The VAST majority of Speech & Debate competition in our area occurs at local invitationals.
An invitational is completely organized by the host school under the direction of the coach. In most cases, the school hosting a tournament "sits out" that weekend to help with administration of the tournament, instead opting to open their building to the rest of the community for one weekend.
Each invitational will provide different offerings of events and divisions, and each invitational will run on a different competition format. Each invitational releases its "invitation" a few weeks in advance; coaches should read them closely regarding events, rules, entry guidelines, instructions, etc.
While no direct body "governs" these invitationals, most will emulate standards set by MSHSAA and/or NSDA where appropriate.
An invitational is completely organized by the host school under the direction of the coach. In most cases, the school hosting a tournament "sits out" that weekend to help with administration of the tournament, instead opting to open their building to the rest of the community for one weekend.
Each invitational will provide different offerings of events and divisions, and each invitational will run on a different competition format. Each invitational releases its "invitation" a few weeks in advance; coaches should read them closely regarding events, rules, entry guidelines, instructions, etc.
While no direct body "governs" these invitationals, most will emulate standards set by MSHSAA and/or NSDA where appropriate.