Attending a Debating Competition

This is a followup to my previous article "What do you need to bring to a debating competition?" and part of a series of introductory articles.

First you have to find the venue. This is most likely a large generic university building and should be listed on the facebook event. Google maps and a knowledge of astronomy may be helpful for this stage.

A generic university building

When you arrive you will be need to register. There will likely be a stressed looking person at the entrance or in the main hall with a laptop. This is simply a matter of telling them your individual and team names,  and various other details such as: 

• Second language status - Some competitions have separate tabs and/or finals for speakers for whom English isn't their first language, to take into account the extra level of difficulty this causes.
• Novice status - Similar to the above, generally defined as anyone in their first year of university debating who has not broken at any tournament. 
• Clashes - This is particularly important if you are judging but may also be important for teams. So you list institutions or people you would be uncomfortable judging or being judged by, or that someone might reasonably expect you to be biased about. (E.g. institutions you have attended, former or present romantic partners, people you have spoken with, etc.)
• Dietary requirements - If they are providing food (E.g. vegetarian, religious, allergies, etc.)
• Payment -  There is normally a "reg fee" that covers the cost of running the competition, any food provided, etc. Different institutions have different rules on whether they cover it, if they provide subsidies etc. so ask at yours and ensure you know in advance what the competition will cost you.  Reg fees are usually paid in cash although bank transfer and check can be options. If you need to be reimbursed from a University or Union, it is useful to ask for a receipt.