Online Policies/FAQ

Webcam Policy

Students: Since debate is a communication activity, webcams should be on during a debate. If that is not possible due to a strained internet connection, then at least the speaker’s webcam 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 there

Spectators: Webcams should remain off.

Help During Tournament

If you must speak to the Tournament Director or tabroom staff, please let one of the room checkers know if you are having any issues OR email NDDebateOnlineHelp@gmail.com.

Subject line: [Division/Event - Room Number (e.g., VCX Room1, JVLD Room 2)]

In the email include the following: 

(1) Division/Event (e.g., NCX, JVCX, VLD, WSD, etc.), 

(2) Judge name, 

(3) Specific Issue (for example, Missing team - Notre Dame AY (clarify which team is missing), Missing Judge - J. Smith, No one can hear anyone in room, Video not working in room, etc.)

Judge Rooms

The tournament will not require judges to remain in an online room but 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 email NDDebateOnlineHelp@gmail.com immediately.

Elimination Rounds: Online Flip Through Tabroom

The tournament will use the online flip function for all elimination rounds. Students will have 5 mins. to disclose and then the flip-winning team will be given 5 mins. to enter their preferred side into Tabroom.  

If the flip-winning team doesn’t enter their decision into Tabroom within the allotted time, then the opponents will get to choose their side.

FAQ

What if NSDA Campus crashes?

·      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 email NDDebateOnlineHelp@gmail.com and wait for a response from the Tabroom. We will respond to the email and/or someone may come to the Campus Room.

·      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?

·      One person who is present in the room should complete email NDDebateOnlineHelp@gmail.com and wait for a response from the Tabroom. We will respond to the email and/or someone may come to the Campus Room.

What if there is a missing team or judge?

·      One person who is present in the room should email NDDebateOnlineHelp@gmail.com and wait for a response from the Tabroom. We will respond to the email provided and/or someone may come to the Campus Room.