Online Assistance

Hi all,

Online tournaments can get messy really quickly, so important information is summarized below. If you're a visual learner, here are some videos by the NSDA for students and judges to navigate their online campus, but we still recommend reading through the following:

1. BROWSER LIMITATIONS. NSDA Campus only works on Chrome and Jitsi Meet (iOS and Android). Install these as soon as possible.

2. SQUAD ROOMS. When looking at your pairings under the "Current" tab, you should see a video button labeled "NSDA Squad Room". We recommend staying in this room in-between rounds — your entire team will have access to it, and you can hang out in-between rounds. You are able to join multiple rooms at the same time (by opening multiple tabs).

3. EXTEMP PREP. If you are entered in Extemporaneous Speaking, there should be a separate button next to the NSDA Squad Room button where you can join the prep room. You are expected to be in the room 15 minutes before draw time starts, regardless of what speaker number you are. You must keep your camera on while you are prepping — sans serious technical issues, failure to comply will result in a forfeit.

4. JOINING ROUNDS. Once a pairing is released, there will be a video button attached to the round, which you can click on to join your room. All students and judges are expected to be in their rooms within 15 minutes of pairings to account for technical issues. MAKE SURE NSDA CAMPUS HAS ACCESS TO YOUR MICROPHONE AND CAMERA!

5. FUNCTIONALITY. Within your NSDA Campus round, there is a button to chat, a button to show troubleshooting info, file sharing functionality (for case sharing, if needed), a timer, and contact info for the Tab staff. You can raise your hand, mute / unmute, and turn your camera on / off. You are expected to keep your camera on after the round has begun — sans serious technical issues, failure to comply will result in a forfeit.

6. ACCEPTING BALLOTS. FOR JUDGES — In the "Current Ballots & Panels" page, you should see available rounds once pairings are released. If not, contact the Tabroom as soon as possible. Once you receive your ballot, click "Start" to indicate that you have accepted your round. There is a video button attached to each round schematic, which you can use to join your round. You are expected to join your round as soon as possible to account for technical issues. Once you have finished your round, submit your ballot swiftly so we can keep the tournament running — you can edit your feedback later.

Once again, thank you for understanding the circumstances. If you have any questions, feel free to shoot us an email. We'll have judge training information for newer judges as soon as possible.