Tournament Attendance and Planning
The purpose of this post is to provide some direction and guidance for tournament selection and participation in the activity as a whole. I write this post with the assumption that larger tournaments in both numbers and teams present on the whole provide a better learning environment for LD.
On California (Including close surrounding areas… West love…),
Since most teams in California who are experimenting with LD don’t have the ability to travel nationally we need to stay in or around the state. One of the ways which we can maximize the return for each time “we go out” is by coordinating with other coaches and the community on large tournaments to attend specifically in LD. This weekend I am at the California Double Up and the field of LD competitors is much larger than I expected. However I still feel that some schools are missing and the diversity that they could provide at this time is missing as well. Consistent with that argument is my belief that NFA-LD is not just a second semester event as I have heard it referred to at several times this year. By delaying the transition as coaches we can only put our debaters at a further disadvantage and their respective national tournaments. By comparing traveling schedules we can strengthen already good LD draws to have larger more competitive tournaments.
On the National Circuit,
I just wanted to take a moment to share my thoughts on some of the big national LD tournaments that squads should consider if the were going to travel for LD. One factor that should be mentionded here is that unlike Parli there are tournaments on the east coast for LD. These tournaments like Suffolk(MA), St A’s(NH), and Lafayette(PA) are a great chance to get to see the northeast judging pool who consistently make the deciding votes on panels at NFA Nats.
Wyoming/Purdue(IND) – Both about the same size in LD, little early in the season but can get you the exposure.
William Jewell(MO) – Great time in Parli and LD. Large divisions and strong competition.
Creighton(NEB) – Big weekend, large divisions again and a good draw. The schedule can be rough but 2 IE 1 Parli and 1 LD is a lot for one weekend to give you.
Ohio State(OH) – Swing LD tournament and traditionally known as the fall championship. I personally like this tournament a lot, Columbus has a panera!
Webster(MO) – The Gorlock is the tournament in my mind that most reflects NFA, the panels can be whack but it’s a good time in St Louis.
USAFA(CO) – Good competition, good food, I like USAFA.
Tournaments that are hot to become LD tournaments next year… Pacific(CA), Wky(KY), Washburn/LDOC(KS), and Pt Loma(CA).
There may be more, that list is by no means exclusive. Just a starter. I will update again soon. Feel free to discuss.
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