I am a coach and a traditional type of judge.

Generally, while I don't mind a debater talking fast, I loathe spreading or spewing. I do not think there is any skill in just talking fast. If i cannot keep with your arguments in my flow, you risk losing the round.

In LD, because it is a value debate, I tend to focus on Value and value criterion in judging rounds. Your contentions should be connected to your value and criterion. I don't see a problem with counter-plans but they should be presented in the context to prove your value and value criterion.

In PF the winning team will have a well researched, well organized case. A strong framework is important, and the team that can show, through their evidence and their arguments, impacts will likely win.

I debated in high school LD and PF and was a college Parli debater, so I have a good amount of experience. I was a quarter finalist in CA for LD and a TCFL State Qualifier in LD (if that matters).

LD is first and foremost a value debate. Be sure to keep that in mind.

- Be cordial to each other. There is no reason to be rude to your fellow competitors. For zoom competitors, that means no giggling or whispering when your mics are off. Treat it just like a normal round.

- Time yourselves and each other, please.

- I am fine with speed, but I do not like spreading. I can keep up but I think that it's poor practice and your speaks will be reduced.

- Sign posting is extremely important to me. Always tell me what contention you are talking about or responding to.

- It’s extremely important that you show a good understanding of the topic and you are not simply throwing out arguments that you think fit and reiterating them.

- While I am more of a traditional judge, I am open to progressive debate (K, T, Theory, ect.) but give substantial explanation.

- I love clash. Be sure to actually respond to your opponents arguments rather than just say they don't matter.

- Apologies for any weird faces, I am processing and writing notes!

For speech competitors:

- Do your thing, I have no strong preferences!

While I don't have a long history of being involved in debate, I can follow a good argument. My primary concerns are 1, your argument is topical and argue the resolve; 2, your contentions are based on evidence with sources; 3, you have claims, warrants, and impacts; 4, you attack the opposition case with logic and reasoning to expose vulnerabilities; and 5, you successfully defend against attacks on your own case using logic and evidence. I try to vote based on the best cases, speakers, and arguments of the round. I appreciate a traditional debate.

Also: Any sentences that begins with "Judge, you cannot vote for them," or "Judge, you must vote for our case," will make me not want to vote for you. Don't tell me what to do; I will do what I deem the best and most fair. However, saying things like "Judge, Their contention fails on this point," or "Judge, our case should win because of..." are acceptable, as are detailing the voters.

I appreciate a polite and civil debate. If you show disdain for your competitor, I will have a hard time wanting to vote for your position, however a solid case and sound logic will win over likeability. I just won't be happy about it.

I do not disclose, unless the tournament asks us to, nor do I give critiques. Giving critiques is basically the same as disclosing, since I have no poker face.

add me to the email chain boorboorariana@gmail.com

Background

I did majoritively PF in highschool with Congress mixed in. Currently a freshman at the University of Nevada, Reno.

Case/Rebuttal

Like both overreaching or stock arguments. Doesn't matter.

Warrants are important!!! If there's an x% increase in _____, tell me why.

Second rebuttal doesn't have to respond to defensive responses but I highly suggest responding to offense in the first rebuttal (case turns and offensive overviews).

Offensive Overviews

I will only evaluate offensive overviews if they are read in first rebuttal. Case turns and general responses/defensive overviews are permitted in both rebuttals.

To clarify, don't run new contentions in 2nd rebuttal and call it an "Overview." I think this is unfair as it gives the first speaking team almost no time to respond.

Summary/Final Focus

You don't need defense in first summary unless there was frontlining in second rebuttal. You do need turns.

I will not evaluate arguments in the Final Focus that weren't in the summary.

Don't go for everything on the flow. Give me 1-3 voters in final focus.

weigh weigh weigh weigh weigh.

Evidence

I will not call for a card unless I am explicitly told to or I absolutely need to make a decision based on conflicting evidence

Crossfire

I flow crossfire so don't waste time.

Be respectful.

Don't talk over each other. It will make both look bad and I can't hear.

Speaker Points (General)

I usually give around 28's to the losing team and 29's to the winning team. Do the stuff below to get closer to a 30.

How to get better speaks

Weigh and signpost well.

Effectively pull off a cool strategy I haven't seen before.

Keep the round lighthearted. I think debaters are way too angry now and some humor would be appreciated. Jokes and puns are highly encouraged. Just don't make fun of your opponents, unless y'all are tight in which case use discretion.

How to lose

Ay panini, don't you be a meanie. (seriously, if you're excessively rude you will lose)

cheat

Online Debate –

· just make sure I am awake before you start your speech.

· don’t go full speed. i can’t vote for you if i am missing every other sentence bc of the online format. i would slow down on important analytics, interps, cp texts (put them in the doc too if possible). i won't let you redo your speech, so maybe record yourself speaking so we can play it back if absolutely necessary.

· please lmk if there is anything i can do to make our online debate experience better

I am open to any argument, as long as it makes sense and is backed up with evidence. The tagline must be what the card actually says.

In rounds, my main pet peeve is unclear tag lines. Be sure that you clearly enunciate the tagline if you want me to take it into account.

For critiques and theoretical arguments, make sure you clearly explain both the argument and its implications.

I try to be open-minded and fair about any arguments presented.

email: mike.del.brown@gmail.com

Make your most compelling and coherent case. Less is more. Don't make a flurry of weak arguments just to suck time from your opponents and then drop them. Mostly this just sucks my motivation to vote for you.

Provide clear signposts, be articulate, and enunciate so I can easily flow your case. Pauses, emphasis, and eye contact on key points are powerful tools. I flow from your speech, not the email chain. Don't bet that I won't miss something; use your delivery to stack the odds in your favor.

I'm so old that I was around when spreading was spewing, and spewing was cool. I'm increasingly convinced that a monotone, hyperventilated list of bullet points and mumbled reading of evidence is the death of compelling, argumentation. Rather than throw out as many arguments as possible, find the weakest part of your opponent's argument, and put a big, persuasive hole in it.

Neg conditionality isn't a get out of jail free card. If you are making a bunch of arguments, I'll look at them together. For example, if you run a counterplan that violates your K, you are telling me not to vote for either.

Explain your arguments. Don't assume I understand the jargon or theory. Even if I do understand it, don't use jargon as a shorthand substitute for effectively explaining the substance your argument.

The starting point is a debate on the resolution. If you'd prefer to read poetry, discuss the pointlessness of existence, or posit that debating the topic is a bad idea, then you will have to be extra persuasive to win.

Frame the debate and justify your arguments. If you don't make it clear why an argument is worth voting for, then I probably won’t.

Respect your opponents and have fun - enjoy the experience, learn something new, and make friends!

Or, ignore all of this, and spend the next week complaining about your judge!

Do not speak too quickly as it does not allow me to fully grasp what you are saying. I understand that sometimes a lot of information needs to be shared, but not at the expense of understanding for those listening.

Pretend that I know nothing (but I do, I have a lot of judging experience) about your topic, which sometimes may be true, and explain what you think I may not know for clarity (i.e. abbreviations, acronyms, jargon, etc). Then convince me why your side should win.

This is my first virtual debate meet and I am excited to see how it goes. I respect the time and energy it must take to debate in this type of setting.

I now work in higher education and was an avid debater in high school. I focused primarily on PF and IE's. I greatly appreciate reasonably paced speaking. I like to know that you have knowledge of your evidence and sources. Please be respectful of one another, I know it can be hard not to get heated, but remaining calm comes across as professional.

I will not disclose who won the round at the end to give myself time to debrief and think more clearly.

Thanks for debating and good luck!

Experience:

High School:

I competed in multiple types of debate during my four years in high school. Public Forum was my specialty, with multiple appearances in state finals and state championship in Public Forum speaking. Along the way, I picked up three qualifications to NSDA nationals and another to the TOC in Kentucky.

College:

Currently, I am getting my masters.

In undergraduate, I did college competition in IPDA debate. I have made multiple finals appearances as well as been nationally ranked in the top ten debaters in my division for the last three years of my collegiate competitive years.

I have also served as a parliamentarian for many high school tournaments while in college.

If you have any questions email me: tommyraegan015@gmail.com

General Debate Comments:

- Although an increased rate of speaking is the norm in the status quo, I don't want your breathing to become distracting and annoying with large intakes of air that are audible from space.

- T/Definition/Standard debate when done well and when needed will be rewarded.

- If a card becomes an issue I will call for it, please have cards ready if you foresee an issue in them.

- It is important that you are polite. Do not speak loudly to your partner while the opposing team is speaking. It it ok to pass notes, but you should not be audible to the judge or audience.

- Debate is about clash. This means that you HAVE to flow and you MUST not drop points. Organization that occurs through flowing will make sure that you clash with your opponent and do not drop key points.

- THE ONE THING THAT WILL KILL SPEAKER POINTS AND EARN AN L is if you are racist, homophobic, xenophobic or disparaging to excluded groups. Please make sure your arguments do not fall into this category.

- I love theory and K debate, well done it will be rewarded. poorly done then :(

- Please do not call me judge :)

LD:

- You have to link your arguments to your V/VC (don't assume I know the link)

- Speed is fine as long as it doesn't exclude the other debater

- Ks need to be good and have the evidence to back it up to get my vote

- All General Debate Comments apply here as well. :)

PF:

- Anything that resembles a K/Plan will be voted down

- Flow is everything

- Any new arguments in the Final Focus will be thrown out and lower your speaks

- Do not assume I know the frame work link

- All General Debate Comments apply here :)

Congress:

- The expectations for congress are for it to not look like any of the other debate formats. This is supposed to model real rhetoric used in actual congressional sessions.

- While your speech should have three points: intro, body, and conclusion. It should NOT sound like a debate case.

- Do not rehash arguments in the round just to get a speech in

- You should be be not only advancing your positions arguments but engaging with the opposition to persuade the chambers to vote a certain way.

- A good PO is one who does the bare minimum in controlling chambers. A GREAT PO is one who is commanding, possesses great knowledge of parli pro, and is a charismatic speaker. POs can either make or break a chamber.

Updated for UC Berkeley 2024

email-awgray2002@gmail.com

POLICY-

Hi everyone :) A little about me! I debated 3 years policy and 1 year in public forum at CK McClatchy in Sacramento. It's been 4 years since I've debated, so I'm definitely pretty rusty.

Generally, since it's been a while, make sure you impact the debate out and explain the role of the ballot.

Please do send me the speech docs just so I can keep up. Spreading is ok but slow down a little when reading off script. If you'd like any accommodations made let me know through email or in round!

CP/DA- I really dislike it when teams read 10 off with 4 conditional CP's when they don't have clear net benefits and don't have separate solvency from the aff. I love disads but I'm not voting on one because it has 100% probability and if it has more recent evidence.

High theory, really nuanced impact turns- I will evaluate it, but explain it

K-affteams/ performative teams- be careful with your ROJ/ROB and impacts. You’re more likely to get a ballot from me if the k aff/ performance is topic centered/addresses the topic, the debate will be easier for you most likely but I’ll evaluate one that isn’t topical too.

Speaker points & other:I really don't like snarky comments and rudeness during speeches/ CX. I usually give high speaker points so just be respectful and chill. Also, 'm a firm believer in tech over truth. That doesn't mean that truth isn't important! Read whatever you want but remember that it’s your burden to have me understand everything. I'm not a lay judge but I really don't know much beyond the basics of the topic, so just make sure to explain well.

Adding in a section about tech- I'm super sympathetic toward tech issues that happen. We'll work out a solution!

Thanks for letting me judge your round and best of luck :)

***PUBLIC FORUM***

I debated for C.K. McClatchy for 4 years, 3 in policy and 1 in public forum. It's been 4 years since I've debated, with PF being the most recent.

I am a flow judge & please do send me the speech docs just so I can keep up/ I don't have to request cards. If you'd like any accommodations made let me know through email or in round! (email isawgray2002@gmail.com)

Adding in a section about tech- I'm super sympathetic toward tech issues that happen. We'll work out a solution :)

1. CX is binding and I will flow it. Please make sure you'reasking questions in CX and not using the time to just argue offense with no question attached. Speaks will be docked.

2. Speaker points: I really don't like snarky comments and rudeness during speeches/ CX. I'm a point fairy so just be respectful.

3. Debate: My policy background heavily influences my decision making whether I like it or not, so I'm comfortable with spreading, K's, theory, and critical affs. Given this is PF though I will mandate that if you’re doing so you must send a complete speech doc like policy. Your opponents also need to be ok with it.

Here's what I typically evaluate a round on:

Framework: Just don't say that cost benefit analysis is the default framework as your argument.I will dock speaker points for lack of creativity; you need to be able to explain why. It won't lose you the debate, but just explain it beyond that.

Impact Calc: Since it's been a while since I've debated, I think cleanly extended and elaborated impacts will play the largest part in my decision.

Links: I have been in so many rounds where stuff just doesn't link. Please isolate the link and don't drop it

Uniqueness: Make sure to mention how your argument is unique!

Thanks for letting me judge your round and best of luck :)

I was a high school debater and am now a junior Political Science major at Rhodes College. I'm pretty flexible about what you run in front of me as long as it is written well.

If you have questions about it feel free to ask me point blank before round I will not be offended. I would seriously rather you ask me very abrupt questions then you ask me something cryptic and we misunderstand each other and then the round isn't judged the way you want it to go.

Framing is literally so important. YOU get to decide how the round is judged if you so choose. Anything you run should have AT LEAST a sentence or two about how to frame the round (ex: "This round should be judged based on breaks down cap the best, etc.). If you get questions/arguments about how to frame the round, you should be prepared for it. If you do not give me a way to judge the round, then I have to make one up, and that sucks for everyone.

If there is only one framing mechanism presented in the round, I will default to that.

Speed- Spreading is fine, but be clear. I'll say clear 2x, but after that if I cannot understand you I'll stop flowing. I do generally prefer you either flash/email me your cases if you are going to spread because it makes both of our lives easier.

LARP Debate- Cool.

K's- I freaking LOVE a well run K. Make sure you understand the philosophy you're running though, at least well enough to cover anything that might be asked in the round.

Easiest way to my heart is anti-cap lit.

Traditional- Trad is like, super boring, but its fine to run. Imo this has the highest standard of execution because you as a debater don't really have anything to hide behind, so when its bad it is BAD.

Racist, homophobic, xenophobic, sexist, etc. comments= loss 20; being respectful is cool and stuff.

If you're running against a debater who clearly has less experience than you and maybe does not understand what you're doing, you should not be hammering that home to me or being rude/condescending towards them, be respectful, teach them something, don't be a jerk.

If you have any more specific questions feel free to ask me before round/if you see me.

email: emilyjudgesdebate@gmail.com (for email chains, questions, etc.)

updated Dec 2020

Argumentation, Speaks

I weigh on theory

Impact Calculus

• Timeframe (when will the impact happen)
• Scope of Impact (How many people will be effected)
• Difficulty of recovery (How hard will it be get back to normal)
• Outright probability (how likely is this too happen)
• Intensity of impact (are the impacted individuals slightly hurt or seriously injured)

I respect pronouns. Just let me know.

Clarity, above all.

General things/background:

• Pronouns - she/her/hers

• Currently a college student majoring in theatre and cognitive science

• I competed in interpretation events throughout all 4 years of my high school career on the local, state, and national circuits, reaching the final rounds at state and the elimination rounds nationals (4x). I’ve also competed in LD and Congress and am familiar with speech events and PF.

IE Events:

I probably have the most experience with IE (especially DI, prose, POI, OIL and poetry) since they were my main events throughout high school. I won’t write a paradigm for each IE event, but here’s the general breakdown:

Teaser and Intro:

• Teasers should draw the audience in and set up the story. Ideally, they should provide some background on your character and/or introduce a scene that is key to the story.

• I think intros are often overlooked, but they can be so impactful in tying your piece together. A good intro will not only introduce your story, but will also tell us what the main message of your piece is (your “so what” point that you want the audience to take away). Why are you presenting this piece? Why is this piece important?

• Make your transitions from teaser —> intro —> story clear, and it will be much easier to follow your piece :)

Piece (cutting and selection):

• There isn’t any strict guideline for how you should cut your piece so feel free to place the climax wherever you want (I’ve seen pieces that don’t even have a climax do very well), structure the story however you want, but no matter how you choose to cut your piece, make sure that your story is clear!

• For piece selection, I’m open to anything. However, I’ve found that the best pieces maintain a good balance of humor and seriousness and are very effective in getting you to either feel something and/or think about something in a different way. Above all, your piece should have a point and a message that you want us to take away.

• For speech events, I’d also love to see a balance of humor and seriousness. I’m looking for sound arguments, a cohesive narrative, and a compelling key message that you are trying to get across to your audience.

Interpretation and delivery: *100% the most important factor in my final rankings*

• I’m looking for polished, clean, and passionate performances. At the most basic level, this means clear enunciation and articulation, clean technique (character pops, melting, sound effects, binder techniques… etc.), and facial expressions and blocking that enhances your performance.

• The best performances aren’t necessarily ones that have the flashiest techniques, but rather, ones that make you feel like you aren’t even watching a performance - you’re a part of the story itself. For speech events, this might look like engaging the audience through your speech: draw us in and get us to react to what you’re saying. For interp events, this might look like making us feel that we are getting to know your character for who they are - characterization is everything in interp. Regardless of the event, as the performer, you need to not just command the stage, but command the room.

• Additionally, in pieces that rely on drama, I really value realism and authenticity. You don’t need a ton of sobbing, yelling, or screaming to make me feel the pain your character experienced - sometimes the subtlest change in facial expression is more effective than being loud. Show me the layers of emotion behind each line, capture the dimensionality of your character, and present your character in all their humanity and beauty. As with any piece, everything that you do should have a purpose. Realism and subtlety are some of the hardest techniques to master, but if you can do it well, they can take your piece to a whole other level.

Other important things:

• DO NOT COPY SOMEONE ELSE’S PERFORMANCE - I’ve seen people take the exact same intro/cutting/interpretation/blocking from pieces on YouTube or NSDA rounds and try to pass it off as their own. If you plagiarize, you will be ranked last regardless of how well you performed/imitated the original.

• Have a message. As you can tell from the rest of my paradigm, I really value the main takeaway of your piece. I want to know that you are performing a piece because it speaks to you, and not because you think that it will place well. No matter what category you are in, I want to know what your message is: why is this piece important? Why is its message important? Be honest. Be passionate.

Debate:

Even though I’ve competed in LD a few times and watched a few rounds, I’m still a pretty lay judge and prefer traditional debates over progressive ones

Do:

• Give roadmaps and signpost (also helps me flow lol)

• For LD, have a solid framework debate - convince me why your value/criterion should be highest in the round and prove how you fulfill that standard best

• Make clear links, remember impacts and weigh, give voters

• I won’t flow crossfire/cx so be sure to extend your arguments

• Warrants >>> evidence - obviously evidence is important in debate, but analyzing that evidence and explaining why it matters/supports your side makes your argument much more compelling

• Quality >>>>> quantity - just because you dropped a point doesn’t mean you’ll lose the round. Imo it’s better to have insightful arguments on significant issues and miss some points on the flow than covering everything but having weak analysis on significant points

Don’t:

• Spread - honestly not a great idea anyways with everything being virtual + possible technology issues/internet lagging

• Make new arguments when your opponent won’t have the opportunity to respond (ie. in the 2AR) - I won’t consider nor flow them

• Run theory and kritiks if you aren’t going to explain them really well - I am familiar with them but definitely not super well-versed, so making your points clear is key if you choose to run these

• Make up stuff and try to pass it off as “evidence” - I’ll call for any cards that seem sketchy

Congress:

I’ve competed a bit in Congress at local tournaments, but nothing on the national circuit or anything so I’m a pretty lay judge here too.

Do:

• Be succinct and to the point with whatever you say - don’t drag things out just to fill up time

• Scrutinize arguments - ask questions that probe at how sound the arguments presented are

• Ask coherent and relevant questions - don’t ask a question for the sake of asking a question

• If you choose to amend the legislation, make sure it is with purpose and with good reason

• Be fair and conduct the debate with precision and clarity if you are the PO. I will rank you :)

• Maintain a high degree of courtesy and decorum in session - don’t be rude

Don’t:

• Make a speech for the sake of making a speech - present unique arguments that are actually meaningful and insightful

• Abuse time limits - follow parliamentary procedure and congressional rules

Overall:

• Be kind. If you’re being disrespectful to any person or group for their race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, class, nationality, ability, or sexuality, you will automatically be dropped and I will tank your speaks. Your competitors are people, so treat them with the same respect you’d want to be treated with.

• Have fun! You chose to do this as an activity so enjoy it :)

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out!

Speak slowly! Articulate your verbiage with great diction. Please present as few contentions as possible to allow both the affirmative and negative teams to have a quality debate. Always have excellent eye contact with the judge. Take pauses occasionally to allow everyone a break from the intensity of the argumentation. Use wit from time to time to lighten the moment. Never, never be sarcastic against your opponent! Be as passionate as possible no matter what side of the debate you are on.

Will Matheson

Rowland Hall 4 Years

I competed on the national circuit in policy debate. I'm a first year debater. As a debater, I primarily read plan-focused arguments.

I lifted this from Mike Shackelford's paradigm, I think my outlook is very similar to his:

Overview

Do what you do best. I’m comfortable with all arguments. Practice what you preach and debate how you would teach. Strive to make it the best debate possible. Feel free to ask.

Key Preferences & Beliefs

Debate is a game.
Literature determines fairness.
It’s better to engage than exclude.
Critique is a verb.
Defense is undervalued.

Judging Style

I will work hard to be objective.
I flow on my computer. If you want a copy of my flow, please request it.
I think CX is very important.
I reward self-awareness, clash, good research, humor, and bold decisions.
I stop prep time when you eject your jump drive or hit 'send' for your email chain. I reserve the right to unilaterally assess a :10 to :30 second run-off for bad prep/paperless practices.

...

Theory: I'm unlikely to vote here. Most theory debates aren't impacted well and often put out on the silliest of points and used as a way to avoid substantive discussion of the topic. It has a time and a place. That time and place is the rare instance where your opponent has done something that makes it literally impossible for you to win. I would strongly prefer you go for substance over theory. Speaker points will reflect this preference.

Speed: Clarity > Speed. That should be a no-brainer. That being said, I'm sure I can flow you at whatever speed you feel is appropriate to convey your arguments.

Disclosure: I think it's uniformly good for large and small schools. I think it makes debate better.

1. Please be polite/respectful to your opponents in round. You don’t earn any favors by being rude.
2. I did debate in high school so I know how important the flow is. However, after judging for a few years I realized it’s easier for me to leave you real time comments on your ballots rather than spend the whole round tracking your flow and frantically try to write my comments after. This doesn’t mean I don’t care about flow! I’m still following along even if I’m not writing it down. Make sure you’re telling me what on the flow I need to pay attention to.
3. I will not provide time. I think it’s actually better for you to keep track of your own time and will help you feel more confident in the round! But mostly, it’s just too hard for me to provide good thought out comments on your ballot and track the timer. With this I don’t really care about grace periods. Finish your thoughts and be done.
4. I’m fine with whatever speed you use. Just remember, if your opponent can’t understand you, the whole round is going to be a mess for both parties. That makes it hard for me to leave good comments if there’s nothing good to leave them on, you know?
5. I don’t judge on crossfire so you don’t need to impress me there! However, I am in the room so my first point still stands. Be aggressive! I don’t care. Being rude probably won’t get you any more answers though.
6. Most importantly, as absolutely cliche as it is, just have fun! You and me probably won’t remember a single thing you said after the 1 hour period we spend together, so don’t take it too seriously!

That’s it! If you have any questions for me asking them right after round when the whole thing is fresh in my brain is usually best, but feel free to email me too! (Or I guess you can approach me in that weird cautious walk like I’m some scared endangered animal wandering the hallways and ask your questions!)

Email: makayla.mail@gmail.com

Experience:
Policy debate student- Kearns High 00-03
Debate coach- Juan Diego Catholic High 2011-2022

I'm a progressive LD judge, moderate CX judge. I hate the idea of a judge paradigm. I don't believe my preference should determine what is presented in the round. I am not opposed to particular issues or topics, nor do I prefer certain issues over others.

The expectation for any round is that you present well formed arguments, provide support for your case, and refute your opponents case. I can handle any speed you can deliver, however it is your responsibility to be clear.

I vote strictly off my flow. If you are not clear, I do not flow. I will not tell you to clear up, it is your job to know if you are being an effective communicator. Likewise, if you don't tell me where to flow something (for example, on my opponents second contention), I will flow it straight down -which may not bode well for you.

In any round, you need to give me a reason to prefer you. Impact your arguments. Well formed, quality arguments will be reflected in speaker points.

I look for quality evidence that's well articulated and individuals/teams that have solid follow-through after constructive(s) to not only attack the contentions of their opponent(s) but to resubstantiate/resupport their own points in response to their opponent's attacks or what their opponent has dropped. Pre-crafted arguments about what your opponent has said or dropped that are obviously pre-crafted because they're inaccurate for the round will hurt your overall score -- it demonstrates a lack of listening and adaptation.

I want good offense and defense without lacking professionalism. Ad Hominem attacks will work against you.

Mike Shackelford
Head Coach of Rowland Hall. I debated in college and have been a lab leader at CNDI, Michigan, and other camps. I've judged about 20 rounds the first semester.

Do what you do best. I’m comfortable with all arguments. Practice what you preach and debate how you would teach. Strive to make it the best debate possible.

Key Preferences & Beliefs
Debate is a game.
Literature determines fairness.
It’s better to engage than exclude.
Critique is a verb.
Defense is undervalued.

Judging Style
I flow on my computer. If you want a copy of my flow, just ask.
I think CX is very important.
I reward self-awareness, clash, good research, humor, and bold decisions.
Add me to the email chain: mikeshackelford(at)rowlandhall(dot)org

Feel free to ask.

Want something more specific? More absurd?

Debate in front of me as if this was your 9 judge panel:

Andre Washington, Ian Beier, Shunta Jordan, Maggie Berthiaume, Daryl Burch, Yao Yao Chen, Nicholas Miller, Christina Philips, jon sharp

If both teams agree, I will adopt the philosophy and personally impersonate any of my former students:

Ben Amiel, Andrew Arsht, David Bernstein, Madeline Brague, Julia Goldman, Emily Gordon, Adrian Gushin, Layla Hijjawi, Elliot Kovnick, Will Matheson, Ben McGraw, Corinne Sugino, Caitlin Walrath, Sydney Young (these are the former debaters with paradigms... you can also throw it back to any of my old school students).

LD Paradigm

Most of what is above will apply here below in terms of my expectations and preferences. I spend most of my time at tournaments judging policy debate rounds, however I do teach LD and judge practice debates in class. I try to keep on top of the arguments and developments in LD and likely am familiar with your arguments to some extent.

Theory: I'm unlikely to vote here. Most theory debates aren't impacted well and often put out on the silliest of points and used as a way to avoid substantive discussion of the topic. It has a time and a place. That time and place is the rare instance where your opponent has done something that makes it literally impossible for you to win. I would strongly prefer you go for substance over theory. Speaker points will reflect this preference.

Speed: Clarity > Speed. That should be a no-brainer. That being said, I'm sure I can flow you at whatever speed you feel is appropriate to convey your arguments.

Disclosure: I think it's uniformly good for large and small schools. I think it makes debate better. If you feel you have done a particularly good job disclosing arguments (for example, full case citations, tags, parameters, changes) and you point that out during the round I will likely give you an extra half of a point if I agree.

Hi guys!

My name is Zoey and I debated PF on the national circuit for all four years of high school at Rowland Hall in Salt Lake City Utah. I qualified for nationals two years in a row and have made it pretty far in some high skill national tournaments, such as Alta, Jack Howe, ASU, etc. I love debate and know a lot about debate so no need to be worried about me being a lay judge in any way.

As for what I would like to see in rounds. First and foremost please please please be respectful. If I see or hear any homophobia, xenophobia, racism, or ignorance of any kind, wether in arguments or in cross, I will nuke your speaks if not drop your entire team. Abusiveness in arguments or presence is not welcome in the debate space. Additionally if I see debaters, specifically female or nonbinary ones, being spoken down to, interrupted, or made uncomfortable I will, again, either injure your speaks or drop you depending on the severity.

Okay, secondly, I am totally okay with progressive debate, speed, theory, K's, tricks, etc. If you are planning on speed, I would prefer you just speak at a pace where I can flow on my computer or, if needed, send me a doc. I am pretty good with theory and K's and tricks, but please if the other team is not do not use it as a cheap way to win, I will view that as bad debate.

As for speeches in general, I am tech over truth, but don't push that, lie, and be abusive. Framework is cool but not necessary. PLEASE FRONTLINE! Frontlining starts as early as second rebuttal, and I expect extensions to be from resolution to impact, do not just extend through ink. Additionally please collapse, taking on too many arguments at once makes for bad debate. I expect summaries to be the best speeches in the round because you have the most to do in just three minutes so make use of your time and learn what matters in a speech. Final focus is pretty simple, weigh weigh weigh, impact impact impact. I believe that weighing should be brought up in rebuttals, but I also understand not having enough time. That being said if one team weighs in rebuttal and extends through FF, and one team waits until FF to start, there will be a large advantage for the other team. Honestly just debate well, weigh, extend resolution to impact, collapse, and be respectful :)

Cross will in no way impact who wins or your speaks but if there is abuse that can change. Please make cross fun, yes use it as a way to answer questions you need answered, but also the best part about cross is making your opponents get flustered and feel behind. Use it to your advantage, it can help in speeches. If you bring up something said in cross during a speech I will flow it but in general I will not be flowing cross.

As for evidence, I have high evidence standards, I am cool with paraphrasing don't worry, I think it is needed in PF, but please have everything carded and ready to show your opponents. I will only call for cards if it is contended or seems sus.

If I am forgetting something feel free to ask me before the round starts! Also please be on time to rounds :) have fun, debate well, be kind, and good luck

I'm a parent judge. I've done several tournaments, mainly with speech events.

I look for evidence, a tightly constructed, succinct argument.

Thanks!

Debate: Debate is about clash. That being said, if you decide to run a "K" and it does not logically fit with the topic, or opponents spend the debate arguing topicality rather than the topic, this could cost points/ranking. Contentions, frameworks, plans, etc. need to be clear. Roadmaps are helpful, but not required. Be ready to show evidence and have logical connections to your contentions, reasoning.

If you are speaking too quickly for me to understand, I will give you a signal. If you continue to go too fast for me to understand, and not seem to acknowledge my signal, this will impact your scoring.

Congress: I am looking for a well-presented argument on the bill presented. Memorization is good, but not key. However, you should not be reading directly from your speech, especially further into the debate season. Evidence and logic are preferred in your speech, with references to your sources. My scoring is based on how many quality speeches are given, how many quality questions you as between speeches, and how knowledgeable you are about the topic you are presenting. Being a quality chair who is able to control the house/senate is key as well.

Speech: I am looking for a good speaker, someone I would enjoy listening to, and watching all day. Speakers should have clear voice, appropriate tone, and gestures, as well as props appropriate to topic (as event permits). Speeches should also have clear organization which matches topic and tone. Appropriate presentation and dress are a must.

In all events, be respectful and polite. Attack your opponents case, not your opponent, and always leave, if not as friends, at least acquaintances.