Practices

 

Location: practices take place in-person at Whitman High School in the new building. At this time, our practice sessions are in-person. Our practices are two hours each and develop not only the skills of the debators, but also the relationships developed between our nationally recognized coaches and the rest of the team.  

 

Frequency: practices occur every Monday and Wednesday night September - May when school is in session from 6:45-8:45 pm. We do not generally hold practices on early dismissal days and do not have practices on holidays. 

 

Use of School Facilities:  Our faculty chaperone and coaches provide information regarding the rules for use of school rooms.  In general the expectation is to return the rooms to the same condition in which they were found, and school equipment/supplies/IT should not be used without specific permission from the faculty chaperone. Team members should not use teachers’ desks. 

 

Etiquette: Although the coaches will provide detailed guidance on the expectations for specific events, we generally expect team members to be supportive of each other, work collaboratively, and help promote a civil and enjoyable practice. Here are a few ways to make that happen:

 

1. When at practice, always speak in a civil manner and respect the other participants and coaches.

2. Follow instructions from coaches and the faculty chaperone.

3. Help out new members of the team.

4. Wait for your turn to speak, and don’t talk over other people.

5. For debaters, present information accurately. Do not falsify or distort the facts.

6. Stay focused on the topic or question up for discussion, not other participants.

7. Do not become emotional in your appeals.

8. Control your tone of voice.

9. Avoid personal attacks or discussions of other participants’ physical attributes.

 

Even though these are competitive events, remember that we’re one team and that participants should be supportive of each other. The Whitman debate community is one that thrives toward a positive and friendly environment that welcomes all excited to not only succeed in their activity but also in their relationships with others. 

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Social Media/ group texts: Although the parent board does not monitor or supervise social media or group texts that regard the debate community or specific tournaments, we expect team members to use these for productive, supportive purposes. If the Board or a coach learns that someone is not using group texts or interactions with team members on social media for those purposes, that person may not be allowed to continue participating on the team.