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2020 Black Sea Public Forum Debate Tournament
2020 Black Sea Public Forum Debate Tournament
First, the 2020 Black Sea PFD Tournament is part of the Romanian Public Forum Debate,
founded by Theodore Ganea. This tournament is a qualifier for the 2021 National
Romanian Public Forum Debate Tournament, to be held in July 2021. For the Open
division (see the next paragraph), reaching the quarterfinals elimination round or beyond
will yield a bid for Nationals. This event is organized by “Mircea cel Bătrân” National
College in collaboration with Horace Mann School, New York, USA. The tournament
director is Professor Eduard Mindirigiu.
Second, this tournament is divided into two divisions. For students in the ninth through
twelfth grades, we offer the Open division (High School Public Forum). For students in
the sixth through eighth grades, we offer the Novice division (Middle School Public
Forum). This means that middle schoolers will NOT directly debate high schoolers.
Lastly, we expect participants to compete in their rounds. Debaters who choose not to
debate a round for any reason will be treated as having forfeited that round. The
tournament will not certify “co-champions” in final rounds (no ties).
We believe Public Forum Debate should be for the public – equally accessible to all,
regardless of background. As a result, there will be no fees for participation to this
tournament, and no private donations will be accepted.
Sincerely yours,
Ștefan Mindirigiu,
Executive Director, 2020 Black Sea Public Forum Debate Tournament.
Schools must provide at least 1 judge for every 2 Public Forum Debate entries. In
Public Forum Debate, an entry represents one team of 2 partners each. All judges must
be qualified, which at a minimum requires English-language skills and a high school
diploma (or 3 years of debate experience). Any complaints about judge qualifications
must be addressed to the tournament director prior to the competition involved. Schools
entering students in high school division should expect that some of their judges will cover
middle school rounds.
The tournament complies with the Romanian laws and adheres to the NSDA anti-
harassment and anti-discrimination policy, reproduced here:
“The National Speech & Debate Association is committed to providing its participants,
judges, coaches, and staff the opportunity to pursue excellence in their endeavors. This
opportunity can exist only when each member of our community is assured an
atmosphere of mutual respect. The NSDA is committed to maintaining an environment
that is free from all forms of harassment and discrimination. Accordingly, all forms of
harassment and discrimination are prohibited whether committed by participants, judges,
coaches, or observers. The NSDA is committed to the enforcement of this policy.
Individuals who are found to have violated this policy will be subject to the full range of
sanctions, up to and including removal from the tournament and prosecution by
authorities.”