How I Judge

• I don’t mind spreading, Points will not be docked off for spreading

• Anything racist, homophobic, or just bigoted in general will not be tolerated in a round and it is a automatic loss. (If you have a slur or offensive word in your case points won't be docked off as long as it’s apart of your case)

• I judge Tech > Truth

• It’s really helpful for flowing reasons for you to signpost and provide a roadmap

• Argumentation is what heavily weighs the round for me the way

Etiquette

• I have no problems with cameras on or off if you would prefer them on please let me know.

• If you want to start an email chain make sure you include me abbotangel25@cps.k12.ar.us

• If there is lag I will ask you to speak a little slower

• Make sure to ask questions before the round

Hey! Add me to the email chain at alexismchilds@gmail.com

Congress - updated for Last Chance :)

I believe that Congress focuses on speaking clearly and well more than any other type of debate. Because of this, the better you speak, the better I will rank you. In addition, we all know that Congress is long and, yes, sometimes boring. Don't be afraid to spice things up (in a polite, respectful, appropriate manner). Make a joke, be sassy, slip a Taylor Swift reference in there - have fun!!

Have sources in your speech! You saying something does not make it credible/true. Please be polite during questioning but that doesn't mean you have to be timid.

LD

I was traditional/mid-level progressive debater. That being said, I'm not the judge to run your super progressive case in front of.

1. Speed - I'm not a huge fan of spreading so please take your speed down a few levels in front of me. If you must spread, do so at your own risk and read the room before you do - if it's late at night, don't yell/spread at me. Send me the speech doc

2. Ks - I don't understand/I'm not a fan of most of these. I run cap K and that's about it. If you have a question about an argument, feel free to ask before the round!

3. Theory - I don't understand most theory and think the majority of the time people read unnecessary/frivolous theory. Unless there is clear abuse happening in the round, don't read theory. Topicality is good and if argued well and when necessary, I'll vote on it. I'll vote for disclosure but probably not disclosure by itself.

4. CPs/Disads - I enjoy these and think they're a good strategy. If you're going to run them, defend them.

5. Framework - this is what makes LD different from other types of debate and I expect you to use it. In your last speech, give me voters/weighing/framework and make it clear why I should vote for you.

6. CX - I really enjoy cross and definitely pay attention. That being said, I don't flow it so bring it up in your speeches if you want me to flow. I will hold you to what you said in cross. Please be courteous to your opponent but as long as you're not being offensive, I'm pretty lenient on cross. Don't be afraid to push them to explain their case/get the answer your looking for.

Read my facial expression - I'm a pretty expressive person. If I look confused, please clear up your point. Nodding/smiling means I like/am following your point.

PF

Evidence is important, don't make baseless claims. I appreciate organized, line by line rebuttals with signposting. If nothing else, this will get you good speaks. Weighing is super important, particularly in your last speeches. I should know exactly why I'm voting for you in order to get my ballot.

Final Focus should have impact weighing! Please be respectful of your opponents during cross. Cross is for asking questions, not personally attacking opponents or making statements.

Overall, I enjoy good clash, speaking, and cross. Please be kind to your opponents!

IPDA

I evaluate this like LD, have good offense and defense, speak well, and you'll be fine :)

Jackson Crumpler (He/Him)

Cabot High School

PF/Congressional Debater

Hello! I'm currently a junior at Cabot High School, I've been debating competitively for two years now, and I enjoy it so much! I ask for a smooth round, bringing your prior knowledge of debate and your usual debate style. However, if you're looking for specifics and what I prefer please read below for what I encourage, discourage, and things I am looking for in different events.

Encourage and Discourage

I, personally, am an aggressive-style debater. I enjoy clash, love rebuttal, and adore great utilization of the cross-examination and questioning periods. However, with that being said, please do not be overly aggressive to the point that it interferes with the round. Meaning, don't excessively talk over your opponent, ESPECIALLY when you asked them a question; let them answer entirely, and if you have time left, give a follow-up. I want you to show your aggressive style in the form of confidence and composure: responding to the opposition's points thoroughly with great evidence and reasoning. 

Also, please announce your contentions, warrants, and impacts when speaking. Make sure your impacts weigh more heavily in magnitude than the other side, preferably with numerical data. More so, please announce your turns and what contention you are turning when speaking. It helps with my flow, allows me to make a better ruling, and makes your case look better prepared. I'm okay with spreading, but make sure your argument isn't being lost with it, slow down at the important parts, it helps with speaker points.

Contain control of the round: make a good weigher and good voting issues, otherwise, you leave me with a more liberal interpretation of the round, could hurt you could help you, but in doing weighing and voters it shows to me a better-developed case.

Tech>Truth, please be sure to signpost.

Any homophobia, transphobia, racism, or xenophobia will result in an automatic loss. More so, disrespect towards your opponent dramatically hurt speaker points, but I am willing to be more lenient of your reduction if you apologize after the round (depending on how rude you were) because I understand you can sometimes get lost in the heat of the moment.

Congress

Make sure I remember you, don't fall into the background. Continually ask great, RELEVANT questions to ensure I don't lose you and have a good parliamentary procedure. I love rebuttal-type speeches at the end of the bill/resolution, so if you give a good one you're definitely high in my ranks. Show great speaking skills in your speeches and that you're knowledgeable on the subject you're debating, don't give a speech just to get a speech in. Make sure when people are questioning you that you remain confident in your answers, and repeat lines in your speeches if you already covered the question they're asking. When you are questioning other speakers, don't continually speak over them. I don't like rehashing, if you're doing a constructive make sure you either introduce new points or add on to previous points. 

Public Forum

Constructive should have well-established contentions, with great impacts. I prefer a weighing mechanism for the round that is touched on at the beginning, but I don't necessarily need definitions if they are not needed, as they cut into valuable time that could be spent building your case with contentions. Spreading is fine, but I prefer it less in the constructive because this is when you should be developing a good case, and any missed points interfere with the nature of the debate.

Rebuttals should be made with a signpost where you say which contention you are responding with, helps with the flowing of the round. I am okay with spreading in rebuttals. Make sure not to drop any arguments, but please be considerate of well-developed turns, don't start responding to an argument when you have only twenty seconds left because you will most likely not include enough rationale and warrant in your turn. Go over the first cross-examination period if you can.

Summaries should incorporate both a rebuilding of your own case, where you highlight your most valuable contentions and how they have failed to refute said contentions. The rest of the time is where YOU MAKE SURE to weigh the impacts of both sides, and how your side has greater impacts.

The Final Focus should incorporate the voters and the final weighing of the round, why the scale is on your side. Preferably three voters that deal with the structure of the round: dropped points, impacts, etc; this is where speaker points can lean towards your favor if you end with a good analogy or something.

IPDA Debate

Refer to what I prefer in constructive rebuttals for public forum. Affirmative, please be sure to give me a framework/weighing mechanism at the beginning of your speech because it helps not only me with my judging, but also you by giving you more control over the round. Also, be sure to use your questioning period effectively. You should ask questions that you can use for your own rebuttal speeches, but clarification questions are okay. I don't care as much about sources as I do creatively developing and grounding your arguments. Have a fun round, IPDA is meant to be fun. 

Lincoln-Douglas

I evaluate this based on the framework. It is important to have a value and criterion. I need to be able to understand what you are saying. 

~

Anyways, have a good round. Don't be too stressed or nervous, you got this!

Introduction:

Hello, my name is Neil Cunningham (He/Him)

I am a second-year debater, who does, primarily, Lincoln Douglas

I have also done Public Forum, Congress, and Big Questions.

TLDR:

Be a good person, speak clearly, be smart about what you say

Congress:

Be confident in what you say

Don't interrupt your peers

Actively participate in the discussion

I don't encourage fast-talking in this type of debate.

Don't yell.

Lincoln-Douglas:

I am truth over tech, if you argue the bigger picture better, you are more likely to win my vote.

I WILL NOT tolerate any type of clear homophobia, racism, sexism, or transphobia of any type.

Please time yourself and keep track of your own prep time, I will not do that for you.

I do not mind fast-speaking so long as you are clear and not mumbling

Cabot High School

I am a junior who has done policy, PF, and congress

LD/PF:

please don't spread, this is not policy

Make sure to signpost so I know how to flow

Make sure to contend with all your opponents' arguments or else they are dropped

Congress:

Make sure not to abuse the 10 second grace period

When citing sources, don't just give a name and date (ex: Smith in 2020) say where they are from, and establish credibility

Make sure to show decorum and be kind to your fellow delegates

Use Parliamentary Procedure

General things:

I vote Truth over Tech

Always be nice and respectful to your opponents. Never use any insults or derogatory language towards your opponent. Don't stress too much about debate and be sure to have fun.

I'm mostly LD-centered, so if I'm not judging you for that, I'm probably not going to be the best judge.

Be sure not to be racist or discriminatory at all.

Lincoln Douglas Traditional:

I'd personally say I prefer traditional rounds over progressive, since I feel like those have more clash. In a regular traditional round, I don't value framework too much, but in return clash is incredibly important. I'll still end up voting on FW some times but losing the framework debate isn't a loss for the overall debate, it's just an additional reason for me to vote on way. Clash is the most important thing to me in a debate, because debate's meant to be an argument and not a meeting where people disagree on one tiny part of grammar - they're really unenjoyable to watch and debate and will make me voting for you harder. Burden's are always accepted, feel free to run any wild observations as long as they're not abusive. Overall, just make sure to have good case and framework debate, and to have good clash with your opponent.

Lincoln Douglas Progressive:

I'm not the greatest supporter of progressive arguments, but I'm totally fine if you run them as long as you make sure that your progressive argument has a clear link and isn't something kind of out of nowhere. I should always know how this relates to the topic, and it should relate in a clear way. If I can't understand it or it's too vague, I'm not flowing it

On the topic of counterplans, I think they're fun and good if done well. The counterplan should be a fairly different approach to solving the problem the affirmative is trying to solve. Your counterplan should clearly have benefits and less risks than are present in the affirmative's. If you end up agreeing with the affirmative with your CP I may flow that against you since those arguments restrict clash and education within debate. I wouldn't be too worried about this if you're running a CP, and if I end up flowing your CP against you it likely won't be the round decider, just be sure your counterplans are good and well made, and that they don't restrict argumentation.

Overall with progressive, just try try to make your links clear and have clash with your counterplans. Even though I'm more traditional, don't be afraid to try new progressive args.

Hello, I am Patrick Gunter. I am a current student at Cabot High School. I like PF, LD, and BQ, as this is what I have done.

TL;DR- spreading bad, truth>tech, progressive good, flow CX, be nice and stuff

LD-

don't spread, i like actually being able to flow

Be nice

I personally am tipped towards truth>tech because like idc how many arguments you make, if your opponent still has the better argument, they have the better argument and that's how it rolls

I LOVE progressive arguments. I also love very distinct arguments, like "violence>civil disobedience" provided that you can defend these arguments in a reasonable manner.

NEVER put the value of human life lower than it actually is...

CX- I lowkey flow cross ex but it's really just to keep track of any discrepancies... don't say "My opponent said in CX that.." if you know its not true, I'll already have it written down. ALSO I believe that CX should be somewhat heated... however heated does not mean you should be disrespectful

If you state/are aware that an argument is inherently prejudiced imma have to flow that argument to your opponents side

Not to sound mean but like if you start every speech with something like "Hello my name is Chris Hansen and I am debating for the affirmative side of this resolution..." do NOT expect your speaker points to be very high... it is extremely irritating as a judge to hear this because rarely will I address any debater by their name.. its general "Aff/Neg" and that will be your name to me

When it comes to weighing, theory can definitely come into your favor if you know how to use it. It is the debaters job to tell me how to weigh a debate... i.e. if morality is proven to be the framework, then I am a moral judge. If justice is the framework, I am now a just judge

IPDA- same as LD tbh

PF- I am by no means a lay judge with PF, I get that PF is supposed to be debated in a way that an inexperienced judge could easily comprehend but I have no problem with big words tbh. Don't introduce plans in PF, I automatically cannot flow this to your side. Theory also can be used in PF in my honest opinion but I didn't tell you that LOL. I just like progressive debate because it is way more interesting

Any form of misogyny, racism, and prejudiced behavior is a good way to lose....

Email me at guntepatri24@cps.k12.ar.us if you have questions, want advice, etc

ALSO--- "Bonus points" if you can correctly guess my favorite Hobbit movie

hi! my name is mariska haddock, my pronouns are she/her, and i’m a junior varsity debater at cabot high school.

TLDR: -read if you're short on time!

be kind people! discrimination of any type is not tolerated and will result in an automatic loss.

include me in email chain - haddomaris25@cps.k12.ar.us or mariskahaddock@gmail.com

tech over truth

i choose the winner based on my flow- be clear about kicks, don’t drop anything

focus on impacts!

flex prep is okay! i prefer cross but if you want to use flex prep it won’t affect my decision

don’t steal prep - its unethical

off-time roadmaps are recommended (unless it’s worlds lol)

number your arguments it makes flowing easier

public forum:

i do PF, so i focus heavily on argumentation and how strong the arguments presented are and the weight of their impacts

i love framework debate

weigh impacts!!!

don’t forget to extend your arguments

try to keep your rebuttals in a line-by-line format

2nd rebuttal should frontline responses in rebuttal

in summary speech, extend terminal defense and offense; extend anything you want to mention in final focus

don’t be overbearing in cross

final focus should provide clear weighing ground- lay out my ballot for me.

don't skew evidence

congress:

speak fluently and make eye contact with the judges

have credible evidence and clear impacts

do not attack other reps or senators, only attack their arguments. it’s okay to reference other delegates as long as it’s in a respectful manner

ask questions!

don’t be repetitive with arguments- reply speeches help the flow of the round

be familiar with robert’s rules of order- i don’t expect perfect knowledge but be familiar with it and try to only make correct/germane motions

IPDA:

make sure arguments are clear and concise

extend your arguments!

weigh impacts! make sure that it’s clear to the judge why your impacts are more important than your opponents

lincoln-douglas:

framework is important and should be clearly articulated

make sure arguments are clear and concise

extend your arguments!

weigh impacts!

any argument is fine- i can flow prog

speech:

try to be reasonably within time

don’t freak out if you stutter once or twice- it’s normal

i generally do bnb events but throw in the occasional oo

make blocking effective and not flashy

i love good cutting- the debate kid in me comes out when pieces are cut effectively and efficiently

drive your point home- similar to debate, make sure your message is clear and impactful

please be kind people :)

- Moderate speed is OK

- Line by line

- Keep it interesting

Racism, sexism, homophobia, hate speech. All of these things will cost you the round and I will make sure that your coach is contacted. However, if you become offended during the round make your claim known and proceed as usual. If you see someone as being looking down on you and only focus your speech on that, you will lose.

I go line by line.

Arguments not involving the resolution in question will not be recognized. Ex: Speech from website, dropped my whole case, etc.

If they drop a point, say it and move on. Dropped points are not enough to win or lose from, saying they're there is a good way to win though.

- Use your time wisely, go line by line, and dont mimic eminem. 11 words per second is not ok.

- Do not make new claims during final rebuttal

- Do not focus on attacking opponent directly

- Be original.

- When it comes to ipda the person with the most interesting arguments will win.

- I don't particularly like LD, so if you speak softly, too fast, or are just too mellow, I will vote you down

I prefer a Truth over Tech kind of judging and I also allow flex prep whenever you have extra time from cross-ex and no longer have any questions. I also prefer that you speak slower and with more expression throughout your speeches but if you wish to speak fast don't make it to where you can't even understand what you are saying. I also don't care if you want to stay sitting down whenever you give a speech and if you don't want to turn your camera on during the debate then you don't have to.

Hello, I’m Carter Kirby, I’ve been doing debate for 2 years now. I’m most familiar with Congress but not totally unfamiliar with other styles. My pronouns are he/him or they/them and I don’t tolerate bigotry of any kind in a round. Be civil and be smart. I tend to be pretty chill :). My email is carterakirby@gmail.com if you have any questions, concerns, or you just think I seem cool lol

Speaking - I prefer clear speaking and persuasion over spreading. It’s hard for me to keep up and I need you to be articulate. Try not to be aggressive but don’t let that stop you from clashing with your opponent-- this is a debate.

Tech over truth

Theory is fine

Arguments - I really don’t have a preference when it comes to the types of arguments you run so long as you know what you’re talking about, present it well, and uphold it well. I prefer a lot of clash in debate and want to see you defend your arguments while criticizing the others. Adapt well to the person you’re debating.

Evidence - As log as it is up to date and not pulled from somewhere that is clearly shady/made up I could honestly care less where you get your evidence

TLDR

-Speaking speed doesn't matter to me

-weigh impacts

-make sure to link arguments or examples back to your case

-Tech over Truth

LD

In a debate round, I really don't care whether you sit or stand when you're speaking. Make sure you answer all of your opponent's arguments. Speak at your own pace but speak clearly so that the opponent and judges can hear you. Make sure to weigh your impacts, so I know which impacts to consider at the end of the round. If you don't link arguments or examples back to your case, I will have to ignore the points or examples stated.

Congress

I don't have much to say in congress. Be kind and respectful to everyone in the chamber and make sure to create a orderly environment where everyone in the chamber can easily debate.

Cabot High School Debate

I am a third year competitor in Debate, I am a Debate Captain at Cabot High School, and compete in Congressional Debate:

Congressional Debate:

Make sure to use parli pro correctly and make sure to speak on Bill correctly

If you are asking a question, make sure that it has relevance to the legislation.

When you are speaking, it has to be topical and within the time limit that is given.

Make sure that there is clash on the speeches.

Public Forum & LD:

Make sure that you give a Roadmap or Signpost

Rebuttals need to be topical and use a good balance of evidence and logic

Arguments should have a clear link to the topic

With definitions don't make them the most important part of the debate

Framework debate can be crucial to win the round.

Clash is also one of the most important things to make the winning points.

Overall: Make sure to respect the opponents and the judge when debating.

Don't worry about your success, have fun and enjoy your time!

Hey! My name is Elisabeth Manuel and my pronouns are she/her.

Cabot High School ~ Grad. Year '25

Congress

Speak well and fluently. You are playing a policymaker, act professionally.

PLEASE do not rehash arguments.

I value evidence and reliable sources along with your information.

Be prepared to speak on both aff and neg.

If speaking over someone, be respectful. (Preferably do not speak over other opponents)

Make sure to be clear who you are speaking to

IPDA

Use your time wisely

Speak fluently and have confidence

Be respectful during refutation

- Be professional; DO NOT use aggression towards your opponent

Be patient with your opponent

TLDR

No yelling, give your speeches, use your time, dont use flex prep or steal prep, and use common sense in your arguments.

LD/IPDA

In terms of flex prep or steal prep I dont like either and wont allow it. If you do steal prep, depending on how bad it is, I will probly coun you off. I dont care if you talk fast just make sure your not talking so fast I cant understand you. In terms of tech vs truth I dont really care, just make sure your arguments are resonable and you dont drop points. Try and provide off time road maps and if you can signpost. If you yell during a speec I will definitly take off speaker points, try and keep this debate calm. Deffinitaly use all o your time or you will probly loose points (dont worry you wont if you have like 30 second left). Goodluck in your round and dont forget stuff.

Congress

Try not to talk too fast, give atleast one speech and try and ask a couple questions. When it comes to moving the previous question do not try and do it at the very beginning of a bill and wait for people to give there speech. If you try and do it at the ery beginning I will take of points. If you yell during a speec I will definitly take off speaker points, try and keep this debate calm.

I prefer tech or truth depending on the topic, so ask if you want

Be funny, that will add to your speaker points.

If you want to do a progressive debate, make sure you ask your opponent first,(or just don't)

Email: mordenannabelle@gmail.com

Personal attacks on your opponent will result in an immediate loss. Any discriminatory language, racism, sexism, ableism or other forms of hate will not be tolerated.

Do not misgender your opponent…it is just like, rude?

LD-

Theory is meh but I'm willing to hear it out

Almost always tech>truth

K affs can be good

Disclosure good

LD-

CX: Just don’t be a jerk, it’s unprofessional and unflattering. I respect debaters who utilize CX rather than just asking shallow questions. Sarcasm is good (just don't over do it)

Speaking-

I'm cool with spreading, just don't spread unless you are experienced in that field. I will drop points for incoherent, jumbled speaking.
-Speak with intent, if you don’t understand or mean the words being read, then you have the disadvantage in the debate. Keep me intrigued, you have a better chance of winning if you are passionate about your case.

Styles-

I respect that there are many styles of debate, however I prefer progressive. I am persuaded by logical and warranted arguments, I love Ks, especially Ts if done right. If you’re going traditional, it is imperative that you provide voting issues or at least a clear reasoning behind why I should vote for you, I think it just spices up the round. Going progressive, make sure your k’s have links. Lack of link takes away from your case drastically.

No topicality arguments unless you truly and utterly believe it is essential to the debate. Otherwise, I believe topicality is abusive of your rights as neg/aff

Fw- I’ll hear anything out; even TVAs as long as it has a solid relation to the topic. Fw is about LBL and explaining why your topic mode is good. The fw debate is very important to me, drop it and I will struggle to vote on your side.

Link turns are good, impact turns to education are great when explained right

If you aren’t going to at least try and maintain clash in 1nr/2ar, don’t bother speaking at all. Clash is essential to the structure of LD, please do not disregard this

IPDA-

Speaker points-

I understand it's not easy to formulate an entire case in 30 minutes, however please try and keep things organized. A messy case will result in lower speaks. Make sure you aren't just speaking to speak, if you aren't sure what to talk about, reiterate previously made points and tell me why they matter. Speak with intent, convince me that I should vote for you; don't simply read off of a script, I could do that myself, it's your job to give meaning to those words.

Clash. If you do not respond to your opponents arguments with either logical or warranted claims, then don't expect me to flow what you said. Clash is very important, if you can provide adequate defense/offense then I'll be sure to weigh that when making my decision

Affirmative- please do not abuse your right to define, debate requires a certain extent of fairness.

Contact me if you have any further concerns, I will gladly answer any questions you may have

Cabot High School Senior Captain

TL;DR

I’m good with all arguments

Tech over truth

Make sure to not drop points

Don't give fake evidence, instant loss if you cannot provide the cards if asked.

Attack the case not the person, I will deduct a large amount of speaker points if you're attacking the person.

Have fun with the debate

I have started debating at Cabot since 8th grade. I am okay with all arguments. Use whatever you want as long as it doesn't discriminate against anyone. Make sure that you properly explain all arguments and don't just throw out buzzwords and jargon.

BQ

I generally prefer the standard of morality in BQ but if you can give me a reason not to, then that's great. You don't need to have a lot of statistics for BQ. I personally prefer well spoken arguments and slower speaking in BQ, but I will evaluate anything. Make sure you explain how your arguments and cards connect. I'm fine with all arguments as long as they are relevant.

PF

Make sure to take advantage of any definitions you can. Impact is very important policy wise so make sure to flesh it out throughout the entire debate. Fake evidence equals instant loss. If I cannot trust one piece of evidence I can't trust any of your evidence. Just argue well, If I am not given a weighing mechanism I will default to cost benefit analysis. Just debate and do it well, like I already said up above, I will evaluate any argument as long as it is explained well.

LD

I prefer that you link in your arguments and give me a reason to vote for you. Make sure to expand on your points and impact if you have one. These are important parts of the debate and give me a clear reason to vote. Make sure you expand on your framework and show me why I should consider your value/criterion over your opponents if the framework makes a difference. If the framework doesn't matter, then don't extend it.

Although your argument may hold truth I prefer the technical parts of the debate (i.e. you drop what they say about your point, and it is false if they are right). One thing I don’t like is trying to discredit sources just because they are from the past or not within the past 4 years; yes, it is important to have up to date sources, but at the same time it is not necessary if it is an analytical argument. If you do make an argument on the credibility of sources don't just say it's not credible, you also need to explain why I can't vote on it because of the lack of credibility. I know the connection is obvious, but unless you make it that connection, it won't be on the flow. If an opponent asks for a card provide the card or you lose credibility.

Congress

Just don't discriminate against anyone. Answer questions effectively. I don't do congress very much so I'll be frank and just say you're unlucky to have me.

IPDA

Same stuff for LD basically. Just make sure you explain your points well, I think IPDA is a great opportunity to show off the fundamentals of debate.

Isabella Parker

parkeisabe24@cps.k12.ar.us

Cabot High School

Formally a LD debater but I have competed in other forms

TLDR: You can put me on the email chain for your speech, email is above. Please have a clear voice and a direct rebuttal, it will be easier on both of us to flow, I also like clashes that are backed up with evidence and facts. And please respect your opponent, any type of racist, sexist, or problematic comments can result in points dropped. I am okay with speed as long as you have a clear voice and not mumbling. I am keeping time, but I think you should too.

LD: I believe framework, definition, and impact debates are important to winning a debate, I advise you to have a direct rebuttal or argument that clashes with your opponent's argument as well; do not make me assume what your rebuttal to that argument is. I view dropped arguments as a judge and a debater, so try to answer as many points as you can even if you don't have evidence to back it up, although I prefer evidence. Make sure not stray off topic of your debate. I do listen to cross-examination, so be respectful.

PF and IPDA: I have done PF a couple times last year but the same rules with LD to me applies with PF when it comes to the rebuttal, dropped arguments, framework, definitions, and impacts, and cross-fire. I have not debated nor judged many IPDA rounds, but I do know rules and framework for how the debate should go.

Congress: I have not done Congress virtually, however I have done Congress before. I believe that quality is better than quantity, meaning clear speaking in Congress is more important than the number of speeches you give. I think questions asked are good in Congress, I am still learning Virtual questioning, yet questions to me are viewed. If you are the one answering questions, answer with confidence and the same thing applies with asking questions.

TLDR:

*any argument is fine with me, just don't be homophobic, racist, sexist, or have any kind of unacceptable language in a round

*Tech v Truth

*pls send documents via email (philltyler25@cps.k12.ar.us)

*Speed is fine as long as you send speech

*RDF is based on flow

Things I want to see in a round

-lots of clash between arguments

-offense offense offense

-impact weighing

-evidence for claims

-cross ex

-try not to steal prep, but I understand with online it can be hard to get ready quickly

-pls signpost/roadmap so ik what your going to say

-I will evaluate arguments based on how they link and how well you defend them

-please time yourself, I will time you, but timing yourself will help you in the round

I will always vote my round based on my flow in front of me. If you drop an argument, it will greatly cost your round and chances of winning. Being a good speaker is important, but won't decide a round.

Specifics

LD/IPDA-

I really want to see a framework debate. I find definition debates boring, but if they will help your chance of winning, then use them. Don't use specific topics for a value, if you wanna use a good value, use justice or morality. In IPDA, have contentions and something to weigh the round on. PLEASE WEIGH IMPACTS! Many times you will just repeat arguments and not add to anything, so use impact weighing to have some variety. You must link your claims to warrants to impacts. In order for me to consider an argument dropped, you must mention that your opponent dropped it. If you want to run progressive, make sure your opponent is ok with it, debate is a learning space, not a place to completely decimate someone and not have them learn how to better themselves. Please use all the time you can in your speech, time management is important, especially for the aff.

Congress-

Having a good speaking voice is very important to me in Congress, more than any other debate in my opinion. You must have good links and reliable warrants to make any claim true. Please please please use questioning to your advantage, it will be beneficial to you if you can defend your points well.

PO- please don't run for PO if you don't know how to. If it is your first time, I will be lenient to you. If no one else will run for PO and you decide to stand up, that will benefit you. Please make sure to keep track of precedence and recency, and if at any time I see it to be false or inaccurate, points will be docked and your rank will suffer.

IPDA:

-Make sure to restate your wheing mechanism throughout your speech

-Give taglines for your points

-Use all of speech time

-Don't talk over opponent in questioning period

-Keep questions short

-Keep facts within your speech

Congress:

-Ask a lot of questions!!!

-Be kind and polite during debate

-I don't mind clash just keep it classy :)

-Use all of your speech time.

-Use parli pro

Madison Rivera (riv-air-uh)

pronouns she/her

disclaimer: my biggest thing is that I will mark you down if you have any sexist, racist, ability, or any offending remarks/arguments. I understand you have to defend your point, but you should do that in a respectful manner.

TLDR

I don't mind if you speak fast, just don't sound like Eminem.

Make sure you speak clearly, if you stutter I do not mind.

MAKE SURE YOU USE ALL YOUR TIME!!! Even if you cannot think of anything else to say just go into depth but do not ramble.

I LOVE WHEN YOU SPEAK WITH ENTHUSIASM! I don't care if you are loud because I am hard of hearing just don't scream.

CONGRESS

Please Speak and be engaged in the round. Do not interrupt and if you need help with motion or anything I do not mind helping. If there are four bills speak on at least 3 out of the 4. Make sure you do not rehash the same arguments over and over again. Understand the topic, don't just read over it actually has some knowledge on what you are debating. Ask questions a lot. If you are PO make sure you know what you are doing unless it's your first time.

IPDA/LD

Make sure you know the topic. Have a valid point and do not ramble. Make sure you use all your time. When it comes to the rebuttal actually rebuttal do not just go over your points. Have a good amount of offense and defense. Do not use any fallacies, include a summary of your neg at your last speech. Be nice and have fun.

EJ Robertson (She / Her)

Cabot High School

I have been in the Cabot Debate program for 3 years now. I have competed in Congress, Extemp., BQ, World Schools, and PF.

TL;DR

Tech over Truth

Articulate well, moderate speed. I won't flow what I don't understand.

Make it interesting, I like a lot of clash

Line-by-line rebuttals

Make sure to be confident in your speaking and have fun!

Public Forum

A really good speaker is usually what sets one side apart from the other, so make sure to be confident and articulate well. Framework is usually neglected, but I feel that’s one of the most important aspects of weighing the round. I like unique arguments, but make sure that they have solid reasoning. Clear road maps are important, and a line-by-line on the rebuttals make it a lot easier for me to flow and evaluate the round. Make sure to be respectful, don’t say anything that’s racist, sexist, homophobic, etc. because that shouldn’t really be part of debate. Clash also makes the debate more interesting, and it makes it easier to see which arguments are conceded to or dropped. Don’t make any new arguments during final focus, as it makes it difficult for the opponent to respond. Weighing is important because it tells me how to evaluate which side won. I also enjoy impact debates, but don't focus on it too much / go off topic because of it. Give enough time to rebuild or crystalize all arguments, don't spend too much time on one and neglect the others.

Lincoln Douglas

Again, speaking is VERY important, so make sure to speak clearly and confidently. Framework / Value and Criterion are extremely important, as they show me how to evaluate which side I give the win to at the end of the day. I like unique arguments that really challenge the other side. I like impact debates, just don't focus on them too much. Do a line-by-line rebuttal, because it makes it easier to flow. Make sure to be respectful and don’t say anything that is racist, sexist, homophobic, etc.

Congress

Quality > quantity. Make sure to be confident, remember that you’re talking to your fellow delegates, not the judges. Road map should be clear so that I know where to flow on the ballots. Make sure your arguments have good impacts, and going a little over time is better than going under imo. Questioning period is important to reinforce or build up arguments, so make sure to answer questions with substantial arguments. PO should know how to do their jobs, keep time, and use precedence and recency to call delegates. Make sure to be respectful during the debates and have fun.

I am truth over tech to a certain extent, what I mean by that is I will mostly look at what is true but if one of the competitors drops all of their opponents arguments I will take that into account. I am ok with flex prep, but the questioning period should mostly be used for questioning. I am not ok with stealing prep. I am ok with a fast speed however if you know that you are a quick speaker I ask that you email me your case. Speaking fast because of nervousness is a thing I do that as well I do not count off for that, at the end before I make my decision I might ask for clarification. If the competitor would like to offer a roadmap I will usually count it off time. If an opponent wants to stand up while speaking that is ok but I do not require or take of points if someone decides not to stand while speaking. If you have questions about me or how I judge or anything really feel free to ask me before the round starts. If I misunderstand something call me out on it.

IPDA is what I am used to. One of my biggest things with IPDA is I do not want the competitors to be stressed which can be difficult because you only have 30 minutes to prep but I do not want that to effect the opponents speech, so if you need just a moment at the beginning before the round starts just ask.

I do not have a lot to say about other types of debate except I want the round to be as stress free as possible so the main part of this is try not to stress.

truth over tech to an extent

ok with flex prep

not ok with stealing prep

ok with fast speed but if you are a fast talker I ask that you email me your case

roadmaps of time

I do not care if you stand or not

If you have questions about anything really just ask

If I misunderstand something call me out on it.

If you are stressed and need a breather tell me

Try not to stress

Hello! My name is Bentleigh Tuck (she/her).

General:

My role is to listen, flow, and weigh the arguments based off how I am told to weigh by each team.

Make sure to keep your own time even though I will also be timing.

You can win my ballot best if you:

1. Truly understand and explain your arguments

2. Explain the impacts of your arguments well

3. Make sure everything is organized - including your overview

4. Tell me how you want me to weight the arguments (ex: you should judge this debate with the best interests of the people at heart)

Unethical behavior: There is no tolerance for any racist, homophobic, transphobic, ablest, or violent comments. Treat others how you want to be treated.

Congress:

For congress I really like to hear rebuttals against other speakers, good questions that help a questioning period get into depth, and speak clearly while being efficient with your time. You are roleplaying as a policymaker - act like it. If you are PO make sure you take charge of the chamber as it is your chamber, don't let them talk over you but still be respectful. Be prepared to speak on affirmative and negative just in case.

LD/PF:

Use speed to your advantage- speak fast and clearly so you can get as much information to your opponent as possible. I don't really like hypothetical situations- I want facts with sources (cards). I love a good cross ex so make sure to keep questions argumentative and relevant to the case.

TLDR

- Don't care if you talk fast just don't spread*

- weigh impacts

- Truth over Tech*

- good clash

- love logic

- signpost

- speak confidently

- use impact calculus *

Lydia Veazey

She/her

veazelydia24@cps.k12.ar.us

tech over truth

speaking- I prefer clear and persuasive speaking rather than spreading.

I do not tolerate bigotry.

How to win my ballot

explain your links and impacts of all arguments.

be well organize.

tell me how I should write my ballot, and why.

you can do evidence comparison as necessary.

IPDA-

Having clash with your opponent is always best during the round.

Make sure your arguments are clear and well understood.

When in the round use up all of your time.

Do not bring up new arguments during your last rebuttals.

During the question period give “to the point” answers. Don't ramble on. It is a waste of time.

A good tip is to really hit on your impacts all during the round.

flow all throughout the round.

Congress

Know your speech.

Answer question without rambling.

Quantity over Quantity

Speak clearly and use up all time.

Have confidence

Have fun with debate!

Mark Warford

IPDA Captian @ Cabot Debate

IPDA:

The way I judge rounds is fairly simple, I like to have good clashes in rebuttals and look for arguments that get past or debaters don't talk about. I will look for the side that takes down more of the other side's points and defends themself. I would love it if both sides gave a weighing mechanism and a roadmap. Something that I am always open to is discussion debate, it can help make the round more enjoyable from a judging standpoint and I encourage it. The last thing that I will judge on is how good your points are, since it is IPDA I won't be judging so harshly on evidence but your points need to make sense.