Attack on Titan
2026 — Salt Lake City, UT/US
Lincoln-Douglas
Event Description:
Speaker Points and the Win/Loss of a debate are two different things.
Lincoln-Douglas Debate typically appeals to individuals who like to debate, but prefer a one-on-one format as opposed to a team or group setting. Additionally, individuals who enjoy LD like exploring questions of how society ought to be. Many people refer to LD Debate as a “values” debate, as questions of morality and justice are commonly examined. Students prepare cases and then engage in an exchange of cross-examinations and rebuttals in an attempt to convince a judge that s/he is the better debater in the round.
Affirmative Constructive 6 minutes Present the affirmative case
Negative Cross-Examination 3 minutes Negative asks questions of the affirmative
Negative Constructive 7 minutes Present the negative case and refute the affirmative case
Affirmative Cross-Examination 3 minutes Affirmative asks questions of the negative
First Affirmative Rebuttal 4 minutes Refute the negative case and rebuild the affirmative case
Negative Rebuttal 6 minutes Refute the affirmative case, rebuild the negative case, and offer reasons that negative should win the round, commonly referred to as voting issues.
2nd Affirmative Rebuttal 3 minutes Address negative voting issues and offer reasons for why the affirmative should win.
*Each debater is also entitled to four minutes of prep time during the round.
There are two sides to every debate, one side supports the resolution being debated, the other side negates the resolution.
All debate events have a unique order to the round, divided into three parts: speeches, cross-examination, and prep time. Speeches are where the bulk of the debating is done, with each team presenting and reinforcing their arguments while refuting their opponents. It is common for judges to flow a debate, which means the judges will take notes about the speeches in order to keep track of the debate.
Cross-Examination is a period of time where debater’s can ask each other questions. There are some differences between kinds of debate, but, the purpose of cross-examination remains the same; asking questions that will allow the debater to make stronger arguments. It is up to you whether or not to flow this part. Typically, this is not a time for debaters to be making arguments, instead, it is to clarify their opponents position’s.
Each event gives debaters a set amount of prep time, where competitors can take a moment to prepare for the next part of the debate. Competitors can take prep time between speeches and should notify the judges when they begin and end prep.
The judge will watch the entirety of the debate and then decide which side won. DO NOT GIVE ORAL FEEDBACK OR DISCLOSE WHO WON THE ROUND.
RFD: REASON FOR DECISION: At least 10 words explaining why the team who won won based on the RUBRIC.
USE THE RUBRIC FOR SPEAKER POINTS. A LOW POINT WIN MAY BE GIVEN BUT MUST BE CLEARLY EXPLAINED IN THE RFD AS TO WHY.
Points should be between 20-30 points. This can be a comparison:
A: 29-30
B: 27-28
C: 25-26
D: 23-24
F: 20-22
https://utahdebatecoaches.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Utah-Debate-Judges-Handbook.pdf
Rubric
Clarity/Organization: (4 5 6) Arguments are presented in a manner that is clear and understandable to the judge.
Delivery: (4 5 6) Presentation, style, poise, articulation/enunciation, and inflection are effective in delivering the arguments and responding to the opponent.
Evidence and Logic: (4 5 6) Cites credible sources and warrants claims that are relevant and support their position. The nature of proof should be in the logic and the ethos of a student's analysis and/or authoritative opinion.
Cross Examination: (4 5 6) Cross-examination should clarify, challenge, and/or advance arguments.
Overall Presentation: (4 5 6) Behavior is ethical, respectful of topic, opponent, and judge in manners and tone.
Choosing a Winner: - The affirmative debater’s job is to present arguments in order to persuade the judge that the resolution is true. The negative debater, on the other hand, disagrees with the resolution and presents arguments to persuade the judge that the resolution is false.
Submit ballots on tabroom immediately after round to keep things moving. You can enter comments later