In this article:

Overview

Each year, the CSDF holds Team Canada Tryouts, the event which selects the members of the Canadian team to attend the World Schools Championships the following year. The selection process involves workshops on the Worlds style of debate, at least six debate rounds, submission of a resume and an interview process.

Each member province may send up to three students to the Selection Tournament, with the remaining students being selected through the Alternate Application process.

Eligibility

Because tryouts takes place a full year before WSDC, competitors must not be in their final year of high school. For most students, this means that grade 11 is their final year to apply.

Expectations

Making the Development team is a substantial commitment. In addition to weekly practices and assignments, students are expected to attend a summer training camp, various in-person/online tournaments throughout the year, and assist in Team Canada fundraising tournaments to help alleviate the cost of Worlds.

Students who go on to make the five and attend Worlds will also be expected to be able to attend a pre-worlds tournament or training camp the week prior to WSDC in addition to WSDC itself.

Timeline of Applying

1. Provincial Selection

Provinces select candidates for their three designated spots. This process varies from province to province. Names of who those three students are given to the committee by March 7th 2025.

2. Alternate Application

Once provincial candidates have been selected, remaining students interested in applying for the Team may apply for one of the remaining Alternate spots in by March 14th 2025. Please reach out to your provincial organisation for information regarding the Alt app process.

3. Alternate Selection

The committee reviews applications and selects a number of alternates to fill the remaining space available at tryouts. These applicants will be selected by March 30th 2025.

4. Tryouts

The Provincial and Alternate delegates attend the National Team Tryouts. This event is typically the week before or after Senior Nationals to reduce travel for coaches and students attending both events. This year’s tryouts are scheduled for May 18th – 20th 2025.