Frequently Asked Questions

What is the resolution for the year?

The 2007-08 LDD topic is:

Resolved that a just government should facilitate health care access for all its citizens.

Who should I contact with questions or concerns relating to upcoming events?

Step One is to review recent issues of the LD Coaches Chronicles which include information on the pay-to-play model, format, topic background and event planning.

For Confirmation of payments/eligilibty, contact

Office Manager Elizabeth Fitzgerald (beth.impact@gmail.com)

To arrange coaching support or a site visit, contact

Tamesha Coleman, (tamesha.impact@gmail.com)

For scheduling matters or if you do not receive satisfactory answers from those two individuals, feel free to email Will (impactcoalition@cs.com).

What does the involvement of the IMPACT Coalition mean for me as a coach?

IMPACT's staff has more than three decades of experience supporting the needs of teachers and coaches involved in debate. The Coalition is very interested in helping professionalize the support systems for the dedicated men and women who serve as debates coaches in the LD league. We have developed an array of coaching manuals, guidebooks, electronic resources, teaching aids and other materials that could help support your work. Additionally, IMPACT partners with the Department of Education, when appropriate, to provide professional development opportunities through in-service training in debate using the resources of the IMPACT Coalition staff and the coaching community.

What does the involvement of the IMPACT Coalition mean for me as a teacher?

IMPACT’s philosophy is that the cornerstone of any effective debate program is the teacher who brings to the program to life in a school. Our staff spends considerable time developing ways to support teachers outside of the debate round. IMPACT has resources to assist in your pedagogical development and to support you in locating fellowships and teaching awards. Through our Debate Across the Curriculum program, you can reach well beyond the students on your team and infuse your school with the excitement of debate.

How will information be communicated about the program and the resolution?

Schools will receive regular communications through the electronic newsletter called the LD Coaches Chronicle. The newly updated IMPACT website contains a LDD section with information on coaching manuals, tournament registration, directions, and programmatic updates. The section is currently being updated and will contain the most current information available about the program. IMPACT’s website address is www.impactcoalition.org Additional announcements and discussions will take place at the scheduled kickoff events and the two symposiums. On the week of the tournament or event, a message on the IMPACT Coalition phone will provide basic information.

When will I receive materials and an event schedule to assist my team in preparations for the upcoming tournaments?

Yes. An LD Coaches Chronicle with basic instructions and scheduling information will be sent to you prior to each symposium. At the symposium, additional dates and information pertaining to the Early Bird and Goldberg tournaments will be announced.

I have colleagues who might want to participate. Can they still get involved?

Yes. The Department of Education and the IMPACT Coalition are both interested in having as many high schools involved this year as possible. Please inform your colleagues that there is still time to participate. Ask them to call the IMPACT Coalition’s offices or e-mail Beth at beth.impact@gmail.com, and they can receive information to get started. Time is limited so they need to act quickly.

What does the involvement of the IMPACT Coalition mean for my students?

The IMPACT Coalition has run the successful New York Urban Debate League since 1997. Students who participated have reaped several advantages through publicity and college assistance that we have opened up to LDD competitors and their coaches. Our debaters have been featured in US News & World Report, the NY Times, Christian Science Monitor and on local and cable television shows repeatedly. IMPACT has extensive connections to college debate programs and opens doors to students for substantial college scholarships, assistance with navigating financial aid issues, and help in promoting your students to potential coaches. NYUDL debaters received more than $2 million in college scholarship offers during the previous season.

Will I be expected to judge at tournaments?

Yes. Directors of the most prominent debate programs around the country overwhelmingly agree, judging is a fundamental component of maintaining a successful debate team. Coaches who judge regularly at tournaments are better informed about the topic and are better equipped to guide their own students. IMPACT volunteers will supplement most to the judging pool, but coaches should expect to judge at least one round at any given tournament. Particularly at the single elimination tournament, which requires a three judge panel, coaches will judge, when possible, in alternate tiers.