2025 Ready Response

• Setup:

  This status is used while the tournament is still being setup.

• Open:

  This status means tournament registration is open. Families can register for the tournament.

• Drops Only:

  This status means only registration drops are allowed. There are no new entries allowed but families can drop entries.

• Closed:

  This status means registration is currently closed for the tournament. There are no adds or drops allowed. Please contact the tournament director with any questions.

• Completed:

  This status means the tournament is completed.

Postings

Registration Opens: December 2nd, 2024 at 8:00 am PST
Registration Closes: December 8th, 2024 at 10:00 pm PST

Fees:

$45 for each debate event (Parliamentary Debate, Team Policy or Lincoln Douglas)
$30 for each speech event

A student may register for a maximum of six events--three per pattern.

Payment (through Stripe) is due at the time of registration to reserve your spot. A minimal processing fee will be collected for all transactions.

If you plan to compete in TP, Parli or Duo, your partner must also be registered to compete as a team.

How to Register a Student:
Between December 2nd- December 8th, click on the FAMILY REGISTRATION Link and complete all necessary steps.

Refunds:
No Refunds are available after Dec 31st.

To cancel or drop an event, please send an email to
Email: readyresponseregistrar@gmail.com

THURSDAY, January 16th

7:00 A.M. | Check-in
7:30 A.M. | Announcements
8:00 A.M. | TP/LD Round 1
9:30 A.M. | Parli Round 1
10:45 A.M. | Speech A, Round 1
12:45 P.M. | TP/LD Round 2
2:15 P.M. | Parli Round 2
3:30 P.M. | Speech B, Round 1
5:30 P.M. | TP/LD, Round 3
7:00 P.M. | Parli Round 3

FRIDAY, January 17th

7:00 A.M. | Ballot Push
7:30 A.M. | TP/LD Round 4
9:00 A.M. | Parli Round 4
10:15 A.M. | Speech A, Round 2
12:15 P.M. | TP/LD Round 5
1:45 P.M. | Parli Round 5
3:00 P.M. | Speech B, Round 2
5:00 P.M. | TP/LD Round 6
6:30 P.M. | Parli Round 6

SATURDAY, January 18th

Small sized speech events will have a third round only, medium sized events will skip semis and break to Finals at 3pm

7:30 A.M. | Breaks
8:00 A.M. | TP/LD Outround 1
10:00 A.M. | DI, Duo, Expos, HI, Interp in a Box - Round 3 (all competitors)
10:00 A.M. | Impromptu, Apologetics, OO - Semi Finals
1:00 P.M. | TP/LD Outround 2
3:00 P.M. | Extemp, Persuasive, Mars Hill, OI, Impromptu, Apologetics, OO - Finals
5:00 P.M. | TP/LD Outround 3
7:30 P.M. | Awards

(Parli final round will be scheduled on Saturday depending on the qualifiers)

Speech Pattern A

Dramatic Interp
Open Interp
Expository
Extemporaneous
Impromptu
Persuasive

Speech Pattern B

Apologetics
Humorous Interp
Duo Inter
Mars Hill
Slam Poetry
Original Oratory

(Pattern subject to change depending on registration)

Important Etiquette Guidelines for Speech and Debate Tournament

Parents and Students,

We are excited for the upcoming Speech and Debate Tournament at Las Positas College. Your cooperation is crucial in ensuring the success of the tournament and the safety of all participants.

Parental Presence on Campus:

Parents are expected to be on campus at all times during the tournament.
While Las Positas College boasts a beautiful open campus, it is important to note that it is a public space. Student safety is our utmost priority, and your presence is vital in monitoring not only your own students but also young children who are not actively participating in the competition.

Exclusive Use of Designated Areas:

Students, please limit your activities to the competition rooms and the designated student lounge in room 2401.

Refreshments and drinks will be provided for your enjoyment. However, please be mindful to clean up after yourselves and dispose of any waste in the designated bins.

Do not Move or Remove FURNITURE:

Moving or removing furniture within rooms, common areas, lobbies, hallways, or any shared spaces may seem like a small task, but it cause have significant work for our facilities team. Please DO NOT move or remove furniture.

Do Not Touch Classroom Equipment:

Please be advised that under no circumstances should you touch, turn on, or turn off any equipment present in the classrooms. This includes but is not limited to projectors, computers, audio-visual devices, and any other instructional tools.

Restricted Access to Buildings and Rooms:

Strictly adhere to the rule that no one is allowed in buildings or rooms that are not designated for the competition.
This includes respecting areas that may be reserved for other purposes during the tournament.

Ensuring a Warm Welcome for Years to Come:

It is our collective responsibility to maintain a positive and respectful presence on the Las Positas College campus.

By following these guidelines, we can ensure that we leave a lasting positive impression, paving the way for future tournaments at this venue.
Your cooperation in adhering to these guidelines is greatly appreciated. By working together, we can create a supportive and welcoming environment for all participants. We look forward to a successful and enjoyable tournament, and your contributions are instrumental in achieving this goal.

Let's represent STOA well!

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Dear Community, Parent, and Alumni Judges,

Thank you for contributing to the success of our tournament. Your assistance is invaluable in ensuring a smooth event.

Community Judges:

Register for judging by selecting a convenient time under the "Community & Alumni Judge Registration" tab.

Total Tournament Time Commitment - Approximately 3 hours. Please arrive one hour prior to the round you signed up to judge. This will allow you to:

• Attend orientation in room 1641
• Receive your ballot
• Arrive at the room assignment on time

After your round, please return to the judge's lounge to complete your ballot and enjoy refreshments. Students look forward to reading your helpful feedback!

Parking: Special areas are reserved for community judges in Parking LOT C 1600 building.

Judge Orientation:

Sessions for speech and debate events are scheduled each tournament day.
Attendance is encouraged annually for an overview of events, training, and materials.
Complimentary snacks and refreshments will be available for judges throughout the day in our lounge.

Judge Orientation Schedule

Thursday Jan. 16th

Friday Jan 17th

Saturday Jan 18th

Parent and Alumni Judges:

Parents are expected to judge 2 rounds per registered event and be available throughout each tournament day.

Alumni judges cannot judge rounds of former competitors in the previous year.
Annual attendance at Judge Orientation is required for updates on recent changes to ballots.

Thank you for your time in supporting our students. If you know someone interested in volunteering, help us recruit community judges to enrich the competition experience. We provide training for first-time judges.

Useful Links:

Stoa USA
Judge Training Video

Meals will be served on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Order during registration. ALL MEALS ARE $10.99 EACH.

Lunch Hours: 🌞 11 am - 1 pm
Dinner Hours: 🌆 4 pm - 6 pm

Tournament Menu: January 16-18 (Thursday-Saturday)

Thursday

Lunch

• Turkey Santa Fe Wrap: Turkey, chipotle sauce, lettuce, tomatoes, pepper, pepper jack, corn

• Chicken Caesar Wrap: Grilled chicken, romaine, parmesan, Caesar dressing

• Crouton Wrap (V): Croutons, romaine, parmesan, ranch dressing
  Contains: Gluten, Dairy

Dinner

• Chicken Teriyaki Bowl: Grilled chicken, house-made teriyaki sauce, vegetable medley, steamed rice

• Dakgalbi Chicken Bowl: Sweet and spicy chicken, vegetable medley, steamed rice

• Tofu Teriyaki Bowl (V): Grilled tofu, house-made teriyaki sauce, vegetable medley, steamed rice
  Contains: Gluten

Friday

Lunch

• Turkey Club Sandwich: Turkey, tomato, lettuce, cheddar

• Ham Italian Sandwich: Pepperoni, ham, Swiss, lettuce, pickled pepper, red onion

• Fresh Garden Avocado (V): Lettuce, tomato, avocado, sprouts, Swiss
  Contains: Gluten, Dairy

Dinner

• Chicken Super Burrito

• Al Pastor Super Burrito

• Veggie Super Burrito (V): Mexican rice, pinto beans, choice of meat, salsa, sour cream
  Contains: Gluten, Dairy

Saturday

Lunch

• California Poke Bowl: Crab, cucumber, avocado, unagi sauce, spicy mayo, furikake, green onion

• Tuna Mayo Rice Bowl: Tuna mayo mix, egg, caramelized onion, unagi sauce, furikake, green onion

• Tofu Mayo Rice Bowl (V): Tofu teriyaki, egg, caramelized onion, unagi sauce, furikake, green onion
  Contains: Gluten, Dairy

Dinner

• Pasta Bolognese: Egg pasta, house-made tomato meat sauce

• Pasta Marinara (V): Egg pasta, house-made tomato sauce
  Contains: Gluten

Questions: Please email Satya Krishnamurthi @ satyadk@gmail.com 

Hampton Inn Livermore

Use GROUP CODE: TOA for the Discount. Be sure to put in the dates before using the Group Code.

WEBSITE LINK: http://www.staylivermore.com

2850 Constitution Drive, Livermore, CA, 94550

5 Mins from Las Positas College
Includes free breakfast

Discount STOA Rate is

KING $119
TWO QUEENS $119

*Reservation Cut-Off: DECEMBER 15, 2024

READY RESPONSE Script Submission

Script Submission Opens: Monday, December 16th, 2024 at 8:00am (PST)
Script Submission Closes: Tuesday, December 31st,  2024 at 5:00pm (PST)

APPROVAL DEADLINE: All scripts MUST be approved on or before Friday, Jan. 3rd, 2025 at 3:00pm (PST) in order to be eligible for competition in that event.

Ready Response Script Submission -- 100% electronic

• ALL scripts MUST be submitted electronically by the above closure date AND approved on or before the approval deadline. NO LATE SCRIPTS WILL BE ACCEPTED. Scripts not in compliance by the approval deadline will be dropped from that event with no refund.
• Script reviewers will communicate via email, SO it is imperative that you check your email frequently once you have submitted.
• You will only have 24 hours to make your necessary corrections and resubmit your script for approval.
• ALL approval confirmations will be emailed to competitors and parents. 

How to Submit Scripts Electronically

1.  Follow the rules for your speech event that can be found here.

2.  Follow the script submission guidelines and use forms found here.

3.  Watch THIS six-minute video for help! If you've watched it before it is always good to refresh your memory.

4.  PREPARE your script and submission form WITH your parent or coach. Include ALL initials and ALL signatures.  Submission forms MUST have the current tournament listed!

5,  Combine each speech into a single PDF file. You may scan into a single file or use a file joiner. See resources below.

6.  Name the file correctly: Last Name, First Name-event.pdf

7.  Submit Scripts: e-submission here (Link will be active Monday Dec. 16th at 8:00am (PST))

8.  Correct or Celebrate: If your script is returned for corrections, complete any requirements within 24 hours and resubmit before the approval deadline of Friday Jan. 3rd, 3pm (PST). Otherwise, it is time to celebrate your approval!

_____________________________________________

Resources for Script Submission

Stoa Resources

• Stoa Publication Guidelines 2024 -2025
• Speech Citations Help Page 2024 - 2025
• Stoa Plagiarism Policy 2024 - 2025
• Interpretation Script Submission Guidelines 2024-2025
• Platform Script Submission Guidelines 2024-2025
• Slam Poetry Script Submission Guidelines 2024-2025

Work Cited Page Helps

• EasyBib
• Citation Machine
   

PDF File Joiners

• PDFsam (Free download to your computer)
• PDFmerge (Merging via a website)

To make PDFs of printed docs with your phone, search your app store for "PDF Scanner App". We recommend Adobe Scan Free version.

_________________________________________________

Questions regarding script submission: readyresponsescripts@gmail.com

EXTEMP NOTES

Extemp has priority! If you are in other speech events, be sure you schedule your time so you do not miss your draw time. The times are fixed and if you are late to the prep room, your prep time is shortened. Speaker positions cannot be switched or changed.

Note: Speaker 1 prep time will begin at the start of the speech round. Check the speaker order before the round begins.

1st Draw Extemp Instructions:

All Extempers are expected to be in the Extemp Prep room on Thursday at 10:30am before the 1st Round for brief instructions and 1st Extemp Draw

.
Equipment Responsibility:
1) Students must accept full responsibility for the safety and security of their electronic devices for the duration of the tournament.

2) Tournament staff are not responsible for the devices at any time.

3) All electronic devices should be clearly labeled with the participant's name and contact information

Participants should adhere to Stoa dress code during the tournament. These can be found at https://stoausa.org/dress-code/

Gentlemen: Suit, or slacks and blazer jacket. Collared shirt and tie. Professional dress shoes and socks.

Ladies: Skirt suit or pant suit; or professional slacks, skirt or dress with a blazer jacket. Leggings and tights are not to be worn as pants. Dress/ skirt hemlines and slits should be no higher than the middle of the knee. Hose are not required. Business professional dress shoes.

Awards Ceremony: Students must attend the awards ceremony in full competition attire.

Violations

If the competitor’s attire at any time during the tournament is deemed a violation of the dress code, the competitor will be asked to come into compliance with the dress code. A student will not be allowed to participate in competition or awards without compliance.

🍦 Join Us for Complimentary Ice Cream Night! 🍦

📅 Date: Saturday Jan 18th

🕕 Time: 5:00pm-6:00Pm

Treat yourself to a variety of cream bars, we will have non-dairy bars also.

🌟 Join us for an unforgettable evening of reminiscing, reconnecting, and reliving the good old days at "GradGather: Reunite and Delight"!

📆 Date: Friday January 17th
🕕 Time: 7:00PM
📍 Location: Las Positas Cafe (Next to Judge's lounge in 1600 Building)

🎉 What to Expect:
✨ Nostalgic Walk Down Memory Lane
✨ Catching Up with Old Friends
✨ Games
✨ Delicious Food and Drinks
✨ Raffle Prizes and Fun Surprises

Don't miss this opportunity to rekindle friendships, create new memories, and celebrate the strong bonds that connect us all.

RSVP now with Madeleine @ madeleine.e.prater@gmail.com and make sure to invite your fellow alumni. See you there!

#GradGather #AlumniReunion #ReconnectWithThePast

Photography/Video and Online Posting Policy Disclosure

In our commitment to creating a safe and respectful environment for all students, we would like to inform you about our photography/video and online posting policy. It is essential to ensure the privacy and well-being of our students while still celebrating their achievements and participation in various debate and speech activities.

General Policy:

No Unauthorized Photography and Video Recording: Parents, guardians, spectators, and other attendees are strictly prohibited from taking photos or recording videos of students and posting them online without explicit permission from the individuals involved or their legal guardians.

Exception for Tournament Activities:

Staff from "Ready Response": During tournament activities, authorized staff members from "Ready Response" may capture and take photos and videos that involve tournament-related events and participants. This is to document the spirit of the competition, highlight achievements, and promote the positive aspects of our students' experiences.

Consent for Tournament Participants:

Enrollment in the Tournament Implies Consent: By enrolling in the tournament, participants acknowledge and grant permission for the tournament organizers to take photos and record videos during the event. These media may be used for promotional purposes, including online platforms and marketing materials related to the tournament.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in respecting the privacy of our students. This policy aims to strike a balance between celebrating achievements and safeguarding the well-being of our STOA community.