Each year, across the nation, ASDA sponsors multiple speech and debate tournaments. We plan to hold TWO in-person tournaments in Arizona this year. As part of our club, we require you to participate in our Arizona tournaments. You can also travel and participate in as many in-person tournaments as would like!
In-person tournaments are often held on a university, school, or church campus where there are many different rooms. Parents are required to be on-site during the entire tournament, to help as chaperones, staff and as judges. Before and/or after the tournament, there is usually a social where participants can have fun and build life-long relationships.
For those who choose not to travel or those that are looking for a different speech and debate experience, there are multiple online tournaments each year. Functionally the online tournament operates just like the in-person version, but instead of physical rooms, participants join a virtual room and participate from the comfort of their own home.
Online tournaments are a great way to get experience and feedback without having to travel. Parents are still required to be available for the duration of the tournament, even when they are online. Junior competitors cannot compete in online tournaments.
Preparing for any tournament takes a lot of time and effort. Just like a soccer team has to practice before a big game, we gather to practice our speeches and debating skills on a regular basis.
To help everyone prepare, we hold one practice tournament to help new and seasoned participants learn the flow of an actual tournament. The feedback from volunteer judges help our students be prepared for the tournament season.
