Online Policies

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.

Spectators: No spectators or observers allowed.

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 the tournament using the NSDA Campus Room email feature. 

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.

Disclosure of Decisions and Oral Critique Policy

The Tournament of Champions serves as both a competitive and educational forum for the nation’s best debaters, coaches, and judges. As such, the Tournament encourages judge-debater interaction by making decision disclosures and giving oral critiques in the policy, PF, and LD debate divisions. Please submit your ballot online or to the ballot table before giving any post-round feedback.

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 the tournament 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.