About Bellaire Debate
The Bellaire High School Speech and Debate Team is a nationally recognized program dedicated to fostering excellence in communication. Our mission is to empower students through the development of rigorous research, articulate public speaking, and sharp critical thinking skills. In debate, students gain the tools to navigate complex global issues and find their unique competitive voice.
Debate Dues
Each student will be required to pay dues to support their tournament fees throughout the year. Students can submit dues via cash or make out a check to "Bellaire Debate Team Booster."
First Year
$300
Standard dues for novice members entering their first season of competition.
Returning
$425
Dues for experienced members returning for another year of excellence.
A student's inability to pay will not prevent participation in Bellaire Debate.
What to Expect in Debate
Debate is a year-long commitment focused on building research, speaking, and critical thinking skills. It is a challenging yet rewarding journey that prepares students for academic and professional success.
Class Periods Offered
Debate is offered during 0 period (before official school hours, beginning at 7:35 a.m.) and 6th period.
Orientation Period
First Few Weeks of School
The start of the school year is an exciting time for Bellaire Debate. During the first few weeks, students rotate through introductory units to get a feel for the different competitive styles we offer.
Congressional Debate
Lincoln Douglas
Informative Speaking
Public Forum
Extemporaneous Speaking
World Schools Debate
Each unit includes a general lesson presented by students who specialize in that activity, light homework focused on practicing the format and gaining exposure to it, followed by a quiz at the end of the unit. This allows students to discover which events they enjoy and may want to commit to.
Team Procedures and Practice
The following section covers the essential operational guidelines for how our team runs tournament participation, transportation logistics, and our regular practice routines.
Tournament Participation
Minimum Requirement
All team members are required to attend at least six local tournaments over the school year. Refer to our calendar to see what local tournaments we will be attending!
Registration Deadlines
Students must sign up via the tournament sign-up form for a desired tournament by the deadline stated. Missing the deadline may result in being waitlisted and unable to compete in that tournament.
Tournament Transportation
- Friday: The team takes a school bus to the tournament. Students leave school at the beginning of lunch and must return on the bus after the tournament—no exceptions—once all team members have finished competing.
- Saturday: There is no bus transportation. Students are responsible for arranging their own rides to and from the tournament. They must fill out the Tournament Checkout Form before leaving the tournament with a parent or approved guardian.
Redo Rumbles (Congress Practice Rounds)
Redo Rumbles occur for students participating in Congressional Debate about once per grading cycle. Students simulate full Congress rounds using real topics from current dockets in preparation for upcoming tournaments. These sessions are designed to sharpen skills.