NJFL PROGRAM OF EVENTS 2007-2008

The program of the New Jersey Forensic League of Secondary Schools is to offer students of its members the opportunity for extracurricular competition in various forensic and speaking events.  It is not a substitute for curricular speech training nor does it presume established speech curriculum in its member schools.  It does, however, enable the ambitious and capable student to develop more than ordinary proficiency in the spoken language.  The program here presented may serve as a stimulus to enterprising schools to establish appropriate speech curricula.   Member schools in the same geographical areas, moreover, often establish competitive relationships as a result of their contacts during league activities.

To further both the educational and competitive value of our events, we have instituted a Code of Ethics for competitors and judges in all events.  We expect coaches, judges, and students to adhere to these standards. 


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The NJFL sponsors two tournaments during each season.

First, we host the State Championship Tournament, usually held during the second weekend of March.  This tournament begins on Friday afternoon with two or three rounds of Debate and a flighted round of Speech; the tournament continues on Saturday with rounds taking place all day. 

Beginning in 2006, the NJFL began sponsoring a Scholarship Tournament, held on the first Saturday in March.  The entry fees for this tournament are used to fund the Scholarships awarded to the winners of all the Main Events at the NJFL State Tournament.

NJFL Member Schools have an active and vigorous Schedule.

For your convenience in mailing out tournament and other NJFL information, we have prepared this Word document in Avery 8160 label format.  In addition, a password protected coaches' contact list--with phone numbers and emails--will be posted to this site soon.  If you wish a copy before posting, please contact Bill Cooper at coachdeb8@hotmail.com.

Many NJFL Schools also compete in the  Qualifying Tournament of the New Jersey District of the NFL, following the rules of the NFL.


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The NJFL sponsors the following Events at the State Championships.  Most NJFL Tournaments use these events at their tournaments.  Click on the event category to see the event descriptions.

DEBATE EVENTS
Policy or Team Debate
Lincoln-Douglas Debate
Public Forum Debate

Policy and Lincoln Douglas Debate are usually conducted in Varsity, Junior Varsity, and Novice Divisions.  Public Forum has heretofore been run in an Open Division; during 2006-2007, however, a Novice Division may be offered.

NATIONAL SPEECH EVENTS
Dramatic Interpretation
Humorous Interpretation
Duo Interpretation
Original Oratory
Extemporaneous Speech

These Events are identical to those at the National Forensic League's National Tournament and the NJ District Qualifying Tournament.

NEW JERSEY EVENTS
Poetry Reading
Prose Reading
Impromptu Speech
Improvisational Acting

These events are generally found at NJFL local tournaments.  Some other tournaments sponsor these events, which may allow States qualification.  Contact  a member of the Executive Board or Committee for more information.