Speech & Debate
Speech & Debate Club
ABOUT
Rainmakers Speech & Debate Club
About The Club
Rainmakers Speech and Debate is a Christian speech and debate club. We participate in competition through NCFCA Christian Speech and Debate. Competition in NCFCA is not required, but is strongly encouraged.
Season
In the summer, we offer camps and introductory activities. In the fall, we have weekly club meetings as well as opportunities for practice events. NCFCA competition season begins in January and continues through the remainder of the academic school year, ending with the National Championship in June. Weekly club meetings continue through the Regional Championship in May.
Requirements
Participation requires family registration in the Rainmakers Club. Families are expected to agree to our Statement of Faith and Rainmakers Policies. NCFCA competition requires affiliation with the league and agreement with the NCFCA Statement of Faith and NCFCA policies.
Rainmakers Registration is $125 per year per family.
The minimum age for competition in an NCFCA tournament is 12, however, there are activities offered for junior students at tournaments and at junior club meetings.
Parents are expected to participate in club meetings to provide feedback to students. Each family must provide a chaperone to attend for the duration of tournaments for which your student has registered. At tournaments, parents (or a designated chaperone) must participate in a volunteer position or be available to give feedback to students. Training is provided.
Speech
There are 10 speech events offered in NCFCA. We will discuss rules and preparation during club meetings. Information about the speech categories and rules can be found on the NCFCA Website. Participation in Apologetics is strongly encouraged by Rainmakers.
Team Policy Debate
During a round of Team Policy Debate, a team of two debaters will advocate for this year’s resolution by proposing a specific plan to accomplish the goal stated in the resolution while another team of two debaters will oppose the topic. During club meetings, we will explore these policies in depth and develop research skills in preparation for debate rounds. Those wishing to compete in Team Policy debate will be matched with a partner based on goals, skills, compatibility, and planned tournament participation. Curriculum is available for additional study.
Lincoln-Douglas Debate
One debater affirms the resolution while another opposes or negates it, demonstrating a clash of competing but morally defensible values. This style of debate simulates the famous debates between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas.
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Moot Court
Moot Court is a simulated oral argument, similar to an argument made before an appellate court.
Students present legal arguments from both sides of a fictional case before panels of judges as they focus on convincing the judge panel to either uphold or overturn a lower court’s ruling. There is no cross-examination by the opposing team, but judges may interrupt and ask questions of the speaker.
Tournaments
NCFCA Christian Speech and Debate challenges and equips students to communicate truth with integrity and grace through tournaments held throughout the country. Students in Rainmakers have the opportunity to participate in local club activities, qualifying tournaments in our region, online tournaments, and national tournaments. Families can determine their level of participation at tournaments. Additional information about types of tournaments and speech categories can be found on the NCFCA website.
