October 7, 2009
Dear Colleagues,
The Phillips Academy Philomathean Society cordially invites you to participate in the Andover Invitational Debate Tournament, to be held on Sunday, November 8, 2009. The tournament will consist of three rounds of Parliamentary debate (straight resolutions) for both novice and advanced divisions. Awards will be given to the top three novice and advanced speakers, to the top three novice and advanced two-person teams and to the top three schools. The top speaker at this tournament qualifies to attend the World Debate Tournament next spring.
Each school may register up to two four-person advanced teams and up to two four-person novice teams. A maximum of twenty-four teams will compete in each division. Registration will be on a first-come, first served basis until capacity is reached or until October 30th, whichever comes first. A judge must be supplied for each team registered. While experienced debaters may serve as judges for novice teams, each advanced team must supply an adult judge. All schools are expected to have briefed their judges thoroughly on the rules, format, and the scoring techniques of parliamentary debating. Judging materials and directions will be sent to confirmed schools the week before the event.
The day will begin with registration and continental breakfast in Paresky Commons from 10:00-10:45. A combined briefing for Debaters and Judges will begin promptly at 11:00. After the conclusion of the third round of debate, boxed lunches will be offered to the debaters and judges while the results are being compiled. The brief awards ceremony will commence at 3:30.
Schools may register sending the registration form by email to: etully@andover.edu. Fees for the debate are $60 for each four person team and $10 per observer, and are payable in advance or at registration. If you know the names of the individuals debating on each team at the time that you register, please provide those names. If the teams are not finalized at the time you register, please email the names ASAP, but no later than October 30th. On the morning of the debate we ask that you call 978-886-4845 between the hours of 8:00 am and 9:00 am to confirm your registration details and expected arrival time.
Bob and I look forward to seeing you on November 8th.
Best regards,
Elisabeth Tully
Elisabeth Tully, Director
Oliver Wendell Holmes Library at Phillips Academy
180 Main Street, Andover, MA 01810