Belton JV 1st and 2nd Years

2025 — Belton, MO/US

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Lincoln Douglas Debate

Event Description:

Event: Lincoln-Douglas Debate
Welcome to Lincoln-Douglas Debate, a one-on-one event focused on competing values. All rounds will be governed by the rules and procedures in the 2025-2026 MSHSAA Speech & Debate Manual.

Debate Topic
We will use the current bi-monthly topic from the National Speech & Debate Association (NSDA).

Important Note: Per MSHSAA rules for regular-season tournaments, the NSDA Novice LD topic is not permitted and will not be used.

Format and Speech Times
This is an individual debate.

The time limits for speeches are as follows:

Affirmative Constructive: 6 minutes

Negative Cross-Examination: 3 minutes

Negative Constructive: 7 minutes

Affirmative Cross-Examination: 3 minutes

1st Affirmative Rebuttal: 4 minutes

Negative Rebuttal: 6 minutes

2nd Affirmative Rebuttal: 3 minutes

Preparation Time: Each debater will have a total of 4 minutes of preparation time to use during the debate.

Rules and Guidelines
General Rules: All rounds will adhere to the event regulations found in Section 6 of the MSHSAA manual.

Electronic Devices: Laptops and internet use are permitted for flowing and research. Competitors may not receive outside assistance from non-competitors during a round.

Evidence Ethics: Speeches must be the original work of the competitor. While generative AI may be used for research assistance, it should not be cited as a source or used to generate speech content.

Judging Criteria
This is a debate of competing values. The winning debater should be the one who presents the more believable position, demonstrates that logic is more important than evidence, and shows that values are more important than policies. Judges will focus on logic, persuasion, delivery, and clear organization.