James Logan Martin Luther King Jr Invitational

2020 — Union City, CA/US

Laptop Use in Debate Events

PILOTED GUIDELINES for Laptop Use in Debate Events
In 2019-2020, the National Speech & Debate Association is piloting updated guidelines for laptop use in debate events. 
District tournaments may choose to use these guidelines, provided 60 days advance notice is given to the district. To opt 
in, district chairs will select that they will run the pilot on their “District Dates Form” on Tabroom.com by November 30, 
2019. These rules will not be used at the 2020 National Tournament.
A. 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 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.
2. Internet access may be used to retrieve files, exchange evidence and/or arguments, research arguments, 
and partner to partner communication. These electronic device guidelines do not limit communication
between debate partners during the debate round. 
B. 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. 
C. 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. 
D. 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.
E. 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. 
F. By choosing to use electronic devices in the round, debaters and other relevant parties are consenting to give 
tournament officials the right to search their devices in the event of a protest. The device may only be searched 
by tournament officials and must be restricted to files and/or electronic exchanges relevant to the protest.
Failure to comply would result in the upholding of the protest. Debaters and coaches should be present as their 
device is searched. Debaters who do not wish to consent should not use electronic devices in the round.

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Logo
Location
James Logan High School
Contacts
Jesse David Garrett Justin Kurup
General Info
Invitation Homepage Email Archive Events & Divisions Institutions In Attendance
Pages & Uploads
Tournament Invitation Congress Legislation Food Truck Options Updated Tournament Schedule W-9 Form (Friends of Forensics) Tournament Fees Hotel Information James Logan Map Hire Judges Judge Instructions Laptop Use in Debate Events
Circuits
GGSA – Golden Gate Speech Association NatCir – National Circuit (US HS)

Dates & Deadlines

 PDT
Tournament Dates Jan 17 to Jan 19 2020
Registration Opens Fri Jul 12 at 8:00 AM
Registration Closes Mon Jan 13 at 5:00 PM
Fees Freeze After Mon Jan 13 at 5:00 PM
Judge Information Due Wed Jan 15 at 8:00 PM
Drop online until Thu Jan 16 at 5:00 PM
Change fees apply after Mon Jan 13 at 5:00 PM

These deadlines are set in Tabroom for technical purposes. Always consult the invitation or tournament notices for official policies about deadlines and procedures.