Student Guide

• All pupils should support the aim of the Schools Debating Network being a friendly yet challenging competition.
  
• Debating rules are to be followed.
  
• Reward excellence with applause. It should be enthusiastic and supportive. Booing and whistling are unacceptable.
  
• The adjudicator’s decision is to be accepted. Never express disappointment.
  
• The school coach is the only person allowed to ask the adjudicator for clarification of any points.
  
• Visitors must always be made to feel welcome in the host school. The home captain should welcome the visiting teams. At the conclusion of the debate the adjudicator should be thanked.
  
• Pupils are expected to set an example in their punctuality, self-control, teamwork, deportment and standard of dress at debates.
  
• Visitors to schools should co-operate fully with any regulations or requests made by the home school concerning car parking and seating. At all times home teams and visitors should leave the area tidy and free of litter when they depart.
  
• Bags, prepared notes, mobile telephones and other electronic devices must not be taken into the preparation rooms.

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Coaches & Parents Guide

• Pupils must perceive that the debating competition is consistent with the educational aims of the Schools. The part that coaches and parents play in this is crucial. They should be aware of their responsibility as models in insisting on proper attitudes by making debating enjoyable and challenging for pupils.
  
• It is imperative for coaches to be clear in their minds of the highest standards associated with debating.
  
• Coaches and parents should recognise that debates are for enjoyment, and satisfaction comes from doing ones best for the team.
  
• Coaches and parents should develop in their debaters respect for the judgement of the adjudicator/s. Any further grievance should be taken up by the Debating Co-ordinator which will then be communicated to the Convenor.
  
• The home coach should welcome the visiting coaches, and encourage social interaction between teams.
  
• Coaches and parents should be reasonable in their expectations of the debaters and in their demands on the debaters’ time and energy. They should be sensitive to the age, skill and intellectual ability of their team members.
  
• It is the educational responsibility of coaches to acquaint their debaters thoroughly with the rules of debating, as these provide structure and respect for due process.
  
• The role of the coach is to support and encourage the debaters. Criticism should be focused on the mistake and no personal derogatory remarks should be made.
  
• It is expected that an offending student will be subjected to the normal disciplinary practices of his or her school. Heads of relevant schools will communicate on disciplinary issues when necessary.
  
• The SDN Convenor should be notified of any serious cases of offensive behaviour and the result of the action taken by the individual school.