I'm a relatively new parent judge.

DO NOT SPREAD. If you talk too quickly, I'm not going to understand you and I'm going to stop listening. Note that this does not mean you can't talk at a reasonably quick pace. However, if you're speaking so fast that it's incomprehensible, the win will go to your opponent.

I'm not open to progressive arguments. Don't run theory shells, Ks, etc. Debate is a communicative event. If you are running insane complicated arguments, not only will I not understand you, but your opponent will likely not either, and I believe that a debate without mutual understanding is not a debate.

I largely prefer traditional argumentation but if you are running borderline arguments like plans and counterplans, make sure that you very clearly explain them.

Avoid the acronyms! If you're running a counterplan, say you're running a counterplan. Don't just say CP. It's just one extra syllable and it makes a large difference in both my understanding and your opponent's.

Truth > Tech. I don't care if your opponent didn't address your argument that the earth is flat or any ludicrous falsehood. If it's very obviously not true, I don't care about the technicalities.

Be respectful. Don't insult the other person. Just focus on attacking their arguments.

Speak clearly! If you're mumbling or you're lagging out, I'll let you know.

Hello debaters! I am your friendly, neighborhood judge here to give you a few tips about me. I am a parent volunteer and I have been judging for about two years. I look for solid logical arguments and the ability to refute poor logic. You've worked hard to be here so please make sure I can understand you. Don't speak so quickly that your words disappear. Don't be too quiet, but please don't shout at me either. One last note, please DO NOT talk over each other. Be respectful of each other.

Amy

Hello

My name is Parrish Eyre. I own a small Management Consulting firm specializing in Business and IT Process reengineering. I have no formal training in debate but absolutely love it and have the greatest amount of respect for those that are willing to step up the the mic and articulate an argument.

From an experience perspective I spent 4 years as a University student grade/infraction appeal judge and a traffic court judge.

If you read nothing else: be respectful to one another. You will not win if you are not kind.

For LD Sections Debate:

I am not an expert in LD. Take it easy, and treat me as a lay judge here. A lot of the same points mentioned below about PF apply to a typical LD round in some form. Debate definitions first, and explain everything.

Thoughts: I believe every argument you make must be founded on evidence and research. Arguments with no sources won't be weighed. If a team introduces evidence that is found to be outright falsified, the round ends in a loss for that team and a discussion between myself and their coach. It is every competitor's responsibility to ensure your teammates and your opponents are properly using evidence.

I judge based on the evidence and arguments presented in the round. That means if your opponents argue that the sky is green, and you don't question them or their evidence, then the sky is green.

Things I like in debate:

-Clear frameworks. This is how I will vote, and usually means defining key parts of the resolution and presenting a weighing mechanism.
-Weighed impacts. How do your impacts stack up against your opponents'? Tell me explicitly, especially in summary and final focus.
-Organized arguments. Signpost. I can better keep track of organized arguments, helping you win.
-Critical thinking. Point out logical inconsistencies, make sure your opponents aren't misrepresenting evidence, etc.
-Unique arguments. As long as your evidence and logic are solid, these can be fun. Make sure they're in the scope of the resolution.

Things I don't like in debate:

-Non-topical arguments. Often called "Kritics" or "K's," these do not fly with me. You have a resolution, debate it.
-Shot-gunning evidence. One good source is always worth more than a dozen poor sources.
-Argument spreading. “Judge, they dropped our third and tenth contention, so you must vote for us.” I will not.
-Talking too fast. Slow down. There is no need to yell. If I can actually write down everything you say you'll be better off.
-New arguments after rebuttals. I may consider new evidence if you are asked for it, but brand-new arguments won't be considered.
-Falsifying or supported evidence.

Feel free to ask me any questions you have before or after the round. We are here to grow and learn new skills.

Lastly, good luck and have fun :)

Hello!

I was a past debater for about three years, specializing in LD, but I have done both PuFo and Parli as well. I do flow and base a lot of the round on the flow, so please be good with signposting! Treat me kind of like a lay judge, over explain if you want, and tell me where you are on the flow during speeches. As far as pronouns go I use any, feel free to state yours if comfortable.

Not a fan of spreading/super fast talking, I can flow fast if need be but I'd prefer not to as I'll likely miss some arguments. Also not a big fan of kritiks and off-topic arguments. I was always a traditional debater- pen and paper- so adding more policy takes to LD makes it harder on me since I'm not a big fan of the two colliding at all. Traditional > circuit debate.

I put a lot of focus on the value/value criterion debate so please go philosophical and hit me hard with it!! Connect your case and contentions deeply with your framework and impacts. Speaking of impacts, state them clearly, please!!!

If you have questions before the round feel free to ask! All in all, focus on having a respectful debate.

I am a volunteer parent with over a year’s experience judging speech and debate events. I judge for a number of reasons, most importantly is that a seeing the skills and dedication students have for connecting community members and making society batter for all GIVES ME JOY AND HOPE!

In order for me to best judge events it helps me if students:

1. Speak slowly enough for people who may be unfamiliar with the subject vocabulary to follow what they are saying;
2. Project their voices and speak more loudly if they notice me leaning or cupping an ear toward them;
3. Are silent, still audience members; and,
4. Keep noise to a minimum in buildings where events are taking place.

In debates, as I do my best to follow the arguments, logic, supporting points, refutations, and how definitions and weighing mechanisms apply. When students explicitly indicate what points they are providing support or a critique for, and how they think their definitions and weighing mechanisms matter, it helps me be a better judge of these important factor.

Also, I recognize that critiquing and interrupting others, speaking loudly, dramatic gesturing, and heckling are all used in various debates, but I also pay close attention to any instances of people invading the personal space of others, yelling at or personally insulting their opponent, or otherwise not respecting the equal rights of all debaters, and I will ask coaches for guidance in how to judge what I think I have seen. I love the community I see among speech and debate teams!

I hope EVERY student feels proud and enjoys tournaments as I am impressed by the work and courage of EVERYONE participating. If students do not get the recognition they hoped for I encourage them to remember that judges such as me are not professionals and may make mistakes. That may be a reality we all have to accept, but if anything seems unfair please speak with a coach.

Best wishes and thank you for your consideration.

First and foremost, I would like to let you know how much I respect all the effort you have been spending for preparing for your tournaments. I am looking forward to seeing a glimpse of how you will bring it to fruition.

I am a lay judge. I value information rich, logically consistent arguments. I also appreciate skillful rhetoric.

I will try to flow, but if contentions are dropped, make sure you make that clear and emphasize impacts of these concessions.

I used to be a parliamentary debater and went to nationals in public forum. I am well versed in all forms of debate and don't have any particular grievances that anyone should worry about except for the fact that I don't like spreading. You can speak fast but if you start to spread then I wont write anything down and you'll subsequently lose the round. Stick to good ol fashioned debate and you'll probably be fine. Please ask me any specific questions you have before the round and I will be happy to answer or clarify anything.

I prefer logically constructed arguments well supported by facts and delivered clearly. Remember to be respectful throughout the round, and have fun! 

---PERSONAL INFO---

I'm a coach. I did PF + Extemp when I debated.

I prefer flowing traditional cases, but I'll accept Theory and Kritiks that I can understand. I will prefer clean rhetoric over spread jargon unless you have a good reason why I shouldn't (read the reason in your first constructive).

In my opinion, a good debater is somebody that can make it abundantly clear why they are winning. Make the structure of your argument clear and meaningful in your speech. I also don't like performative arguments. Think about why you started debate and why you have continued to do it; this is a learning experience! Stay respectful and try new things.

--- GENERAL DEBATE ---

Speed

CONVERSATIONAL ONLY, PLEASE.

Generally, I don't vote for cases I don't understand. If you want my ballot, practice brevity. Jargon's fine. Contention tags or card tags should be slow enough for me to copy down exactly (if not, I might forget to write the whole thing and then not remember what you meant later).

Speaks

Debate in good faith. Attitude, respect, and accuracy count. I give better speaks in better rounds. Unless there is a serious offense committed in round, I won't go below 25. If there is something that I see, I will let you know explicitly in the ballot. If you see something, I expect you to kritik or address it in round.

Theory

Topicality specifically first: On defense, the topicality of your case should be obvious. I'm okay with ground-skewing definitions in the first constructive if you can justify that it is necessary for a fair debate. On offense (and just generally for any shell), I need an obvious violation and a substantially better interpretation to buy the argument. I will evaluate the theory debate before stock.

Kritik

ONLY USE WHEN ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY. I will judge you not only on your choice of K, but execution, clarity and structure before considering it as an integral part of the round. I want an obvious link and a full internal link to your impact. Explain the alternative and role clearly and slowly. Please don't spread these, especially the more complex ones; I won't follow. I see bad faith K's as an RVI. Running a K doesn't guarantee a win. Running a K in bad faith guarantees a loss. Don't abuse these.

Counter-plan

Do it only when there is a plan that precedes your counter-plan. Don't run counter-plans against traditional debaters.

Tricks

I appreciate a good trick. Remain respectful of the format. I also don't know why everyone started calling these tricks. Sometimes, they're just fun cases. Do what helps you learn more in debate.

---------------

With the technical stuff out of the way, above all I want to make sure everyone enjoys the round thoroughly. Have fun with your cases; I am always interested to hear unorthodox methods! Happy Debating!

I used to do debate. Economics and Education are my specialties.

I am not a lay judge. If you see me stop typing then go onto your next point

I will consider goofy arguments if they are better than serious ones. As long as they are debated correctly.

IMPACTS IMPACTS IMPACTS

PLEASE don't knock on the desk after each speech.

If you want feedback ask me after the round. I will not be writing long RFD’s.

If both teams agree I will judge a round off of double loss theory.

Do NOT spread. I will stop listening and start playing Clash of Clans.

Do NOT BS your information. I will know...

But if you can make it rhyme your score will be prime.

If you have a P.O.O. please say “Pause time Poop” That will be funny I think.

good luck.

Hello,

I have been a parent judge for 5 years. Please speak slowly and coherently. Do not spread.