What is the NCFCA?
The National Christian Forensics and Communications Association is the third largest speech and debate league in the nation and is made up primarily of Christian homeschooling families. Their mission is “To challenge and equip ambassadors for Christ to communicate truth with integrity and grace.” Gulf Coast Speech and Debate prepares students to compete in the NCFCA (NCFCA.org).
When and where do you meet?
We meet in Gulfport on Wednesday afternoons. Contact us at info@gulfcoastspeechanddebate.com for more information.
How old does a student have to be to join the club?
Since we rely on parent weekly involvement, any age can join. Although teaching is provided, parents must attend, take notes and guide their children through the process. It does not take too long before the students surpass the parents, and the roles are reversed! Parents are needed each week in order for the club to be possible. Students may compete at any age, but at 12 years old or older may choose to participate in the senior competitor league.
How much does it cost to be a part of Gulf Coast Speech and Debate?
Unless you are a “juniors only” (no one competitively engaged), you will need to join NCFCA which costs $125 (early bird special) and $150 after that date. Visit https://NCFCA.org to learn more. There are also fees to compete but they are very reasonable.
With the exception of resources for your family, there is no cost to participate in the Gulf Coast Speech and Debate club except respect and responsibility to our gracious host church and club leaders.
What are the requirements to participate?
With the exception of resources for your family, there is no cost to participate in the Gulf Coast Speech and Debate club except respect and responsibility to our gracious host church and club leaders.
What is your attendance policy?
This is not a drop-off club, and therefore we require attendance by the student(s) and a parent at each club meeting. Parents are needed at club meetings to provide valuable feedback for students and assist with the practice debates which occur each week.
What if we must miss a meeting?
Absences should be reserved for emergencies and illness. Please do not schedule appointments or other activities during our club meeting times. Everyone benefits when students are actively engaged.
May I bring younger siblings to club meetings?
Yes! If your student does not wish to participate, they may stay with you during the duration of the meeting, and we recommend you bring something for them to do quietly. We encourage as much participation as your student is able to give.
What is your homework policy?
Students will be asked to prepare for the practice debates or speech content in advance of the weekly meetings.
Is there a dress code?
Club meetings are casual, but please be mindful of modesty. Tournaments, which begin in January, have a strict dress code: suits and ties for the gentleman, and business attire for the young ladies. This requirement has been especially advantageous. Students have practice being professionally ready, and it has benefitted them greatly. Specifics about the dress code are delineated in the tournament guidebook, which will be provided during the season.
What kind of speeches will my student present?
We encourage all new students to begin with a platform speech, which is typically a 10-minute informative or persuasive speech on a topic of the student’s choice. Part of our early club meetings is guiding students into the kinds of topics that will work well for competition. We also encourage students to try a limited preparation speech, like impromptu, apologetics, or extemporaneous speaking. The league also includes opportunities for interpretive speeches, which are more dramatic in nature.
What kind of debate training does speech and debate club offer?
Although our club is only offering Team Policy debate this year, there are three types of debate: Lincoln-Douglas Debate (1 on 1) and Team Policy Debate (2 on 2) and Moot Court.
Can this activity count for credit on a high school transcript?
Yes! Many parents use speech and/or debate as a Speech and/or Debate credit, a Language Art/English credit or as an elective. Others choose instead to include it on a high school résumé as an extracurricular activity.
How do we join?
Please contact us at info@gulfcoastspeechanddebate.com to let us know of your interest.
Have a question not found here?
Send us your questions at info@gulfcoastspeechanddebate.com