The National Policy Debate Resolution for 2013-14 is Resolved: The United States federal government should substantially increase its economic engagement toward Cuba, Mexico or Venezuela.
The NFHSA provides this insight into the resolution: Emerging from a 19th century dominated by European colonialism and a late 20th-century existence as a proxy battlefield for the Cold War, Latin America is arriving on the world scene in ways that are likely to reshape the international political landscape. This resolution focuses on the nations of Cuba, Mexico and Venezuela, each having its own unique dynamic which provides fertile ground for a year of debating. Cuba features a long-standing leftist government that will undergo a transition in the not too distant future, while Venezuela’s Hugo Chavez is fighting to hold onto power in his country. Mexico has a long-standing relationship with the United States but has seen a power shift back to the Institutional Revolutionary Party, which had run the country as effectively a single-party state for seven decades. Because of the prevalence of Mexico in the news and Cuba in the study of American history, novice debaters should be able to make their entry into the topic relatively easily, while issues related to indigenous peoples and deeper discussions of capitalism will provide fertile educational ground for advanced and kritik-oriented debaters. Affirmative cases may examine the role of embargoes and sanctions, remittances from immigrants, foreign assistance and issues regarding the drug economies. Negative arguments may address the efficacy of foreign assistance, non-economically oriented solutions to issues raised by the affirmative, kritiks of capitalism, the state and the United States specifically and the effects of these policies on United States hegemony.
See the NFHSA's website here http://www.nfhs.org:
Note: We will no longer be providing Forensic Quarterly. It's not that we don't like the publication. We still think it is great, but you can get it directly from the publisher for the same price and we can get out of the middle of the process. Order your copies here: Forensic Quarterly http://www.nfhs.com/c-227-materials.aspx
Post your 2013-14 invitational policy/legislative/public forum debate tournament on the MIFA website for *FREE*, if you are or intend to be a member of MIFA. Simply send an email with all the appropriate information to mifa@themifa.org
SPEECH ACTIVITIES for all MIFA events can be found under the "About Us" tab. http://themifa.org/content/speech-activities That is what serves as a rule book for the activity.
Sometimes we shed our "low profile" image and get some good press. Here is where you will find good examples of that.
The bulk of requirements for policy debate judge certification have been waived. Judges must meet the following criteria: The Michigan Interscholastic Forensic Association requires policy debate judges for the State Debate Tournament and the Novice Final Tournaments to be a high school graduate, submit an ethics statement, and an online paradigm, and/or update their previously submitted paradigm, no later than one week prior to a state tournament. Attached to this is the Ethics Statement form in pdf for your information.
To become certified, fill out this form: http://themifa.org/content/policy-debate-judge-certification-form
What you submit will be posted at http://themifa.org/content/currently-certified-policy-debate-judges-2012-13
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| Code of Ethics.pdf | 69.86 KB |
To become a certified Policy Debate Judge in the state of Michigan you must be a high school graduate, judge at least 8 rounds on this year's topic and fill out this form.
A
Admonius, Alec
B
Brundage, John
C
Canniff, Brandon
Chang, Jennifer
Colburn, Adam
D
Dinser, Erin
Dodson, Marshall
E
F
Fischer, Terry
G
Garvey, Mandi
Ginzel, Hahna
Green, Adam
H
Hennigan, Craig
Hosford, Lucas
I
J
Janke, Alex
K
Kendall, Hitch
L
Lawson, John
M
Marsh, Steve
McPherson, Tim
Meloche, Brad
Moenck, Nicholas
N
Nierman, Ryan
Nierman, Shannon
O
Overbeek, Daniel
P
Pratik, Ghosh
Q
R
Reinstein, Sondra R.W.
S
Smale, Ben
Spears, Paul
T
Thursam, Joel
U
Uihlein, Hayden
V
W
Wirth, Andy
X
Y
Z
Zin, David
Hello all you Debate types!
As we approach the MIFA Novice State Debate Tournament for this year, I hope all of you are planning to attend. The tournament is a two-person team tournament and all schools may enter one or two teams. Only ONE team may advance in elimination rounds. Please note: There is a fee for each team entered in the tournament, unlike last year.
We solicited sites for the tournament through the online calendar. We are happy to be going to West Bloomfield High School for this year's tournament. There will be five preliminary time slots and out rounds as appropriate.
Please indicate your intent to participate by signing up in the MIFA store not later than December 8 at noon. Earlier is better, but we will not be extending the deadline this year. It was problematic last year when we did. We extended the sign up date to the last possible moment for fairness. So, forewarning!
We have modified the fees this year. You can see fees and register here.
Also note, that 5 time slots for rounds may not mean 5 debates. If there are an uneven number of teams, we will be forced to have a bye round and that will necessitate reducing preliminary debate rounds to four.
Once you sign up for the tournament we will confirm with all the specifics. You can pay online through the store or you can choose to be billed. We will send billing asap and expect payment at the registration of the tournament. Please have checks made out to Michigan Interscholastic Forensic Association. If you pay online, please bring your receipt.
We look forward to seeing you at the tournament. This message has gone out to all coaches of debate who are members of MIFA this year and to those of you who were members last year and have not renewed membership. If you want to attend this great tournament, get that membership taken care of right away. You can do that online too here.
Now that school funding has calmed down a little, you might find it easier. Once more, I appreciate all you are doing for speech activities in the state of Michigan. It is more important now than ever before.
WBHS Map attached below.
Steve Marsh, Executive Director
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| WBHS Map.pdf | 4.62 MB |
The following teams have completed registration for the Novice Policy Debate State Tournament to be held at West Bloomfield High School.
Calvary Baptist Academy A
Calvary Baptist Academy B
Detroit Country Day School A
Detroit Country Day School B
Dexter
Gaylord
Groves A
Groves B
HH Dow A
HH Dow B
Holt
Kingsley
Okemos
Portage Northern A
Portage Northern B
Traverse City Central A
Traverse City Central B
University Liggett
West Bloomfield A
West Bloomfield B
Don't wait. Deadline for Registration is December 8.
West Bloomfield doesn't actually have hotels (seems odd to me), but we have secured a good rate at the
Fairfield Inn in Farmington Hills
Call 248-442-9800 and mention MIFA Debate
They will offer you a rate of $71.10 per room which includes good hotel amenities and a free breakfast.
Join us.
There are a few other hotels near the school:
Distance from high school
Hotel Name
Phone Number
4.17 miles
Delta Hotel
248-538-7200
4.63 miles
Best Western Inn
248-553-0000
4.63 miles
Courtyard by Marriot
248-553-0000
4.64 miles
Comfort Inn
248-471-9220
4.65 miles
Fairfield Inn
248-442-9800
4.65 miles
Extended Stay America
248-473-4000
4.76 miles
248-661-5040
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| WestBloomfieldhotels.xls | 28 KB |
We recognize this is a tightly scheduled tournament, but we are confident we can keep these time parameters.
Please be aware that the 15 minute rule is for problems getting to a round on time, it is not additional coaching or practice time.
All rounds are scheduled for specific times and are expected to begin at the time posted. Multiple violations of the time parameters may result in tournament sanctions.
Also, please bear in mind that the tab room is closed at this tournament. No one other than tournament staff is allowed in the room. Results will become available to coaches in a timely fashion but not in the tab room.
Thank you for your cooperation on these issues.
Tournament Schedule Friday, December 14, 2012
3:00 - 3:30 Registration
3:30 general meeting and welcome
3:45 Round I
5:45 Round II
Dinner break immediately after conclusion of Round II
8:30 Round III
Saturday, December 15, 2012
8:00 Round IV
10:00 Round V (Please note that in lieu of a fifth round, if circumstances warrant, we will be holding a bye round instead. This tournament will be either a five or a four-round event.)
11:45 Lunch
12:45 Quarters if needed (Semis otherwise)
2:45 Semis (Finals otherwise)
4:45 Finals Awards immediately following the conclusion of the Final Round.
In a 2-1 decision, Midland HH Dow defeated Dexter for the Novice Policy Debate title for 2011-12 at Dexter High School on Saturday December 3, 2011.
The 2012-2013 Tournament will be held December 14-15, 2012 at West Bloomfield High School.
Details to follow.
| Attachment | Size |
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| NovStPOLDEB11-12Results.pdf | 4.77 MB |
MIFA recently adopted the following regulations about paperless debate practices, and while we would love to let the "marketplace" decide best practice, we do have a few guidelines we encourage MIFA Judges and teams to bear in mind. They are outlined below.
PAPERLERSS DEBATE REGULATIONS
1. Computers or other electronic devices may not be used to receive information from any source (coaches or assistants included) inside or outside of the room of competition. Internet access, use of email, instant messaging or other means of receiving information from sources are prohibited during the round. By choosing to use computers in the round, debaters are consenting to give tournament officials the right to check contestant computers to determine outside consultation. Debaters who do not wish to consent should not use computers in the round.
2. Evidence may be printed in the round or produced electronically, but must be provided, upon request, in a format readable by the opposing team and/or the judge.
3. All exchanges of evidence should take place within current speech or prep time parameters.
4. Contestants choosing to use computers and related equipment accept the risk of equipment failure. Judges and/or contest directors will give no additional consideration (beyond that provided to debaters using paper files).
5. Contestants electing to use computers are responsible for providing their own computers, batteries, extension cords and all other necessary accessories. Tournament hosts will not be responsible for providing computers, printers, software, paper, or extension cords for contestants.
6. Contestants found to have violated the paperless debate rules will be sanctioned by the tournament director based on the severity of the violation. Penalties range from forfeiting rounds to being disqualified from the tournament.
The odd numbered regions elect for two year positions in odd numbered years.
Region I Jon Becker (2012-2013)
Region III Chris Norton (2011-13)
Region V Amy Bushey (2012-2013)
Region VII Al VerSchure (2011-13)
The even numbered regions elect for two year positions in even numbered years.
Region II Tina DeMoore, Petoskey (2012-2014)
Region IV Carol Roerich (2012-2013)
Region VI John Lawson, Groves (2012-2014)
Region VIII Debora Marsh (2012-2014)
Also, as a result of balloting among committee members, Debora Marsh is elected Chair of this committee for 2012-2013.
We have reduced the potential topics for 2013-2014 to two.
These are the potential topics for 2013-2014. There is a ballot attached to a similar story on the home page. Each program is entitled to one vote. Feel free to vote by email to mifa@themifa.org or by downloading the document, filling it out and sending it to MIFA.
1. Resolved: The United States federal government should substantially strengthen its export controls on military and/or dual-use technology toward one or more of the following: China, India, Israel, Russia, Taiwan.
2. Resolved: The United States federal government should substantially increase its economic engagement toward Cuba, Mexico or Venezuela.
Your vote is due in the MIFA office before noon on December 20.
For a downloadable pdf of all results of the 2011-2012 tournaments, go to the About Us tab.
Results for 2012-2013:
Novice: Portage Northern Defeats Traverse City Central
Varsity Tier 1: Petoskey Defeats Kingsley 2-1
Varsity Tier 2: Traverse City Central Defeats HH Dow 3-0
Here is where you will find all about the Varsity State Policy Debate Tournament for 2012-2013 as we know it. It will be held at Eastern Michigan University on January 4 & 5, 2013. Rounds will be held in Pray-Harold Hall. There are two divisions broken into "Tiers."
Registration is live now. You may register here.
Remember TAB is closed, but postings will happen. (Last round after all byes are concluded.)
TIMING CHALLENGES: Thanks to all of you who met deadlines, even changing ones. Others, we gotta get this together. Check the website daily as a tournament approaches.
TIER 1- Last year we had 6 teams and yet multiple changes in format. This year it could be smaller. We will remain flexible.
Remember all judges, even Tier 1 judges are committed through the beginning of all Final rounds.
TIER 2 It looks like Semis and finals with 3 judges each.
ALL JUDGES, I expect you to uphold the highest standards of professionalism. I do not expect you to use inappropriate language. I expect all evaluations and oral comments to be positive and constructive. If I hear of rude, inappropriate or boorish behavior from judges I will remove you from the tournament and bill your representative schools for the rounds you miss. Please, stay professional.
If you are judging, you need to fill out this form if you have not done so already: http://themifa.org/content/policy-debate-judge-certification-form
Judges who are currently certified for MIFA events are located here. http://themifa.org/content/currently-certified-policy-debate-judges-2012-13
FOOD! From our host, Ray Quiel: I have arranged Friday's lunch at Wendy's in our Student Center from 11:45am-1:45pm if students would be willing to order off the value menu.
The student center is a 5 to 8 minute walk from Pray Harrold.
I have arranged Saturday's lunch at The Tower Inn, a pizza buffet, from 12:30-1-30pm. The Tower Inn is a 4 minute walk straight south of Pray-Harrold.
As schools sign up we will list them here.
Tier One
Elk Rapids
Gaylord
Hamilton
Heritage
Kingsley
Petoskey
Zion Christian
Tier Two
Detroit Country Day
Dexter
Groves
HH Dow
Holt
Portage Northern
Traverse City Central
University Prep
West Bloomfield
DEBATE STATE FINALS 2012-2013 Eastern Michigan University.
Here is a resource for many hotels in the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti area, sorted by distance from the University.
http://hotelguides.com/colleges/michigan/eastern-michigan-university.html
We have moderately discounted rates available in the following hotels:
$139 a room, Eagle Crest Marriott (closest to the campus) this is their regular rate
$81 a room, Comfort Inn (5.5 miles from campus)
$53.54 a room for double occupancy. Red Roof Inn (5.5 miles from campus)
The only reduced group rate is at the Red Roof Inn. Call them directly at 734-665-3500 use Bloc Code B693MIFA13, Be certain you are getting rooms out of the MIFA bloc.
In one of the most progressive moves in a decade, MIFA has changed its three-tier state debate tournament from a size-based structure to an experience-based structure. We believe this will provide a fairer and more educational tournament experience for all. For 2011-2012 MIFA converted back to a Two-tier system. That system was well received by all teams participating.
1. Tier one will be comprised of schools which have participated only in League debates with no more than two invitational tournaments.
2. Tier two will be comprised of schools which may or may not have competed in league competition and which have participated in two or more invitational tournaments (either in-state or out-of-state or both). Anyone may "bid up" from Teir one to Tier two.
We recognize this may not equalize the size of the two divisions in the tournament, but we are certain it will provide greater parity between competing programs. Register here. http://themifa.org/product/varsity-policy-debate-state-tournament-fees
A Tentative schedule is below.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 4
8:30 - 9:15 Tier 1&2 Registration PH Auditorium 201
9:15 - 9:30 Tier I&2 General Meeting PH 201
9:30 - 9:50 Tier I&2 Directors/Judge Meeting PH 201
10:00 - 12:15 Round I
12:15 - 1:30 Wendy's Student Center
1:30 - 3:45 Round II
3:45 - 6:00 Round III
6:00 – 7:00 Dinner
7:00 - 9:15 Round IV
9:30 - 10:15 MIFA Debate Committee Meeting TBD
All Directors Welcome
SATURDAY, JANUARY 5
8:15 - 10:30 Round V/Bye rounds if necessary
10:30 - 12:00 The Tower Inn
12:15 – 2:00 Semi/Final Rounds
2:00 Announcement of Awards
2:15 – 4:15 Final round TBD
4:30 Presentation of Final Awards
Judge/coach lounge PH 219
TAB is in PH 203
Maps will be forthcoming.
Here is the final schedule for State Debate. All Rounds to be held in Pray-Harold Hall.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 4
8:30 - 9:15 Tier 1&2 Registration TBD/EMU
9:15 - 9:30 Tier I&2 General Meeting TBD
9:30 - 9:50 Tier I&2 Directors/Judge Meeting TBD
10:00 - 12:15 Round I
12:15 - 1:30 Lunch
1:30 - 3:45 Round II
3:45 - 6:00 Round III
6:00 – 7:00 Dinner
7:00 - 9:15 Round IV
9:30 - 10:15 MIFA Debate Committee Meeting TBD
All Directors Welcome
SATURDAY, JANUARY 5
8:15 - 10:30 Round V/Bye rounds if necessary
10:30 - 12:00 Lunch
12:15 – 2:00 Semi/Final Rounds
2:00 Announcement of Awards
2:15 – 4:15 Final round TBD
4:30 Presentation of Final Awards
Locations will be determined very soon.
Please download, print and fill out this form before the tournament and turn it in upon arrival. (Or email it to mifa@themifa.org)
The George Ziegelmueller award is presented to the best overall Policy Debate programs in each respective division. It uses a mathematical formula compiling credits for all debates won and lost at both the Varsity and Novice State Debate Tournaments in each school year.
In 2012-1013 the Tier 1 Ziegelmueller award is presented to Kingsley High School.
The Tier 2 recipient is Traverse City Central High School.
All in all, a tremendous showing for Northern Michigan Debate!