The most prestigious intervarsity tournament on the debating circuit is the World Intervarsity Debating Championships (affectionately referred to as 'Worlds'), This is a BP tournament which is held every year from just after Christmas for approximately 10 days.
What is Worlds? The World University Debating Championships (or Worlds) is the largest debating tournament in the world. It is held in British Parliamentary style and attracts competitors from across the globe. It is held from December 27th – 5th January.
Where is Worlds? Worlds is held in a different location every year. This year it is being hosted by Assumption University in Thailand. This presents a fantastic opportunity for MUDS members to attend Worlds as it is much closer to home than recent tournaments. This makes airfares significantly cheaper meaning everyone is able to attend. For more information about this years tournament go to www.assumptionworlds.com
How much will it cost? Registration for tournament has been set at 15,500 Baht. This is equivalent to approximately $610 AUD and will include all your accommodation and most meals. In previous years MUDS has been able to provide sponsorship to all participants to help offset the cost of attending but this is conditional on us being allocated funding.
Can I go? You can attend as either a debater or an adjudicator. You do not have to have attended Worlds before or even a debating tournament. Worlds is a tournament that presents an amazing opportunity for people of all levels of experiences. As MUDS can only send a limited number of debaters and adjudicators we will be holding trials to select teams and adjudicators. Trials will be held on Sunday, October 7th.
What do I need to do? MUDS may have the opportunity to register additional teams and adjudicators but we can only do that if we are certain that people will fill those spots. If you are considering attending Worlds you must email mudsonline@gmail.comindicating your interest by Friday, August 17th. Please include whether you:
1. Definitely want to go - as either a debater OR adjudicator.
2. Definitely want to go but ONLY as a debater or adjudicator (specify which).
3. Are interested in going but depends on funding
4. Are thinking about it.
Worlds 2006/07
This year Worlds is being held in snowy Vancouver, Canada by UBC. For details of this exciting tournament, check out their website at http://www.ubcworlds2007.com/
Worlds 2005/06
In 2005/06 Worlds was hosted by University College in Dublin, Ireland. Check out the details on their website at http://www.pgcareerswudc.com/
2005/06 Contingent
Best of luck to our Worlds Contingent who will be competing in Dublin in a mere 10 Weeks! MUDS will be proudly represented by the following teams and adjudicators:
Melbourne A: Lucia Pietropaoli and Liz Sheargold
Melbourne B: Nicole Lynch and Liz Ames
Melbourne C: Jess Moir and Duncan Kauffman
Adjudicators: Maryam Jahanshahi
Lauren Knight
Catherine Muhlebach
General Information
Eligibility and Trials
Any member of the Society is eligible to compete as either a debater or an adjudicator. However, there is a limit on the number of teams the Society is permitted to send. Trials are conducted in order to determine which debaters compete. These trials are conducted in the British Parliamentary style (this is the style used in the second semester internal competition), which is also the style of the tournament.
For those interested in adjudicating at Worlds, you must submit your 'Adjudication CV' - a written application outling relevant adjudicating and debating experience. There is no cap on adjudicators, so everyone is able to attend, but adjudicators are ranked in order to determine funding. Please, note, those trialling to debate should also consider submitting their adjudication CV in case they miss out on a team.