7. Novice LD Eligiblity

Please refer to these polices as you evaluate whether to register students in Novice LD or Varsity LD:

(Borrowed from Jack Howe Invitational)

1. For Students That Competed In Middle School: A high school freshman [or beyond] that competed in an event at more than five total tournaments in middle school cannot register for that event as a novice. A high school freshman [or beyond] that competed in an event at less than five total tournaments in middle school may register as a novice for that event.

2. General Definition For Novice: A “novice” constitutes a student that has competed in less than one complete competition season. “One complete competition season” is four tournaments or less in a school year.

3. First-Time Entries In New Speech Events: A student who has competed in no more than one complete competition season [or less] of speech events, but has not competed in any debate events, may enter as a novice in debate events.