PF: I only think an email chain is necessary if audio is not the best or you plan on spreading. Email me if there is any way I can make the round more accessible.

email: noorabdallah101@gmail.com

I am a third-year student at the University of Georgia. I did four years of PF at Columbus High School, and one year of policy at UGA.

Policy: I am still learning policy myself, so please take that into account if I am your judge. I will always try my best to make the best decision and I am way more comfortable with DA's and CP's than K's. Just do not expect the same out of me as you would a regular policy judge :)

Speaks:

1. In terms of speed, I can comfortably handle around 250-270 wpm. Online debate might not allow that speed, keep that in mind. I don’t really see the need for spreading, but if you do, ask your opponents and send a speech doc. If you do this to confuse them and win, I will drop you.

2. No judge will get everything you say, so warrant.

3. I am a huge lover of puns. Wit and puns are appreciated in round. However, if you intentionally make any racist, sexist, homophobic, or otherwise discriminatory comments, I will give you extremely low speaks and notify your coach immediately. Assertive and funny debaters are different from rude ones.

Argumentation:

In short, you do not want me to interfere as a judge. Do the work for me and that means to make clean extensions, frontline, and weigh. In detail, here are things that win my ballot:

1. I vote off the flow. I try to interfere as little as possible, which means you NEED TO WEIGH. If you don't, I will have to interfere and use my own weighing mechanism. In that case, you probably won't like my decision. I will do everything I can to ensure a fair round from my part but don't get mad at me if I don't flow a one-second extension that isn't flushed out.

2. Frontline!! You can't just extend your arguments through their responses without telling me why they don't matter and/or why your argument still stands. If they extend their warranted response(s) throughout round and you do not respond to it, you are in a bad position.

3. Signposting is extremely helpful and should be done :) I RARELY flow author names so do not just extend "Smith 19" and think that is you extending something. I should hear what Smith 19 said over and over.

4. I will vote tech over truth. If your opponents make an unwarranted assertion, refute it. Don’t rely on me to do the analysis for you.

5. Summaries - Line-by-line, voter, etc. I have no preference on format (though line-by-line is better to me). Create the narrative, defend, extend, weigh. New weighing in both summaries is fine.

6. NO new arguments in final focus (with the exception of extended weighing analysis in 1st FF). There really shouldn't be any new arguments in 2nd summary.

7. I am not your judge for theory, K's, topicality, etc. I have voted for these things before, and am understanding them as a policy debater. BUT reading theory against a team who doesn't know how to deal with it is abusive.

8. I use cross to write feedback, so anything said is not binding, just bring it up in a speech because I probably didn’t listen. Use cross strategically and for your own benefit.

First-Speaking Team:

1. I do not require defensive extensions in first summary if they have not been responded to. However, you must extend overviews/turns if you expect me to be voting off of them.

2. By final focus, you should know what your opponents are going for. Defensive extensions must be in final focus if you want them to factor into my decision. Defense not responded to by the second-speaking team by second-summary is dropped defense - bring it up!

Second-Speaking Team:

1. The rebuttal should respond to any overviews/turns/disads. The only other time second- speaking team has time to respond is second summary, and that is extremely abusive. You do not have to respond to terminal defense until summary, although it may be strategic to do so on the arguments you’re going for later in the round. To clarify - if the rebuttal does not have to answer all terminal defense, the summary obviously must, or I will consider it dropped.

2. No new weighing in second final focus. It’s unfair and gives your opponents no chance to respond. Also, this is not your chance just to extend through ink because no one will be able to call you out on it.

Evidence:

1. Every card you read within a debate should be cited and available almost immediately (30 seconds is reasonable time) within context for your opponent to read. I will drop your speaks if you are unable to find or provide your evidence to your opponents or me.

2. Any evidence misrepresentations will factor into my decision. If you are blatantly lying about your cards, I will most likely drop you and your speaks. I am very very okay with cards that are paraphrased as long as they are not misused (feel free to have this argument with me)

3. I like logical responses just as much as I like carded responses. But just like a carded response, logic should make sense and be warranted. The card does half the work, do the other half and apply it in round.

Otherwise, if you have any questions, please ask me or email me at noorabdallah101@gmail.com ! Debating is supposed to be an educational, motivational, and fun experience so make the most of it! I will always disclose and give feedback if the tournament allows me.

Good Luck :)

• LD - Value/Value Criterion (Framework, Standard, etc,) - this is what separates us from the animals (or at least the policy debaters). It is the unique feature of LD Debate. Have a good value and criterion and link your arguments back to it. I am open to all arguments but present them well, know them, and, above all, Clash - this is a debate not a tea party.
• PF - I side on the traditional side of PF. Don't throw a lot of jargon at me or simply read cards... this isn't Policy Jr., compete in PF for the debate animal it is. Remember debate, especially PF, is meant to persuade - use all the tools in your rhetorical toolbox: Logos, Ethos, and Pathos.
• Speed - I like speed but not spreading. Speak as fast as is necessary but keep it intelligible. There aren't a lot of jobs for speed readers after high school (auctioneers and pharmaceutical disclaimer commercials) so make sure you are using speed for a purpose. If you spread - it better be clear, I will not yell clear or slow down or quit mumbling, I will just stop listening. If the only way I can understand your case is to read it, you have already lost. If I have to read your case then what do I need you in the room for? Email it to me and I can judge the round at home in my jammies - if you are PRESENTING and ARGUING and PERSUADING then I need to understand the words coming out of your mouth! NEW for ONLINE DEBATE - I need you to speak slower and clearer. On speed in-person, I am a 7-8. Online, make it a 5-6.
• Know your case, like you actually did the research and wrote the case and researched the arguments from the other side. If you present it, I expect you to know it from every angle - I want you to know the research behind the statistic and the whole article, not just the blurb on the card.
• Casing - Love traditional but I am game for kritiks, counterplans, theory - but perform them well, KNOW them, I won't do the links for you. I am a student of Toulmin - claim-evidence-warrant/impacts. I don't make the links and don't just throw evidence cards at me with no analysis. It is really hard for you to win with an AFF K with me - it better be stellar. I am not a big fan of Theory shells that are not actually linked in to the topic - if you are going to run Afro-Pes or Feminism you better have STRONG links to the topic at hand, if the links aren't there... Also don't just throw debate terms out, use them for a purpose and if you don't need them, don't use them.

sonalchuriwal@gmail.com

I am junior and PF debater at Northview

If I can do something to make this round more safe, accessible, or inclusive for you, please let me know

- frontline in second rebuttal

- everything in final has to be in summary

- theory is fine

- ngl I have no idea how to evaluate a K, so not a great idea

- i will not vote on racist, transphobic, homophobic, sexist, or otherwise exclusionary arguments

~ if you don't read a content warning for any graphic content, I will not like you and cant guarantee I wont be biased if your opponents run tw theory ~

also y'all should check out @beyondresolvedga on insta for some cool (and free) educational resources!

if you have any questions, email me or messenger me (Sonal Chur)

I’m currently a varsity PF debater at Sequoyah High School. I debate on the national circuit and local circuit.

She/her

Add me on the email chain: alisoneltz@gmail.com

IN GENERAL:

1. Speed is fine (just tell me where you are in the flow), but please don't be overly-aggressive in round. Aggression won't affect how I vote, but it may affect your speaks.

2. I'll accept new information until 1st summary; however, if you give a new argument in 2nd summary, I won't flow it because the opposing side cannot respond to it.

3. If you want me to flow something that happened in a previous cross, bring it up in one of your speeches.

4. I will disclose, but arguing with me won't change my mind.

5. Please ask me any questions before or after round. You can also email me.

6. I'll also vote for pretty much anything as long as it's topical, well-warranted, and well-weighed.

7. Also, I firmly believe that debate should be a safe space. I will stop the round and ask tab to drop any debater that is homophobic, racist, transphobic, sexist, etc. in round.

8. Specific to male debaters: in cross, if you patronize/mansplain to any female debaters, it's likely going to affect your speaks.

IN ROUND:

1. WARRANT!! Explain the arguments/why you're winning--everything should be logical.

2. Please sign-post. It'll make it much easier for me to follow your arguments.

3. In rebuttal, make sure you respond to EVERY one of the opposing side's arguments. Otherwise, it'll be a very clean flow and very easy to vote off of so long as they extend it.

4. I think summary is the most important speech. Collapse on your strongest argument and really flesh it out. Tell me why you're winning the round. Follow the flow and sign-post.

4. Make sure you weigh. Weighing mechanisms should be presented in rebuttal. Tell me why you're winning and why your impacts are more important than your opponents (please!!)

This is my second year judging at a Speech & Debate tournament. I am a second year coach of the Wheeler High School Speech and Debate team. 

Speak slowly enough that I can understand. You must use evidence to support your claims. Make sure to clearly emphasize impact. Be certain to listen to the opposing argument and respond directly to that argument. Don't forget to tell me which arguments you have refuted and why you have won the argument. 

At Carrollton High School, I am a Varsity PF debater.

In general, I favor "tech over truth." If you tell me anything, I want proof and an explanation, but it ultimately boils down to your opponent's ability to reply. Please provide a signpost to keep me on track with your arguments.

Debate can become intense, but strive to maintain civility. My decision will suffer as a result.

Please provide trigger warnings for graphic material.

I don't flow CX, so if you think it's significant, bring that up in your rebuttal/summary.

To help you earn my vote, please make sure I flow the way you want me to: signpost, mirror summary/ff, and tell me how to weigh. If the affects aren't measured and a weighing system isn't provided, I'll have to rely on my personal prediction.

Shortened paradigm

Will hear Traditional, LARP, Counter-Plans, Plans, and warranted Neg Ks. Theory/T arguments lose my attention (if you have nothing to disprove their evidence, default to turns. argumentative creativity =/= abuse) but I will vote on them if I buy abuse took place. Besides T arguments, I judge on the flow using the framing mechanism that won the round. Don't read Aff Ks. Don't browbeat less experienced debaters; you should aim to win off of argumentation skill against less experienced opponents, not smoke screens or pure esoterism. 7 off against a first-year may get you the win, but it kills the educational and ethical debate space you should strive for.

Defaults

[1] Competing interps > Reasonability

[2] Tech vs Truth- See below

[3] Aff gets presumption, Neg gets permissibility

[4] RVIs are fine

[5] More than 2 Condos is excessive and errs Aff

Longer paradigm.

Speed and Email Chains- I'm very comfortable flowing <320 wpms. Above that, I will only flow args that were intelligible to me. If you plan on spreading, an email chain is expected to both me and your opponent. Your opponent is not obligated to send their case if they elect to read at clear speeds. My flow determines the round, not yours or your opponent's.

ID Pol- No ad hominem arguments will be flowed if addressed by your opponent. You may not use your opponent's race, gender, orientation, or other traits as a link into your case. I expect your identity politics to be directed towards processes occurring outside of the debate space in return for me ensuring no extremely problematic processes occur within ours.

Clash- the reason for debate. Every point your opponent makes should be either contested or mitigated. Extensions on dropped points are deadly, it is your job to cover your bases.

Tech or Truth- Don't make me choose. I will side with the flow over my intuition, but will side with fact over the flow. If you read carded analysis saying gummy bears were a root cause of WWII, that makes it on the flow. If you read a card that says MLK did not exist, that does not make it on the flow. Having cards does not alter history, but it is still the job of the debater to state that the card is false. I will call for cards; you should too.

CX- Both sides get speeches immediately after their questioning period. No excuse not to extend effective CX into them. CX is as binding as main speeches, but it is your job to address contradictions.

No new offensive args after the 1AR- The affirmative gets 4 minutes to answer a 7 minute speech. If you need to bring new arguments into your 6 minute rebuttal, you were the worse debater.

Turns- Effective turns win close rounds. Win back your turned arguments on the flow by proving that the NEG can't access the thesis or that the NEG's impact turn is bad under the framework.

I do not care about standing or sitting during speeches.

Decision- I decide winning framework before I decide who won the round. In your last speeches, make weighing arguments under the winning framework for me. I use the flow to determine who won the weighing arguments. If no weighing arguments are presented, we are defaulting to my intuition (this is bad, so make the args yourself).

RFD- I try to be as educational as possible, maybe providing suggestions on how to have better won different arguments. In addition to regular commentary, I'll try to share my flow with both debaters so you can see how an admittedly layish judge. I'll attempt to answer questions after round but if you or your coach have unaddressed concerns, email me at elijah.herring@gmail.com and I'll hope to meaningfully resolve any issues.

Hi! I'm happy to see all of you debate today!

I've been debating PF for two years and LD for two now:)

PREFRENCES:

I'm perfectly okay with speed as long as you don't spread. (If you go to fast though, I will raise my hand once but if it doesn't stop I will stop flowing)

I do not flow cross but I listen to it for your speaks as well as if info pops up later in the debate. I personally appreciate aggression but NO personal attacks! Stand for individual crosses, sit for grand. (Not necessary anymore but camera's on is appreciated)

It's obvious but don't mention knew info in final focus. Not only is that unfair but it'll count against your speaks.

I really appreciate an off time road map, it helps me keep track of how I'll be flowing the speech. If your speech in unorganized, don't be mad if I miss something :,(

DON'T ASK ABOUT STUFF IN MY PARADIGM!!! I expect you to have already read it and it's frustrating.

MY BIGGEST RULE! I'm here for a good debate, don't waste my time. Your voice, aggression, and speeches affect EVERYTHING, even how you hold yourself during the round.

I will remain mostly silent unless I ask for clarification on something. Don't act like you're "arguing" with the other team. You're debating, not fighting. You're trying to convince me, not them.

Most importantly, have fun! I'm not too picky for the most part. Whether this is your first debate or last, I'll give everyone a fair chance and can't wait to see what happens.

This topic:

I have done no research whatsoever on this topic so what you say is fact. That being said, if something sounds weird I will ask for a card check and that can sway my opinion. I have no opinion on it so like... get it I guess :>

Who am I?
aww you’re reading this! How sweet! This is my last year debating in high school. I’m Houston County’s debate Captain and live for LD and marching band where I play bass 1 and am section leader. If you meet one of my fellow judges or team mates, say hi for me!

Since you read all the way down here, I’ll tell you the easiest way to get a perfect 30 for me! Be the first team in the round to creatively mention a fact about me! Anything from The Who I am section!

Hi! I’m a junior pf debater at Houston County High School. Please read below in order for you to get the most out of this debate round!

GENERAL INFO;

-If you can’t understand what if being said due to technical error you should speak up during their speech so we can resolve the issue proactively.

-Keep your own time, but I will be starting my timer along with your own to make sure.

-Before you begin, ask “is there anyone not ready?” and wait a few seconds before beginning.

-Please, please, PLEASEEE use cards. If you do not use evidence to back up your claims I will most likely not take them at face value. Secondly, PLEASE don’t read cards word for word unless it is all necessary, I want to hear how your argument is supported by the evidence you use, not your card verbatim.

-Speak clearly, if you go too fast or I can’t understand you, I can’t put your argument into my flow or consider it throughout the round.

-Sign post: Basically, tell me where you are. If you are rebutting your opponents second contention, tell me “Onto their second contention” (or something to that effect). This makes it easier for me to flow your argument!

-Cross-fire: I will be listening during cross, but I will only flow (that is, consider in the debate) points from cross that are brought up in the speech immediately after.

-I do not tolerate any type of rude behavior. Do not talk over each other, do not make arguments or any comments based on your oppositions attributes, and be kind to your partner.

FIRST SPEAKERS;

-As said before, speak clearly at a steady pace and sign post in your summary.

-An off-time road map is helpful for summary but not necessary.

-I do not accept new arguments after first summary, so any new information brought up in second summary will (in most cases) not be considered.

SECOND SPEAKERS;

-I do not accept arguments past first summary, so anything new you bring up in final focus will not be considered, as there is no time to rebuttal.

-An off-time roadmap is helpful for final focus, but not necessary.

-Make sure your rebuttals are backed up with evidence and fully explained, but do not read your cards word for word

-Please sign post in your speeches.

Please don’t waste my time, no matter what always put your best effort into ALL your speeches! Confidence in yourself and your argument is key.

oh My email: hannahlkoppel@gmail.com

I was a 4-year debater at Carrollton High School and I have only judged and competed in Public Forum.

my email is javierlm030503@gmail.com if you have any questions after the round.

Expectations

1) tech > truth

2) Do not bring up any new arguments from the second summary onwards

3) No racist or sexist remarks

4) I am not your person for theory at all

If you have any questions let me know

TLDR: Weigh, warrant, and extend. Collapse in second rebuttal. Defense is not sticky. Tech > Truth as long as the argument is not offensive. Run something fun I am bored of these arctic debates please. I am good with progressive arguments

Experience/Background: I coached at Columbus HS from 2013-2021, primarily Public Forum, and now coach at Carrollton HS (2021-present). I did not debate in high school or college, but I have been coaching and judging PF, a little LD, and IEs since 2013, both locally (Georgia) and on the national circuit, including TOC and NSDA Nationals. I spent several years (2017-2022) as a senior staff member with Summit Debate and previously led labs at Emory (2016-2019).

Judging Preferences:

If you have specific questions about me as a judge that are not answered below (or need clarification), please feel free to ask them. Some general guidelines and answers to frequently asked questions are below:

1. Speed: I can flow a reasonably fast speed when I'm at the top of my game, but I am human. If it's late in the day/tournament, I am likely tired, and my capacity for speed drops accordingly. I will not be offended if you ask me about this before the round. For online rounds, I prefer that you speak at a more moderate speed. I will tell you "clear" if I need you to slow down. If I am flowing on paper, you should err on the slower side of speed than if I am flowing on my laptop.

2. Signposting and Roadmaps: Signposting is good. Please do it. It makes my job easier. Off-time roadmaps aren't really needed if you're just going "their case, our case", but do give a roadmap if there's a more complex structure to your speech.

3. Consistency of Arguments/Making Decisions: Anything you expect me to vote on should be in summary and final focus. Defense is not "sticky" -- meaning you cannot extend it from rebuttal to final focus. Please weigh. I love voters in summary, but I am fine if you do a line-by-line summary.

4. Prep (in-round and pre-round): Please pre-flow before you enter the round. Monitor your own prep time. If you and your opponents want to time each other to keep yourselves honest, go for it. Do not steal prep time - if you have called for a card and your opponents are looking for it, you should not be writing/prepping unless you are also running your prep time. (If a tournament has specific rules that state otherwise, I will defer to tournament policy.) On that note, have your evidence ready. It should not take you longer than 20-30 seconds to pull up a piece of evidence when asked. If you delay the round by taking forever to find a card, your speaker points will probably reflect it.

5. Overviews in second rebuttal: In general, I think a short observation or weighing mechanism is probably more okay than a full-fledged contention that you're trying to sneak in as an "overview". Tread lightly.

6. Frontlines: Second speaking team should answer turns and frontline in rebuttal. I don't need a 2-2 split, but I do think you need to address the speech that preceded yours.

7. Theory, Kritiks, and Progressive Arguments: I prefer not judging theory debates. Strongly prefer not judging theory debates. If you are checking back against a truly abusive practice, I will listen to and evaluate the argument. If you are using theory/Ks/etc. in a way intended to overwhelm/intimidate an opponent who has no idea what's going on, I am not going to respond well to that.

8. Crossfire: I do not flow crossfire. If it comes up in cross and you expect it to serve a role in my decision-making process, I expect you to bring it up in a later speech.

9. Speaker points: I basically never give 30s, so you should not expect them from me. My range is usually from 28-29.7.

Current Coach -- Marist School (2020-present)

Former PF Debater -- Marist School (2016-2020)

Current Student at the University of Georgia

Please add maristpublicforum@gmail.com to the email chain

Debate is first and foremost a safe, fun, and educational activity so we should do our best to keep it that way

TL;DR: I am a tech judge and I will vote off my flow. Please do whatever you do best and enjoy the round.

General important stuff:

1) Extend every part of the argument... uniqueness, link, internal link, and impact. A claim without a warrant is not an argument. If you do not extend your argument then I can not vote on it. I really do listen and pay close attention to this so please do. I will vote with no shame against teams that probably would have won if they had just extended their argument fully.

2) I cannot stress enough that fewer well developed arguments will always be better than blips with no argument development or good warrants. I've noticed teams that collapse and more thoroughly explain their arguments tend to win my ballot more often than not against a team that goes for too much.

3) Please weigh your arguments. Explain why your argument is more important than the other teams.

4) My only real pet peeve is wasting time during or before a debate. Please be ready to start the debate on time and don't cause unnecessary delays during it. Preflowing should be done before the debate. When prep time ends you should be ready to start your speech right away. "Pulling up a doc" or something like that for 30 seconds is stealing prep and should be done before you end your prep time.

5) Second rebuttal must answer first rebuttal, defense is not sticky

Other specific stuff:

Argument types:

I don’t care what type of argument you read as long as it is well explained, has warrants, and is weighed (case, k’s, theory... whatever are all fine). You do what you're best at!

Speed:

You can go as fast or slow as you want. I will be good flowing any speed you decide to go. My only caveat if you go fast is to slow a bit down on taglines and still signpost well

Theory:

Any theory arguments need to be real violations that have real impacts. Frivolous theory is unpleasant to judge and will be almost impossible to win in front of me. I believe paraphrasing is bad and disclosure is good. At this point in the activity reading cuts cards and disclosing has become a norm that most teams adhere to which I think makes my threshold for responses to the shell even higher than it has been in the past.

Any theory argument should be read in the speech directly after the violation. For example disclosure theory should be read in constructive, but if a team reads cut cards in case and then paraphrases rebuttal then you read paraphrasing in rebuttal/summary whichever is next.

Speaks:

If you flow on paper and give second half speeches off of that flow a small boost in speaks. I give speaks primarily based on quality of the debating in round. Making good strategic decisions, collapsing, and weighing are all things that can help your speaks. Being nice and not wasting time also help. I do not really care how "good" you sound if you are not making good arguments at the same time. To put this into perspective, when I debated I always felt that winning rounds was more important than sounding good, but with winning generally comes better speaks.

Debated public forum in high school (2nd speaker)!

Pretty informed about current events, but I don't keep up with debate specifics. Value strong use of evidence (and knowing where it came from), reasonable frameworks, and civil crossfire (i.e. just talking louder has no or negative effect).

s/o Anthony Ovadje for the paradigm template :)

I did PF for four years at Marist School.

General Stuff

Weigh and warrant arguments.

Tech > Truth

Add me to the email chain: vance.sydneym@gmail.com

Evidence

If you don't cut cards, strike me. I won't drop you if you paraphrase, but you must have cards available if called for and it will hurt your speaker points. I usually won't call for cards myself, but if your evidence is terribly misconstrued, I won't evaluate it and will tank your speaks.

2nd Half

2nd rebuttal must frontline defense and turns

Summary and FF must extend all parts of an argument if you want me to vote off of it

Speed

I'm fine with speed, but clarity is always more important

Theory/Kritiks

I have basically no experience with K lit, but I'm open to hearing K/soft left arguments. A lot more warranting and explanation needs to be done if you are running this argument in front of me.

I'll usually vote for paraphrasing and disclosure theory unless it's handled atrociously. If your opponents do something terrible in round, I'll also evaluate some sort of shell explaining why its unfair.

Other

Have fun! Debate is really competitive and intense at times, but you will make rounds better for you, your opponents, and judges if you actually seem to be enjoying yourself.

If you have any questions you can ask me in round or just email me.

he/him/his

Hey, I'm Mark! I'm first year out of Carrollton (GA), where I debated PF on the local and national circuits. I qualified to the TOC and NSDA Nationals a few times, all in PF. I'm a first-year at the University of Georgia now studying political science, international affairs, and Spanish.

Please start an email chain before the round. Please put me in it: mvzjr2@gmail.com.

Debate how you want to. This is your activity. It is my job to judge all forms of debate equitably. That said, I have found that I have certain unconscious preferences in the debate space. You can take these with a grain of salt, or you can try to adapt. That is completely up to you. I will never drop someone solely because they don't debate how I did or how I prefer. I never really know how to structure my preferences, so below are my best attempts. Let me know if you have any questions either through email or in person before the round.

_________________________________________

-100% tech>truth. I believe that debate is a game. I will vote on absolutely anything if it is extended well. Go for whatever you want to, but this means that every part of the argument has to be extended--including the link chain, warranting, specific evidence, and impact.

-Because you have to extend all parts of the argument, collapsing is often helpful. Collapse as early as you want.

-Go as fast as you want, but don't sacrifice clarity. I debated really quickly and can handle speed, but I think spreading is kind of annoying. That doesn't mean you can't do it, but if you do, it needs to be REALLY well done. If you get close to spreading, send me a speech doc.

-I don't flow cross.

-Time yourselves, please.

-I have a pretty solid threshold for theory and have some competitive experience with it. If you run theory, ensure that it is not abusive. I don’t think that a formal counterinterp is necessary to respond to a shell, just give responses like you would a normal argument. If it's frivolous and the opposing team indicts that, I will drop you and play Tetris on my laptop.

-Paraphrasing is probably fine (definitely not preferred), but if you misconstrue evidence, I will hardcore drop your speaks. I might also drop you. When an opponent asks for evidence, I will give you about 1 minute to send it in the email chain (as a cut card) and then start docking speaks (this can be altered at my discretion due to technology issues, etc.).

-PLEASE SIGNPOST. I also prefer line-by-line in rebuttal and summary, but this isn't necessarily a "must-do to pick up my ballot" type of thing.

-Weighing is really important. Do the weighing for me as early as possible. This said, weighing should not just be "we outweigh on magnitude/probability/scope/whatever other debate jargon you throw at me". Give me analyses as to why you're winning the round, which should be adequate. If the weighing is left to me, it might not be considered in the way that you want it to be.

-Frontline in 2nd rebuttal or first summary. Nothing new should be read second summary and beyond.

-Be respectful in a round or I will tank your speaker points and drop you. Debate is a really important educational opportunity and I believe that learning is the sole reason that this activity exists. Disrespectful and discriminatory behavior kills this, so I believe the punishment is warranted.

_________________________________________

I start speaker points at a 28 and then go up and down from there. I am usually pretty generous with speaks. You shouldn't get below a 26 unless you did something discriminatory or extremely disrespectful.

Feel free to (civilly) postround me, but make sure everything is submitted on my end. I think that post rounding is educational for both the judge and the debater, and ensures that judges are checked for bad decisions.

If you are funny I will boost your speaks. Please be funny.

I disclose unless the tournament tells me not to.

If you have any questions, please contact me. You can email me, send me a message on Instagram (@markzimmer_), talk to me, or send me a carrier pigeon. Anything works.