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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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A note from the MSDL President
As hosting any in-person tournaments is not likely possible through the summer, the MSDL Board has decided to host an online state tournament for both speech and debate events during Memorial Day Weekend. An Online Speech guide is posted below. (Click on the blue 'button').
As we have no idea what the 2020-2021 school year will look like, we will hold off on requesting tournament sanctioning submissions until we have a bit more clarity. Most likely, the tournament calendar will not be set until mid to late September.
As hosting any in-person tournaments is not likely possible through the summer, the MSDL Board has decided to host an online state tournament for both speech and debate events during Memorial Day Weekend. An Online Speech guide is posted below. (Click on the blue 'button').
As we have no idea what the 2020-2021 school year will look like, we will hold off on requesting tournament sanctioning submissions until we have a bit more clarity. Most likely, the tournament calendar will not be set until mid to late September.
Minutes for the May 2, 2020 Annual Meeting of the MSDL are posted. The purpose of this meeting was to work out details for our online State Speech & Debate Tournament. This is still a work in progress, but you can see the minutes document using the "MSDL Meeting Minutes" link through the "About Us" tab, above or by clicking here
Minutes for the April 30, 2020 Board meeting are posted. The purpose of this meeting was to work out details for our online State Speech & Debate Tournament. This is still a work in progress, but you can see the minutes document using the "MSDL Meeting Minutes" link through the "About Us" tab, above or by clicking here
Minutes for the April 25, 2020 Board meeting are posted. See "MSDL Meeting Minutes" link through the "About Us" tab, above or by clicking here
Minutes for the April 16, 2020 Board meeting are posted. See "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
The Extemp Final Round Topic Area at STATES on April 4, 2020 will be "State Issues."
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
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
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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. |
MSDL Newsletter! Welcome back to another Speech & Debate season!
Click here to read our September 2018 Newsletter.
Click here to read the 2019 March Newsletter
Click here to read our September 2018 Newsletter.
Click here to read the 2019 March Newsletter
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.