsinger
I need to see your OO edits shortly. The pieces need to be memorized when you come on campus 3 September.
For All Public Forum Debaters (Novice and Returner):
Bellard, Black, Christoph, Dungan, Gerber, Hobson, Loranger, McAteer, Maddock, Nell, Pennington, Pionkoski, Pratt, Sands, Smith
Here's the timeline of what to expect and what is expected of you:
15 August. NFL September Resolution will be Released. Expect a quick post from me at http://debateczar.blogspot.com/ outlining the Resolution. This will be a videoblog and blog entry. You should also use http://news.google.com/ to find some research for yourself to get a grasp on the debate.
20 August. A series of large briefs will be sent out via email and posted to the http://debate.rma.edu/ website under Briefs for Odd-Months. Returners can go to that site to print up, as well as have the email. Start highlighting briefs for relevant information. Get to know the Resolution thoroughly and prepare arguments Pro and Con. Novices are expected to have their briefs 3-hole punched in a black binder. Briefs needs to be highlighted. Some notes would help. Returners are also expected to have their briefs highlighted, 3-hole punched, and put in a binder. But Returners are also to write their cases -- Pro and Con. Only Gerber/Nell will be a paired Returner Team for Wake. The rest will be paired with the appropriate Novice.
1 September. New Students Report to Campus. I will be at Registration. Have your highlighted briefs 3-hole punched in a binder and have it with you in your hands. If you have highlighted all the briefs, you will be given the card to go to the first meeting that evening. We will then do some diagnostic drills to find out the depth of your understanding. We will then meet again in the Debate Squad Room the next afternoon/evening for a meeting on Flowing.
3 September. Returning Students Report to Campus. Again, I will be at Registration. Have your highlighted briefs 3-hole punched in a binder and have it with you in your hands. If you have highlighted all the briefs, you will be given the card to go to the first meeting that evening. We will run a practice round at that time. Seven-person teams to get a feel on how people react.
4-5 September. Practice Sessions from 1600-1800. Flow Drills. Rebuttal Drills. Small Group Rotation with Assistant Coach and myself.
7 September. Sunday Afternoon Practice (1000-1400). We will have an hour break for brunch. We are going early, so as to allow you town leave at 1400. We will be doing small-group work on debate session. Morris and Holsinger will meet with me in one-on-ones following the practice sessions.
8 September. The first Franklin-Grady Black and Gold Debate of the 2008/09 Season (1830). First on-campus debate for the 2008/09 Season. Eight students will be selected, balancing-out Returners and Novices) to comprise 2 four-person teams. The rest will be expected to attend and flow the debate. This debate will be taped for YouTube Channel.
11-14 September. Wake Forest. The first Big Dance. Depending upon tournament behavior, we will make next cut here.
15 September. WFTR Radio. We will select four of the best speakers to do a roundtable discussion on the September Resolution. Not only is this a live radio program, but also a podcast.
16-24 September. Practice for Yale, briefings on October Resolution. Students are expected to report on time and be diligent.
25-28 September. Yale University. The even Bigger Dance. This is where we will make the final cut.
29 September. WFTR Radio. Roundtable discussion on the October Resolution. We will again select the four best speakers for this program.
The 2008/09 R-MA Speech and Debate Team is projected to be the best team in years. We will not only retain our State and Regional Championships, we will plan on going to our rooms and taking heads. Some pointers on making sure that you make the 2008/09 Team:
Carpe Diem. Watch the other videos on http://debateczar.blogspot.com/ and leave Comments with your name and feedback. This shows me that you're serious.
Semper Paratus. Always come prepared to all meetings with briefs, cases, pens, paper. Time is our enemy. We NEVER have enough. If you come unprepared to practice, chances are that you'll come unprepared to classes and tournaments. Never a good sign.
Labor vincit omnia. Always be working. Take your cue from me. If I am playing Halo 2, you are absolved from work. But if I am working (as I have been this summer and will be until Thanksgiving), you need to be doing so as well. Never let me ask the Killer Triad Question: "What are you doing? What should you be doing? Why aren't you doing it?" If I have to ask this question when you are slated to work (Practice Times are Working Times), chances are you're not preparing when you are in your room and won't be prepared for a tournament.
Mens Sana, Corpore Sano. In order to be good at Debate, you need to be great as a student and great as a cadet. If your grades are low (we have an incredibly high standard of a 3.0 for local travel and a 3.3 for national travel -- it is your duty to print out your grades and compute your GPA every two weeks and bring that to me). If your grades are low, not only can't you travel; but you reflect poorly on the Team. If your homework is not always in, you'll end up on Friday Night Study Hall, won't be able to travel to a major tournament, and still end up paying the cost. More, as a cadet, you need to always be ontime to your classes, drill; your room needs to be in order and your behavior accordingly. Tours take away time from practice; Tours take away time from your partner; Tours harm the Team. The goal for the first season: no one gets any Tours. A clean Tour record for the team will be vastly rewarded. I can't stress enough the importance of doing the right thing. Last year, a student didn't get a hair cut when ordered by the Commandant and lost out on NFL States and he and his partner lost out on going to NFL Nationals in Las Vegas.
Good Luck,
~bag
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
The New and Improved Competition Wear Briefing
New and Improved.... a multimedia presentation on what to wear, not wear, and buy.
Click here to watch the presentation.
Overview
RMA has a number of uniforms. Duty, Activity, Casual, Dress, Parade, College Prep. “Competition Wear.” is a unique and somewhat individual uniform for the Speech and Debate to wear at tournaments. This article delineates just what we mean by “Competition Wear.” The Speech and Debate World is the world of adult professionalism. As such, students compete looking their best. Competition clothing must be approved by returners. Girls will approve clothing for girls; boys, for boys.
Male clothing
Suits are required. Though we don’t like to see all black for the team, novices should wear black or a charcoal gray as a safe choice. Dark colors are very important as they travel well. Wear a shirt (pastels are nice, not too strong, until you get the hang of it) with a collar, and a dark belt. Ties are definitely required. We encourage students to have at least two-three dress shirts and three ties. A silk pocket square should match the tie. Black dress shirts are not allowed. There is only one Johnnie Cash. Don't go that expensive on the suit or the shirt. Spend some time and money on the tie. Professional, but pops out. Obviously, no penguins, snowboarders, pictures of anykind.
Dark dress shoes. The RMA JROTC shoes are very serviceable and are already broken-in. Dark socks that are long enough that you don’t expose a strip of skin when you sit down. Jeans, athletic shoes, and white socks are forbidden; they look unprofessional.
Female Clothing
We encourage Power-Suits. A jacket/skirt combination is very effective. Pant suits also work;
but it should be noted that champions invariably wear skirts. Sorry, ladies, like James Brown sang, It’s a Man’s World. If you choose a skirt, it should come down at least 3 inches below the knee. As for the guys, girls should look for dark outfits.
Have two or three blouses. Striped blouses generally aren’t a good idea. But, then again, neither is white. Choose different colors that complement you. As for blouses, should J-Lo not be your role model. Blouses should be long enough so as not to show your abdomen ever. Stretch in front of a mirror and if you see your midriff, the blouse doesn’t work.
Dark or appropriate hose will be worn with dress shoes at all times. Closed-toe dress shoes. No stilettos, ladies. Flats or very, very low heels work the best. You will be doing a lot of standing and walking. I always encourage tights, rather than hose, since tights are super durable. Nothing worse than coming to a tournament and getting a run in the stockings. Also, bring at least one extra pair to a tournament if you opt for hose.
Never wear anything too tight or put on too much makeup. If you can’t wear it to church or show it to the Czar without him wincing, don’t wear it to a tournament. Mascara and eyeliner is too sharp a double-edged sword. If put on SPARINGLY, can complement. Usually this is not the case. Never wear Blue Eyeshadow. Blue is only a natural color if you are cyanotic and then, with all that oxygen depravation, who can debate well?
For Everyone
All suits must be pressed, cleaned, and shoes shined before arriving at the van. C’mon, gang, we go to a military school. If we show up with scuffed shoes, the terrorists win.
Obviously, remove body piercings. Earrings for girls should never dangle or distract your audience. Don’t wear a coat or lots of jewelry. The only exception is the NFL Pin. This rank is mandatory for all returners.
Remember that although few judges would vote you down because of poor attire, it does distract attention from what you are saying and may lead to lower speaker points. If competition wear is not appropriate or approved, student are instructed to compete in the RMA college prep blazer. No one ever wants to compete in the college prep blazer.
Students will continue in competition wear until the restaurant following the competition, where they may change (if they so choose) into RMA casual. Students will NEVER go to final award ceremony in inappropriate attire or state of dress. (i.e. do not unbutton shirt, loosen tie, untuck shirt. We must maintain ethical appeal at all times.
Other Accessories (Must Have's)
Everyone needs a garment bag. Durable. Hanging. Place for name tag, hopefully. Garment bag will hold suit, shirts/blouses, ties, and shoes for competition.
Everyone needs a soft-sided suitcase. Think small, like a carry-on for the airplane. Only to hold toiletries for 2 days, sleepwear, and civilian clothes for hotel so that you don't dirty your R-MA Activity and it is presentable when we come back to campus. This is only comfy wear for the hotel... not a fashion show. Pack light.
Everyone needs a competition bag. Over-shoulder, light, black. You take this to all competitions. Much like a messenger bag. Should hold binder with briefs, portfolio, water, shoes, iPod, book.
Everyone needs a black portfolio. Leather and zippered is good. Large enough to hold a flow pad, pens, and cases. There are no podiums when we debate.
Everyone needs an umbrella (also black). Put your name on it. The Road Captain will post the weather for every tournament and you need to pack accordingly. Walking in the rain may sound romantic and emo.... but it ruins suits and not much fun after the first block.
Everyone needs an overcoat (dark colored preferable). Not needed until the beginning/middle of November. It gets cold on the bus for morning tournaments and you will be walking across Princeton, UVA, and GMU in winter. Scarf also nice to have.
We look like Winners because we are Winners.
Click here to watch the presentation.
OverviewRMA has a number of uniforms. Duty, Activity, Casual, Dress, Parade, College Prep. “Competition Wear.” is a unique and somewhat individual uniform for the Speech and Debate to wear at tournaments. This article delineates just what we mean by “Competition Wear.” The Speech and Debate World is the world of adult professionalism. As such, students compete looking their best. Competition clothing must be approved by returners. Girls will approve clothing for girls; boys, for boys.
Male clothing Suits are required. Though we don’t like to see all black for the team, novices should wear black or a charcoal gray as a safe choice. Dark colors are very important as they travel well. Wear a shirt (pastels are nice, not too strong, until you get the hang of it) with a collar, and a dark belt. Ties are definitely required. We encourage students to have at least two-three dress shirts and three ties. A silk pocket square should match the tie. Black dress shirts are not allowed. There is only one Johnnie Cash. Don't go that expensive on the suit or the shirt. Spend some time and money on the tie. Professional, but pops out. Obviously, no penguins, snowboarders, pictures of anykind.
Dark dress shoes. The RMA JROTC shoes are very serviceable and are already broken-in. Dark socks that are long enough that you don’t expose a strip of skin when you sit down. Jeans, athletic shoes, and white socks are forbidden; they look unprofessional.
Female Clothing
We encourage Power-Suits. A jacket/skirt combination is very effective. Pant suits also work;
but it should be noted that champions invariably wear skirts. Sorry, ladies, like James Brown sang, It’s a Man’s World. If you choose a skirt, it should come down at least 3 inches below the knee. As for the guys, girls should look for dark outfits.
Have two or three blouses. Striped blouses generally aren’t a good idea. But, then again, neither is white. Choose different colors that complement you. As for blouses, should J-Lo not be your role model. Blouses should be long enough so as not to show your abdomen ever. Stretch in front of a mirror and if you see your midriff, the blouse doesn’t work.
Dark or appropriate hose will be worn with dress shoes at all times. Closed-toe dress shoes. No stilettos, ladies. Flats or very, very low heels work the best. You will be doing a lot of standing and walking. I always encourage tights, rather than hose, since tights are super durable. Nothing worse than coming to a tournament and getting a run in the stockings. Also, bring at least one extra pair to a tournament if you opt for hose.
Never wear anything too tight or put on too much makeup. If you can’t wear it to church or show it to the Czar without him wincing, don’t wear it to a tournament. Mascara and eyeliner is too sharp a double-edged sword. If put on SPARINGLY, can complement. Usually this is not the case. Never wear Blue Eyeshadow. Blue is only a natural color if you are cyanotic and then, with all that oxygen depravation, who can debate well?
For Everyone
All suits must be pressed, cleaned, and shoes shined before arriving at the van. C’mon, gang, we go to a military school. If we show up with scuffed shoes, the terrorists win.
Obviously, remove body piercings. Earrings for girls should never dangle or distract your audience. Don’t wear a coat or lots of jewelry. The only exception is the NFL Pin. This rank is mandatory for all returners.
Remember that although few judges would vote you down because of poor attire, it does distract attention from what you are saying and may lead to lower speaker points. If competition wear is not appropriate or approved, student are instructed to compete in the RMA college prep blazer. No one ever wants to compete in the college prep blazer.
Students will continue in competition wear until the restaurant following the competition, where they may change (if they so choose) into RMA casual. Students will NEVER go to final award ceremony in inappropriate attire or state of dress. (i.e. do not unbutton shirt, loosen tie, untuck shirt. We must maintain ethical appeal at all times.
Other Accessories (Must Have's)
Everyone needs a garment bag. Durable. Hanging. Place for name tag, hopefully. Garment bag will hold suit, shirts/blouses, ties, and shoes for competition.
Everyone needs a soft-sided suitcase. Think small, like a carry-on for the airplane. Only to hold toiletries for 2 days, sleepwear, and civilian clothes for hotel so that you don't dirty your R-MA Activity and it is presentable when we come back to campus. This is only comfy wear for the hotel... not a fashion show. Pack light.
Everyone needs a competition bag. Over-shoulder, light, black. You take this to all competitions. Much like a messenger bag. Should hold binder with briefs, portfolio, water, shoes, iPod, book.
Everyone needs a black portfolio. Leather and zippered is good. Large enough to hold a flow pad, pens, and cases. There are no podiums when we debate.
Everyone needs an umbrella (also black). Put your name on it. The Road Captain will post the weather for every tournament and you need to pack accordingly. Walking in the rain may sound romantic and emo.... but it ruins suits and not much fun after the first block.
Everyone needs an overcoat (dark colored preferable). Not needed until the beginning/middle of November. It gets cold on the bus for morning tournaments and you will be walking across Princeton, UVA, and GMU in winter. Scarf also nice to have.
We look like Winners because we are Winners.
Monday, August 4, 2008
Up to the minute Tournament Reports
Now, thanks to super new technology, we can post status reports via the Czar's new Blackjack. This means up to the minute breaking news at tournaments and on the road. It also means that you never have to wonder again where we are or how we're doing.
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