3/5/13

Alice Kinnon

What qualifies an activity as a sport? Most would argue that sport requires physical exertion, team tactics and competition. Debating fits all of these criteria, and Leeds Debating Union deserves to be recognised as one of the most successful sports teams at this university.

Most people reading this will not have been exposed to the highly competitive culture of debating, indeed I wasn’t until I joined the society a year ago. Hardcore debaters meet twice a week for a full evening of training, that’s more than can be said for many casual sport societies. To those who may cry “but there’s no physical skill involved!” – what qualifies darts or snooker as sports? When debating, the speaker aims her words carefully, hitting point after point, maybe stopping to wipe sweat from her brow or catch her breath (wild gesticulating can be quite exhausting after seven minutes of speaking). Unfortunately, debating does not have the sound tracked walk-ons or themed nicknames that darts enjoys, although they both share a similar post-competition drinking culture.

Debating is also highly tactical. Like sports such as rugby, debating can seem like 45 minutes of chaos to an outsider. However, it uses a highly organised structure; there are two sides of four people each with a different role. There is even a referee of sorts, the chair judge, with linesmen, the wing judges. No whistles are blown, but everything is timed with stopwatches and there are no cries of “ref!” from would-be protestors. Most people operate in established partnerships, like in tennis doubles, with their own tactics and methods of working. These pairs will travel across the country speaking at top UK universities, as well as occasionally travelling abroad.

Which brings me to my final point: competitive excellence. LDU in particular boasts one of the finest records at the University, a record that would put the rugby and football teams to shame. Members of LDU have reached at least the semi final in all but two competitions it has entered this year, and on eight occasions has reached the final with a number of wins. In March, LDU hosted its most successful tournament yet, attended by over 100 teams from dozens of universities. Every weekend, LDU members wake up at 6am to take the train to some far-flung corner of the UK to represent their university.

Debating is as inclusive as a sport can get, with amateurs and experts representing all parts of society. It is mentally and physically (at a stretch!) rigorous with a strong team spirit and competitive edge: the ideal sport.