Online Policies/FAQ

Webcam Policy

Students: Since debate is a communication activity, webcams are ideally always on during a debate. If that is not possible due to a strained internet connection, then at least the speaker’s should be on while giving a speech. Only if turning on the webcam significantly compromises the audio of the speaker should it be left off. In general, there is an expectation that webcams are on while any debate competitor is speaking.

Judges: Judges must have webcams on while judging a round and a competitor is speaking unless it harms the audio quality of the round, making it very difficult to hear the speaker.

Spectators: Webcams should remain off.

Help Form

If you must speak to the Tournament Director or tabroom staff, please email NDDEBATEONLINEHELP@GMAIL.COM right away. Tabroom will respond to you in a timely manner during the tournament. 

No Judge Rooms

While there is no formal judge room, all judges are expected to be “on-call” until all the rounds are started.  If you are obligated and not initially placed in a round, please monitor your cell phone for a call or text message from tab just in case you are subbed into a debate. If you do not respond or are not available to sub in when needed, then your school may be fined a missing judge penalty after an attempt is made to reach you.

Naming Conventions in Debate Rooms

Students, judges, and spectators should all name themselves appropriately when in a debate room for the tournament. The naming of each student should follow this format: School – Name – Role (e.g., debater, judge, spectator).

No Rogue Online Rooms

Under no circumstances is a judge or competitor to move a debate to an unapproved online space. If there are technical difficulties, then the judge and/or students should notify the tabroom immediately by completing the online form: https://forms.gle/9daVrCYtordf9kWg8.

Elimination Rounds: Online Flip Through Tabroom

The tournament will use the online flip function for all elimination rounds. Double Octofinals and Octofinals will allow 10 mins. for disclosure prior to the electronic flip and then will give the winning team 5 mins. to enter their preferred side. If the flip-winning team doesn’t enter their decision into Tabroom within the allotted time, then the opponent’s will get to choose their side. 

FAQ

What if NSDA Campus crashes altogether?

·      The Tournament Director has a back-up plan using Zoom breakout rooms if necessary. If students or judges are having issues with their rooms, then ONE person in the room should tell the room checker OR email NDDEBATEONLINEHELP@GMAIL.COM right away.

·      If the we receive several tech issue forms at once, we will then know that something is problematic with the platform and will issue an immediate email indicating that we know something is wrong and are working on it. Please then stay in the room and monitor your email for further updates from the tournament.

What if people have tech issues in the room like no audio or video?

·      ONE person in the room should tell the room checker OR email NDDEBATEONLINEHELP@GMAIL.COM right away.

What if there is a missing team or judge?

·      ONE person in the room should tell the room checker OR email NDDEBATEONLINEHELP@GMAIL.COM right away. Tabroom will respond to the email provided and/or someone may come to the Campus Room.

What if a judge or competitor loses connection?

·      Wait a couple minutes to see if they regain connection and come back to the room. If this continues longer than 5 mins., ONE person in the room should email NDDEBATEONLINEHELP@GMAIL.COM right away. Tabroom will respond to the email provided and/or someone may come to the Campus Room.