PanDebatic Open

2020 — ONLINE, US

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SPAR

Event Description:

Debaters will be assigned to the pro or con side by the judge prior to the assignment of

the topic and prior start of the round. Each pair will consider 3 issues/resolutions. The

pro will strike one resolution and then the con will strike one of the two remaining

resolutions, leaving the pair with one final resolution to debate. Both sides will have two

minutes to prepare their arguments before speaking must commence. The pro speaker

will give a two-minute speech in favor of the resolution; immediately after that speech,

the con speaker will refute the position in a two-minute constructive. Strict adherence to

the exact wording of the resolution is not required, but the debaters should at least

regard the topic as a common frame-of-reference. Following the opening statements,

there will be a four-minute open crossfire. The pair should question each other, and

should be prepared to take at least a few questions from the audience of other

competitors. The competitors should select these questions (i.e. not the judge). Only

other Spar competitors listed to speak in that round are permitted to ask crossfire

questions (judges and other spectators are not permitted to ask questions). Two

rebuttal speeches of the pro and con respectively complete the round. No preparation

time during the debate is allowed. Spar competitors should be judged on the basis of

overall presentation, wit, persuasion and quality argument construction. Competitors may

not access the Internet during the prep time or during the round. Competitors may use

blank paper or notecards, but may not consult pre-written notes or any other reference material.

Prep time 2 minute

Pro Constructive 2 minutes

Con Constructive 2 minutes

Crossfire 4 minutes

Pro Rebuttal 2 minutes

Con Rebuttal 2 minutes