Team Organization
Philosophy:
The North Mecklenburg High School Debate and Speech Team is dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in competitive forensic activity along with the personal development of each team member who strives to achieve their full potential in such activities. Members of the team are committed to a full forensic season, devoting their time and energy to practicing for competition as well as considering forensics their primary school extra-curricular activity. Members will hold themselves to the highest level of good sportsmanship and are pledged to mutually support each other. Team members also hold themselves to the highest standards of personal behavior and will represent North Mecklenburg High School with dignity and pride.
Requirements:
Members will be students at North Mecklenburg H.S. who are active in the competitions of the Debate and Speech Team. They must be or working to be members in good standing of the NFL (National Forensic League). They must attend ALL the regular season tournaments (listed as “mandatory” on the schedule), but they may miss up to four (4) and maintain their status as regular team members.In addition, they may attend the Carolina West NFL District Tournament or any national level or regional tournaments (listed on the schedule as “optional”). They must also agree to accept the decisions by their coaches in regards to any matters relating to competition.
Membership:
Any student who intends to fulfill the requirements may join the team with the approval of the head coach. There is an annual membership fee, which includes tournament fees for all included tournaments, payable at the beginning of the school year or in increments as specified by the Parent Booster organization. The Boosters manage the team’s finances as well as subsidize the costs of attending all mandatory and optional tournaments. Team members may be cut by the head coach for any violations of the team requirements or philosophy. Team membership will continue throughout a student’s academic career at North Mecklenburg, unless the student resigns or fails to fulfill the requirements.