For the duration of the LD debate round, I expect both competitors to respect and uphold the rules and regulations established by the WDCA. Should any competitor fail to comply with rules and regulations, the results will be an automatic loss for the round, and/or disqualification. Respectful consideration should also be taking during cross-examination and prep/ flex prep. Each competitor has the right to allow or decline sharing of analytics/ unique case blocking; however, the sharing of evidence is required per WDCA standards. Should any of the competitors refuse to answer their opponents questions, the result will be an automatic deduction in positional speaker marks.

The most important strategy to remember; voters in the rebuttal is a vote for all mankind! Although standard impacts and observations may be compelling in the 1A, the affirmative must provide a value and criterion to insure strong voting and education within the round. Failure to extend or address any established framework throughout the rebuttal is a high-risk voter for both the affirming and negating competitor. Should either competitor provide a “burden”, supplement to the framework, I suggest they account for the extra baggage before exiting the rebuttal (i.e.: if you are losing to a burden that either you or your opponent establishes, don't be afraid to admit defeat and learn to kick non-unique arguments. Your position just might survive with a clear weight of impacts. Competitors are allowed to share (encompass) the same value or criterion. The wash reverts to weighted impacts in the RFD.

It would be a shame not to end all arguments in extinction. With that being said, uniqueness/ links/ warrants to impacts are the cherries on top of the RFD. Impacts should have clear relevance to the value and criterion. An Impact turn makes me want to do a happy dance; favorably considered within the RFD. All negative competitors beware! Refusing to address the affirmative in any way, even by part of establishing a progressive counter/ alternative, IS LAME!! “Best for education” arguments are a time suck, and the RFD will likely flow affirmative.

In a nutshell… voter gooooood! Debating the affirmative gooooood! Become the cherry. Be the cherry.

BIO: Judge Pam Courtney: I have coached and judged Team Policy and Lincoln-Douglas debate for many years.

Paradigm and judging principles for Lincoln-Douglas Debate:

Understand your “framework” is philosophical in nature, not political or necessarily factual (or truthful). Students are tasked to analyze the resolution within the structure of a value and value criterion. They have a burden to prove how their value best upholds or negates the resolution.

Keys to success include:

1. Setting your foundation : know your framework

2. Establish and communicate a clear Value and Criterion.

3. Understand your contentions, be able to summarize them in your own words.

4. Frequently link your contentions back to your framework.

5. Robust exchange & clash is expected.

6. Pace yourself in your speaking and use of time.

____

* I am not a fan of Speed Reading or Spreading *

Why? Because speed reading / spreading promotes rapid-fire speaking, is chaotic, and is difficult to "flow".

Speed Reading / Spreading does not allow equity for your opponent.

A better strategy is to communicate clearly in order to establish your points, and “listen well” to your opponent - (Flow the round) and be able to summarize and apply good refutation to your opponents points.

____

What is good refutation? Refutation-the act of responding to an argument.

Provide a counterclaim

Respond directly to ideas of other side

Promote direct clash between arguments

Answer arguments that are already in play (MUST FLOW & summarize)

Refutation is an essential debate skill, and for this judge, refutation will highly affect the winning ballot.

Example of Four-Point Refutation Method

Step 1: “They say...”

Step 2: “But I disagree...”

Step 3: “Because...”

Step 4: “Therefore...”

____

TIPS for a winning ballot:

Compare your refutation to opponent’s argument. Show me that your argument is better.

Tell me why - using an impact statement. Persuade your Judge.

____

Principles of Debate that I look for:

• Flow. Understanding proper horizontal flowing technique is the first fundamental understanding of any debate format. Failing to flow properly is failing to know the structure of debate. Speeches, too, should shoot straight and be understandable, not rapid-fire or chaotic. If you don’t flow it, you don’t know it.

• Structure First, then Strategy. The plethora of debate techniques are vast and wide, and I do encourage many of them. However, teaching higher-level strategy before embracing fundamental structure is extremely damaging to students, especially new ones. Understand structure first, then apply and strategy…in that order! Framework structure is important for debaters

* I am not a fan of counter-plans *

unless the debater is equally matched with an advanced student. Counter-plans are a higher-level strategy for advanced students. My judging focus leans towards good framework, refutation and summary skills.

• Research. All competitors should start with research when building a debate case or a speech. Starting with an idea and finding research to support it is a backwards method of preparation that leads to frustration and harmful ignorance. Let the research guide you.

** Know your research. Understand your cards.

** Be able to give impact statements for your cards.

** Impact statements and good summary skills win rounds.



YOUR BALLOT:

I celebrate you ~ as you participate in Debate.

Whether you win the round or not, please know, the end goal is not the trophy shelf.
The end goal is training you for action in the world and for your future.

You have a calling, and a purpose in this universe, and your participation in debate is training you up for action. Take head to the comments on your ballot, and know that they are intended to help you hone your skill and encourage you to become the best you can be.

A wise student will learn from constructive comments on ballots. You are a Champion in training! I applaud your effort and commend you for your work, whether this is your first debate or whether you are a seasoned debate student.

Heyyyy I'm Vaish. I've been exposed to Wisconsin Circuit and Nat Circuit through high school for LD and Congress and PF. I'm not picky about much, but these points are worth mentioning. It's not a lot and I'll probably say it again pre-round anyway.

If you are rude, I'll give you some leeway at first because sure debate can get like that, but if it becomes excessive I will drop you in speaks and eventually the round. That much attitude shouldn't belong in debate.

Spreading gets annoying. This is debate, not a swine auction. If it gets to the point I start to have trouble understanding you, you will get "clear"s and it'll be just as irritating to you as to me.

If you run K's and Theory, it has to be done exceptionally well for me to vote for you, because I think if they are done worse they're entertaining at best.

I will time cross-X and prep if virtual, because things get rough if I don't. I don't flow cross-X, I feel personally that it's not my responsibility. If you want me to write down something mid-cross, tell me to. In PF especially, keep cross-X clean and understandable.

Virtual debate is tough. If you call a card during prep, the other team has a reasonable amount of time to send it over. After that, I'm lapping the stopwatch and pulling out of their time instead. Here's a hint for this to not happen. Keep all your evidence on a doc, cut in an ethical way. Do that please.

Give me a roadmap off time. Don't give me a roadmap spanning to the end of all time. Keep it brief.

Have Fun!

Neenah is the school I'm affiliated with.

I was a competitor all four years. I did policy for the first two years and LD the second two.

I judged LD a lot last year and a few times this year.

Speak as fast as you would like if you are clear.

Framework is very important.

I am very open to plan texts, counterplans, and kritiks.

I do not expect to see a value criterion.

The debater who lays out a better argument will win.

I would prefer to see Kritiks or plan texts. I enjoy more intriguing arguments than just the standard argument back and forth.

let's see.....

i don't inherently vote for dropped arguments if they aren't well developed

i suck at flowing so read tags super slowly, i'll trust people not to power tag

time yourselves, police yourselves

tags should include qualitative summaries of the contents of the cards. don't just say like "smith 04 proves that i'm right" or whatever.

i don't care how you format arguments

if you aren't engaging, i won't give you super high speaker points

you tell me how to use the ballot. if you don't i will assume that i am to use it conventionally.

i'm mildly well-read and sympathetic to philosophical arguments, but if i don't understand your argument i won't vote for it

if you ignore my read tags super slowly disclaimer, i will interrupt you on each tag until you stop ignoring it

use cross-x/prep time interchangeably if you want, i don't care

don't make blatantly offensive arguments please

any fellini recs or philosophy canon takes about schelling would be appreciated!

Hi! My name is Caitlin.

I competed in Lincoln-Douglas debate all 4 years of high school (and went to nationals a few times, so I was pretty decent), and am a member of the Ripon College Ethics Bowl team. I am studying Politics & Government and Communications. What this means for you is:

-I am very familiar with most philosophical/moral frameworks. The way to my heart as a judge is a good framework and impact clash. Traditional debaters, I'm your gal.

-On that note, I am pretty unfamiliar with theory shells, tricks, and generally policy-like arguments. I have a basic understanding of them but I probably will not pick you up on them alone if you do not have a good argument to accompany it, or break it down well.

-Speed is totally fine with me, but 1. please don't spread just to confuse your opponent and 2. I would rather you have nice substantive contentions than just speed through 15 contentions that are a sentence or two long.

-Understand the difference between being assertive and bullying. This should not have to be said, but I do not tolerate (negative) -isms, especially classism. I dealt with it enough in high school, I do not need to tolerate it as a judge. Please, just use common sense and don't be rude.

-FOR NOVICES: Do not let one decision in a round make you give up on yourself. Debate is tough, but you will carry the skills you gain from it for the rest of your life.

-VIRTUAL DEBATE: I don't care if you have your camera on.

-If you want to add me to the email chain/contact me it's marschc@ripon.edu

-Please ask both me and your opponent (or at least warn us) before proceeding with flex-prep.

That's all my ground rules. If you have any questions for me do not be afraid to ask :)

(TL;DR don't be rude, speed is fine, policy args are ehh, traditional is great)

Judging for Marquette University High School (MUHS)

Usually judge a few times per year as needed for the team

Not preferential to faster speeds. If you are speaking too fast or unclearly, I will let you know with a hand motion.

I don't mind framework in the round. It is successful when appropriately applied during the round rather than being brought up and not discussed again. Most applicable when it is mentioned more than in just the introductory speeches. If you ask me to weigh framework in the round, I am open to doing so.

Value and value criterion are at the preference of the debater. If they merge into framework and it makes sense within the round, that is acceptable.

Okay with plan texts and counterplans, but I sway a little more traditional in LD debate. I am not as well-versed in a K.

Overall, major points/win goes to the competitor who can weigh impacts and apply appropriate framework (when applicable within the round) all while your contentions hold up after the round.

Have fun and enjoy the experience! I am looking forward to hearing your debates!

BACKGROUND/BASICS

I competed in Lincoln-Douglas Debate from 2017-2020 at Verona Area High School. I was a traditional debater, so please make your arguments straightforward, cover the flow, and speak at a level at which I can clearly understand you. I can accept non traditional arguments as long as you explain them to me and why they matter. I will vote for whoever gives me a good enough reason to do so, so please set aside time for voter issues at the end of your last speech! And lastly, don’t be a jerk to me or your opponent or your speaker points will reflect my feelings on your attitude.

email: connorolson111@gmail.com

SPECIFICS

- As long as you intend to actively engage in debate, and the subject matter does not include provocative/offensive content, I'm generally pretty loose on whatever you want to argue. This doesn't mean I'll vote for whatever, but feel free to say weird stuff if you think it'll help you win.

- Try to follow standard debate courtesies:

- Thank your opponent (and judge ) at the end of the round.

- Overly aggressive cross-ex will not be flowed, but I will tell you to chill out if you get out of line. Debate is supposed to be both fun and educational, and a cross-ex that borderlines on verbal harassment doesn't accomplish either of these goals.

- If your opponent asks you for a card, I'll give you a minute or two, but beyond that is excessive. If you can't provide it, then I can't flow it. If you need more time than what I've spelled out, I'll inform you that I will start your Tech time.

VIRTUAL DEBATE

- Please slow down a little, it's harder to track speed virtually compared to in-person.

- I would prefer your camera to be on (it helps with clarity) but if you feel more comfortable with it off, feel free to do so, but understand that this means you have to be a little more conscientious of your verbal delivery.

- Evidence chains, if both debaters request them before the round, should be setup within a few minutes of the Zoom call. Debate rounds lag behind schedule already, so do everyone a favor and have your email on hand and your files ready to share if needed.

- I will not judge you based on your internet connectivity, setting/environment, or attire, but do your best to be professional.

- If I suspect any cheating to be occurring, I have to report it, so please don't do anything suspicious (it saves everyone a lot of time).

CRITIQUE POLICY

I am required to fill out my ballot online and submit that before I can disclose any information about the round to either competitor.

I will do my best to finish submitting my ballot within 5 minutes of the round, but that is not a guarantee. Messy rounds take longer to figure out, so make my job easier by following the flow, numbering arguments/rebuttals, and clearly explaining impact and any voter issues you have.

I will ask both debaters if they would like an oral critique, and if wanted, I will do so briefly. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask, but again be respectful of everyone's time (i.e. don't argue with me about my Reason For Decision, it will not help you).

Thank you for reading my paradigm, and I look forward to judging you this round.

(If you want an extra speaker point to show you read the paradigm, ask me how my day is going)

Please include me in the email chain: pareek2@wisc.edu

Background:

I debated policy for one year, LD for around two years, and PF for one year. I have debated mostly in the Wisconsin circuit but I have competed in the national circuit a few times.

LD Paradigm:

-Framework is crucial in LD because it allows the judge to assess the debate from a particular perspective. Also, if the frameworks are the same on both sides, that does not mean the framework debate is over! It is still your job to evaluate it and argue why you are upholding your framework better.

- Speed is totally OK, as long as you enunciate. If I cannot understand what you are saying, I will stop flowing. It is not up to me nor the opponent to try to make out what you are arguing. Please slow down when reading tags.

- Signposting and roadmapping is very important

- Don't be rude in round. It isn't cool, and your speaker points will be docked. Any kind of racist, sexist, and other -ists will not be tolerated.

- I'm a big fan of impacts and voters

-I will listen to any argument as long as it is debated thoroughly and is articulated properly

Speaker Points:

I'll give you high speaks if you spoke clearly, were organized, and remained respectful in round.

Timing:

- I will keep track of time, but it is also up to you to time yourself.

TL;DR: I'm cool with whatever as long as you understand it and explain it so that I do too. If you run something complex and don't explain it well, that's your fault because I won't understand it either. I've got a decent background with progressive debate so it should be fine, but if it's super philosophical pls explain it well. I don't particularly like theory or t unless there's a valid reason for running it. Don't run anything offensive or I'll automatically drop you. Provide a trigger warning (if needed) out of respect for everyone in the round. Speed is fine.

put me on the email chain!: kmperez555@gmail.com

Background: I debated for Golda Meir for four years in LD. I am a current student at UW-Madison majoring in Legal Studies and Chicane/Latine Studies, with certificates in Public Policy and Criminal Justice. My debate experience ranges from local circuit to national circuit tournaments. I've judged a multiple of tournaments, so please treat me like any other past debater! I don't judge that frequently anymore so I might ask what the resolution is.

General In-Round Things:

Speed: Speed is fine. Slow down on tags and anything else important that you really want on my flow. I'll say clear as much as I can. Be mindful and do it with purpose.

Framework: You should have at least some form of it. Whether that's a value/value criterion or a role of the ballot, there should be something telling me from what lense I should look at for what you're saying. If you end up running a very philosophical fw, articulate it well for me in round. Do not just say that both of your fw's are a wash, that's not true. You still need to evaluate it and stress it within case.

Theory/T: I'll evaluate it only if I need to and only if there is something inherently abusive in round. Don't just run it because you think its fun or want to do for time constraints. I'm not a big fan of T but if it's necessary I'll evaluate it!

Kritiks: These are great, but be sure to explain it well for me especially if it is super philosophical/technical or out of the box. Be sure to tell me how the alt solves!

Performance: I have not heard this in a long time, but I love this! Explain in round impacts clearly!

Plans/CPs/PICS: I'll listen to them but I just don't there is enough time to really go through it. I'll vote for it but you have to do a really good job at explaining why the rest is bad/how the resolution is a worse alternative. I think CPs only work if there's a plan but I will evaluate them!

DAs: These are great, but just be clear and explain in round impacts well!

Other things: Clear voters. Tell me exactly what I need to vote on and why. Please and I can not stress this enough but please tell me why your impacts matter and weigh them throughout the round, not just at the end. Tell me why your competitor's world is innately bad. Don't just extend your warrants but explain to me why they matter in your world or how you do it better than your opponents world. If I had to evaluate the round on my own and you leave room for me to analyze it, then it puts a ton of work on my end, so please weigh everything.

Miscellaneous:

- I typically time each speech but I do forget so please time yourselves. Open prep is fine with me as long as both debaters agree with it.

- I don't really care whether you sit or stand in round unless it's like an elim round. If its a virtual tournament, I have no preference for having your cameras on. Do what's most comfortable to you.

- I love when competitors clash especially during CX, so just generally clash but don't be rude about it. It will ruin your speaks if you are out-right rude to your opponent.

- I will listen to outrageous (out of the box cases) and I find them fun. So if you are willing to do it and take the risk, go for it!

- Any -phobias or -isms will absolutely not be tolerated. You'll get the lowest speaks I can give and I'll automatically drop you. Debate is meant to be inclusive, not hurtful.

- I'll give you pretty high speaks unless you're rude or offensive. Just don't be a dick please especially when competing with opponents that have a lower skill difference.

- Have fun. If you have any questions or comments, please email me! (same one as above)

Congressional Debate

TL;DR: I value the overall content of the speech and your points, rather than the quality. However, since it is a Speech activity, I do like it when debaters are very clear about their points following a long list of extensions as to why one should or should not be able to pass/fail a particular bill. It provides a ton of clash! Don't run or say anything offensive, or I'll give you the lowest speaks I can give! Any further questions, just ask me before session!

I am a former forensics competitor. As your judge, I am looking for excellent oratory skills, poise, and integrity during delivery. I will not evaluate for the perfect performance, but rather, the most persuasive debater. A logically developed constructive and an organized rebuttal delivered at a conversational pace will be favored. When making an argument to support your position or launching a refutation to dismantle your opponent’s, tell me why your point is important for the round. Frequently linking your framework and impacts to the resolution and identifying the most important areas of clash are excellent methods of persuasion.

Please give me clearly defined voter issues for which I can frame the round. Do back up your contentions with relevant evidence. Contextualize that evidence when defending your case or attacking your opponent’s. When I evaluate clash, I’m looking for direct refutation of the logic, validity, and soundness of your opponent’s arguments. I like to see a debater identify the inconsistencies in an opponent’s case or evidence cards.

I do not prefer speed reading. I am not familiar with CPs or Ks and I am not a good judge for you if you wish to run those arguments. I have never voted for a CP or a K. Similarly, I am unfamiliar with disclosure theory and have never judged a case on those grounds. Please adhere to the NSDA Code of Honor by maintaining a respectful debate space. I want everyone to be great, do great, and learn something new from the round! I look forward to doing the same as your judge!

Background

I began coaching debate as the assistant coach at West Bend East in the fall of 1971. I think it was 1973 when I became the head coach. I’ve been a member of NFL/NSDA since 1964 and am currently a 5 diamond coach. I’m a retired Speech and English teacher with 50 years of debate and forensic coaching experience.

Policy

Long ago, I believed in case specific details. I still do. Call me old-fashioned. I won’t mind. I’ll consider it a compliment. I believe that the affirmative has a responsibility to present a prima facie case and a plan to correct the problem. I believe their case is strengthened when it’s supported by a number of experts, not just one lone voice used over and over.

I believe that the negative should attack those stock issues and plan. I have been known to vote on T. I expect the violation to be based on reasonable definitions -- probably not words like: "the", "a", "an" -- get the idea? The change needs to be real, not an "it might" situation.

I do not believe that counterplans (I'll listen to them) should be topical or that every plan will lead to a nuclear war. If that were the case, we’d all be dead, not debating. I like the real world. DA's need to link to the case.

I believe that debaters ought to be polite to each other – well, at least civil. I don’t think debaters should be asking or answering questions during another’s cross exam period. If your partner needs help, work with him/her during the week.

I don’t believe that debaters need to talk so fast that no one could possible understand their words. Where’s the logic in that? Can you win arguments when people have no clue what you’ve said? I simply declare that those indistinguishable words were never spoken in the round and no mention of them will be found on my flow.

I like well sign-posted attacks and responses. I like clarity. I like analysis, not just card reading. It’s not my job to make your argument for you. And if your evidence could actually match the tag you read, that would be a tremendous asset to your side. I don’t like jargon. My world is a no “perm” world. Persuade me with your logical, substantiated attacks. The number of issues is not particularly relevant but the impact is.



Lincoln-Douglas

I’m a purist. I expect a clearly explained value from each debater. I expect clash on which value should have the higher priority or who better achieves the agreed upon value. I expect you to answer the question posed by the resolution rather than the question you want to answer.

Although this is theory debate, a few concrete examples will help me believe your position. BTW: theory means just that. L-D should be about whether we should/shouldn't do something. It's about deciding which idea is better than another. It is not policy debate. It does not require a plan to fix a problem and, with that, it does not entertain a counter-plan ( and neither do I.).

I have the same pet peeves here as in all other debate formats. Too fast means I didn’t catch the idea. That’s bad. Too little analysis means I can’t expect your opponent to respond to it. That’s equally bad –actually, that’s worse. I will listen to anything you want to include in your attack. I will not, however, make the attacks for you. Be specific.

At the end, I expect both debaters to flat out tell me why you win the round. What are the voters?

If my comments sound cruel or unrealistic to you, please strike me in whatever way you can because you don’t want me as your judge. Oh, and, no I won’t hold up the next round with oral comments.

If I haven’t answered your questions/concerns, feel free to ask. I’ll share.

PF

Pretty much the same as what I've already covered. I want clearly explained ideas with evidence. Just because you say it does not automatically make it true. I'm not listening for a specific plan (or counter-plan) to solve the resolution. I want to know which side gives me the better outcome.

Congress

When I listen to Congress speeches, I expected clear, logical, well-documented reasons for supporting your position. I don't want to hear you rambling on the topic in general. I want you to respond to the ideas of other speakers. I want new ideas (not repetition) add to the debate. I do like a "smile's worth" of humor added to the debate.

I'm not impressed by pre-written speeches. In fact, those will likely lower your ranking with me. As a former speech teacher, I do appreciate a well-delivered speech but I prefer good solid thought over smooth delivery. A few stumbles are not critical.

If you're answering a question, get to the point. Don't answer the question you want to answer, but rather, answer the one you were asked.

In the chamber, I expect decorum. I watch to see your participation with questioning and to see that you are paying attention to the proceedings.

Judging for Marquette University High School (MUHS)

I usually judge a couple times a years as needed for the team.

How fast can students speak during speeches? Not preferential to faster speeds. If you are speaking too fast or unclear, I will let you know with a hand motion.

Evaluating the Round

Framework is most successful when its appropriately used or applied during the round. Most applicable when its mentioned more than in just the introductory speeches. If you ask me to weigh framework in the round, I'm open to doing so.

Value and value criterion are at the preference of the debater if they merge into FW and it makes sense within the round.

I'm okay with plan text and counterplans, but I sway a little more traditional in LD debates in a K.

Overall major point/win goes to the competitor who can weigh impacts, apply appropriate frameworks (when applicable within the round) all while your contentions hold up after the round.

Other Notes

Have fun, enjoy the day! I spent my high school days as an avid DECA competitor (business competition) and have spent years since judging in that competition. I've enjoyed moving over to debate competitions in recent years to continue my involvement with high school extra curriculars.

I am a very simple judge. I prefer stats and logic over something that you know off the top of your head. I also do not understand speed all that well, I'm trying my best with it but I've had trouble understanding it since my debate years. PLEASE HAVE ALL OF THE EVIDENCE FOR EVERYTHING YOU ARE GOING TO READ. I will not stress that enough. Little to no evidence will cost you an entire round with me as your judge.I love when competitors clash especially during CX (trust I did it during debates a lot), so just generally clash but don't be rude about it. I will listen to outrageous (out of the box cases) and I find them fun. So if you are willing to do it and take the risk, go for it! Sexism, racism, homophobia, transphobia, Islamophobia, and any other negative -phobias or -isms will absolutely not be tolerated. You'll get the lowest speaks I can give and I'll find a reason to drop you. Debate is meant to be inclusive, not hurtful. I'll give you pretty high speaks unless you're rude or offensive.

traasatae@yahoo.com

I am a retired debate coach (also coached speech and theatre), who for over 25 years coached Policy Debate, Lincoln Douglas Debate, and once it became a debate event Public Forum debate. It can be assumed that simply due to my longevity that I am just a dinosaur judge… but I do not think that completely articulates the type of judge that you will have in the back of this round.

My first premise is to always attempt be a tabula rasa adjudicator, given the constraints of sound debate theory. That being said, I will not be drawn into some absurd games-playing paradigm by debaters attempting to belittle the educational expectations of this academic activity. Bottom line – I believe this is still the best activity any student can be involved in to best prepare themselves to be a better citizen.

Public Forum – I still feel that this style of debate should be accessible to anyone and everyone. Thus, I would expect it to be understandable, organized and cordial. Also, I feel it should be free of what I call blip arguments. (ex. I despise one-word framework blips like “Framework – Util”) I am sorry, but if you want me to specifically exercise my decision process through a specific framework – you certainly need to define and develop that concept. I also believe Public Forum debaters and the debate itself benefit from good ethos. So, what am I looking for in a good round of PF? Sound argument(s), clash, good refutation and solid summation. In the end, if there are good standing impacts on both sides of the debate – I expect the final focuses do a thorough impact calculus. (Don’t make me do the work, that is your responsibility as a debater, not mine as the judge.) Do not be afraid to ask me questions before you start, I am willing to clarify anything that you may have questions about.

Lincoln Douglas – I have always loved value-based debates! That being said, I am not sure that LD is still this type of debate. So, understand that when I become grumpy when an LD round turns into a policy debate – I am not grumpy with you the debaters, but more so the direction that this high-speed vehicle is headed. (Believe it or not, back when this style of debate was introduced, it also was meant to be an accessible style of academic debate for the public.) More than anything else, I dislike the incorporation of policy debate language, but not necessarily defined the same in LD. I am often still shocked with plantext in LD, specifically when the resolution does not specifically demand or require action. I do understand that over these decades LD resolutions have moved to more policy-oriented proposals but bear with this old man and understand that I still appreciate weighing an LD round through value-premise based arguments. Additionally, I have always felt that most legitimate arguments in LD are critical at their fundamental level, thus I am often unsure how a “K” is to be weighed in the round but do expect to be informed by the debaters. (once more, I expect the debaters to do the work, not to leave it to me) Again, do not be afraid to ask me questions before you start, I am willing to clarify anything that you may have questions about.

- At this point, let me explain… I think the greatest sin that a judge can commit is to intervene. As a judge, I will keep a thorough flowchart, and will make my decision based on what is on my flow. If it is not on my flow, that is not my fault. I will not do the work for you. I NEVER flow CX or crossfire. If you want it on my flow, it better be in a speech proper. As far as rate of delivery, I believe that as long as you are understandable, I will be able to follow you. If I find you incomprehensible, I will tell you so (oftentimes in the form of vocally shouting “clearer”), but if I have to do that, you can bet that you are losing ethos points on my flow. My non-verbal language is pretty loud and clear, thus making sure that I am following your logic or argumentation is still your part of this communication process. Therefore, keep an eye on me, and you should be able to tell that I am following you. I find it silly when debaters tell me before they begin to speak – “I will now give you a non-timed roadmap” in Public Forum or LD. My PF and LD flows are on a single piece of paper… I have always equated “roadmap” in debate with Policy debate and placing the 5 to 8 pages of the full flow in the correct order for the speech that I am about to hear. And then I still expected to be told when to move from one page of a flow to another. Thus – a roadmap in PF or LD, I would expect to take less than a couple of seconds and find it just silly that I need to be told that the roadmap is to be non-timed. (all 3 to 5 seconds of it.) I feel awkward and uncomfortable about the “additional tech time”. (Until organizations identify specific “tech time” to include into the round, I often feel it is still using someone’s prep time, and am uncomfortable just adding additional time to the round and making sure it is fully applicable to everyone involved.)

Policy - It has been a while since I have judged policy debate, and that time makes me feel inadequate to judge a good VCX round. But if the situation arises, I will do my best to be a quality judge. In policy world, I am much more a policymaker than stock judge. I appreciate theory and believe it can still be the mechanism to weigh all issues in a policy round. I am a bit of a purist, in the fact that I still expect anyone running a critical argument or a performative position, to be fully committed to that argument or position. (I WILL vote for a performative contradiction). Otherwise, making sure it is on my flow and that I understand the argument will go a long way to winning my ballot. I do not like reading evidence, that is not my job, if you require me to read the ev, you are not fully doing your job. Everything else… just ask me before you start, I am willing to clarify anything that you may have questions about.