The student’s personal growth is more important than winning.

Good sportsmanship is more important than defeating an opponent.

Encouraging open minded thinking is more important than promoting political or social philosophy.

The coach’s role is to provide guidance, advice and constructive critique.

Student mentoring of other students is encouraged.

Except where the material is inappropriate, the student has the final say in piece selection, piece performance and argument development.

Students stretch their comfort levels by performing material at or beyond their current skill levels.

Students freely explore and suspend preconceived notions on, social, philosophical and political issues.

Students are courteous and respectful towards teammates, other participants, coaches, drivers, judges and timers.

Students compete according to the rules.

Students prepare for their events, show up on time and clean up after themselves.

Students enjoy the satisfaction attained from a performance well done, regardless of the outcome.

"Forward funding" provides the program with the greatest opportunity for financial stability.

Operating expenses should be funded primarily by sources that can be relied upon each year.

Private donations are accepted gratefully but solicited sparingly.

The school district should not be relied upon for operating funds.

Parents and students should bear principal responsibility for funding the program.

Families with limited means should be given the opportunity to pay activity fees and trip costs over time.

Partial payment should be emphasized over non-payment.

No student will be turned away for lack of money.

Students unable to pay all fees may be linked with local business sponsors or given an opportunity to earn fees through employment.

"High maintenance" fundraising efforts should be avoided.

The number of fundraising activities should be limited.

Where appropriate, fundraising activities should feature or involve students.