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Welcome to the Vermont Debate and Forensics League home page
From here you will be able to find out about events and schools involved in debate and forensics in the state of Vermont.
The Vermont Debate and Forensics League was created in 1978 to promote interscholastic speech competition. The VDFL conducts a full schedule of debate and public speaking tournaments hosted by participating schools throughout Vermont during the fall and winter as a co-curricular activity. Several schools have formal courses in public speaking.
Each fall the VDFL hosts an introductory workshop where interested students and teachers can see the events demonstrated by experienced students. The forensics (public discussion/rhetoric) program begins in November with weekly tournaments held on either Friday afternoon/evening or Saturday morning. A number of schools have added Public Forum Debate with the forensic competition. Starting in December, Saturday debates are held periodically where students in both novice and varsity divisions formally debate the national policy topic. the
The forensics season concludes with the Vermont Principals’ Association sanctioned tournament at the State House in Montpelier where the top speakers and teams are crowned Vermont state champions. Both Policy and Public Forum Debate seasons end in March with a state championship tournament hosted by the University of Vermont.
The VDFL is governed by the advisors and coaches of the debate and forensics programs as well as the bylaws and policies of the Vermont Principals’ Association. As the VDFL constitution states, the group’s purpose is to 1. stimulate an interest in and expand knowledge of interscholastic speech competition, 2. encourage that interest and knowledge by supporting workshop activities, 3. promote school debate and forensics activities, and 4. foster good sportsmanship among the members.
Membership is by school and required for participation in the scheduled tournaments. The annual fee is $25.00. Participating schools can affiliate with the National Forensics League and coaches are encouraged to join the National High School Federation of Interscholastic Speech, Debate and Theater Association.
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