As a new parent judge, it would be helpful to me if debaters can adhere to the following:

1. Please speak slowly with clarity.

2. No spreading during the tournament.

3. Please do not run Ks.

4. Only run theory if necessary with explanation.

I have a small amount of experience judging Policy, Public Forum, and Lincoln Douglas Debate and a basic understanding of these three structures. That being said, I am a lay judge and will have an easier time following and evaluating arguments that are presented in an organized and well-articulated manner.

Please do not spread, especially in Public Forum and Lincoln Douglas. I will try my best to flow the debate, but if I cannot keep up with what you are saying, I cannot look back at those arguments to evaluate them at the end of the round. I will assign speaker points on the basis of organization, time management, politeness, and overall quality of your content. Unless you tell me to call for a card or the content of a card is contested, I will not ask for evidence.

Please avoid progressive arguments, especially in Public Forum. If you do run a Kritik or theory, I may set aside and not evaluate those points. Of course, if your opponent says or does something truly offensive, I would consider a Kritik, but I would prefer to see standard arguments. Overall, I am looking for an amicable and productive debate.

Parent judge. I take notes during round - the most logical and most clearly explained arguments win. The accuracy of your arguments is highly important. Do not speak fast or yell: your speaking style will affect my decision. Quality of arguments/responses is more important than quantity. Truth>Tech.

- Written by my son

Hi- I am Raghav. I am a lay judge but I have been judging for the last three years.

I want to see you having fun. Don't be rude or speak over each other. Please make sure you enunciate and speak slowly. I really can't flow or score your argument if I can't understand what you are saying. Instead of long rants I value more you make a concise argument that is valid, relevant and useful.

Please start an email chain BEFORE the debate starts. Include me. My email is: raghav01@yahoo.com

Best of luck and have fun!!

Hello Everyone

My name is Kamesh Gottumukkala. I have been judging Speech and Debate events including several IE's, LD, Congress, PF, Varsity Policy for over 4 years.

I look for respect from the competitors for each other and to the judges. I am a parent and a lay judge. Lets make the competition interesting and don't lose your temper!

I primarily judge Congress. I am impressed by participants who treat rounds like actual debates on the floor of Congress. That means your speech should take into account arguments that were made before and make reference to what other Representatives/Senators said. If you're going to repeat an argument, you should at least say, "As Representative X said previously..." before making the argument. My number one pet peeve is asking long questions during Cross-Ex that take up most of the time allotted for the speaker to respond. I grade harshly for this behavior. I also downgrade for leading "questions" that are really statements posed in question form. Cross-Ex is supposed to be for asking tough questions and giving the speaker a chance to respond. Other than that, I look for good arguments, persuasively delivered, and backed by evidence. Good luck!

Parent judge. Fifth year judging; Fourth year judging PuFo. I take judging seriously and try to include detailed notes in my ballots and to issue RFD based on what I'm able to flow. I do not consider anything not raised in the debate. I appreciate a roadmap & solid organization. Typical PuFo speed of speech is fine, but if you talk too fast, then I may be unable to follow your arguments--please no spreading or very fast speech. Thank you!

Occupation: Software Engineer

School Affiliations: DVHS

Years of Judging : None

How will you award speaker points to the debaters?

Talk clearly and slow. Make eye contact. No stalling. No Public Forum jargon.

What sort of things help you make decision at the end of the debate?

Who most effectively argued their position. How they handle counter and interactions

Do you take lot of notes or flow the debate?

Flow the debate

Clothing / Appearance - Somewhat (5)

Use of Evidence - Weighed Heavily (10)

Real World Impacts - Heavily (8)

Cross Examination - Somewhat (5)

Debate Skill over truthful arguments - Weighed Heavily (10)

My occupation is from a school background where I work with FUSD. I will make my decision based on whoever can prove their impact. The side with strong evidence and arguments that make sense will get my vote. During round don't spread and be kind to everyone. I don't flow, but I will take notes during the round. Dress well, but most importantly speak clearly and make sure you have evidence to back up your points. Good Luck!

I'm a parent judge with just a few tournaments' worth of experience.

I'm also a scientist, very used to following logical arguments and deciding whether they make sense within their own framework when supported by evidence.

Make it clear where you are going and go there. If I don't understand your jargon, I assume you don't either. Make sure I can hear and understand you. Act like you're enjoying the process.

I’ve been judging for a while. My decisions are based of persuasive arguments backed up by evidence. Please, speak slowly and clearly. Good luck!

I am a parent to a debater and public health officer. This is my second time judging Parli and I consider myself a lay judge.