I am a traditional judge and do not respond favorably to spreading. I prefer debaters to speak slow enough so that I can understand them and loud enough that I can hear them.

I believe every debate is unique and, depending on the round, can weigh the framework debate or the contention-level debate more heavily. I like contentions that are expressed as short statements rather than one word-labels. I really don't appreciate it when debaters misconstrue evidence or misrepresent information found in outside sources. Please do not use debate jargon to make your case. I look for warranted arguments, clean logic, and clear voting issues. I also appreciate polite, civil discourse and great clash -- the two are not mutually exclusive.

As should every well-intentioned judge, I recognize that I have implicit biases that have been informed by power structures in our larger society, and I will work hard to eliminate any biases I hold from my own judging.

I admire all the hard work and dedication of high school debaters -- and think you are the hope for our future.

If you use progressive debating I will most likely drop you.

I am a parent judge from a traditional district. If I can't understand you I will audibly drop my pen.

I will vote for who is more persuasive. Speak at a conversational pace and with volume.

Be polite to your opponent.

GOOD LUCK!

This is my eighth year being the head coach at Kenston High School in Cleveland, Ohio. I have been a lawyer for 33 years and still practice law. I competed for four years in high school (Centerville, Ohio - three years policy debate, one year LD and four years congress) and four years in college (Miami Univ. - two years policy and two years 2-person value debate (CEDA)). Impacts are important to me. I flow the debate vigorously. Please signpost and remain professional. Please don't talk over each other in crossfire. Pronouns: he/him. Email for any chains: svoudris@me.com