Tournament Basics

Sterling High School Forensics

David Wilson, coach, SHS Phone:620-278-2171

620-278-6080, mobile SHS Fax: 620-278-3237

wilsonda@usd376.com

December 13, 2025

Dear Forensics Coach:

The Sterling forensics team would like to invite you and your team to compete in the Sterling High School BetsyFest Forensics Tournament to be held on Saturday, January 31, 2026. The tournament will consist of three preliminary rounds and a final round. Registration will begin at 7:30 am, first round draws will begin at 7:45 am, and the first round will begin at 8 am.

Each team will be allowed to bring 16 entries in any combination with a maximum of 3 per event for the following events: I.D.A., Duet Acting, Humorous Solo, Serious Solo, Extemp, Impromptu, Oration, Informative 7/10 (combined if necessary), Prose and Poetry and POI. Students may enter three events, but only one long-form draw event (IDA or extemp). Fees are $6.00 per person, per event. Extra entries may be accepted if we have room. Sponsors may be asked to judge up to two rounds. If you have someone who wishes to judge more, let us know, please.

All entries are due by Friday, Jan. 23 – register at http://betsyfestforensics.tabroom.com/. Your entry fee will be set on the following Tuesday (January 30) and will be expected despite any cancellations.

The top six finishers in each event will receive medals, and plaques will be awarded to the top three teams. We will count the top 12 entries toward sweeps. All KSHSAA rules will be followed.Note that for planning purposes, the tournament will conform to 2A rules regarding timekeeping: If no official timekeeper is present, no participant(s) or event shall be penalized. THE JUDGE SHALL NOT SERVE AS THE OFFICIAL TIMEKEEPER (https://www.kshsaa.org/Publications/debatespeechdrama.pdf, p. 47).

We anticipate limiting this tournament to 15 schools, and we will accept team entries on a “first come, first served” basis. Once you are confirmed, we will send specific tournament information. Waitlist entries are subject to drop as the event nears–I’ll send a heads up.

There will be a hospitality room for coaches, sponsors, and bus drivers and a concession stand for students. Meal deal information pending.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

David Wilson and the Sterling High Forensics Team