BASIS International Bilingual Chengdu
2024 — NSDA Campus, CN
Public Forum - Middle School Varsity
Event Description:
Public Forum Debate
Purpose: Public Forum Debate focuses on advocacy of a position derived from the issues presented in the resolution, not a prescribed set of burdens.
Resolution: Specific resolutions for network tournaments will align with the seasonal topics being used by the Tournament of Champions. There will be one topic in the first, “Fall,” semester and a second topic for the second, “Spring,” semester.
Entries: An entry is comprised of two students from the same school; each debating both sides of the resolution and advancing on its own record. No substitution is permitted once the tournament has begun.
Mavericks: Maverick teams are not permitted to enter prior to the tournament. If a team becomes maverick due to an illness of a partner on travel day or during the tournament, the remaining debater may continue debating. Mavericks may not win the debate. Mavericks will not be permitted to clear to elimination rounds, nor will they be eligible for speaker awards.
Flip-Side Procedure: Prior to EVERY round and in the presence of the judge(s), a coin is tossed by one team and called by the other team. The team that wins the flip may choose one of two options: EITHER the SIDE of the topic they wish to defend (pro or con) OR the SPEAKING POSITION they wish to have (begin the debate or end the debate). The remaining option (SIDE OR SPEAKING POSITION) is the choice of the team that loses the flip. Once speaking positions and sides has been determined, the debate begins.
Crossfire: Following the two constructive speeches and the two rebuttal speeches, the two debaters who have just given speeches will stand and participate in a three-minute "crossfire". In "crossfire" both debaters "hold the floor." However, the speaker who spoke first must ask the first question. After that question, either debater may question and/or answer at will. At the conclusion of the summary speeches, all four debaters will remain seated and participate in a three-minute "Grand Crossfire” in which all four debaters are allowed to cross-examine one another. The speaker who gave the first summary speech must ask the first question. Speakers should listen respectfully to opponents’ questions and answers.
Order of Speeches
Team A Constructive, First Speaker 4 minutes
Team B Constructive, First Speaker 4 minutes
Crossfire, First Speakers 3 minutes
Team A Rebuttal, Second Speaker 4 minutes
Team B Rebuttal, Second Speaker 4 minutes
Crossfire, Second Speakers 3 minutes
Team A Summary, First Speaker 3 minutes
Team B Summary, First Speaker 3 minutes
Grand Crossfire, All Speakers 3 minutes
Team A Final Focus, First Speaker 2 minutes
Team B Final Focus, Second Speaker 2 minutes
Prep Time 3 minutes per team
Plans/Counterplans: In Public Forum Debate, the Network defines a plan or counterplan as a formalized, comprehensive proposal for implementation. Neither the pro nor con side is permitted to offer a plan or counterplan; rather, they should offer reasoning to support a position of advocacy. Debaters may offer generalized, practical solutions.
Prompting Philosophy: Oral prompting, except time signals, either by the speaker's colleague or by any other person while the debater has the floor, is discouraged though not prohibited and may be penalized by some judges. Debaters may, however, refer to their notes and materials and may consult with their teammate while they do not have the floor and during the Grand Crossfire.