Speech

Descriptions of Speech and Debate Events 

The Tri-County Forensics League (TCFL) sponsors 11-12 official league tournaments each competitive season, beginning with the Fall Novice tournaments, followed by the Winter Opens, and ending with the Spring State Qualifying Tournaments late February to mid-March. Novices are encouraged to compete at both novice and open tournaments! Compete as often as possible! Additionally there may be opportunities to compete at college and high school invitationals. The goal is to “qualify” in Feb/March by placing in the top 5 or 6 in an individual event or top-rank in Congress or Debate. Students must compete in at least one League tournament at the “Open” level to be eligible to compete at a State Qualifier. All league tournaments follow the rules set forth by the state organization, CHSSA (California High School Speech Association), which holds a state championship tournament in April. If you “qual,” you earn the right to compete for a State Championship title!