Increasing Competitiveness

In forensics, it's important to build a healthy sense of competition. Competitive games or activities will drive up a competitive edge in a fun way. Here are some ways to do that:

Host mini-competitions every week, every month, and/or every tournament. These activities should not be related to forensics (e.g. the competition shouldn't be who does best at a tournament). Instead, think of silly activities. As long as they don't interfere with performance, cause strife, or exhibit unprofessionalism, any type of activity or competition can be used. Some examples include:

A game in which every team member guesses who will be the last team member on the bus.
A game in which every team member guesses where the team will stop for dinner on the way home.
A game in which every team member guesses whether a tournament will run early, on time, or behind (and how much it will run early or behind)
A game where a buzz word is given, and the student who uses that buzz word in a way that makes sense while talking to coaches the most wins
A game in which students have to guess what color shirt a coach will wear on a tournament.
A game where students are given a trivia question about forensics, the team, or coaches at the beginning of the week, and whoever gives the correct answer first wins

Incentivize each other with small rewards, like candy, food, a small gift, or just plain bragging rights. A student can win at the end of each mini-competition, or you can give students points based on each mini-competition they win, awarding an overall winner at the end of every month. There isn't a right or wrong way to assign points, reward students, etc. as long as students are engaging in the mini-competitions and having fun.