JUDGE ORIENTATION

DO NOT WORRY IF YOU ARE A NEW JUDGE

Signing up is easy.

1.  First, when you go to tabroom.com create an account.

2.  Make sure you log in.

3.  Sign up by clicking on JUDGE SIGNUP for the tournament (which can be found at brentwoodspecial.tabroom.com)

Thank you for taking the time to judge this debate tournament. Were not for you, the judges, these contests would not be possible. We appreciate your sacrifice of time and energy. 

Please show up for the time slot(s) you signed up for.  If something comes up and you cannot do it anymore, please let us know ASAP.  But we really rely on your showing up for your slots.  Email Kate Totz

In tabroom, click on your EMAIL ADDRESS in the upper right.  That will show you the debates you are judging.  Don't worry if you don't see anything yet.  It will not show up sometimes until it gets closer to your designated time slot.

Throughout the day, there is a JUDGES ROOM (virtual room) that you can enter.  You should see that link again when you click on your email address in the upper right.  (This room will not show up until the day of the tournament.)  Kate Totz will generally be in that room to deal with any issues/questions.

She can help you with any questions you have during the day of the tournament.

But you should see your assignment on tabroom.com (after you click on your email address in the upper right).  Here, when the time approaches, you will see TWO THINGS:

BLUE CAMERA:   This will allow you to enter the "virtual room" where the contestants will be debating and the other judges as well.  Once you press it, another window will open.

START ROUND BUTTON:  There is a separate START ROUND green button.  Once you click the start round button, your ballot will appear.

Most judges keep BOTH windows open.  One with the videos, etc.  Another with the ballot.

There will be MULTIPLE JUDGES per room.  So make sure you DO NOT START until all the judges are there.

Once everyone is there, instruct the affirmative speaker to begin.  The students will take it from there.

After the round, you should review your notes and choose a winner.   Only one side can win. Base the decision on the arguments that have been presented during the debate, and the overall persuasiveness of the debaters. When you have made your decision, fill out the ballot that was given to you. There are three parts to the ballot – a place for speaker points, a place for comments and a place for your “reason for decision.” First, follow the guidelines on the ballot and assign speaker points to each student. Second, give comments to each student. Your opinions of the debaters’ work is very important. You are the teacher at the moment. Using the ballot as a guide, you should let the students know what their strengths and weaknesses are and why. Written suggestions for improvement are very helpful. A blank ballot is a great disappointment for the participant. Try to provide constructive criticism in a positive and meaningful manner. Third, you should indicate why you decided to judge the debate in favor of the affirmative or the negative side. This is known as your “reason for decision.” Please be thorough in your comments. If possible, walk through your decision issue by issue to explain which competitor convinced you and how.

Once every judge has submitted their decision, DISCLOSE THE RESULTS... and commence the discussion period with oral comments.

BEFORE THE TOURNAMENT

Make sure you know how to login to your tabroom.com account (one you create).

Make sure your phone number and email are included in your profile so we can contact you.

Enable push notifications on your cell phone/computer (so we can message you).

Use Google Chrome!  The virtual debate platform works with CHROME.

Judges are expected to have their videos one as well so the students can see you, adapt to you, etc.

Watch this short video to familiarize yourself with the layout.  

Important--TRY IT OUT by visiting this TEST competition room.  https://campus.speechanddebate.org.   On that page, click TEST COMPETITION ROOM.  This will ensure that you have your camera/audio, etc. settings ready.  And there are some other resources there too to help you.  If you encounter any issues, email Kate.

Thank you for agreeing to judge!