The Trojan War
2026 — Rigby, ID/US
Open World Schools Debate
Event Description:
Idaho Debate Code: https://idhsaa.org/asset/DEBATE/Debate%20Rules%202025%20Update.pdf
In World Schools debate, the proposition may choose to present a plan or model during the first proposition constructive speech. In World Schools debate and Lincoln-Douglas debate, the negative or opposition may choose to present a counterplan or countermodel— although it is not required—but it must be presented during the first negative or proposition constructive speech. A counterplan will be defined as a policy option proposed as an alternative to the Affirmative’s or Proposition's plan. The counterplan must not affirm the resolution advanced by the Affirmative side.
Motion Format: The motions for World Schools Debate shall take the format befitting debate in a House of Parliament, always beginning with the phrase ""This House"", which will often--but not exclusively--be followed by the verbs ""would"", ""believes that"", or ""regrets.""
Order of Speeches: Each debater from each team must give one and only one constructive speech, and one debater (the first or second speaker) from each team gives a reply speech, in the following order:
1st Proposition Constructive Speech 8 Minutes
1st Opposition Constructive Speech 8 Minutes
2nd Proposition Constructive Speech 8 Minutes
2nd Opposition Constructive Speech 8 Minutes
3rd Proposition Constructive Speech 8 Minutes
3rd Opposition Constructive Speech 8 Minutes
Opposition Reply Speech 4 Minutes
Proposition Reply Speech 4 Minutes
Timing of Speeches: The judge shall provide time signals for each speech. In addition to the time signals provided by the judge, team members may give time signals to a speaker provided that the signals are discreet and unobtrusive. Speakers may also keep their own time, but the timing of the judge is the official time.
Speaker Points: In World Schools Debate, each speech will be awarded speaker points on a 60-80 point scale with no partial points permitted. Speaker points should reflect the holistic presentation of the speaker according to the World Schools Judging Criteria.
Interruptions: During a substantive speech, a competitor from the opposite team may rise or verbally interrupt to indicate that they wish to offer a Point of Information. There are no Points of Information during reply speeches. A Point of Information may be a question or a statement. The first full minute and the last full minute of a constructive speech are considered protected time. No Points of Information may be given during this time. The speaker may choose to accept a Point of Information or to reject or waive down a Point of Information. Acceptance or rejection of a Point of information can take the form of an obvious hand gesture or a verbal comment from the speaker. Speakers are discouraged, though not prohibited from offering points of Information that exceed 15 seconds, and from rising more frequently than every 20 seconds during unprotected time to offer Points of Information. There are no other interruptions in the flow of debate. Teams have no preparation time once the debate begins, nor is there any time dedicated to questioning speakers or providing crossexamination.
Communication- During a debate, speakers may not communicate with their coach or any person in the audience. Debaters that are on the same team may communicate with one another quietly. Debaters are not allowed to orally communicate with one another while a member of their team is delivering a speechdiscreet written communication is permissible.
Materials:
Electronic Devices: During the round, the use of electronic retrieval devices (except the use of cellular phones for timing), including tablets and laptop computers, is not permitted.
Permitted Materials: During the debate and Impromptu debate prep time, students are permitted to bring with them an English Language dictionary or a bilingual dictionary, and a single-volume encyclopedia or almanac.
Prepared Motions: During preparation, any materials may be used that are conducive to their education and preparation. During the debate, the students may bring prepared notes with them into the round. Notes should be in paper form. Other printed or published materials, including sources referred to during the course of prepared speeches, may also accompany a team into the room.
Impromptu Motions: Teams may not bring any handwritten, printed, or published materials with them into their preparation room (or area) for impromptu debates, with the exception of a dictionary and almanac. No digital resources are permitted. Teams may not use any electronic storage and retrieval devices during preparation or the debate itself. During the debate, students are permitted to bring with them hand-written notes prepared during the preparation period, along with the permitted materials outlined in 6B.
Use of a cellular phone for any purpose other than timing, use of the internet, or any communication with someone who is not one of the three team members, during preparation time or the debate may result in the loss of a round.