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, event information, rule clarifications, research links, calendar of events. It is critical to submit Speech Coach Information form from this site to receive announcements and reminders throughout the year. Practice topics for informative and persuasive speaking are posted throughout the season. You will access this website for instructions on entering contestants in the district meet. The website also communicates details of State Meets on a state tournament webpage for each of the four speaking event state meets.
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 varous years 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/ You will want to configure your computer to accept emails from UIL so messages do not land in spam or junk folders.
Capital Conference
Coaches workshop held each summer at the University of Texas; provides valuable instruction for coaching UIL speaking events. Recordings of past sessions are available on the UIL YouTube channel. Conference is typically held late June.
Student Activities Conferences
Better known as SuperConferences; no cost; normally hosted at 4 regional college sites during the fall providing workshops in all events. Check the UIL website for updates. Explanation & demonstration of speaking events by successful coaches and students.
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