Judging Paradigms for Progressive Lincoln-Douglas Debate

1. Framework and Structure:
- Importance of Framework: I value the framework presented in the debate. It sets the lens through which I evaluate arguments. Be clear and persuasive in establishing why your framework is preferable.
- Flowing: I will flow the debate closely. Make sure your arguments are well-structured and easy to follow, as clarity is key.

2. Argumentation Style:
- Content Over Speed: While I recognize the nature of progressive debate often includes speed, clarity and substance are paramount. If I cannot understand your arguments, I will not evaluate them favorably.
- Engagement with Opponent: I expect debaters to engage with their opponent’s arguments directly. Cross-examination and rebuttals should demonstrate an understanding of the opposing side.

3. Evidence and Impact:
- Quality of Evidence: Use credible and relevant evidence to support your claims. I prefer sources that are well-cited and reliable.
- Impact Calculus: Clearly articulate the impacts of your arguments. Make it evident why your points matter in the context of the debate.

4. Ethical Considerations:
- Respectful Engagement: Maintain a level of respect throughout the debate. Personal attacks or disrespectful language will negatively impact my evaluation.
- Intellectual Honesty: Be honest in your representations of arguments and evidence. Misleading claims will hurt your credibility.

5. Adaptability:
- Flexible Judging: I am open to different styles and approaches. If you are innovative in your argumentation, I will consider how effectively you introduce new perspectives.

6. Final Decisions:
- Voting Issues: In the end, I will weigh the voting issues presented and determine which side fulfills their burdens most effectively. Ensure your final speeches recap and highlight the key points that should sway my decision.

Coaching History:

Mansfield Legacy [2023-Present]
Byron Nelson High School (2018-2021)
Royse City High School (2013-2018; 2021-2023)
Email: matthewstewart@misdmail.org (do please include me in any email chains)

General Preferences [updated as of 3/14/24]:

Theory
More truth over tech. If you're real big on theory, I'm not your judge because I'm definitely gonna goof up that flow.

Disclosure:

Don't run it. I think open source is good and should be the standard, but I don't care for it being used as an argument to smash small schools without prep.

Framework:
Default offense/defense if I don't have a framework to work with. Winning framing doesn't mean you win the round, you still need to leverage it for your offense.


Speed:
Whatever you AND your opponent are okay with! Speed shouldn't be a barrier to debate. Slow up for Taglines/Cites, give me a filler word ("and," "next," etc.) to let me know when you're moving to the next piece on the flow and be sure to give me some pen time on Theory/Topicality shells.

Round Conduct:
Don't be sketchy, rude, or hostile to judges or your opponents! We're all here to learn and grow academically, remember that.

Speaker Points:
Starts at 27 and goes up based on strategy, delivery style, and round conduct. Sub 27 means you most likely said something unabashedly offensive or were just generally hostile towards your opponents.

Miscellaneous Stuff

-Debate what you want to debate, I would rather try to meet you on your side of what debate is rather than enforce norms on you. BUT that doesn't mean you can get away with making unwarranted arguments or not doing extensions, impacts, or weighing like a good debater should!

-Open CX and Flex prep are cool with me, but I will respect the norms of the circuit I am judging in.

-I'm pretty non-verbal as I'm flowing and listening, so for better or worse that's gonna be there.

-Just be chill. Debate the way that is most comfortable for you...hopefully that isn't a really yelly and rude style because I'd prefer you not. Respect each other, do your thing, and we'll all have a good time!

-A roadmap is just telling me what order to put my flowsheets in. No more. No less.

-Be kind to novices, be the support you wish you had when you first started. Bonus points for treating newbies nice.

-Extending specific warrants WITH your cards is good, so is doing evidence comparison and impacting out drops

-The less work you do on telling me how to evaluate the round, the riskier it gets for your ballot. Don't assume we're both on the same flow page or that I can read your mind.

-Sending the doc or speech is part of prep time. I will not stop prep until the doc is sent.