What is "competition dress"?
Just like any sport, Speech and Debate has a uniform. Competition dress should be professional and should not distract from your performance. Males wear full suits and ties, females wear business dress or power suits with jackets. Skirt and pant lengths should be long enough that they do not detract from the presentation or performance of the competitor.
When to Wear Competition Dress
Competition dress is required at all tournaments and awards ceremonies. It is sometimes required at fundraisers where the team is soliciting sponsorship. On rare occasions, the coach may allow "semi-competition dress" which means business casual. Button up shirts or very nice polo shirts with slacks or skirts are appropriate. In cases of semi-competition dress, jackets and ties are optional.
- DON'T dress casual. Speech and Debate is a sport for future business professionals and leaders, and proper competition dress reflects this goal.
- DO check every angle. Avoid wardrobe malfunctions by checking how you look standing, sitting, and bending over.
- DON'T wear white socks. Colorful socks, scarves, and ties are acceptable, but white athletic socks look unprofessional.
- DO try to match with your partner. While it's not essential, pairs can look like a more cohesive unit by matching attire.
- DON'T break the EDHS dress code. Clothes should adequately cover the body, and should not have any obscenities.
- DO talk to your coach if you can't meet the dress requirements. Lack of funds should never hinder a student from competing.
Do's and Don'ts
When Competition Dress is Not Required
Casual dress is allowed during travel to and from tournaments, and between competitions at multi-day events. Slippers, overcoats, and other comfortable attire is allowed between events, as along as you are in full competition dress when competing or accepting awards. In some instances, the coach may require team t-shirts or school spirit attire so she can find her team in a crowd. At all times, team members must follow EDUHSD dress code as outline in the student handbook.
For More Info
The following links from other speech and debate teams may be helpful: