DEBATE – Judging

“Debate involves an individual or a team of students working to effectively convince a judge that their side of a resolution or topic is, as a general principle, more valid. Students in debate come to thoroughly understand both sides of an issue, having researched each extensively, and learning to think critically about every argument that could be made on each side” – NSDA

Before Judging, ensure that you:

• Understand how to judge on Tabroom (if not, go to “Debate Judging Guide – Step-by-step guide for those new to judging Debate” below)
• Have a paradigm (if not, go to “How to Write Your Paradigm for Judging” Below)
• Understand how to write your reasons for decision (if not, go to “How to Write Your Reasons for Decision (RFD)” Below)
• Understand how to judge your format (if not, click on the buttons below that clarify each format, i.e. click on the Lincoln-Douglas (LD) button below if you are judging LD and need to understand more about how to judge the format)

When judging elimination rounds:

• There will be a minimum of 3 judges
• The round starts only when all judges are present in the room and click start on Tabroom
• At the end of the round, judges must individually submit ballots before any discussion or feedback

Before Every Round:

• Click “START ROUND” once you are in your assigned room and all competitors are present