Code of Conduct

Code of Conduct

The Urban Debate National Championship, hosted by the National Association for Urban Debate
Leagues showcases the best urban debaters from across the country. At the virtual tournament, we
celebrate the continued growth of urban debate and seek to display wide array of both geographical
and argument diversity. In recognition of this, the Code of Conduct seeks to provide a useful baseline
of expectations for all participants to ensure a rewarding experience for all. The following Code is
applicable throughout the tournament weekend, in all venues, including online and on social media.

Violations of the Code of Conduct should be reported to the Tournament Director. The Tournament
Director and an advisory committee of League Directors will decide the appropriate action including,
but not limited to forfeiture of rounds or removal from the tournament. Debaters, educators, schools,
and leagues recognize debate as a powerful, educational activity built upon the ideals of respect,
community, and civil discourse. All actions and decisions during a tournament seek to promote these
ideals, and ensure a positive learning environment for all participants, judges, and observers.

DEBATERS REPRESENT THEIR SCHOOL. All relevant rules and regulations of their local school
district will apply during their time at the tournament location and related events.

DEBATERS SHOULD BE GOOD COMPETITORS. It is the duty of each debater to participate
honestly and fairly. Debaters should respect all competitors, coaches, judges and audience members.

BULLYING AND BEHAVIORS WHICH BELITTLE, DEGRADE, DEMEAN, OR OTHERWISE
DEHUMANIZE OTHERS ARE NOT PERMITTED. These actions are not in the best interest of the
activity because they interfere with the goals of education and personal growth.

DEBATERS SHOULD RESPECT THE EDUCATIONAL ROLE THAT JUDGES PROVIDE THE
ACTIVITY. Debaters who engage in a dialogue with a judge after a round should maintain a
respectful demeanor. Discussions should focus on understanding the decision of the judge and
improving the debater’s performances in future rounds. Remember the post round is an opportunity to
learn, not deliver your final rebuttal.

DEBATERS SHOULD NOT PLAGIARIZE. Claiming another's written or spoken words as one's own
is plagiarism, a very serious offense against responsible scholarship. Evidence used in a debate
should be properly attributed to the author verbally during the debate. Debaters should be able to
provide, within a reasonable time, complete documentation of all evidence presented. Documentation
includes: name of author(s), source of publication, full date, page numbers and author(s) credentials
when available in the original when challenged. Evidence that is not attributed adequately should be
disregarded by judges.

DEBATERS VALUE COMMUNICATION AND SHOULD PRESENT ARGUMENTS AT A RATE
THAT CAN BE UNDERSTOOD BY THEIR ASSIGNED JUDGE. Debaters should not “clip” cards. All
evidence entered in the debate should be clearly marked as to what parts of the evidence were and
were not presented during the round for review by opponent and judge.