FAQ
When are judging clinics? Do I have to attend?
If you would like to know more about judging, please feel welcome to attend one our coach-led informational clinics the week leading up to meets. You are not obligated to attend the clinic, but if you think you'd like to know a little more about the event you are judging, come join us! The clinic will be on ______________7-7:30 pm in the Sentinel High School Cafeteria.
If I am signed up to judge, when should I get there? Where do I go?
Please arrive at least 15 minutes early for your round and check in at the judges’ table so that we know you are here. There will be a judges’ lounge with coffee and snacks where you can relax until we are ready to hand out ballots. ALL events are held at Sentinel
Do I need to dress up? What should I wear?
The students should be dressed professionally — but you can wear whatever you like!
Do I need experience to volunteer as a judge?
No. Many of our judges have been involved in speech and debate in the past (as coaches or competitors) but the majority are community members who are simply interested in the activity and in supporting our students.
How long does it take to judge a round?
Although every event is different, it takes roughly an hour and a half to judge one round. If you do not have a little leeway in your schedule, we suggest signing up for one of the first (morning) rounds on either day.
We do our very best to keep the tournament running on schedule, but because all of the results from each round need to be tabulated before we can begin the following round, we sometimes get behind. There will be a judges’ lounge with snacks and coffee where you can relax while you wait. Especially if you are judging more than one round, bring something to read and plan to hang out, chat with other volunteers, and be a part of our event for a few hours. It’s well worth it!
What should I sign up to judge if I don’t know anything about speech or debate?
While none of the events are easier or harder to judge, they do fall into different categories, some of which may be more interesting to you than others. Speech/interpretive events are either going to be acting-oriented or public-speaking oriented; so if you think you will like watching speeches and theatrical events, choose speech. Debate events are, well, just that — debate. If you want to watch students argue and select a winner, this one is for you!
How can I get in touch with a coach, ask a question, or change my judging time?
For further details, please email Cassidy Brooks at clbrooks@mcpsmt.org
Bonus question: Doesn’t forensics have something to do with CSI?
No.
If you would like to know more about judging, please feel welcome to attend one our coach-led informational clinics the week leading up to meets. You are not obligated to attend the clinic, but if you think you'd like to know a little more about the event you are judging, come join us! The clinic will be on ______________7-7:30 pm in the Sentinel High School Cafeteria.
If I am signed up to judge, when should I get there? Where do I go?
Please arrive at least 15 minutes early for your round and check in at the judges’ table so that we know you are here. There will be a judges’ lounge with coffee and snacks where you can relax until we are ready to hand out ballots. ALL events are held at Sentinel
Do I need to dress up? What should I wear?
The students should be dressed professionally — but you can wear whatever you like!
Do I need experience to volunteer as a judge?
No. Many of our judges have been involved in speech and debate in the past (as coaches or competitors) but the majority are community members who are simply interested in the activity and in supporting our students.
How long does it take to judge a round?
Although every event is different, it takes roughly an hour and a half to judge one round. If you do not have a little leeway in your schedule, we suggest signing up for one of the first (morning) rounds on either day.
We do our very best to keep the tournament running on schedule, but because all of the results from each round need to be tabulated before we can begin the following round, we sometimes get behind. There will be a judges’ lounge with snacks and coffee where you can relax while you wait. Especially if you are judging more than one round, bring something to read and plan to hang out, chat with other volunteers, and be a part of our event for a few hours. It’s well worth it!
What should I sign up to judge if I don’t know anything about speech or debate?
While none of the events are easier or harder to judge, they do fall into different categories, some of which may be more interesting to you than others. Speech/interpretive events are either going to be acting-oriented or public-speaking oriented; so if you think you will like watching speeches and theatrical events, choose speech. Debate events are, well, just that — debate. If you want to watch students argue and select a winner, this one is for you!
How can I get in touch with a coach, ask a question, or change my judging time?
For further details, please email Cassidy Brooks at clbrooks@mcpsmt.org
Bonus question: Doesn’t forensics have something to do with CSI?
No.
