Resources to Help New Coaches
Constitution & Contest Rules
Available in hard copy and on the UIL website; this book is absolutely essential for you to read. Contains UIL eligibility information. Always carry to UIL tournaments or have access.
UIL Website
Quickest method to get up-to-date information about UIL, including the latest news, debate topic, order forms for study materials, state judging forms, surveys & ballots, event information, rule clarifications, research links, calendar of events. Practice topics for informative and persuasive speaking are posted throughout the season. You will access this website to enter contestants in the district meet. It is critical to submit the Annual Speech Coach Information Form from this site to receive announcements and reminders throughout the year.
Contest Manuals
Step-by-step procedures for how each UIL contest should be conducted. Available for anyone to download free of charge from the UIL website. Assist students in preparing for contests. Handbooks essential for each speaking event; provide clarification of C&CR rules, theory, preparation practices and procedures for students, along with coaching techniques & tips for success. Download at the first of the school year for aid in coaching.
State Round Recordings
Digital downloads and some DVD’s of the State Meet final rounds of Congress, Informative and Persuasive speaking, CX and LD Debate are available from the UIL online store.
Speech Coach Mailing
E-mailed in August to all speech coaches; includes a wealth of information pertinent to UIL Speech to get your year stared off smoothly. Be sure to register as a current speech coach to receive this and other important announcements throughout the year. https://www.uiltexas.org/form/speech-coach/
Leaguer
Available online only. Provides news, articles and official notices. Check Speech online overview page periodically for updates. Alerts also sent via email.
Capital Conference
Coach workshop held each summer at the University of Texas in Austin; provides valuable instruction for coaching UIL speaking events. Register online.
Student Activities Conferences
Better known as SuperConferences; free to coaches & students; hosted at 4 regional college sites during the fall providing workshops in all academic events. Explanation & demonstration of speaking events by successful coaches and students. Dates/locations posted on website. Flyer with additional info included in appendix of New Coach Manual.
Regional Advisory Committee
Experienced speech coaches selected by the State Office as advisory panels for the regional meet; great mentors for new coaches. Contact information on web: www.uiltexas.org/speech/regional-advisory-committees