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The Monash Association of Debaters runs three internal competitions each year. As well as being good for improving one's debating skills, MAD's internal competitions are a fantastic way of meeting new people and socialising amongst the club. All competitions are usually held on various Monday nights during semester, and dinner is almost always provided. MAD holds its three competitions in high regard, and it is with great pride that MAD ably presents Freshers, Sorensen and Freehills competitions.


Freshers Competition is MAD's first internal tournament for the year and is deliberately targeted at the newer members of the club (those members who are 'fresh' into the club!). While there is a tendency for Freshers' Comp to be predominantly for first-year students of the University, it is not strictly a first-year competition. This competition is open to all NEW members of MAD, regardless of age or experience. So whether you were a gun school debater or you have never debated before, if you're a new member of the club, this tournament is set at your level! First and foremost, Freshers Competition is about meeting the other members of the club, having a chat, having a drink and getting to know some friendly faces around campus. It is on top of this that it is a great opportunity to practice and improve your debating skills. Freshers' Competition is conducted in regular 3 on 3 style debating. Those wishing to register for this internal competition may either do so as an individual or in a team. Teams for this competition may comprise up to four members, but must comprise no less than three.
Enter Freshers Competition Here!

March 17, 5pm - Rounds 1&2
March 31, 5pm - Rounds 3&4
April 7, 1pm - Grand Final

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Entering as... Individual or Team

If entering as a team, please fill in below.
Teammate 1
Teammate 2
Teammate 3
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Past winners of the Freshers competition can be viewed in the History section of the site.

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The annual Martin Sorensen Competition is MAD's Premier 3 on 3 style internal debating tournament. This prestigious competition is named after one of MAD's greatest ever members and debaters whose life was tragically cut short by terminal illness in 1993. This competition is open to all members of MAD, but there are rules about the composition of teams that compete. In 2004 MAD instituted the Mark Schumacher perpetual trophy for the annual best speaker of this competition. As another successful debater from the club and a former President, it was a sad day for MAD in 2003 to hear of Mark's passing. It is MAD's hope that we can commemorate the lives of Martin and Mark through this annual competition, and it is with great pride that MAD and its members regularly regard this competition as being of the highest standard.

Rules for the competition:

Definitions:

Novice Debater: A person that has attended no more than one Easters as a debater.
Intermediate Debater: A person who has attended two or more Easters as a debater or one or more Australasians or Worlds as a debater- but who has not yet broken as a debater at an Australasians or Worlds.
Experienced Debater: A person who has broken as a debater at Australasians or Worlds.


While engaged in competition, teams may comprise no more than one experienced debater whilst having no less than one novice debater.

Teams will therefore usually comprise one experienced, one intermediate and one novice competitor, at the highest possible combination; but lesser combinations are welcomed and encouraged!

Teams may comprise of up to four members, at whatever level of experience, provided that whilst engaged in competition the rules above are strictly adhered to.

Past winners of the Martin Sorensen competition can be viewed in the History section of the site.

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The Freehills' Cup is MAD's very own British Parliamentary (BP) style competition. Sponsored by a prominent Australian law firm, this prestigious competition provides MAD members with the great opportunity of learning and practicing new skills in a very different and much more interactive style of debating. British Parliamentary style debating is that which is used at the annual World Intervarsity Debating Championships. This Intervarsity tournament is the world's largest debating tournament, and one in which MAD has enjoyed enormous success in recent years. In the interests of ensuring that this success can continue, MAD regards the hosting of its very own BP style competition as an integral part of its annual calendar. It is MAD's hope that through its Freehills' Cup, it can foster a competition that is both dynamic and competitive, as well as having great educational value to those who may be unfamiliar with this very different but exciting style. Teams each comprise of two members, and there are four teams to a debate.

Past winners of the Freehills Cup can be viewed in the History section of the site.

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