University of Mississippi HS Speech and Debate Tournament

2023 — University, MS/US

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Worlds Schools Debate

Event Description:

Worlds Schools topics are available here.

The plan is to use pre-announced topics for rounds 1, 3, and 5. Rounds 2, 4, and 6 will have impromptu topics.

The following guidelines are adapted from the NSDA's rules for Worlds Schools Debate. You can read more here.

World Schools teams are comprised of three to five students.

3. Format

3.1 Teams in a Debate

3.1.1 In a debate there are two teams.

3.1.2 One team proposes the motion for debate; the other team opposes it.

3.2 Speakers in a Team

3.2.1 For each debate, there are three speakers.

3.2.2 Before a debate begins, each team must inform the chairperson of the names of their three speakers, the Reply speaker, and the order in which they will be speaking.

3.2.3 The only persons who may speak in a debate are the three speakers for each team announced by the chairperson at the start of that debate.

3.2.4 Each speaker gives only one constructive (substantive) speech.

3.2.5 After each speaker has spoken, the first or second speaker for each team gives a reply speech, with the opposition reply going first and the proposition reply second.

3.3 Timing of Speeches

3.3.1 The speaking time for substantive speeches is 8 minutes and for reply speeches is 4 minutes.

3.3.2 The judge shall provide time signals for each speech.

3.3.3 In addition to the time signals provided by the judge, team members may give time signals to a speaker provided that the signals are discreet and unobtrusive.

3.3.4 Speakers may also keep their own time, but the timing of the judge is the official time.

3.4 Interruptions

3.4.1 During a substantive speech (an 8-minute speech) a competitor from the opposite team may rise or verbally interrupt that they wish to offer a Point of Information.

3.4.2 A Point of Information may be a question or a statement.

3.4.3 The first full minute of a substantive speech and the last full minute of a substantive speech are considered protected time. No Points of Information may be given during this time.

3.4.4 The speaker may choose to accept a Point of Information or to reject or waive down a Point of Information.

3.4.4.1 Rejection can take the form of an obvious hand gesture or a verbal comment from the speaker.

3.4.5 Speakers are discouraged, though not prohibited from:

3.4.5.1 Offering Points of Information that exceed 15 seconds.

3.4.5.2 Rising more frequently than every 20 seconds during unprotected time to offer Points of Information. 3.4.6 There are no other interruptions in the flow of debate. Teams have no preparation time once the debate begins, nor is there any time dedicated to questioning speakers or providing cross-examination.

3.5 Communication

3.5.1 During a debate, speakers may not communicate with their coach, other team members who are not speaking in that debate, or any person in the audience.

3.5.2 Debaters who are speaking in that debate may communicate with one another quietly.

8.3 Preparation

8.3.1 From the release of the prepared motions, teams may use as much or as little time to prepare for the prepared motions as they choose.

8.3.2 All team members may participate in preparation of prepared motions.

8.3.3 Coaches, team managers, parents, fellow students, and other interested parties may assist in preparing for prepared motions.

8.4 Materials

8.4.1 During preparation, any materials may be used that are conducive to their education and preparation. 8.4.2 During the debate, students may bring prepared notes with them into the round. However, no electronic retrieval devices (except the use of cellular phones for timing outlined in 8.4.3), including tablet and laptop computers, are permitted in the round. Notes should be in paper form.

8.4.3 The use of hand-held cellular phones is permitted as a timing device only. The cellular phone must be kept in airplane mode during the debate. Use for any purpose other than timing may result in the loss of a round.

8.4.3 During the debate, students are permitted to bring with them an English language dictionary or a bilingual dictionary and a single-volume encyclopedia or almanac. Other printed or published materials, including documents referred to during the course of prepared speeches, may also accompany a team into the room.

9.4 Materials

9.4.1 Teams may not bring any handwritten, printed, or published materials with them into their preparation room (or area) for impromptu debates, with the exception of a published English language dictionary or a published bilingual dictionary and a published single-volume encyclopedia or almanac per team. No digital resources are permitted.

9.4.2 Teams may not use any electronic storage and retrieval devices, including tablet or laptop computers or hand-held cellular telephones in the preparation room (or area) for impromptu debates (except the use of cellular phones for timing—see 9.4.3 below.) Notes should be in paper form.

9.4.3 The use of hand-held cellular phones is permitted as a timing device only. The cellular phone must be kept in airplane mode during preparation and the debate. Use for any purpose other than timing may result in the loss of a round.

9.4.4 During the debate, students are permitted to bring with them hand-written notes prepared during the preparation period, an English language dictionary or a bilingual dictionary and a single-volume encyclopedia or almanac. No other printed or published materials are permitted. No digital resources are permitted.

9.4.5 Use of the Internet or any communication with anyone who is not one of the five team members during preparation may result in the loss of the round.