12th of February works for me. We should make sure nonetheless, after we figure out how many of us will be applying for trials, that we take the appropriate amount of time to actually have a few rounds of debating fit into the day. If we have more than 4 teams present, which I think and hope we will, then it will be difficult to have everyone debate a couple of times. So let's take that into account as well. I would actually suggest starting earlier.
Also, *all* the members of the society are actively encouraged to take parts in these trials. Even exchange students! You are absolutely entitled to and it would be great to have real competition over the spots, in order to ensure we are actually sending our best teams to Euros. Don't think you're not good enough if you're a novice for example. Many (bright) novice teams come to Euros and perform quite well in fact. It's an amazing tournament where you will grow tremendously as a debater, even if you don't break, etc. It's amazing fun. It's like going camp when you were little except with the added benefits of intellectual discussions, alcohol consumption and attractive and intelligent members of the opposite (or same if you prefer) sex. Also, I forecast that the opportunity of having a tournament of this magnitude in what is literally our back yard, won't present itself again any time soon. It's only five days and it's in June. That is one summer trip you wouldn't want to miss. However, keep in mind what Rich said. If you do come to trials and win, we will regard that as a commitment on your behalf to actually go to Euros, We do not like people who mess up our tournaments and leave their team mates parterless a week before the actual competition. All that being said, I sincerely hope to see as many of you there as possible Cheers Ina Rich <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: Dear debaters. The European Debating Championships will be held in Tallinn this year, in June. The society can only send three teams, and we've decided that the fairest way to choose these teams is to hold try-outs. On Tuesday the 12th of February we have Neill Harvey-Smith with us, an experienced debate coach from the UK, and so we will use that afternoon and evening to hold the try-out debates. So if you are interested in competing at Euros (more info here: http://www.eudc2008.eu/) and you think you have what it takes, please try and keep the evening (17:00 onwards) free on the 12th. You must only sign up if you are fully committed to travelling to Estonia for the 5 days of the competition, and willing to pay for your travel and the registration fee of around 210 euros. I would ask as well that anyone who is interested emails me by next Wednesday (the 6th). Registrations after that will only be accepted with good reason. You should sign up as an individual. Neill may choose to randomise the teams or allow partner selection on the night, so for now, just register yourself. We haven't decided upon every detail yet. If you really cannot make these dates - please let me know! We will see what we can do. We will also be allowing people to apply based upon a 'debate CV', if they simply cannot attend. Many thanks, Rich --------------------- Richard Penny President Helsinki University Debating Society [EMAIL PROTECTED] p. (+358) 045 1354591 ____________________ Em --------------------------------- Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with Yahoo! Search.
