Independent Entries

We are committed to providing opportunities for competition to all students but must do so safely and efficiently. The tournament will accept independent entries on a case-by-case basis. 

An independent entry is one or more high school student (from the same school) who enters any event at the tournament without representing the high school such student(s) currently attends.  All independent entries from any school must be on the same entry.  No student may enter as an independent if such student's school is attending the tournament.  Independent entries in Duo Interpretation, Policy Debate and Public Forum Debate must be comprised of students from the same high school. 

The following are the minimum requirements that must be satisfied in order for an independent entry to be considered:  

1. Receipt of a faculty letter from the school's designated speech and debate faculty member or administrator in which the student is currently enrolled stating that the school has "no objection" to the student competing at the tournament and being identified as a student attending, but not representing, the school (e.g., Bronx Science Independent).  The identification requirement is one of fairness so that other participants may more readily identify their potential competitors.  Form available upon request.

2. The faculty letter must either (a) be signed by such person on the school's letterhead and sent to the tournament host or (b) sent by such person via email from the school's internet address (e.g., bxscience.edu) directly to the tournament host and the email address and identity of such person must be readily ascertainable in the public domain (e.g., faculty member's email is listed on the school's website).

3. The adult chaperone must be a parent or legal guardian of one of the students attending.  The parent/legal guardian must submit a letter listing all students being chaperoned.  The parent/legal guardian of each student being chaperoned must provide written consent to such chaperone arrangements.  The chaperone must be present at the school when the students are competing.  Form available upon request.

4. All paperwork must be received before the entries will be accepted off the wait list into the tournament.  The absolute deadline for submission of all documentation is October 1st. 

5. Payment (by credit card) of all fees must be done by October 7th. 

6. Hired judging will be very limited for Independent Entries.

All other conditions set forth in the invitation remain applicable.