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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.
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