Constitution

The Maumee Speech and Debate Constitution

Mission Statement

We help others achieve their goals by building confidence and teaching the effective communication of ideas.

Our Code of Conduct 

As a team, we value improvement over victory. We win as a team by pushing each other to excel as individuals, to learn as much as we can whenever possible, and to aim to become our best selves. The members of our team embody this value by:

• Prioritizing Schoolwork

We are an academic organization, so our activity on the weekends supports our classwork and our classwork supports our activity. We know that being a part of this team requires that we give our best work to our teachers during the week.

• Respecting All Voices

We respect opposing viewpoints and welcome everyone to speak with clarity and kindness, even those who we disagree with. Anyone has the right to opt out of any conversation at any time. At meetings, we are silent and attentive when a coach or an officer is addressing the team, and as spectators, we are silent when someone is giving a speech to the room. 

• Respecting Others

No harassment is tolerated, period. Whether an interper, orator, or a debater, we respect everyone's right to choose a category that fits them best. We do not make mean comments about those who choose to succeed in a different category or way than we do. We always respect others’ boundaries, and we make those boundaries known so that they can be respected.

• Following Etiquette at Team Events

We dress professionally for tournaments and follow the school dress code for all other team events. We always respect property that is not our own, both at our school and at tournaments. We do not leave or enter a room while someone is giving a speech, nor do we interrupt a speaker. We follow all rules and instructions set by each tournament host.

• Managing Our Time

We do our best to arrive on time for tournaments or practices, and if we’re running late, we notify a coach as soon as possible with a phone call and a message when necessary. We are always on time for rounds, period. We inform a coach if we know we are not able to attend no later than 1 week before the tournament. If there is a valid reason we cannot attend after the deadline has passed, we will notify a coach as soon as possible to avoid any drop fees. We make time each week for practices either at school or at home.

• Taking Responsibility 

We submit all forms that are required to participate on the team before the deadlines and we ensure that our parents are aware of all information that is provided. If there is a problem that we caused, we focus on fixing the problem rather than who was involved. We always inform a coach of problems we know about, including: if we are running late or unable to make it to a tournament, if our transportation plans change, if we are having trouble with another teammate, or if there is an emergency.

Consequences

Failure to follow the Code of Conduct will result in a meeting with the officers to discuss how the misbehavior can be paid back to the team in service that is appropriate. 

Violations of the Maumee High School Code of Conduct will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis in accordance to the severity of the infraction, bringing in the school administration for appropriate consequences if necessary.

For last-minute drops from a tournament not related to severe illness or family emergency:

• No monetary penalty is assessed for the first infraction.

• For second infractions, the student must pay the fee that our team is charged by the tournament.

• For a third or further infraction must pay the drop fee and meet with officers to work out appropriate retribution. 

Expectations Of Team Members

In addition to our Code of Conduct, we have a few expectations for team members. We do our best to achieve these expectations, and set goals that are respectful towards the team and ourselves.

• Listen. We follow the Codes of Conduct of our school and our team. We also do our best to follow the instructions set by our coaches. We are attentive when a coach or officer is addressing the team.

• Encourage others to do their best.  We do not compete against each other; we compete against ourselves every weekend. Our ranks are not equal to our worth or our contribution to the team. We help others with our knowledge and our encouragement, and we challenge each other to give our best at practice and at tournaments.

• Practice to Improve. We practice at least twice monthly with a coach, and try our best to practice at least once weekly at home. Students who are going to a tournament must practice at least the week before unless they get permission from a coach. Members should write their speeches in a timely manner, and practice according to what their category requires.

• Participate with the Team. We help with fundraisers, tournament prep, and other team activities to the best of our ability. We try to go to at least one tournament each year if we are comfortable and able to do so.

Membership Requirements

There are very few requirements to be a part of our team. Apart from following the Code of Conduct, there are a few things that the school and our team need for us to ensure your safety and success.

• Submit All Forms. Each member must have all required forms signed by a parent and on file. This includes the medical form, transportation releases, permission forms, and any other forms that are requested by a coach.

• Bring Judges. Each team member is required to supply one or more adults who can judge for at least two tournaments that the team member attends. Any trusted adult, including family, neighbors, and friends, are eligible to judge. Judges are essential for our team to attend tournaments, and we are penalized for each judge we do not bring. There is also an opt-out option that you can discuss with a coach if needed.

Leadership Qualities and Officer Responsibilities

Leadership on this team is very important, and the officers are chosen from outstanding members to replace those who have graduated. To qualify, nominees must embody the following characteristics:

• Have at least 1 year of experience on the team and have passed the 9th grade

• Have followed the Codes of Conduct and fulfilled the team expectations

• Demonstrated consistent dedication to the team and a willingness to help others grow as speakers and people

• Attended at least two thirds of the previous year's tournaments

The officers are responsible for: 

• Team Cheerleading and Organization During Travel and Meetings

• Recruitment of New Members

• Community Publicity and School Announcements

• Middle School Coaching

• Helping Members to Satisfy any Requirements

• Dedicating Time for the Maumee Tournament Preparation and Clean-up

• Setting Up and Working at Team Fundraisers

• Helping the Coaches with any other Team-Related Work

Varsity Requirements

Dedication, hard work, and achievement does not go unnoticed on this team. We offer varsity letters to the top team members who embody the values of our team and who represent our team well to the outside community.

In addition to following the Code of Conduct and all expectations of our team and our school, one must satisfy two of these requirements to be nominated and approved for varsity:

• Qualify to a state or national tournament

• Be a senior that has been on the team for a full four years and participated in 90% of the available tournaments, including qualifiers

• Reach a total of 300 speaker points in Speech or 600 speaker points in Debate
  
  
  

To remain on varsity, a member has to attend 75% of the tournaments and must attend 2 of the 3 qualifiers each year. Varsity members receive the following benefits:

• A Varsity letter awarded at the Speech Showcase

• Priority for scholarship opportunities

• Recommendation letter for colleges and jobs