Virginia District Qualifier

for the 2022 National Tournament

NEW GUIDELINES for Use of Internet-Enabled Devices in Debate Ev

NEW GUIDELINES for Use of Internet-Enabled Devices in Debate Events

                                                                                                                                                                             
Contestants may use electronic devices (including laptop computers, tablets, and/or cell phones) to access the internet during debate rounds with the following conditions:

                                                                                                                             

1.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      
Computers or other electronic devices may not be used to receive information for competitive advantage
                                                                                                                                                                 
from non-competitors (coaches, assistant coaches, other non-competing students) inside or outside of the room in which the competition occurs. Information that would be restricted would include but not be limited to coach/non-participating competitor-generated arguments, advice on arguments to run, questions to ask during cross-examination, and other information not generated by the participating competitors in your round.
                                                                                                                                               

2.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      
Internet access may be used to retrieve files, exchange evidence and/or arguments, research arguments, and partner to partner communication, and communication between other participants in the round. These electronic device guidelines do not limit communication between debate partners during the debate round.
                                                                                                                                               

                                                                                                                                                                             
Penalty: Contestants found to have violated these provisions will be disqualified from the tournament and will forfeit all rounds and merit points in that event. 

                                                                                                           

Availability of Evidence: Contestants electing to use computers have the responsibility to promptly provide a copy of any evidence read in a speech for inspection by the judge or opponent. Printers may be used. Evidence may be printed in the round or produced electronically but must be provided in a format readable by the opposing team and the judge. 

                                                                                                           

                                                                                                                                                                             
Contestants electing to use computers are responsible for providing their own computers, batteries, extension cords, and all other necessary accessories. Tournament hosts will not be responsible for providing computers, printers, software, paper, or extension cords for contestants. Host schools may provide wireless internet access, but will not guarantee that contestants will be able to gain access when needed.
                                                                                                           

                                                                                                                                                                                         
Contestants choosing to use laptop computers and/or related devices accept the risk of equipment failure. Judges and/or contest directors will give no special consideration or accommodation, including no additional speech time or prep time, should equipment failure occur. 

                                                                                                           

These rules apply to Policy Debate, Public Forum Debate, Lincoln-Douglas Debate, and Big Questions Debate. These rules will be used at the National Tournament. These rules are required for any district tournament whose debate events are held online. If a district tournament does not state otherwise, these guidelines will govern their contest. Districts may choose to use the Previous Guidelines for Use of Internet-Enabled Devices in Extemporaneous Speaking provided they notify their district 60 days in advance.