WFCA holds business meetings open to all members in the fall and spring. Each member school gets one vote for each proposal or election.
Next meeting:
The spring meeting will be on Saturday, April 27 in Madison, at Vel Phillips Memorial High School, 201 S Gammon Rd. A virtual online option will also be available for the business meeting but not the morning sessions. Proposals for the meeting may be submitted to president This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., and if they involve a change in the bylaws, they must be received at least 3 weeks before the meeting (April 6) so that they may be posted to the website.
PROPOSALS FOR FUTURE MEETINGS:
Agenda items may be submitted to Malyssa Gabrielson, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Proposals affecting the constitutional or operational bylaws must adhere to this rule in the Constitutional Bylaws:
ARTICLE XI. AMENDMENTS TO BYLAWS
Amendments to all articles of these constitutional bylaws may be made if proposed and published on the WFCA website stating the specific wording of the change to be given to the members entitled to vote at a general meeting of the WFCA not less than three weeks before the date of such meeting. Amendments to the constitutional bylaws must be passed by 2/3 vote of the membership present at two consecutive general meetings.
Amendments to all articles of the operational bylaws may be made if proposed and published on the WFCA website stating the specific wording of the change to be given to the members entitled to vote at a general meeting of the WFCA not less than three weeks before the date of such meeting. Amendments to the operational bylaws must be passed by majority vote of the membership present at that general meeting.
Spring 2024 deadline: April 6 20204. This is the same date as State Tournament.
Previous Meetings:
2023 FALL
The fall meeting and coach training sessions was held on Saturday, September 16 at Sheboygan South High School, 1240 Washington Ave, Sheboygan, WI.
Schedule:
10:00 Judge training (for coaches to train their judges or new judges to get a foundation or judges who need a refresher) with Program Assistance Chairs, Kim and Alex Miller
11:00 Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging seminar and discussion (for coaches and judges to get information about how to apply inclusive practices to their judging and interactions in our community) with President and DEIB chair, Malyssa Gabrielson
1:00 Fall Business Meeting
Proposals:
Adoption of 2023-24 calendar
Proposed 2023-24 topics
Moments in History:
1970’s and/or 1900-1919
Special Occasion:
(1) An address to a board of education
(2) A public apology
(3) A speech delivered to an assembly of current students
(4) A wedding toast
Storytelling:
(1) A mystery story
(2) A story of advocacy/allyship
(3) A story about money/greed
Addendum: Proposed application
Addendum: Team Grant Student Essay
Addendum: Coaching Questionnaire for Grant Application
Reinstate Scholarships Proposal
2023 WFCA Spring Meeting –– Saturday, May 6 2023 at Sheboygan South High School
2022 WFCA Fall Meeting –– September 10 2022
The WFCA Fall Meeting was be held September 10 at 1:00 PM. Members can choose to attend either virtually or in-person at Wauwatosa East High School, 7500 Milwaukee Ave, Wauwatosa, WI 53213.
As we begin the 2022-23 school year, plans will be set for the upcoming forensics season, including the calendar and category topics.
Any proposals for new business should be submitted to WFCA President Jon Balcerak, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Proposals that involve a change to the constitutional or operating bylaws must be posted three weeks in advance, making the deadline for submission Saturday, August 20.
New business proposals received so far:
Amend the WFCA Operating Bylaws: Replace "WHSFA" with "WISDAA"
2022 WFCA Spring Meeting Saturday, May 7
WFCA Coaches and enthusiasts,
We have navigated through this year’s competitive season successfully! Now it is time for our spring business meeting.
From President-Elect Jonathan Balcerak:
Hello, WFCA members! Having completed our two (!) State Tournaments, our spring business meeting is just around the corner. Here are the details:
WHEN: Saturday, May 7
WHERE: Radisson Hotel Milwaukee West (see link below)
SATURDAY AGENDA:
9:30 am: meeting for tournament hosts
10:00 am: roundtable discussions (more information coming soon)
12:00 pm: lunch (on your own--lots of restaurants to choose from in the area)
1:00 pm: Spring Business Meeting
Hotel website: https://www.radissonhotelsamericas.com/en-us/hotels/radisson-wauwatosa
In addition to the Saturday meetings, you are invited to attend our social gathering at approximately 8 pm on Friday night at Jimmy's Island Grill & Iguana Bar at the hotel.
If you plan on staying at the hotel on Friday night, contact the hotel directly and specify that you are with the WFCA. There is a LIMITED number of rooms set aside for WFCA members attending this meeting. (To be clear, you will need to pay for your own room.)
We have a lot to reflect upon and a lot to look forward to. I hope you are able to join us!
From Secretary Anna-Lisa Dahlgren:
If you are planning to host a WFCA tournament in 2023, attached is the Calendar Date Request Form. As a reminder, the form is due to me by April 30 (seven days before the spring meeting)
I attached the form in google doc. For reference, I have also attached this year's calendar. 2022 WFCA Tournament Calendar.pdf
Please let me know if you have questions!
Anna-Lisa
Coaching milestones – if you have reached a milestone and need a new “Milestone Pin”, please self-report here (the link below) and Past-President Paul Miller will make sure to get that pin to you. WFCA Coaching Milestones - Google Docs
If you have proposals that you would like to have included in the spring meeting, please This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by Saturday, April 23rd. Please watch the WFCA website for the agenda and submitted proposals.
If you are interested in running for an office or would like to be involved in committee work or leadership, please contact President-Elect Jonathan Balcerak This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
It has been my pleasure to serve the association. I look forward to seeing you all in person at our spring business meeting.
Michael Traas
WFCA President
PROPOSALS:
Adjust missing judge fees for State Tournament
Allow a Less Restrictive Use of Notes in Speech Categories
Gender-Neutral Pronouns in WFCA Handbook
Saturday, September 11 at 1:00 PM – Held Online
Join your coaching colleagues virtually at the WFCA Fall Meeting. For those who are also debate coaches, the WDCA will be having its meeting that morning.
Meeting Connection Link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87394345585?pwd=RlliMlNqWlVNNk1DNVdsWUhTUVk4Zz09
Meeting ID: 873 9434 5585
Passcode: 966930
One tap mobile
+16465588656,,87394345585#,,,,*966930#
or dial
+1 312 626 6799
Agenda Document:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/14T03lDwcnVHotsETYxPUGaYhg0I_TCcztDyDZ2btiQw/edit?usp=sharing
Voting will take place for the 2021-22 calendar, the topics for Moments in History, Special Occasion, and Storytelling, and any other proposals presented.
Proposals for the meeting should be submitted to President Michael Traas, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Proposals affecting the constitutional or operating bylaws must be submitted by August 21.
Proposals:
Proposal to change language relating to "Audit" in Operating Bylaws
Proposal to change Informative Speaking time limit to 10 minutes
Proposal to limit repeated bills, resolutions, and amendments during the Student Congress season
The WFCA Spring Meeting was held virtually on Saturday, May 8 at 9:00 AM.
The proposed 2021-22 Calendar was presented and discussed. The dates are tentative until the calendar is approved at Fall Meeting.
Elections:
Anna-Lisa Dahlgren of Sun Prairie was re-elected for two years as Secretary.
Jon Balcerak of Wauwatosa East was elected as President-Elect. Paul Miller is now Past-President, and Michael Traas is now President. Shelly Uttke concluded her three-year presidential cycle.
Proposals:
Proposals related to the Calendar and Tournament Hosts (Parts g, h, and i passed; j was withdrawn)
Re-vote on reducing Storytelling from 4 categories to 3 selections passed
A Proposal To Host The 2022 WFCA State Tournament In Eau Claire passed
For more details and reports, see the draft minutes.
Saturday, September 19 9:00 AM – Held Online
2020 WFCA Spring Meeting – canceled due to COVID-19
2019 WFCA Fall Meeting
September Saturday 21 1:00 PM
Port Washington High School
| 2019 Spring Meeting Recap |
|
The 2019 WFCA Spring Meeting was held on April 27 in Port Washington. Here is a brief summary: The2019-20 proposed calendarwas presented. The 2020 State Tournament at Eau Claire will be April 3 for Congress and April 4 for all other events, but the remainder of the calendar will become official at the fall meeting in September. The officer term concluded for Ben Kroll as Past-President. Elections were held for the two open positions. Anna-Lisa Dahlgren of Sun Prairie was re-elected as Secretary, and Paul Miller of Appleton East was elected as President-Elect. Officers continuing to serve next year are Shelly Uttke, President; John Rademacher, Past-President; and Amy Geyser, Treasurer. A reminder to coaches totake the survey related to the Fundraising Committee Data Request Other business approved at the meeting: In Informative Speaking, Moments in History, and Special Occasion Speaking, notes will be permitted but limited to both sides of one 4" x 6" card. The use of a notecard in these categories plus Extemporaneous Speaking will be subject to critique. In Informative Speaking, Moments in History, and Special Occasion Speaking, the rules were cleaned up to read: State Tournament Entry Fees will be $10 per individual entry, $15 per group entry, and $10 per congress contestant. Further details are available in theSpring Meeting Minutes - Draft Copy. |
2019 WFCA Spring Meeting Announcement
Saturday, April 27
Port Washington High School Library
The WFCA Spring meeting will take place April 27 at the Port Washington High School Library, 427 W Jackson St. Port Washington. The annual after glow party will begin at 7:00 Friday, April 26 at theInventors Brewpub, 435 N. Lake Street, Port Washington.
Note that the spring meeting is earlier than previous years. If you would like to submit a proposal to be voted on by the membership, it must be submitted three weeks prior to the meeting for posting on the WFCA website. Submit proposals by April 7 to webmaster Scott Peterson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
9:00 Coaches' Roundtable and Committee Meetings
1:00 Business Meeting
Agenda items include:
Election of Secretary and President-Elect
Visual Aids Rule Change Proposal
Membership Dues Waiver Proposal
2018 WFCA Fall Meeting
Saturday, September 22
Madison West High School
30 Ash St., Madison 53726
9:00 Coaching Clinic
1:00 Fall business meeting
2018 WFCA Spring Meeting
Saturday, May 5
1400 Great Wolf Drive, Baraboo, WI 53913
Spring Meeting New Business: Proposal list
2017 WFCA Fall Meeting
Saturday, September 16
Marquette University High School
3401 W Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53208
There is a coaching clinic at 9:00, a lunch break, and the business meeting will begin at 1:00.
This is also the date of the debate tournament at MUHS, making it convenient for forensics coaches who will be there for debate.
Proposals received so far include:
A proposal to establish Impromptu Speaking as a regular WFCA category
A proposal to address restarting in all categories
A proposal to remove references to acting in interpretation
A proposal to allow visual aids in Informative Speaking
A proposal to clarify "worthy" topic in Informative Speaking
A proposal to clarify acting in Special Occasion Speaking
A proposal for uniformity in the "Pupose of Category" statement
A proposal for professional voices in Radio
A proposal to change the number of stories in Storytelling
2017 WFCA Spring Meeting
Saturday, May 6
Blue Harbor Resort
725 Blue Harbor Dr, Sheboygan, WI 53081
The WFCA will hold its spring meeting on Saturday May 6th in Sheboygan at the Blue Harbor Resort. You are also invited to also join the exec board the night before for some social events with your fellow coaches.
New business items may be submitted to Ben Kroll, WFCA President-Elect at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Proposals that involve changes to operating or constitutional bylaws must be submitted by April 14th.
Spring Meeting Location – Blue Harbor Resort - 725 Blue Harbor Dr, Sheboygan, WI 53081
Blocked rooms can be booked for Friday night for $109 by calling 1-866-701-2583 and using the group code 7AU564 or by visiting www.blueharborresort.com, selecting "book now," and entering 7AU564 in the group code box.
Friday, May 5th:
- Executive board meeting at 5:00 PM
- "Afterglow" celebration from 7:30 until ??? – Join us to celebrate the 2017 season. We're looking forward to seeing YOU.
Saturday, May 6th:
9:00 – Committee meetings – All committee members and executive board should attend. Anyone interested in joining a committee is welcome to sit in on these meetings.
10:00 – Tournament Host and Calendar meeting – All tournament hosts and state directors should attend to set the calendar for the 2018 season.
10:15 – Round table discussions – Do you have a topic you are interested in discussing with other members of the WFCA? Send a suggestion to Ben Kroll (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). Topics can include hosting tournaments, fundraising, searching for speech topics, running effective practices, cutting literature, and much more.
Lunch break – The organization has reserved space at Sprecher's Pub in Sheboygan for lunch. During this lunch break, we will recognize coaching milestones and awards pins to coaches for their coaching longevity. All coaches are welcome to join us there.
1:00 – General membership meeting – All member coaches and assistant coaches are encouraged to attend. We will hold elections for Secretary and President-Elect, and the various committee chairs (Category, State Tournament, TPP, Program Assistance, Communication, and Webmaster) will present their reports.
WFCA Spring 2016 Meeting
Bridgewood Resort Hotel & Conference Center
1000 Cameron Way
Neenah, WI 54956
(920) 720-8000 or (800) 514-5206
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
*Blocked rooms can be booked for Friday night and are available under "WFCA Block" for $82/night.
Friday, May 13th
Executive Board Meeting: 5:30-7:00 PM - Garden Terrace Room
AFTERGLOW Celebration: EVERYONE is invited to attend the famed "AFTER GLOW" celebration on Friday May 13 from 7:30pm - MIDNIGHT in the LaSalle Room at Bridgewood Resort. Come together to celebrate the 2016 season, it won't be complete without YOU! Complimentary beverages and hors d'oeuvres will be provided.
Saturday, May 14th - All meetings in the Garden Terrace Room
Morning agenda:
Committee Meetings: - Saturday, May 14, 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM.
All committee members and executive board should attend. If you are interested in joining a committee, your attendance is welcome, please contact Mariah Ervin prior to the Spring Meeting at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Tournament Host / Calendar Meeting: Saturday, May 14, 10:00 - 11:00 AM.
All tournament hosts and state directors should attend to set the calendar for the 2016-2017 season.
Round-table discussions: Saturday, May 14, 11:00 AM - Noon.
Discussions include:
National Organizations - Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How (Ben Kroll)
How To Use Google Drive To Your Benefit - Practices, Communication and More (John Peschl)
Making The Most Of Social Media - Bring Your Team Into Eyes of the Public (Malyssa Gabrielson)
Fundraising - Creative Solutions to Funding Your Team (Dave Harper)
Recruiting - Building The Size of Your Team (Mariah Ervin)
Lunch break: Noon - 1:30 PM on your own
Afternoon agenda:
Spring Membership Meeting: Saturday, May 14th, 1:30-4:00 PM, Garden Terrace Room.
If you can't join us for the festivities prior to the Spring Meeting, make sure to attend the formal meeting in order to vote on proposed changes to the WFCA, vote for open executive board positions (President-Elect & Treasurer), hear committee updates, and have your voice heard!
Documents:
2015-16 Fall WFCA business meeting minutes
Previous meeting: 2015 WFCA Fall Meeting, September 12, Appleton East High School
Proposed WFCA 2015-16 Calendar
Notice of Proposed Changes to Operating Bylaws - Fall 2015
2015-16 Fall WFCA business meeting minutes
2015 WFCA Spring Meeting, May 9, Chula Vista Resort, 2501 River Road, Wisconsin Dells
Save the date of Saturday, May 9 for the WFCA Spring Meeting to be held in Wisconsin Dells. Come the night before for some social events with your fellow coaches.
New business items may be submitted to Deb Weiher-Traas, WFCA President-Elect, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Proposals that involve changes to the constitutional or operational bylaws must be submitted by April 17.
Next year's calendar will be discussed at the WFCA spring meeting on May 9. If you plan on hosting a tournament in 2016, fill out the Calendar Date Request Form for Tournament Hosts and return it to WFCA Secretary Michael Traas by May 4.
2015 WFCA Calendar Date request form for Tournament Hosts (Word file)
2015 WFCA Calendar Date request form for Tournament Hosts (PDF form)
WFCA Spring 2015 Meeting
Chula Vista Resort
2501 River Road, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
Executive Board Meeting ● Friday, May 8 ● 5:30 - 8:00 p.m. ● Sierra Vista room
Hall of Fame Reception and social time ● Friday, May 8 ● 8:30 p.m.
Join fellow coaches for an informal cocktail hour, where we can share stories, laugh, and get to know each other better – Location TBD
Committee Meetings ● Saturday, May 9 ● 8:30 - 10:00 a.m. ● Sierra Vista room
Round Table Sessions ● Saturday, May 9 ● 10:00 - 11:30 ● Sierra Vista room
Lunch Break ● Saturday, May 9 ● 11:30 - 1:30 p.m.
Spring Meeting ● Saturday, May 9 ● 1:30 - 4:30 p.m. ● Sierra Vista room
If you can't join us for the festivities prior to the Spring Meeting, make sure to attend this formal meeting in order to vote on proposed changes to the WFCA, vote for open executive board positions (President-Elect & Secretary), hear committee updates, and have your voice heard!
NEED A ROOM?
We have a block of rooms set up for anyone who wishes to stay on Friday night – they are specifically in the Fairway Villa, and overlook the golf course. The rate is $99.00; just need to mention Wisconsin Forensic Coaches' Association, Group Number E12825, phone 855-388-4782.
The 2014 Fall meeting was held September 13, 2014 at Muskego High School with the following agenda items:
Proposals to amend the Operating Bylaws:
The Category Committee's proposal to change Four Minute Speaking to Expository Speaking involves replacing "Four Minute Speaking" with "Expository Speaking" and changing associated references to time limits from 4 minutes to 5 minutes.
Past-President Kirt Graves has submitted five proposals to bring the WFCA Operating Bylaws into compliance with current common practices, or simply to bring awareness to policies forgotten or ignored.
I. Eliminate the late fee for schools who register after December 1
II. Correct/clarify the policy of eliminating entries with highest number of points
III. Eliminate specific penalties for team cancellations
IV. Replace "tournament manager" with "tournament director"
V. Clarify that the Hall of Fame Award may be given to a current coach
Other proposals:
From Jon Balcerak:
In the category rules for Duo Interpretation, Farrago, Oral Interpretation of Literature, Play Acting, Solo Acting Humorous, and Solo Acting Serious, the sentence concerning adaptations should be changed to the following:
"Adaptations, if any, should be minimal, and may be made for the following purposes only: (1) to establish continuity; (2) to establish contextual clarity, such as the substitution of gender pronouns; or (3) to avoid potentially offensive language. Lines attributed to one character in the literary script may not be attributed to another character during the performance."
The 2014 Spring agenda included some proposals to the bylaws listed here:
Spring 2014 Proposed Amendments to WFCA Bylaws
The 2013 WFCA Spring Meeting was held May 11 in Appleton.
WFCA Spring Meeting Invitation.pdf
WFCA Spring 2013 Business Meeting agenda.pdf
Greetings fellow coaches,
I hope this email finds you all well, excited and energized for the 2013 WFCA State Tournament! As we prepare to conclude our competitive year, I am happy to share with you more details regarding the Spring Meeting, scheduled for May 10 – 11 at the Radisson Paper Valley Hotel in Appleton, WI.
Once again, this year’s Spring meeting with kick off with an informal cocktail hour on Friday evening. If you can make it, please join the executive board and your fellow coaches for a few drinks and a lot of laughter at the Leg Lamp Lodge on W College Avenue.
If you would like to stay overnight at the Radisson, call 920-733-8000 and let them know you’re with the WFCA. They’ll set you up with a $99.00/night rate.
In the morning, committees will meet from 9:00-10:00 a.m. Then, from 10:00-12:00 p.m., we’re reprising the sharing sessions that were so well-received last year. There will be four, half-hour sessions, and you’ll get to choose from a couple options during each half-hour. (More information on these session will come soon, but if you’d like to present a session or request that a topic be covered during this time, please let me know!)
After a break for lunch, we’ll come together for the formal Spring Meeting at 2:00 p.m. Even if you can’t join us before this time, I strongly encourage you to attend this meeting to vote on proposed changes to the WFCA, vote on available executive board positions (President-Elect & Secretary), hear committee reports, and have your voice heard!
Please let me know if you have any questions, and I look forward to seeing you on May 10-11.
Kirt Graves
Forensics Advisor, Sheboygan North High School
1042 School Avenue
Sheboygan, WI 53083
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
President-Elect, Wisconsin Forensic Coaches’ Association
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
(920) 287-1207
The 2012 WFCA Fall Meeting was Saturday, September 15 at Homestead High School in Mequon.
2012 FALL MEETING DOCUMENTS:
Category Committee Report and Proposals
Proposals for 5-judge final round panels and elimination of Impromptu Speaking
Treasurer Report
2012 FALL MEETING AGENDA:
Call to Order
Secretary's Report
Approval of Spring Business Meeting Minutes
Approval of 2012-2013 Calendar
Category Committee Report
Approve Moments In History, Public Address, Special Occasion, Storytelling topics
Proposal to eliminate Group Discussion*
Treasurer's Report
Past President's Report
President Elect's Report
Tournament Practices & Procedures Committee Report
Program Assistance Committee Report
2012-2013 Coaching Clinics
State Tournament Report
Proposal for 5 judge panel in Final Rounds
Proposal to no longer offer Impromptu Speaking
Trophy Bidding
Public Relations Committee Report
Proposal to change name
Student Congress Report
New Business
Forensics Season Shift Discussion
Formation of Awards AdHoc Committee
Adjournment
*The proposal to eliminate Group Discussion affects the Operating Bylaws. To accomplish this, the WFCA Operating Bylaws would be amended in 4 places by striking out all phrases where Group Discussion is mentioned:
II Recommended Tournament Practices and Procedures
C Categories
1. Each festival or tournament director has the freedom to offer categories of his/her choosing, but is encouraged to offer all categories sanctioned by the WFCA. Sanctioned categories are: Demonstration Speaking, Duo Interpretation, Extemporaneous Speaking, Farrago, Four Minute Speech, Group Discussion, Group Interpretive Reading, Impromptu Speaking, Interpretation of Poetry, Interpretation of Prose, Moments in History, Oral Interpretation of Literature, Original Oratory, Play Acting, Public Address, Radio Announcing, Solo Acting Humorous, Solo Acting Serious, Special Occasion Speaking, and Storytelling.
II Recommended Tournament Practices and Procedures
E Scheduling
1. In all categories all preliminary rounds of competition shall be scheduled at random. Teammates should not meet in the same round unless there are too few competitors and not enough sections to separate them. JV contestants from a school may be scheduled to compete against that schools' varsity contestants. In Group Discussion the recommended number for a group is 5 – 8 participants, unless there are too few entries and a smaller group is required.
II Recommended Tournament Practices and Procedures
G Material
1. A student or group may not use the same selection, topic or original speech more than one school year regardless of the number of competitions in which it was used (e.g. WFCA, MLFA, WHSFA, NFL, NCFL). Selection shall be defined as the use of the same main character, title or cutting. A student may not use the same topic or theme more than one school year except in Extemporaneous Speaking, Impromptu Speaking and Group Discussion. {also: relocate "and" to before "Impromptu Speaking"}
IV State Tournament
C State Tournament Practices and Procedures
3. Scheduling
In all categories all preliminary rounds of competition shall be scheduled at random. Teammates should not meet in the same round unless there are too few competitors and not enough sections to separate them. Teammates shall be separated in semi-finals as much as possible. In Group Discussion the recommended number for a group is 5 – 8 participants, unless there are too few entries and a smaller group is required.