Public Forum Event

Description of event

Public Forum Debate (PFD) is a team event that advocates or rejects a position posed by the monthly resolution topic. The clash of ideas must be communicated in a manner persuasive to the non-specialist or “lay judge”, i.e. a member of the American jury. The debate should:

- Display solid logic, lucid reasoning, and depth of analysis

- Utilize evidence without being driven by it

- Present a clash of ideas by countering/refuting arguments of the opposing team (rebuttal)

- Communicate ideas with clarity, organization, eloquence, and professional decorum

Times

Speaker 1 (Team A, 1st speaker ).........................4 min.

Speaker 2 (Team B, 1st speaker)...........................4 min.

Crossfire (between speakers 1 & 2).................3 min.

Speaker 3 (Team A, 2nd speaker ) .......................4 min.

Speaker 4 (Team B, 2nd speaker )........................4 min.

Crossfire (between speakers 3 & 4).................3 min.

Speaker 1 Summary..................................................3 min.

Speaker 2 Summary..................................................3 min.

Grand Crossfire (all speakers) ........................3 min.

Speaker 3 Final Focus...............................................2 min.

Speaker 4 Final Focus...............................................2 min.

Each team may use up to three minutes of prep time.

Topic:

Public Forum Debate – 2021 September/October Topic Area: Europe

Resolved: The North Atlantic Treaty Organization should substantially increase its defense commitments to the Baltic states.

Bid Level: Quarterfinals 

Rules/Policies

Schedule

 Saturday (9/18)

7:00 AM         Registration

8:00 AM         Round 1

10:00 AM       Round 2

1:00 PM         Round 3 All PF

3:00 PM         Round 4 All PF

5:00 PM         Round 5 All PF

Sunday (9/19)

9:45 AM         Round 6 Novice and Open PF, 1st elim Middle School PF

1:45 PM         Triple Octofinal Round, Second Elim Middle School PF 

3:00 PM         Double Octofinal Round Third Elim Middle School PF

4:45 PM         Octofinal Round

Monday (9/20)

9:00 AM          Quarterfinal Round

11:00 AM        Semifinal Round

1:30               Final Round

Entry fee / uncovered /fines

Novice Public Forum                $60

Open Public Forum                  $100 

Uncovered Judge Fee Debate   $350

Uncovered Judge Fee I.E.        $350

Fines for Late Drops                $15

Prelim Judge No show              $50

Elim Judge No Show                $75

Zoom Room for Tab-- Name of person (s) tabbing