Judging Expectations

Professional Conduct

Judges are expected to provide constructive and educational feedback for students. Debates are an extension of the classroom and as such require judges to behave in a professional manner. Our tournament and school administration strongly believe that a safe and friendly learning environment is necessary for students to develop in debate. All judges should work to encourage that environment.

We ask that judges refrain from posting inflammatory, derogatory, and negative comments on the Internet about any of the debates they’ve observed or students they’ve judged. Judges who create uncomfortable environments for students due to their comments or are found to be inciting cyber bullying of any competitor may be asked to leave the tournament.

Schools are responsible for their judges. If your judge is removed from the tournament due to inappropriate behavior, that school will be held financially accountable for the remaining obligation. The tournament reserves the right to fine judges who are late to their rounds.