Tab judge so run anything you’d like as long as its nothing offensive ie impact turns to oppression. I don’t default to anything so all arguments must be communicated clearly in the round including the implications of those arguments. Spreading is fine but slow down and be extra clear on tag lines and author names. If you have any specific questions just ask me before the round.

HI. You can call me Aaron. Currently a Senior at UT and I did LD at Northland Christian School in Houston, tx for 3 years and competed on the national circuit my last 2. I stuck to mostly DAs, CPs, T and Theory, but I've been exposed to a lot at this point. Please note I've been removed from debate for a WHILE. I judge a couple national circuit tournaments a year, so I haven't completely lost all knowledge. But err on the side of over explaining and slowing down some on important arguments/tags. (Don't assume I know the entirety of an argument from a phrase of jargon, tag the arg then explain por favor) If you're off the doc prob don't go full speed and make sure you're clear mostly because I haven't heard people speak fast since last february.

Add me to chain please: abarcio@utexas.edu

Quick Notes:

- BE CLEAR. I haven't judged in about a year so if it's early in the tournament let me get warmed up. Go a little slower on tags, card names, and especially blocks of analytics.

- If you're going to blitz through analytics please send them. If you don't, I'll probably miss some which hurts you.

- Please do framework interaction.

- Collapse and your speaks will be happier and less margin for error on decision

- The less I have to wait before the round begins the happier I will be

Pref Shortcut:

tech>truth (but won't vote off an argument that is incomprehensible---probably won't be an issue)

1- LARP

1- T/Theory

2/3 - Ks (don't expect that I know the lit tho, explain)

3 - phil (I'm fine w the more common stuff like kant, hobbes, etc., but anything more nuanced pls explainnnn) Likely if you really know what you're talking about, I'll be able to catch on.

4 - tricks (I can probably evaluate them ok just never read tricks in high school so explain well)

*If any questions feel free to ask me before rd or email/facebook message me.*

Speaks:

National Circuit

- 29-30 : makes the strategic decision when collapsing, good explanation, writes out the path to the ballot (I think you should break)

- 28-28.9 : either makes the strategic decision or has good explanation and the one you didn't do isn't horrendous (you're on the bubble to break)

- 27-28 : don't make strategic decisions and explain poorly

- 26 : defend something racist, sexist, homophobic, ableist, etc.

Local (I'm pretty lenient I think)

- I'll likely give speaks by the 0.5

- 29-30 : speak clearly, sound knowledgeable about the topic, and make good arguments

- 28-29 : don't do one of the above

- 27-28: don't do two of the above

- +1 to speaks if you don't use all your prep time (by like a decent amount)

Thank you for debating! It takes a lot of guts to get up in front of a stranger an argue like this. I was a high school debater in the 90’s in Texas and have judged a fair amount in the years since. Speech and debate are all about communication for me. I don't mind speaking at a moderate rate of speed, but if I cannot understand you, I will not flow you. If I don't flow you, I won't consider the arguments when I'm judging the round. Should you decide to spread in front of me, you will not be happy with the resulting speaker points.

I'm happiest hearing a nice package of how your contentions contribute to your criteria, to your value, and ultimately to the truth and falsehood of the resolution. I prefer more philosophy, but that can be challenging with these more practical resolutions. I am willing to hear almost any argument you want to run, but if you're going to run progressive argumentation, be very sure to clearly explain how it links to the resolution, as in a muddled round, that is where I will first look to decide. Please signpost, clearly show how things link across the flow, and show me how you win the round. In the final speeches, I am more interested in hearing what you think are the biggest issues in the round than to hear you try and sprint through a point-by-point, especially on the affirmative.

speed is fine as long as you make an email chain/speech drop - email is obinnadennar@gmail.com

im fine with all types of debate. i love critical arguments/case positions that engage with various types of philosophy. k debate is my favorite. cool with everything else.

one note on theory: i do not like frivolous theory (i.e. down my opponent since they are wearing socks - yes, i have seen this shell). if your opponent gets up in the next speech and says this is stupid and don't pay attention to it. i will discard it and i will not see it as a voting issues. that being said, if there is actual abuse in the round, theory is not only fine but welcomed. competing interps over reasonability.

please feel free to ask any questions before the round. ill be more than happy to answer them

I am a parent lay judge from Seven lakes high school. The followings are some rules,

1. No spreading

2. I prefer no theory

3. Explain everything

4. Tell me if something is important then explain why you should win because of it.

5. Say your value / criteria clearly

LD- I'm open and can understand traditional and progressive arguments. I judge mostly on voters/impacts, clear and concise delivery and adherence to the prevailing framework according to the flow. I can understand spreading (if you know how to spread). Please don't misapply or abuse theory arguments. I weigh evidence and the most topical, latest or most logical cards coupled with framework/r.o.b solvency and voters usually wins out. I'm always available via email for questions about rounds or ballots. (agaunichaux@utexas.edu)

PF- As mainly an LDer, I can handle speed but since this form of debate is meant to be accessible to laymen, I strongly discourage spreading and including overly complex frameworks/advantages and arguments. Establishing impact and remembering to extend or drop arguments is very important for my flow and the team who best establishes advantages under the strongest framework/advantages always has an edge, even if the framework/advantages were co-opted from their opponents by linking in. And the framework/advantages which are most germane to the resolution are usually preferred. Up to date and relevant evidence with depth and scope is best. I'm always available via email for questions about rounds or ballots. (agaunichaux@utexas.edu)

I was a policy debater in the 1990’s and have been coaching since 1999, currently, I am the coach at Avalos P-TECH School. I know that ages me, but it should also tell you that the debate I grew up with was much different than what is going on today. I tend to default to a policy-making paradigm and prefer traditional debate. As a debater, it is your job to be clear at all times so you don’t lose me.

General:

• DON’T BE RUDE

• I DO NOT LIKE DISCLOSURE THEORY OR TRICKS

• It’s fine if you flex prep, just don’t take advantage

• Keep your own time, I will also keep a clock running just in case there are any issues

• I do not consider flashing to be prep, but again don’t take advantage

• Do the work for me, it is your job to communicate to me as to why you are winning the debate. Do not make me figure it out myself, that will inevitably leave one of you mad at me, but it won’t be my fault.

• Discriminatory or exclusionary language is not okay and not accepted and I will vote you down if you use this language

Speed: I am good with moderate speed, but I can’t judge what I can’t understand. Keep in mind that I am old so you probably need to slow down a bit.

Weighing: Please do it. This will make my job a lot easier, and also make it a lot more likely that I see the round the way that you would like me to. I will evaluate the round as you tell me to. If you don’t weigh for me I have to do it for you and you do not want that to happen.

Other:

Please be respectful to one another I hate judging rounds where the debaters are being rude to one another, debate is supposed to be a respectful exchange of opposing views on a topic and when you take the respect out of that equation debate loses its productivity. Also please do the work for the judge, don't make your judge try to piece things together. Remember I am old so I will probably lose pieces along the way.

One last thing, I am old fashioned. You are participating in a speaking event. Stand up during your speeches and CX/CF periods (Grand Cross would be the exception). You need to persuade me as to why I should be voting for you.

Speaker Points:

26-30

Anything under 26 means you were being rude, discriminatory, or exclusionary.

Hi, I am a Finance and Supply Chain Management major at University of Houston. Yes, I do want to be added onto the email chain. I believe that debate should be a fun activity for everyone involved. I will not appreciate any one team being dismissive or disregarding of the other team.

Debate: No spreading. Offer clear arguments and reasons to direct me in RFD of the round.

Speech Events: Interesting and unique topic that holds my attention the entire time. Simple and clear presentation of speech. Good use of humor and research throughout the speech.

Interp Events: Great use of characterization and blocking. The piece should paint a clear visual of the scene that holds my attention. The topic should be relevant and important to the competitor and society.

Being involved in debate for the last 40+ years as a competitor to retired coach, I am one to believe in the reason for the activity. Thus, when it comes to judging, I follow the traditional routes. For CX it is all about stock issues with a hint of DAs, CPs, etc. I am not a fan of Kritiks or game playing so try to avoid it if possible. Solvency carries a lot of weight with me. Give voters at the end.

For LD, I love a great clash between values and criterions. Don't dismiss this aspect because to me this is where the original "framework" resides. CPs in LD will be judged based on the CX perspective and thus must be mutually exclusive and competitive. DAs must be presented to evaluate a CP. Give voters at the end.

Public Forum is more of a discussion for me and not necessarily based on card after card after card! Leave this for CX debate. Instead work on explaining and carrying the big picture in the round. No need to do line by line as time doesn't permit it anyway (unless you spread!). Plans and CPs have no role in Public Forum, so do not do it as I have no preference for this as an evaluator! Give voters at the end!

World School is relatively new to me as I have judge only about 20 rounds of it. However, I have judge many parliamentary debate rounds (high school and college) and they tend to relate as the same. I see it as a contest of teamwork to develop reasonable substantive arguments and this is where I will give all my attention to. Don't argue too much on the definitions and burdens as I will be made to select on my own experiences vs. yours (from the world issues). Since NSDA governs WS, I will look to their judges' training mechanism to evaluate every round so make sure you follow the guidelines set by them. Speaker duties are important to make the round what it should look like. Do not make this a CX round and with that, counter mechanisms should be NON-TOPICAL! Speak well and give plenty of eye contact to me as I will be the one to make a final decision as to what is "best" to either uphold/deny the proposition. Good luck!

email chain jimene39218@verizon.net

Don't speed read. If I can't understand you, I can't vote for you. Please stick to stock issues.

I've been a part of the activity for a little over a decade now and have judged pretty much everywhere. I'll briefly summarize how my thought process breaks down when I'm judging debates so that you have a pretty straightforward route to the ballot.

Framework

I always start by asking what we use to frame the debate (aka Framework). I'm pretty liberal in terms of my views on Frameworks that are acceptable in debates and will typically allow debaters to tell me what framing matters in each debate. The only exception of intervention would be frameworks that I personally find morally reprehensible (basically if your framework would advocate the removal/elimination/discrimination/otherization of groups/subjects I'm not going to be for it). I think a framework can take many forms and I am open to whatever that form takes. It can be theory args, Phil framing, Role of the Ballots, Larping, etc. As long as you can explain why your framing is the one that should be used to evaluate/weigh offense then I will accept it as my primary determination of offense.

After Framework, I look at the case or your Offense when evaluating my decision. I try to keep my biases out of debate but, admittedly, there are some arguments I am fond of and others that I'm skeptical of (this doesn't mean I will automatically vote for you if you read what I like or vice versa, it just means you might have some degree of difficulty or ease in convincing me to buy your f/w and arguments). I'll just make a list of what I like and dislike here and my reasoning for each one so you can see what arguments you want to go for:

Phil Positions: I'm pretty neutral to these positions and will accept nearly all of these arguments. I read a little bit of some Phil positions and have had students read authors such as Kant so I'm not too unfamiliar with the positions. I will certainly judge and accept these arguments as long as they are well-defended and easily explained. I have a fairly moderate threshold to responses towards these arguments and expect debaters to clash with the analysis and foundations of the arguments rather than just reading blocks of evidence and not making a good comparative analysis.

Ks: Admittedly, my favorite position. I love any argument that challenges any underlying assumptions being made by either the debaters or the topic. And I enjoy these arguments b/c I believe that they provide a level of argumentative flexibility and uniqueness to the positions. That said, I am not a fan of lazy K debate and will be able to pretty easily sniff out if you are reading arguments that you have no underlying understanding of (aka reading policy backfiles) vs. actually knowing the literature base. You should always make sure you explain the arguments effectively and why your position would resolve whatever harm you are Kritiking. Do that and you should be in good shape.

I also am a fan of performative responses to other arguments made in the debate. For example, using the K to clash with theory and claiming K comes prior is an argument that I enjoy seeing and have voted on more times than not, if it has been well explained and defended. This will be a good way to get extra speaker points.

Larping: I have a policy background so I am fine with people reading policy args in debate. Plans, CPs, DAs. I'm familiar with and can understand them. I'm not a huge believer that PICs are legitimate arguments and do have a fairly low threshold to answer these arguments. Just make sure to explain your internal links and your impact analysis and you should be good.

Theory: I believe that education is the internal link to fairness. That doesn't mean that you can't win otherwise, but I am biased in believing that the educational output of the activity is more relevant than the fairness created in the activity. That being said, I will evaluate theory and weigh it under whatever voters you make. My threshold on the responses to shells will flip depending on the interp. If the interp is clearly a time suck and designed to simply throw off your opponent or abuse them then I have a fairly low threshold for answers towards it. If it is a legitimate concern (Pics bad, Condo) then I have a fairly middle ground towards responses to it.

I default on reasonability unless specified otherwise in the debate.

I default RVI's unless specified otherwise and not for T (unless you win it)

Some other random items that you might be looking for:

Extensions

I need impacts to extensions and need extensions throughout the debate. For the Aff, this is as simple as just giving an overview with some card names and impacts.

When you are extending on the line by line be sure to tell me why the extension matters in the debate so I know why it's relevant

Speed

I am fine with speed in debate. I would prefer that both debaters understand each other and would ask that you spread within reason and be compassionate towards your opponents. If you know that you are debating someone that cannot understand the spread and you continue to do it bc you are going to outspread your opponent then you will most likely win, but your speaks will be absolutely nuked.

Tricks

Tricky args like permissibility and the args that fall under these, I'm not a fan of. I think that these args are fairly lazy and don't believe that there is much educational value to them so I tend to have a low threshold to responses towards these args. And, if you win, you're not going to get great speaks from me.

Speaks

I give speaks based on strategic decisions and interactions with your opponents as opposed to presentation and oratory skills. I usually average a 28.5

Disclosure

If you're at a local tournament, I don't expect there to be disclosure from debaters and don't really care too much about disclosure theory. My threshold is really low to respond to it. If it's a national circuit or state tournament, then I would prefer you disclose but will always be open to a debate on it.

I do not disclose speaks but will disclose results at bid tournaments. I will not disclose for prelim locals, for the sake of time.

Email for chain is: jacob.koshak@cfisd.net

I am a traditional judge with some experience. I prefer a slow debate because it allows for more and clear interaction between arguments rather than out spreading the other debater(s). Therefore, don't spread too fast, and definitely don't spread without a doc. However, please put me on the email chain rkumar72@gmail.com regardless. Overview, I will evaluate all arguments preferably LARP and T/(non frivolous) theory is also fine. Please do not read complicated K’s in front of me and expect me to have read the lit, I will not understand them and probably vote you down; however, if you think you can explain them then go for it. I value tech>truth but easier for me to vote for true argument and speaking is important.

If you want a fast debate I would suggest you strike me.

Being virtual I will flow on my computer and will vote for the debaters purely on the flow, and I consider myself tab if you can explain your arguments to me. Speaks are based on strategy, argument explanation, and rhetoric.

PF:

Go as fast as you want IF your opponents are ok with speed. I will have no issue about clearing you if it is unclear/too fast and I will not vote on arguments that I didn't get on my flow.

Please have cut cards ready. Two minutes to find evidence, then it's dropped.

The quality of your debate will be judged on presenting the topic as the topic (Topicality). Throwing in racism as an argument for something that doesn't even relate just because you like to argue about that thing, doesn't bode well for your technique.

Weighing tells me what the most important argument is. I will look first to whichever argument is weighed the best. At that point, I look to who links into it. Terminal defense takes out the link - even if you win weighing, you still need to win your link. Weighing is not the end all be all of debate. If one team wins weighing but concedes defense, and the other team loses weighing but actually wins their link, I will vote for the second team, as that's the only team with offense on the flow. Have Fun :)

amanda072086@gmail.com
Speak clearly. Any speed is fine as long as you slow down and read your tag lines and main points very clearly. Spreading is fine. Give clear indication of when you have reached the burden you set out.

LD: I am a true values debate judge in LD. Tabula rasa judge. Flexible to any kinds of cases and arguments as long as they are respectful. If your case is not topical or abusive and your opponent argues and proves that in their speeches then I am willing to vote based on topicality, education and abuse.

PF and CX: Be respectful and cordial to your opponent. I’m open to most anything in Policy rounds. Always stay on the debate topic, don’t wander off onto an irrelevant subject because it’s more enjoyable to argue about than the topic is. Always allow your opponent the opportunity to complete their sentence before continuing to cross.
I’m a Tabula rasa Judge especially in Policy debate. If you don’t tell me how you want me to weigh the round and set a minimum burden for each side to have to meet within the round to win then I will default to judging based on the block and will turn into a games playing judge and will make voting decisions based on what my flow shows and dropped arguments or arguments that were lost or conceded will very much factor into my vote. Impacts, Warrants and links need to be made very clear, and always show me the magnitude.

Hi, I'm Vikram!

Speech: I did DX and OO all 4 years of high school. I appreciate good humor in speeches but it should be adequately connected and linked to the topic. Presentation is very important, so few fluency breaks - if any, and effective use of pauses are well appreciated.

For extemp specifically, I value YOUR analysis highly, so try not to build a whole argument off of a source. Also remember to weigh the impact of your point and connect it to the topic at hand; I should not have to wonder "why is this important" - it should be concisely explained. Answer the question asked; you will likely end up with a poor rank if your speech (no matter how good and polished it may be) does not pertain directly to the question of the topic slip. When giving analysis, try going deep into the issue and expanding upon the multiple layers; in outrounds and finals, the pertinent details in analysis makes all the difference in rankings.

For OO and INFO, I value the relatability and originality of a topic, and I enjoy listening to how the topic has impacted you personally. Good presentation (lack of fluency breaks, good intonation, etc.) here is a must and humor is appreciated. I also enjoy seeing and listening to your creativity, so anything out of the ordinary (but still within the rules) is highly valued.

Interp: I never competed in interp in high school, though I have since judged several rounds in a variety of events. I follow the NSDA guide in judging, and I greatly value topic originality, and creativity in your presentation.

Debate: I did PF and LD on and off all through high school, so I would classify myself as a flow-ish judge. I enjoy listening to rhetoric in speeches, but make sure that's not the only thing in your speech. On the topic, treat me as if I do not know anything about it since I don't read about the topic in advance.

Note: Most tournaments run on a tight schedule, so in the interest of keeping good time, please be ready to start at the stated time on the schedule. If you are flight 2, have EVERYTHING ready before you walk in the room. If you come in saying you need to take a bathroom break, pre-flow, share cases, etc., I will dock your speaks.

You are responsible for keeping time for both speeches and prep, and in the interest of honesty, you are responsible for validating your opponent's prep and speech time too. I will not be keeping track of anyone's prep used nor remaining.

Please have the full version of ALL your cards ready to go, when someone asks for cards, please be quick in giving them the appropriate pieces, otherwise I will instruct your opponents to run prep. I may ask for cards at the end of the round, so have the full version of the card with the appropriate sections highlighted, and the version you cut open side-by-side so I can compare them and make my judgement. If you take a while (>5 mins) to pull up these cards when I ask for them, I will treat those pieces of evidence as if they don't exist, and strike them from my flow.

I value a traditional debate. If you run theories, shells, or K's, you will likely be downed. I absolutely HATE spreading (moderate speed is alright though); so if I can't keep up or understand you, I can't flow what you say. I flow every speech INCLUDING all cross examinations. Rebuttals can be line by line or grouped by argument - remember to sign-post effectively otherwise I won't be able to follow what you say.

PF: Both summary and final focus must extend cards used in rebuttal, if the card was not mentioned in rebuttal, it will not be flowed. When extending cards, it is highly appreciated that you give me the name and the year of the card just so that I know for sure exactly what card you want me to extend.

LD:I enjoy framework debates especially as it relates to topicality, but try not to turn the round into a definition debate as it just keeps the round in a boring cycle and involves no clash whatsoever.

TL;DR: keep the debate traditional. You have freedom in speech structure, just let me know what you're doing and where you are at important points.

Please make sure your voters are clear. Show me how you outweigh your opponent's impacts and why they are more important; I tend to value magnitude the most, and numerical (quantifiable) impacts are easiest for me to buy, so as long as they are not over-reliant on probability.

For all events: Please be respectful and courteous to your opponents. If you are mean, condescending, excessively dismissive, or rude, YOU WILL BE DOWNED. With that said, good luck and have fun!!

Parent judge. Keep it lay. Clarity over speed. Give clear voters.

I am a traditional LD and PF judge.

Persuasion is necessary. Moderate spreading is okay.

If you make a non-topical argument, I will not evaluate it.

SPEECH CATEGORY PARADIGMS:

1. GENERALLY SPEAKING, I LOOK FOR GOOD VOICES, TONE, DICTION, EYE CONTACT, APPROPRIATE GESTURES, AND PURPOSEFUL/SMOOTH MOVEMETS THAT SEEM NATURAL VS MOVING JUST TO MOVE.

2.BELIEVABILITY/EMBODIEMENT OF THE CHARACTERS VS ACTING LIKE THE CHARACTERS, MAINTAINING CHARACTERIZATION THROUGHOUT THE PERFORMANCE/PRESENTATION INCLUDING CLOSING THE PIECE WITH A "BUTTON"/LEAVING A LITTLE GESTURE OR WORD OR PHARSE OR EMOTION THAT CAPS OFF THE PERFROMANCE, AND UNDESTANDING WHAT THE PIECE IS ABOUT AND MEANT TO CONVEY

3. GOOD ATTENTION GETTERS, SOLID STRUCTURE OF THE SPEECH WITH CLEAR THESIS STATEMENTS OR MAIN POINTS ALONG WITH GOOD VISUALS, GOOD TRANSITIONS THAT SMOOTHLY CONNECT IDEAS/POINTS, SOLID CONCLUSIONS THAT PROPERLY SUM UP THE WHOLE SPEECH/PRESENTATION, EVIDENCE WHERE NECESSARY TO BACK UP CLAIMS/INFORMATION

4. PROPER DRESS/STANDARDS SET BY THE TOURNAMENT

DEBATE CATEGORY PARADIGMS:

1. UNDERSTANDING THE RESOLUTIONS BEING DEBATED

2. SPREADING IS FINE, BUT NOT TO THE POINT WHEREBY THE DEBATER CANNOT BE UNDERSTOOD

3. GOOD EVIDENCE/SOURCES IS A MUST/THE ABILITY TO PROVE ONE'S POINTS (RESEARCH BASED WHERE NECESSARY)

4. GOOD DICTION, TONE, GESTURES

5. ABILITY TO THINK ON ONE' S FEET WHEN CROSS EXAMINED

6. ABILTY TO PROVE ONE'S ASSERTIONS/CLAIMS AND DEFEND THEM

7. SOUND LOGIC AND GOOD AGRUMENTIVE SKILLS TO COMPLIMENT EVIDENCE THAT SUPPORTS CLIAMS

In debate rounds, I always flow. I'm pretty open (tabula rasa) to whatever you want to bring into the round (trad, progressive, theory, Ks, etc.) as long as you explain its relevance to the topic and/or its relevance to debate (the activity as a container or that round in particular). It's your round (debaters) so do whatever you want with it. Speed ("spreading") is fine as long as you are clear. If I can't understand you, I will say "clear" while you are speaking to indicate that I am unable to understand what you are saying and subsequently, that what you are saying is not getting on my flow. That is either due to your speed, clarity, or both. Signposting is always helpful and appreciated; speed or not. Beyond what I've written here, feel free to ask me more specific questions before a round begins.

For round email chains: rowen.consultant@gmail.com

I am a high school  debate coach. I have been judging debate for ten years, and am experienced in judging both Lincoln-Douglas and Policy Debate.

The distinction between the approaches to Lincoln-Douglas debate and Policy debate is important to me. Spreading, voluminous evidence, and complexity as competitive tactics make sense to me in Policy debate and are inherent to the nature and style of the activity. In contrast to that, Lincoln Douglas in both style and content should in my opinion emphasis values driven debate, logic, and articulate delivery that emphasizes eloquence and effective speaking. I do not think that spreading makes sense in Lincoln Douglas - it is not consonant with the nature of the activity in my opinion.

I am a tabula rasa judge in the sense that I do not enter a round with a predisposition to emphasize one side's burdens over another's. I flow the constructive arguments and rebuttal looking for which side most effectively addresses the resolution, creates the most coherent and relevant case, and effectively clashes most thoroughly and effectively with the elements of the case presented by their opponent. Speaking and poise help to convey the logic and clash that are the substance of debate, but it is the rhetoric itself that matters most to me.

PUBLIC FORUM

I judge as if I were someone who reads the Economist/The Times twice a week and watches CNN or Bloomberg News on occasion. With that being said--content needs to be explained clearly and developed deeply. When it comes to the traditional argumentative structure (Claim, Warrant, Impact) you should spend about 10% of your energy on the first, 20% of your energy on the second, and 70% of your energy on impact analysis.

The constructive should be delivered clearly with frequent eye contact. The rebuttal can be line-by-line or big picture. I have no specific preference but if you are grouping arguments I need to know why those ideas can be responded to at once. As for summary speeches and final focuses should be more big picture speeches on the main topics discussed in the round. Clarity is still very important.

Please be respectful during crossfire. Nothing is accomplished through sass, anger, and talking over one another.

If sources become a major point of contention in the round, I will weigh the credibility of source A over the credibility of source B so either explain why one is more credible/preferred or I will have to make that decision myself.

Any other questions should be asked before the beginning of the round.

LINCOLN DOUGLAS

Principle > practical. I need to know why one way of thinking is preferred over another.

I am a tabula rasa judge meaning the most important thing in the round is a clear explanation of why a certain theory/philosophy/guiding principle is the best way for a person to act.

I am comfortable with speed--I just ask that you vocally signal when something you say is particularly important (i.e. a tagline or an important sentence from a card).

All other questions can be asked before the round.

EXTEMP

I judge extemp based on the following characteristics listed in order of importance: developed, well thought out content; clarity and confidence of the speaker; accurate, credible sources of information; a variety of sources (both outlets for news and types of information); physical presentation (if you are a person with a disability that impact how you move/speak please let me know before the round if you feel comfortable so that I don't unjustly and unconsciously hold that against you); creative approaches to the topic.

If you have specific questions or the event I am judging is not above, ask about those specifically before the round if you would like to receive those paradigms.

I have a hard time understanding if you go too fast, so please slow down as much as you can. Make everything as clear as possible and weigh A LOT. :)

Updated -Nov. 2023 (mostly changes to LD section)

Currently coaching: Memorial HS.
Formerly coached: Spring Woods HS, Stratford HS

Email: mhsdebateyu@gmail.com

I was a LD debater in high school (Spring Woods) and a Policy debater in college (Trinity) who mainly debated Ks. My coaching style is focused on narrative building. I think it's important/educational for debate to be about conveying a clear story of what the aff and the neg world looks like at the end of the round. I have a high threshold on Theory arguments and prefer more traditional impact calculus debates. Either way, please signpost as much as you can, the more organized your speeches are the likelihood of good speaks increases. My average speaker point range is 27 - 29.2. I generally do not give out 30 speaks unless the debater is one of the top 5% of debaters I've judged. I believe debate is an art. You are welcome to add me to any email chains: (mhsdebateyu@gmail.com) More in depth explanations provided below.

Interp. Paradigm:

Perform with passion. I would like you tell me why it is significant or relevant. There should be a message or take-away after I see your performance. I think clean performances > quality of content is true most of the time.

PF Paradigm:

I believe that PF is a great synthesis of the technical and presentation side of debate. The event should be distinct from Policy or LD, so please don't spread in PF. While I am a flow judge, I will not flow crossfire, but will rely on crossfire to determine speaker points. Since my background is mostly in LD and CX, I use a similar lens when weighing arguments in PF. I used to think Framework in PF was unnecessary, but I think it can be interesting to explore in some rounds. I usually default on a Util framework. Deontological frameworks are welcomed, but requires some explanation for why it's preferred. I think running kritik-lite arguments in PF is not particularly strategic, so I will be a little hesitant extending those arguments for you if you're not doing the work to explain the internal links or the alternative. Most of the time, it feels lazy, for example, to run a Settler Col K shell, and then assume I will extend the links just because I am familiar with the argument is probably not the play. I dislike excessive time spent on card checking. I will not read cards after the round. I prefer actually cut card and dislike paraphrasing (but I won't hold that against you). First Summary doesn't need to extend defense, but should since it's 3 minutes.

I have a high threshold for theory arguments in general. There is not enough time in PF for theory arguments to mean much to me. If there is something abusive, make the claim, but there is no need to spend 2 minutes on it. I'm not sure if telling me the rules of debate fits with the idea of PF debate. I have noticed more and more theory arguments showing up in PF rounds and I think it's actually more abusive to run theory arguments than exposing potential abuse due to the time constraints.

LD Paradigm: (*updated for Glenbrooks 2023)

Treat me like a policy judge. While I do enjoy phil debates, I don’t always know how to evaluate them if I am unfamiliar with the literature. It’s far easier for me to understand policy arguments. I don’t think tech vs. truth is a good label, because I go back and forth on how I feel about policy arguments and Kritiks. I want to see creativity in debate rounds, but more importantly I want to learn something from every round I judge.

Speed is ok, but I’m usually annoyed when there are stumbles or lack of articulation. Spreading is a choice, and I assume that if you are going to utilize speed, be good at it. If you are unclear or too fast, I won’t tell you (saying “clear” or “slow” is oftentimes ignored), I will just choose to not flow. While I am relatively progressive, I don't like tricks or nibs even though my team have, in the past, used them without me knowing.

I will vote on the Kritik 7/10 times depending on clarity of link and whether the Alt has solvency. I will vote on Theory 2/10 times because judging for many years, I already have preconceived notions about debate norms, If you run multiple theory shells I am likely to vote against you so increasing the # of theory arguments won't increase your chances (sorry, but condo is bad). I tend to vote neg on presumption if there is nothing else to vote on. I enjoy LD debates that are very organized and clean line by lines. If a lot of time is spent on framework/framing, please extend them throughout the round. I need to be reminded of what the role of the ballot should be, since it tends to change round by round.

CX Paradigm:

I'm much more open to different arguments in Policy than any other forms of debate. While I probably prefer standard Policy rounds, I mostly ran Ks in college. I am slowly warming up to the idea of Affirmative Ks, but I'm still adverse to with topical counterplans. I'm more truth than tech when it comes to policy debate. Unlike LD, I think condo is good in policy, but that doesn't mean you should run 3 different kritiks in the 1NC + a Politics DA. Speaking of, Politics DAs are relatively generic and needs very clear links or else I'll be really confused and will forget to flow the rest of your speech trying to figure out how it functions, this is a result of not keeping up with the news as much as I used to. I don't like to vote on Topicality because it's usually used as a time suck more than anything else. If there is a clear violation, then you don't need to debate further, but if there is no violation, nothing happens. If I have to vote on T, I will be very bored.

Congress Paradigm:

I'm looking for analysis that actually engages the legislation, not just the general concepts. I believe that presentation is very important in how persuasive you are. I will note fluency breaks and distracting gestures. However, I am primarily a flow judge, so I might not be looking at you during your speeches. Being able to clearly articulate and weigh impacts (clash) is paramount. I dislike too much rehash, but I want to see a clear narrative. What is the story of your argument.

I'm used to LD and CX, so I prefer some form of Impact Calculus/framework. At least some sense as to why losing lives is more important than systemic violence. etc.

Some requests:
- Please don't say, "Judge, in your paradigm, you said..." in the round and expose me like that.

- Please don't post-round me while I am still in the room, you are welcome to do so when I am not present.

- Please don't try to shake my hand before/after the round.

- I have the same expression all the time, please don't read into it.

- Please time yourself for everything. I don't want to.

- I don’t have a preference for any presentation norms in debate, such as I don’t care if you sit or stand, I don’t care if you want to use “flex prep”, I don’t care which side of the room you sit or where I should sit. If you end up asking me these questions, it will tell me that you did not read my paradigm, which is probably okay, i’ll just be confused starting the round.

Parent judge

speak slowly probably a little faster than conversational pace I won’t listen to speeches that I can’t understand

i will do my best to flow all the important stuff

this process will be easier for me if you send me a speech doc: stellaxh2009@gmail.com

I am a parent volunteer judge. have a few years of PF judge experience.

Show sufficient evidence and clear logic.

Speak clearly and no spreading.