BIBSC Speech Debate Championship

2025 — Guangzhou, CN

• Invite
• Entries
• Judges
• Pairings
• Results

Middle School Public Forum Debate

Event Description:

Purpose: Public Forum Debate focuses on advocacy of a position derived from the issues presentedin the resolution, not a prescribed set of burdens.

Resolution: Specific resolutions for network tournaments will align with the seasonal topics beingused 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 ofthe resolution and advancing on its own record. No substitution is permitted once the tournament hasbegun.

Mavericks: Maverick teams are not permitted to enter prior to the tournament. If a team becomesmaverick due to an illness of a partner on travel day or during the tournament, the remaining debatermay continue debating. Mavericks may not win the debate. Mavericks will not be permitted to clear toelimination 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 byone 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 theywish 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 debaterswho 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. Afterthat question, either debater may question and/or answer at will. At the conclusion of the summaryspeeches, all four debaters will remain seated and participate in a three-minute "Grand Crossfire” inwhich all four debaters are allowed to cross-examine one another. The speaker who gave the firstsummary speech must ask the first question. Speakers should listen respectfully to opponents’ questions and answers.

Order of Speeches

4 minutes Team A Constructive, First Speaker

4 minutes Team B Constructive, First Speaker

3 minutes Crossfire, First Speakers

4 minutes Team A Rebuttal, Second Speaker

4 minutes Team B Rebuttal, Second Speaker

3 minutes Crossfire, Second Speakers

3 minutes Team A Summary, First Speaker

3 minutes Team B Summary, First Speaker

3 minutes Grand Crossfire, All Speakers

2 minutes Team A Final Focus, First Speaker

2 minutes Team B Final Focus, Second Speaker

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 aplan or counterplan; rather, they should offer reasoning to support a position of advocacy. Debatersmay offer generalized, practical solutions.

Prompting Philosophy: Oral prompting, except time signals, either by the speaker's colleague or byany 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 consultwith their teammate while they do not have the floor and during the Grand Crossfire.