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Welcome to the Massachusetts
Speech & Debate League! The MSDL serves high school students (grades 9-12) in Massachusetts. You can find out more about our league by exploring information in the menu bar, above. If you are looking for information about Middle School speech (grades 6-8), please visit their website: mmssl.weebly.com |
Rep Hannah Kane & Sen Michael Moore present Marc Rischitelli with the National Speech & Debate Education Day resolution.
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In Memory: 1982-2020
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It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Keith West, coach at Boston Latin School. Keith began coaching in Massachusetts at Acton-Boxborough Regional High School in 2006 and accepted the coaching position at Boston Latin in 2012.
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Keith was a graduate of Lewis and Clark College in Portland, OR and received a Master of Arts from Texas Tech University. He was also CEO and Founder of Legendary Learning Inc - Dragon's Haven Summer Camp. Countless debate students have benefited not only from his coaching, but also from his prolific ballots while judging and his impromptu teaching sessions during tournaments.
The MSDL mourns the loss of one of our most dedicated and talented debate coaches.
The MSDL mourns the loss of one of our most dedicated and talented debate coaches.
Due to uncertainty regarding Covid-19 and the safety of in-person competition, the MSDL will be holding tournaments from September through January online. A decision will be made about subsequent tournaments at a later time.
Minutes for August 24, 2020 Board meeting are posted. The purpose of this meeting was to discuss plans for the 2020-21 season. Due to the later start for most schools this fall, we moved the date of the Novice tournament from October 10 to October 24. You can see the minutes document using the "MSDL Meeting Minutes" link through the "About Us" tab, above or by clicking here.
Minutes for July 20, 2020 Board meeting are posted. The purpose of this meeting was to discuss plans for the 2020-21 season. You can see the minutes document using the "MSDL Meeting Minutes" link through the "About Us" tab, above or by clicking here
Electronic Balloting - Here's what you need to know to judge speech events using electronic balloting.
Click for written instructions
Click for written instructions
NOTE: CHANGE TO EXTEMP PREP RULES
3.1.2.5 Extemporaneous Speaking, change paragraph 2 to read as follows (new text in bold):
Electronic device use in Extemporaneous Speaking, including use of the internet, will be allowed with the following stipulations: 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 in which preparation and/or competition occurs. Internet access, use of email, instant messaging, or other means of receiving information from sources inside or outside of the competition/prep room are prohibited. 1. Host schools are in no way responsible for providing internet access for individuals. 2. No adaptation will be made for individuals who have issues accessing the internet. 3. Communication with anyone inside or outside the prep room via electronic means is prohibited and subject to disqualification. Host schools are not required to provide power for electronic devices
3.1.2.5 Extemporaneous Speaking, change paragraph 2 to read as follows (new text in bold):
Electronic device use in Extemporaneous Speaking, including use of the internet, will be allowed with the following stipulations: 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 in which preparation and/or competition occurs. Internet access, use of email, instant messaging, or other means of receiving information from sources inside or outside of the competition/prep room are prohibited. 1. Host schools are in no way responsible for providing internet access for individuals. 2. No adaptation will be made for individuals who have issues accessing the internet. 3. Communication with anyone inside or outside the prep room via electronic means is prohibited and subject to disqualification. Host schools are not required to provide power for electronic devices
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ONLINE SUGGESTION BOX!
We value the voice of each and every student, coach, judge, alumni, and friend of our league. Our online suggestion box offers an opportunity to have your voice heard! Click here to check it out. |
AN IMPORTANT NOTE TO ALL COMPETITORS AND JUDGES
One of the most common complaints we hear from competitors is that either a judge or another student is using their phone during a round, often while performances are in progress. Some report that students are whispering or gesturing to one another while a student is performing in the room.
It is important that all MSDL STUDENTS AND JUDGES wait until a round is over before texting! This certainly should never happen while a student is performing! Students should also be sure not to engage in any behavior that a speaker would find distracting, including gesturing, whispering or texting.
Thank you for your help in making sure all of our students feel their presentations are valued by all members of their audiences.
One of the most common complaints we hear from competitors is that either a judge or another student is using their phone during a round, often while performances are in progress. Some report that students are whispering or gesturing to one another while a student is performing in the room.
It is important that all MSDL STUDENTS AND JUDGES wait until a round is over before texting! This certainly should never happen while a student is performing! Students should also be sure not to engage in any behavior that a speaker would find distracting, including gesturing, whispering or texting.
Thank you for your help in making sure all of our students feel their presentations are valued by all members of their audiences.