June 4, 2019 - Nationals Newsletter
June 4, 2019 - Nationals Newsletter

Dear Coach,

Check out the latest National Tournament news below! 

Read the National Tournament Book Online

The Tournament Book is your guide to all things National Tournament! You'll receive a printed copy at Sunday registration, but if you're looking to get a jump on things, you can access a digital copy of the book online here. All competitors, coaches, and judges MUST read pages 1 through 58, which are tabbed in black along the edge. It is your responsibility to know the information in these pages! The book includes schedules, rules and procedures, a location directory, award recipients, outround info, district ads, and detailed information about the tournament. 
The Middle School Tournament Book is also available online. It includes schedules, details on coach Education Sessions from Summit Debate, and more! 

Download the Nats19 Guidebook App 

Our free Nats19 Guidebook app contains maps, schedules, postings, and more! It will serve as your number one source for tournament notifications and updates. 
To download the app, click here or follow these instructions: 
  1. Go to the app store that corresponds with your device and search for “Guidebook.”
  2. Follow the prompts on your screen, and Guidebook will download.
  3. Open up the Guidebook app on your device to get started.
  4. Use the Search box to type in “Nats19.”
  5. Tap “Download Guide” to download the guide to your device. You may be prompted to allow push notifications and location services.
Note: We strongly recommend allowing push notifications so you don’t miss any important tournament announcements! 

DART Weekend Travel Advisory

The Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) system is currently undergoing weekend construction. If you are navigating from the Dallas Fort Worth or Lovefield airports to the Sheraton Dallas Hotel over the weekend, you'll take the Orange line to West End Station and then hop a DART bus to Pearl station. Weekday travel will not be impacted.
Learn more about weekend routes here or access DART maps online.  

SuperShuttle Airport Transportation 

If you don't want to take the DART, you can save on a SuperShuttle to and from Dallas Fort Worth or Lovefield airports with our code PTK72. To get started, click here

A Word About Elevators

The Sheraton Dallas Hotel (North, Center, and South Towers) and adjoining Conference Center feature many elevators and escalators to get you to your competition rooms in a timely fashion. However, it is the fundamental responsibility of all contestants and judges to arrive on time to rounds. Due to the large volume of attendees at the National Tournament, you are strongly encouraged to arrive at least 90 minutes prior to the start of the first round to allow adequate time to board the elevators at least ONE HOUR in advance of round 1.
To access competition rooms via elevators, you must board from the first floor. If you are staying in a guest room and need to switch towers or make your way to the Conference Center, you MUST be downstairs prior to 7:00 a.m. each day to ease the burden on the elevators. Keep in mind that many rounds will be held in unoccupied guest rooms and other larger meeting spaces located up to 37 floors above the first floor lobby. Elevators are operated by tournament officials. 

Tournament Logistics  

Ballots » Be sure to pack your chargers and devices! All high school debate rounds and middle school events will be adjudicated via online balloting using Tabroom.com. All high school speech ballots will be delivered to competition rooms by tab staff. 
Schematics » Room schedules for Rounds 1-6 will be available for viewing on registration day and via the Nats19 Guidebook app. 
Supplemental and Consolation Events » Coaches will re-register their students for supplemental and consolation events by logging into their online tournament registration via Tabroom.com. In-person re-registration assistance will be available for coaches. Learn more »
Inclusive Restrooms » We have designated restrooms in each of the venues that can be used by anyone. We want to thank you for respecting our diverse community of participants, judges, coaches, and observers. View locations »
Pre-Ordered T-Shirts » All pre-ordered Nationals T-shirts must be picked up from the NSDA Store by 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 20. View locations »
Pre-Ordered Meal Tickets » Meal tickets for teams who pre-ordered meals via their National Tournament Registration will be available in school registration packets. Judge hospitality will provide snacks to judges at both the Sheraton and the Crowne Plaza. Read more about meals on site »

Student Middle School Judges

Any high school student who wishes to judge at the Middle School National Speech & Debate Tournament after being eliminated from main event competition must be a junior or senior during the 2018-2019 school year with 250 honor society points. Student volunteers earn two merit points for each round judged! Eligible students should meet in Remington (4th floor) on Wednesday and Thursday to judge.  

Leaving Early? 

Awards and original sources/scripts will not be shipped without prior arrangement. Be sure to pick up all materials—including checking for lost and found items—during the times allotted on Thursday and Friday. View details »
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