Once again, Senior League teams from all over Germany have come together in Würzburg to meet for preliminary rounds 5-8. The familiar surroundings of DJH Jugendherberge may have changed during our one year stop-over in Mannheim, but the hospitality of its staff and the exciting tournament atmosphere has not. Although, some of the 36 teams in attendance had to be housed outside of the hostel, newely set up sitting areas and the bar serving a variety of alcohol free cocktails facilitated socialisation and prep-time alike.J

Four rounds of thrilling debates were held (motions see below), not counting the show debate on the motion THW introduce a 100% inheritance tax, which took place on Saturday afternoon. A great learning opportunity for all those who attended to watch speakers Simon (Karls Gymnasium, Stuttgart), Ari (Königin-Olga-Stift, Stuttgart) and Allison (Karls) propose their case to their opponents Chantal (Landesgymnasium, Schwäbisch Gmünd), Anke (KOSt) and Sonja (Dillmann-Gymnasium, Stuttgart). All six speakers are in some way involved with the World Schools Debate Championship 2019. Allison, year 9, is a member of this years Development Squad. A group of promising young debaters, hoping to join the team in the next year. Simon and Chantal did well enough during selections to become members of the squad, but unfortunately did not progress to the team. Ari, Anke and Sonja will be travelling to Colombo, Sri Lanka, in July to represent Germany at this year’s world championship, alongside their teammates Sarah (Albert-Einstein-Gymnasium, Böblingen) and Ibrahim (United World College, Freiburg). They will be accompanied by their coaches Konstantin Krüger and Matija Pusnik as well as a number of judges. Exciting times are awaiting them!

Another exciting development: During the yearly meeting on Saturday morning, it was decided to introduce an Octo-Final round in next year’s Senior League. The change was first proposed during the Annual General Meeting last year and approved by the coaches of Senior League teams this weekend. So far, only the top eight teams could break, which meant that 6 wins may not have been enough to continue into the outrounds. From next year on, the Würzburg schedule will change. Round 8 will move to Saturday afternoon and the octo finals will take place on Sunday morning instead.

This year’s break was a close one, with total speaking points being the deciding factor in the end. We look forward to seeing the successful eight teams again on Saturday, 25 May. The venue for the final rounds has not yet been determined. If you are one of the eight teams and would like to host, please contact us!

Round 5 – THW introduce an opt-out system for organ donations after death

Round 6 – THBT governments should never authorise targeted killings

Round 7 – THBT Britain should hold a second Brexit referendum

Round 8 – TH is in favour of raising a European army

Full Team-Tab

Top 50 Individual Tab