George MasoN UNIVERSITY DEBATE
Dear Colleagues,
On behalf of George Mason University, you are invited to participate in the First Annual Celebration of Women in Debate Tournament. This year’s competition will be hosted by George Mason University from Saturday, November 8th to Monday, November 10th, 2014.
Despite the major progress that has occurred in academic spaces for women, there are many activities in academia that are still largely dominated by men. This lack of academic participation can especially be seen in collegiate policy debate. Even though debate boasts a deep historical tradition of promoting progressive ideals, this mindset does not seem to extend to a broad proof of inclusivity in the activity itself. While this tournament is definitely not seen as a solution for ever problem concerning exclusion in debate, we hope that it can function as a step toward implementing and encouragingchanges that place an emphasis on inclusion within our community.
Our hope is to bring light and credit to the amazing talent, intellect and vigor that our community’s women bring to this activity.
We hope to see you all in Fairfax,
Jackie Poapst, Tournament Host
Format: The debate topic for the tournament will be the CEDA policy topic, Resolved: The United States should legalize all or nearly all of one or more of the following in the United States: marihuana, online gambling, physician-assisted suicide, prostitution, the sale of human organs.
The tournament will be sanctioned by CEDA and will be run in accordance with their rules, including the provisions of the Statement on Discrimination and Sexual Harassment (Bylaw XIV) and the Statement on Ethical Principles (Bylaw XV).
The CEDA Constitution and Bylaws can be found here:
Time limits for speeches are 9-3-6 with ten minutes of preparation time. There will be six preliminary rounds. Rounds one and two will be pre-set. Rounds three through six will be power matched. All debaters will compete in an Open Division, with a novice eliminations breakout (elimination depth will be announced for the breakout once entries have been finalized).
Entries/Eligibility: Enter as many eligible teams as you like. Because this tournament was created to emphasize making steps toward broader inclusivity, in no way do we want to exclude because of strict guidelines of identity. With that in mind, all people who identify as female, including transgendered and intersex individuals, are eligible to debate and judge at this tournament.With this in mind, hybrid partnerships are encouraged and welcome for teams that only have one debater who identifies as such. Hybrids will be eligible to compete and clear into elimination rounds. If one of the debaters of a team cannot debate in any given round, that round will be forfeited. Teams that forfeit rounds will be given average speaker points, but are ineligible to clear to elimination rounds if speaker points are the determining factor for their clearing. Debaters who forfeit rounds are ineligible for speaker awards.
Please enter the tournament by November 2, 2014 at tabroom.com.
After that date, e-mail changes directly to Jackie Poapst at
Teams and judges dropped after the November 2nd deadline will be responsible for all entry fees.
Fees: Entry fees are $50 per participant (debater, coach, judge, or observer). Acceptable forms of payment include cash or check. Please make checks payable to the George Mason University. Your fees will cover trophies, five meals (Saturday breakfast and lunch; Sunday breakfast and brunch banquet; and Monday breakfast social), and drinks and snacks throughout the tournament.
Exceptions: All new and emerging programs (as defined in Article III, Section 1A(1) of the CEDA Constitution) will receive a guaranteed 50% reduction in entry fees for participating teams. If fees represent an economic hardship for your program, please email Jackie Poapst at to work out a reduction or waiver in fees.
Judging:
Due to this tournament’s focus, we ask that all entered judges also meet the participation eligibility for debaters in identifying as female, including transgendered and intersex individuals. If your program is not able to provide such judging, we will do our utmost to work out individual program needs. Any judging hired through the tournament will be $30 per round or $120 for a full commitment (3 elimination rounds and 1 elim)
Each school must provide 3 rounds of qualified judging for each team entered in the tournament. If your program is able to donate more rounds so that this tournament is able to achieve its goal of providing debaters with eligible judges, we highly encourage it. All judges will be required to judge through the quarter final elimination round or one round after your last team is eliminated whichever occurs later.
There will be no preference system, as we feel this harms the inclusivity premise of our tournament. However, please email with any necessary constraints that each participating team has.
Speaker Points: We will use a 30-point scale. Tenths are allowed. Ties are not allowed.
Judge Philosophies: Judge philosophies are required. Each judge should submit or update their judge philosophy through tabroom not later than November 5, 2014. If a judge fails to comply, the schools they represent will be fined $50.
Video/Audio Recording: All rounds (defined as the speeches of the participants) are open to registered tournament participants and may be electronically recorded for private educational use by tournament participants (registered coaches, debaters and helpers, and tournament staff) only. Public distribution of such recordings is expressly prohibited unless prior written consent of all people on the recording is obtained and unless prior written consent of George Mason University is obtained. Any and all participants may opt-out of being recorded for any reason. Private sharing for educational use is permitted.
Awards: Awards will be provided to teams advancing to the octofinals and beyond, as well as to the top ten speakers.
Transportation: Fairfax is served by the Washington Dulles International Airport and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport as well as Amtrak train, Bolt Bus and Greyhound Bus services.
Parking:Guest parking is available on campus. The Mason Pond parking deck is centrally located near the Robinson Building where most debates will take place. The maximum parking fee per car is $14. Cheaper parking is also available on campus at the field house lot.
We are in the process of working out an agreement with Parking Services to allow free parking in all surface lots, but this is still in the works with no guarantees.
Registration: Will be held Friday evening from 7:00am to 10:00pmat the Best Western and on Saturday from 8:00-9:00am in the lobby of Robinson B. If you are running late, please contact Jackie Poapst directly at (267) 393-1604 to confirm your registration via phone.
Hotels:
We have rooms blocked at 2 hotels; the Best Western and the Comfort Inn, which are both about 10 minutes from campus.
Best Western ($72.99+tax)
3535 Chain Bridge Rd, Fairfax, VA 22030
(703) 591-5500
Block Starts on 9/5
University Center Comfort Inn ($81+tax)
11180 Fairfax Blvd, Fairfax, VA 22030
(703) 591-5900
Block starts 9/4 and closes on 10/16
Group Name: George Mason Debate
Schedule:
Saturday October 25th
8:00 Pairings Released Online and On Campus
9:00 Round One
11:30 Round Two
2:00 Lunch
3:30 Round Three
6:00 Round Four
Sunday, October 26th
8:00 Pairings Released Online and On Campus
9:00 Round Five
11:30 Round Six
2:00 Awards Ceremony
4:00 First Elim
6:30 Second Elim (if necessary)
Monday, October 27th
**Monday Elims will be held in the Best Western
9:00 Breakfast Social
10:00 Elims continue
*Note: A representative from each team must be available at least 30 minutes before the announced start time of the first elimination round of the morning. If said representative is not available and the debate is a flip-for-sides debate, the team that is present may choose their side for the debate.
Questions? Please contact Jackie Poapst email: or phone: (267)393-1604.
Need Noms? – GMU Food Guide
Near Campus:
McDonalds- In University Mall. 10645 Braddock Rd, Fairfax, VA
Tong Thai- best Thai food near campus, though you can find better in NoVA. Small restaurant. In university mall. 10621 H.Braddock Road.
Brion’s Grill- Sports bar and restaurant. The owner, Fairfax native Brion Sumser, played hoops at Mason in the '70s, and his restaurant's huge backroom is dedicated to Mason's Final Four run in 2006. Can handle larger groups. In University Mall, 10621 Braddock Rd.
Samurai Japanese Steak and Sushi Bar- Exactly what you would expect. In University Mall. 10645-B Braddock Rd, Fairfax, VA 22032
Domino’s Pizza- In University Mall
Dunkin Doughnuts- In University Mall
Giant Foods- Grocery store. In University Mall
Hard Times- Local chain of restaurants specializing in chili. Offers 3 meat chili options and a vegan option. Also has burgers, wings, etc. Non-smoking restaurant downstairs, bar with smoking upstairs. Old Town Fairfax, 4069 Chain Bridge Rd, Fairfax, VA 22030
Havabite Eatery- Family owned Greek and Italian restaurant. Jake suggests the Tzatziki. Old Town Fairfax, 10416 Main St, Fairfax, VA 22030
Auld Shebeen- Irish Pub. Reasonable restaurant/pub upstairs, college noisiness downstairs. Old Town Fairfax. 3971 Chain Bridge Rd, Fairfax, VA 22030
Asian Bistro- Because you can’t decide what kind of food you want? Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai. Old Town Fairfax, 3950 University Dr, Fairfax, VA 22030
Al Maza Lebanese Restaurant- Ok Lebanese place near campus. Old Town Fairfax, 10427 North St, Fairfax, VA 22030
Caribbean Corner- Jamaican food, sort of hidden. 4008 University Dr, Fairfax22030
East Wind- Sit down Vietnamese. Not the best of NoVA, but close to campus. For a more authentic experience, visit Eden Center in Falls Church. Old Town Fairfax, 10414 Main St, Fairfax, VA 22030
Green Turtle- Chain of sports bars. Old Town Fairfax, 3950 University Dr #209, Fairfax, VA 22030
Panera Bread- Old Town Fairfax,3955 Chain Bridge Rd, Fairfax, VA 22030
Potbelly Sandwich Works- Old Town Fairfax, 3955 Chain Bridge Rd, Fairfax, VA 22030
Red Hot & Blue- Chain barbeque- 4150 Chain Bridge Rd, Fairfax, VA 22030
Starbucks-10344 Main St
Noodles and Company- Chain fast casual restaurant. Pad Thai is terrible but the rest is alright. 10296 Main St
Main St. Bagel Deli- Preferred bagels off campus. Closed Modays. 10268 Main St
Near the Comfort Inn:
Chipotle- You’re likely to find Peter Susko here. 11062 Lee Jackson Memorial Hwy
Wendy’s- 4000 Jermantown Rd
Subway- 11240 James Swart Cir
McDonalds- 4040 Jermantown Rd
Dairy Queen- 4076 Jermantown Rd
Boston Market- 4090 Jermantown Rd
Giant Food Store- Grocery Store- 11200 Fairfax Blvd
Zoe’s Kitchen- relatively healthy Mediterranean and sandwiches. Vegetarian, Vegan, and GF friendly. 10955 Fairfax Blvd #100
Thai by Thai- Where Jake eats when Allison goes to Zoes. 10955 Fairfax Blvd
Masala Wok- Indian and pan-Asian fast casual. Veg dishes clearly marked. 10940 Fairfax Blvd
Five Guys Burgers and Fries- 10940 Lee Jackson Memorial Hwy
Starbucks- 10930 Fairfax Blvd
Kabob Corner- Afghan place that offers several veg options. Dine in or take out. 10893 Main St
Hunan Panda- Chinese. 10919 Main St
Penn Station East Coast Subs- 11033 Lee Hwy
Kings NY Pizza- 11184 Lee Jackson Memorial Hwy
Woodlands Pure Vegetarian Indian Cuisine- Vegetarian buffet. Not a ton for vegans- 4078 Jermantown Rd
Dickeys BBQ - 11199 Lee Jackson Memorial Hwy
Grill Kabob Express- Afghan food- 11213 Lee Hwy
Ruby Tuesday- 11204 James Swart Cir, Fairfax, VA 22030
If you don’t see anything here you like, venture to the Fair Lakes area. There are a lot of options there, but it is probably another 10 minutes away by car.
Near the Best Western:
Fuddruckers- Chain burger place. 3575 Chain Bridge Rd
29 Diner- If you’d rather a local place than Denny’s. Warren suggests this. 10536 Lee Hwy
Denny’s- You are likely to find Colin there at any given hour. 10473 Lee Hwy
Minerva- Indian cuisine. Under new management and haven’t tried it since reopening. 10364 Lee Hwy.
Bombay Bistro- More Indian restaurants. 3570 Chain Bridge Rd
Papa John’s Pizza- 10782 Fairfax Blvd
Panera Bread- 10702 Lee Hwy
McDonalds- 10775 Fairfax Blvd
Subway- 10760 Lee Hwy
Red Lobster- 10325 Fairfax Blvd
Smashburger- As the name suggests, burgers are smashed. Also offers chicken sandwiches and a black bean burger. 10160 Fairfax Blvd
Freddy’s- Another good burger place. Jackie says the shakes are great. 10030 Fairfax Boulevard
Donato’s Pizza- If you prefer your pizza in little squares instead of proper slices. 10160 Fairfax Blvd
A bit fancier:
Arties- New American cuisine and awesome bread. 3260 Old Lee Hwy, Fairfax, VA 22030
The Wine House- Wine bar near campus. 3950 University Dr
Coastal Flats-Seafood. Fairfax Corner, 11901 Grand Commons Avenue
Uncle Julio's Rio Grand Café- More expensive Mexican. Fairfax Corner, 4251 Fairfax Corner Ave
Ruth's Chris Steak House- Steakhouse. Fairfax Corner, 4100 Monument Corner Dr
Ozzie’s Corner Italian- Fairfax Corner, 11880 Grand Commons Ave
PF Changs- Chain expensive Chinese. Fairfax Corner, 4250 Fairfax Corner Ave.
Texas de Brazil- Brazilian steakhouse. In Fair Oaks Mall, 11750 Fair Oaks Mall
Cheesecake Factory- Overrated American food. Inside Fair Oaks Mall, 11778 Fair Oaks Mall
Bellissimo Restaurant- Jake went here recently. Ask him about it. Near Campus, Old Town Fairfax, 10403 Main St
Villa Mozart- Northern Italian, Near Campus, Old Town Fairfax, 4009 Chain Bridge Rd
Ethnic Food Options and Team Favorites- Lots of choices in Fairfax, so these are some team favorites
Jaipur- Allison and McMc’s preferred place for Indian. Buffet lunch but will let you order off of the menu if you ask nicely. 9401 Lee Highway, Unit 105
Ricos Tacos Moya II- McMc approved tacos. Probably the most authentic you will find in Fairfax. Near the Comfort Inn. 10901 Main St, Fairfax, VA 22030
Havabite Eatery- Family owned Greek and Italian restaurant. Jake suggests the Tzatziki. Close to campus! Old Town Fairfax, 10416 Main St, Fairfax, VA 22030
Elevation Burger: Local burger chain that offers organic grass fed beef and vegetarian and vegan options. Milkshakes are highly recommended by Jake. 2 nearby locations- 9518 Main St, Fairfax, VA 22031 and one in Fair Oaks Mall.
Kogiya- Niccolo’s choice for Korean BBQ, 4220 Annandale Rd
Honey Pig- Young recommends for Korean BBQ, Open 24 hours. 7220-CColumbia National Pike, Annandale
Yechon- Young and Allison suggest for non-BBQ Korean. Open 24 hours. 4121 Hummer Rd, Annandale
Pho Today- Jackie suggests this if you are looking for Vietnamese. 11211 Lee Hwy
Sheba Ethiopian: DC is known for its Ethiopian food, though there aren’t a ton of options out here in Fairfax. This is the one closest to campus. Not nearly as good as what you could find down town, but adequate. 3900 Pickett Road Fairfax, VA 22031
Stone Hot Pizza- Jeff is a regular. 3903 Fair Ridge Dr Fairfax
Mamma Lucia- Jake’s choice for NY style pizza. Inside Fair City Mall, 9650 Main Street, Suite 40
La Tolteca- Fairfax doesn’t have great Mexican/Tex Mex, but this is the best sit down place around. Tod recommends it. 5614 Ox Rd, Fairfax Station
Captain Pells Crab House- Tod suggests this seafood restaurant. Has all you can eat crabs. Near the Best Western. 10195 Fairfax Blvd
Lebanese Taverna- Allison’s 2nd favorite hummus in DC (yes, there is a list) but one that keeps you from driving to Alexandria. In Tysons Corner II and a bit more expensive. 1840 International Dr.
Bahn Mi DC Sandwich- Vietnamese sandwiches. Super cheap with many foot long options under $5. Includes vegetarian and vegan choices. 3103 Graham Rd, Falls Church, VA 22042
The Samilians Thai- All of the Curries! Jake and Allison’s current favorite Thai place. 13005 Lee Jackson Memorial Hwy, Fairfax
Vegetarian, Vegan, and Gluten Free: Some of these options are a bit further out of the way, but might be worth a visit on if you have some free time. Everything is within about 20 minutes of either campus or the hotels. If interested in options elsewhere, check out vegdc.com or ask Allison.
Choices by Shawn: More gluten free friendly than vegan friendly, but a few options and they actually know how to cook vegetables. Restaurant is near campus in a historic home. Outdoor seating and brunch available.3950 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax, VA 22030
Elevation Burger: Local burger chain that offers 2 veg burger options, one of which is vegan. Jake approves of the organic grass fed beef burgers and shakes. 2 nearby locations- 9518 Main St, Fairfax, VA 22031 and one in Fair Oaks Mall.
Tutti Frutti Frozen Yogurt- Offers non-dairy options, including soy based frozen yogurt. 3991 Pickett Rd
Whole Foods: Flagship Whole Foods with several food bars, including one dedicated to vegan options. Also carries baked goods from Sticky Fingers. 4501 Market Commons Dr, Fairfax Virginia 22033
Silver Diner- Chain of diners offering local produce, vegan, gluten free, and healthier options. Has a vegan milkshake! 12251 Fair Lakes Pkwy, Fairfax,