Last changed on
Fri January 5, 2024 at 9:54 AM EDT
I have been coaching for about a decade at a school that mostly does Lincoln Douglas debate, some PF teams here and there. I've been judging just as long. Here is what you will want to know.
Speed- is fine as long as it is fine for everyone. However, if you start spreading, it is a good idea to see if I am still flowing or squinting like an old man trying to order off a menu far away. You want the former. If I'm flowing, I'm following.
RFDs- I will give an extensive RFD for my decision where I will tell you the specifics of WHY I chose one framework over the other. While framework will rule the day in my decision, I value evidence over everything else. It is both sides burden to support why your framework rules over all and while evidence won't be my only decision, I tend to appreciate a side that states their argument, proves it with evidence and gives me the voters to say why they have won the debate.
I've judged a lot of LD both local, nationally, and circuit, so I can handle non-traditional forms of debate but you need to make sure you are clear about what you are running non-traditionally and that you are adhering to the league rules that are being followed. However, it is your responsibility to make it clear what are you are doing and why. Basically, pretend I am dumb (but please only pretend, don't actually think it)
And please, above all else, make sure you are clashing and clashing appropriately. I may not cast a ballot against you simply for being abusive but A. it does not help and B. I might.
