06 - Camera Policy (aka Technology Requirements)

Camera Policy (Required for All Judges)

• The tournament uses NSDA Campus. All participants should test access on multiple devices before the tournament:https://campus.speechanddebate.org/
• All judges must have their camera ON during all speech time and during the post‑round decision.
• If a judge believes video will be impossible due to a one‑off circumstance, they must contact their event’s tab helpline as early as possible to request an exemption and explain the situation.

1. Cameras Are Mandatory — No Exceptions

• All judges must have a working, functional camera and must remain visible while competitors are speaking (and during post-round decisions in debate events). If you have a judge without a working, functional camera, you need to replace them immediately.

• Programs are responsible for ensuring their judges meet this requirement.

• Every judge should have a second device (phone, tablet, etc.) ready and tested on NSDA Campus. Judges should be able to switch devices immediately if their primary camera fails.

2. Enforcement Measures

• Any judge claiming to have a broken or non‑functioning camera will be removed from the pool, and the school/team will be fined for all obligated rounds, including elimination rounds, for that judge.

• Tournament staff will cycle through rooms to enforce camera compliance throughout rounds.

• Students who have a judge off camera or are unresponsive need email the event’s helpline immediately.