New & Interested Members Info

  • How do I join?

    Most students join when they express interest and sign up to learn more at the Club Fair in the fall. At other times in the year, you can email Dr. Johnson (johnsona@aa.edu) to express interest.

    After you attend practices, a coach or captain will add you to our team Slack, where you will receive more info.

    Once you start regularly attending practices and have signed up for your first tournament, you are on the team! All are welcome.

  • When do you practice?

    New Speechies and Debaters should join the Foundations program, which meets two Wednesdays a month. Check the Calendar to see the next practice! Practices are after school from 3:45-5:30pm. We meet in Brown Hall in Gardenhire.

    Regular practices for returning students are held every Tuesday and Thursday from 3:45-5:30 in Gardenhire for a general team meeting before breaking up into groups with people in your event.


    We offer flexibility for those with other commitments, but as with any activity, the time you put into it will impact what you get out of it! We expect students at practice unless stated otherwise.

  • What event should I do?

    No one knows for sure which events will be right for them! Most of our team members have tried multiple events before settling into their favorites.

    New members fill out the New Member Event Survey to get a list of recommended starter events. Students can always learn about the Speech and Debate events on their own time as well. For fun, some try this student-made event quiz!

    Captains and coaches will help you find your best events over time.

 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • Talk to Ms. Matton about your options! We offer flexibility for those with other committments. You might be able to start later in the year, practice 1x a week, or take a portion of the season off. Your availability to regularly attend practice may affect which events and tournaments are best for you, but there is a way to make it work for many people with different conflicts.

  • We generally practice twice a week, Tues/Thurs 3:45-5:30 (~3.5 hrs/week). As with any activity, the time you put into your event will often impact what you get out of it!
    To be considered an "active member" for the year, you are required to go to at least two tournaments during the year, which are often either a single Saturday-only tournament or a Fri-Saturday tournament. Students are not expected nor encouraged to attend every tournament. See more below!

    Students interested in pursuing national-level competition should expect to commit to additional preparation and time spent outside of practice.

  • Nope! The Speech & Debate season is long, and we don't expect everyone to go to every tournament.
    We ask that you compete at least 2x at some point in the year to be considered an "active member" for the year. If you want to commit more time, we'll. be here to support you in figuring out how to!

    You are welcome to compete at any local tournament as long as you attend the majority of practices the month prior. National-level tournaments will be available to students with more experience and who are willing to commit additional time to preparation.

  • Once you have joined the team, you will fill out a "Tournament Interest Survey" to gauge which available tournaments in the season you might be interested and available to attend.

    Registration for tournaments typically open sometime the month beforehand and will be announced on Slack. Students should read about the tournament and check their schedule first. Then, they will complete a google form and sign-up in Tabroom.com to finalize their registration.

    Final competition rosters will be provided in Slack, and students are expected to verify their registration for accuracy.