Rutledge Shield

The Rutledge Shield is a debating trophy which is awarded annually to the winners of the New South Wales GPS (Great Public Schools) Debating Competition. The Shield is currently held by the Sydney Grammar School team of Alex Babidge, James Pacino, James Stratton, Samuel Wolfe.

Structure of the Competition

The competition is contested by eight schools within New South Wales - St Ignatius' College (Riverview), Newington College, Sydney Grammar School, St Joseph's College, the King's School, Shore School, Scots' College and Sydney Boys High School. Of these, Sydney Boys High School is the only public school. A Senior team from each of these schools competes against each other school once. At the conclusion of seven rounds, a tally is taken and the team with the highest number of wins takes the Shield. In the case of two or more teams being tied for the Shield, the team with the highest number of adjudicators wins the shield. In the case of teams being tied in judges and adjudicators, the shield is shared between the teams.

History of the Shield

The Rutledge Shield has been competed for since 1920. Throughout that period, St Ignatius' College (Riverview) has been the most successful school, winning the shield on thirty seven occasions. Sydney Boys High School has been the least successful school, winning the Shield on only two occasions, though it has had a recent resurgence in form.

Past Holders of the Shield