Charger Challenge

2025 — Draper, UT/US

Character Spar (Friday)

Abbreviation C Spar
Format Speech
Entry Fee $5.00
Overall Entry Limit 20
Entry Limit Per School 5
Entry 1 competitors per entry

Event Description:

Character Spar Debate Topic:

The topic areas for each SPAR debate round are:

Round One -

Round Two -

Round Three -


Character SPAR Debate Rules

1. Teams & Roles

  • 1 student per side (Team Affirmative vs. Team Negative).
  • Teams may divide speaking roles however they like, but all members must speak at least once.

2. Topic Selection

  • The judge/moderator provides two possible resolutions.
  • Coin toss: Winner picks side (Affirmative/Negative) OR the topic. Loser picks the other.

3. Preparation

  • 3–5 minutes prep time (teams may use notes, but no internet/phones unless allowed).
  • Teams prepare a quick case with 2–3 strong arguments.

4. Debate Format (sample 16–20 min round)

  1. Affirmative Constructive (2 min) – Presents case.
  2. Negative Constructive (2 min) – Presents opposition case.
  3. Crossfire (2 min) – Open Q&A between teams.
  4. Affirmative Rebuttal (2 min) – Responds to Neg & extends key points.
  5. Negative Rebuttal (2 min) – Responds to Aff & extends key points.
  6. Team Grand Crossfire (2 min) – All debaters can engage.
  7. Final Affirmative (1 min) – Persuasive closing.
  8. Final Negative (1 min) – Persuasive closing.

(Adjust times depending on group size and schedule — e.g., shorten to 1–2 mins each for quicker rounds.)

5. Speaker Expectations

  • Every team member must contribute (no “one-person carry”).
  • Use clear, concise arguments — SPAR rewards persuasion over evidence dumps.
  • Clash directly with the other side’s points.

6. Judging Criteria

  • Clarity: Did they explain arguments in an understandable way?
  • Clash: Did they respond to opponents’ points?
  • Teamwork: Did all members participate and support each other?
  • Persuasion: Did they make you want to agree with them?