Internal Competitions
The Debates Selection Committee organises internal competitions every term.
Michaelmas Term
The Freshers Competition
This is a singles competition is open to all Union Freshers. It is held over four rounds and usually breaks to finals. Separate finals are held for novices and for advanced.
Hilary Term
Bell Trophy - Pairs Competition
Pairs is open to any Union debaters and usually consists of three rounds, breaking to a final.
Richard O’Sullivan Debater of the Year
This is the most prestigious competition and is open to all Union members. It usually consists of three rounds, breaking to semi-finals. The winner gets a fantastic prize of £600 and a lovely trophy. It is an individual competition.
Trinity Term
Moynihan Plate - College Pairs
This is a pairs competition occurring over three rounds and breaking to finals. Teams must come from the same college.
Other competitions
One day mini-IVs
Twice a year we hold one day mini-IVs which are open to all with no restrictions on team selection. These give inexperienced debaters a chance to find out what competing for the Oxford Union in a real intervarsity competition is like in an informal Oxford-only setting. They usually consist of three rounds breaking to a final and are held once in Michaelmas and once in Trinity.
Term Card
If you have any questions or requests about this term please do not hesitate to get in touch at president@oxford-union.org. You can join all year round, so if you're not a member yet - don't worry as it's not too late!
