Othello
2025 — Othello, WA/US
Open Public Forum Debate
Event Description:
Public Forum Debate focuses on advocacy of a position derived from the issues presented in the resolution, not a prescribed set of burdens.
A school may have a two, three, or four-person team entered. Only two may participate in a single debate. WIAA allocation will be based on two-member teams.
FORMAT:
First Constructive: Team 1 4 minutes
First Constructive: Team 2 4 minutes
First Cross-Fire 3 minutes
Rebuttal: Team 1 4 minutes
Rebuttal: Team 2 4 minutes
Second Cross-Fire 3 minutes
Summary: Team 1 3 Minutes
Summary: Team 2 3 Minutes
Grand Cross-Fire 3 Minutes
Final Focus: Team 1 2 Minutes
Final Focus: Team 2 2 Minutes
Each team has three (3) minutes of preparation time to use as it chooses during a Debate, except that:
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No prep time can be taken prior to Cross-Fire. Questioning begins immediately after each speech.
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A team may not take prep time prior to an opposing team's speech.
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Prep time is to be counted up to the point when the speaker actually begins speaking.
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When a team has used both minutes, any additional prep time taken is to be subtracted from speaking time.
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When electronic copies of evidence are being used, once the speaking team has provided the evidence, via electronic filesharing, to the opposing team their prep time shall be stopped. The opposing team should be given a reasonable amount of time to examine the evidence. It is judge's discretion to restart prep time if there is an issue with the storage device provided by the speaking team.
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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 (the con team may lead, depending on the coin flip results). Following the first two constructive 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. The speaker who gave the first summary speech must ask the first question.
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At the conclusion of the summary speeches, all four debaters will remain 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. The speakers from each team will continue to ask and answer questions. Teams should alternate asking and answering questions rather than allowing one team to dominate so that a balance between teams is achieved. All speakers are encouraged to participate in the Grand Crossfire. Speakers should listen respectfully to opponents’ questions and answers.
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Plans/Counterplans: In Public Forum Debate, the Association defines a plan or counterplan as a formalized, comprehensive proposal for implementation. Neither the pro or 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.
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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.
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Timing: Timekeepers are an option but not required. If no timekeeper is used, debaters may time for their partners or the judge may keep time. Prep time for each team is three minutes.