**Conflicts for TOC 24: Harvard Westlake, Scarsdale, Westridge TW, Memorial DX, Notre Dame San Jose AG, San Mateo YR, Monta Vista KR, Los Altos AK, Amador Valley EM, Brophy TJ, Stanford OHS AY, Horace Greeley SG, Bellevue WL, Concord Carlisle FZ, St Agnes EH

**TOC Specific: if you're a senior and would not like to hear the RFD, just let me know!

Hi! I'm Sam. Harvard Westlake '21, Vanderbilt '25. Email chain please: samanthamcloughlin13@gmail.com. LD TOC qual 4x (octos soph year, skipped etoc junior year, quarters senior year), 20 bids, won some tournaments (Valley, Yale, Stanford, etc). I mostly read policy args, some basic T/theory, and some Ks/topical K affs (settler colonialism, fem IR, etc). I also coached for the past two years/am coaching this year, so I have some topic familiarity.

Everything in this paradigm (minus the hard and fast rules) is just a preference - my strongest belief about debate is that it should be a forum for ideological flexibility, creative thinking, and argumentative experimentation. I realized this paradigm was way too long so I tried to bold stuff for pre-round skimming.

Hard and Fast Rules--

If you are going too fast for me to tell if you are reading all the words in your cards, I will assume you're not. I will call clear and slow, please listen or we will all be sad.

Won't vote on any arg that makes debate unsafe. This includes any arg that denies the badness of racism/sexism/etc, or says death good (args like spark/wipeout = ok, cuz it doesn't deny the value of life, it's just fancy util maths that says extinction better preserves the value of life). If your opponent wins your argument is repugnant (absent any larger framing or judge instruction), I'll drop the argument, unless you presented your argument with the agreement that it was repugnant (ie, if you admit your position is racist, but attempt to say that doesn't matter), in which case I will consider your repugnance purposeful and drop you.

Ev ethics - stake the round on it (ie W30 to the person who is right and an L with the lowest possible speaks to the other) if evidence is misrepresented (an omitted section contradicts or meaningfully alters the meaning of the card). I think a good litmus test for misrepresentation is: does the article agree with the claims presented in the card? If it's missing a sentence or two at the beginning/end of a paragraph but it doesn't change the meaning of the card, you're better off reading it as theory. To make everyone's life easier, just cut ev well (this means full citations, full paragraphs, in alignment with the author's intent).

Clipping = an L with the lowest speaks I can give.

Speaks are my choice, not yours (put away 30 speaks theory).

For online debate, I expect that you record all your speeches in case you, your opponent, or I drops out.

Argument TLDRs--

Defaults: reasonability on theory, competing interps on t, drop the debater on t/theory, no RVIs, T>theory>everything else, comparative worlds, fairness + education are voters, policy presumption, epistemic confidence

^All those can be easily changed with a sentence.

K debate - Line by line >> long overviews. Winning overarching claims about the world is helpful, but you need to apply those claims to the specifics of your opponents arguments or else I will not do those interactions for you. Framework is important (honestly most of the times in K v policy debates, the person who wins fw wins the round). Links to the plan are preferred, but not necessary - the less specific your links, the more fw matters, and the more persuasive the permutation is. I also tend to think debate should be about arguments, not people, which means I'll likely be unpersuaded by personal attacks or "vote for me" arguments. I'm more persuaded by skills impacts on T Framework than fairness, and more persuaded by non topical affs that impact turn things than try to find a middle ground.

Policy - Yay! Zero risk not a thing but arguments still must be complete to be evaluated. Underdeveloping off in the 1nc = they get less weight in the 2nr. Rebuttal ev explanation > initial ev quality, but if your opponent's ev sucks and you point that out, that falls under the first category. Read your best evidence in the 1NC - I'll be persuaded by arguments that the 2NR doesn't get new evidence unless it's directly responsive to the 1AR. Big fan of creative counterplans <3(consult __ is usually not creative).

Theory - PICs and condo are probably good. Other CPs (international fiat, agent, process etc) are a bit more suspicious. All of this is up for debate. Descriptions of side bias are not standards. The more frivolous the shell = the truer reasonability and DTA are, and the lower the bar for answers. On that note, reasonability and DTA are under-utilized.

Philosophy - Not the area i'm the most comfortable in, but I'll try my best. I'd love to see a well explained phil debate, but I will not enjoy a blippy phil round that borders closer to tricks debate. I'd rather you leverage your syllogism to exclude consequences rather than relying on calc indicts. Debaters should take advantage of nonsensical contention args.

Tricks - I don't think a model of debate predicated on the avoidance of clash (ie relying on concessions) is an educational model. My test for whether an argument falls under this model of debate is: ask yourself if you would be willing to go for an argument if it was responded to competently. The same idea also extends to the formatting of your argument (ie you should delineate + thoroughly explain all your arguments with clear implications). I won't purposefully insert my personal beliefs about the value of tricks debates into the round, but it does mean that I'll probably be more receptive to arguments that indict tricks debate as a model. Some arguments are truer than others, and it's easier to win true arguments in front of me than false ones. I also default comparative worlds, and have given more than one RFD that boils down to "X trick was won but there's no truth testing ROB under which it matters." Up-layering tricky affs with Ks or strategic theory is smart, and when leveraged correctly make claims of new 2NR responses more persuasive.

Lay - I have respect for good lay debaters since I know I could never be one. That said, I will definitely evaluate the debate on a technical level regardless of the style. Good lay debaters can beat circuit debaters by strategically isolating key arguments. Circuit debaters vs lay debaters don't need to modify their style of debate, but should do everything they can to be accessible (explain stuff in CX, send docs, etc) (same applies to debates where there is a large skill gap).

Misc - My threshold for independent voters is high. Emphasizing this after a couple rounds where it's been relevant.

Rant Section--

Tech > truth, but separating the two is silly. The more counter-intuitive an argument, the higher the bar for winning it, and the lower the threshold for responses. Saying "nuclear war bad" probably requires less warranting than "nuclear war good" cuz the second one has the burden of proof to overcome the intuitive logical barrier to its truth value.

I'll deal with irresolvability using the "needs test" - the burden of proof falls on the side that "needs" to win the argument (ie the burden of proof is on the neg in the perm debate because the neg needs to beat the perm, but the aff doesn't need to win the perm).

I won't vote on arguments telling me to "evaluate the entire debate after X speech" that are introduced in X speech - it generates a contradiction. Also, the 2AR is after all the speeches before it - interpret this as you choose.

Likes/Dislikes--

Likes: plans bad 2NR on semantics if you understand the grammar behind it and are not reading someone else's blocks, creative and non-offensive policy impact turns, creative process CPs (no this is not the ICJ CP or consult the WTO), plan affs (yes I realize this contradicts with my first like), multiple shells bad, Ks with links to the plan, presumption/case presses vs non T affs, topical K affs, reasonability/DTA on frivolous theory, collapsing, flashing analytics

Dislikes: the grammar DA, RVIs, plans bad 2NR on semantics when you don't understand the grammar behind it, plans bad 2NR that's just reading off someone else's doc with no topic specific analysis, standard spec, buffet 2NRs, hidden args, non T affs that are an FYI not an advocacy, combo shells that don't solve their offense, "strat skew", "this argument is bad" [then doesn't explain why the argument is bad], "that's an independent voting issue" [doesn't explain why it's a voting issue past just the label] (this also applies to 1AR arguments not labelled as voting issues that magically become voting issues in the 2AR), "what's a floating PIK" "what's an a priori", being rude or interrupting your opponent (especially if you're more experienced or in a position of power) (at best it adds nothing at worse it's unkind)

Credentials:

I debated all 4 years when I was in high school. Currently attending UCSD.

Be polite and respectful to your opponents

Conflicts: Torrey Pines HS and Torrey Pines Independent (was Head Coach of S&D for TPHS)

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LD

Include me in the email chains: bomiao42@gmail.com

Slow down for tags/authors/analytics, I'll tell you to slow down and clear in round if necessary.

I'll vote off of most arguments, I am more familiar with Phil and case debating, make sure to explain arguments very well too

Kritiks

I evaluate the role of the ballot as the highest layer in the kritik

I'm not as familiar with K debate so please give good overviews and explanations

Perms are good for aff debaters, make sure links are specific

Theory/Topicality

I evaluate theory as the highest level of debate

Make sure to articulate your arguments, especially if you're reading analytics

Competing interps vs reasonability debate is important

Friv theory is bad, 0 speaks xd

Disads

I love disads and political args

Link debate is important

Weighing your arguments is very important

CP

Make sure the CP solves the net benefit. CP debates are good if well articulated. Explain the CP text well to me.

Floating pics are not acceptable

Philosophy

I like philosophy, I am a philosophy major.

High theory

Chance that I will not be able to understand, so if you do choose to run, please explain very well

Tricks

PLEASE DON'T PREF ME.

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PF

I'll vote off the flow. I won't flow cx so repeat important concessions in your speeches. I also take evidence ethics violations seriously, I will ask for evidence after round if it is an issue in round or if someone asks me to in a speech. If there is legitimate abuse, I will drop you and dock your speaker points.

Speed: fine with speed but don't hit spreading levels, this is PF.

Theory: I'll only vote off of it if you can explain why it's critical for the round

My name is Landon Poon and I debate at Harvard-Westlake. I will mostly judge novice.

Contact Info

lpoon1@hwemail.com

Add me on Facebook

Please add me on the email chain

TL;DR

Don't read anything that is sketchy, unintelligent, or you don't understand. 

AC

·       I like T affs, but will listen to non-T affs, but if it is ridiculous, T-FW will be very persuasive

·       I like plans

Phil

·       don't read too much but will vote on it if I have to 

T

·       good arg but don't abuse it

·       I default to competing interps

·       Highest layer, before theory unless you make args why theory or something else comes first

DAs

·       these are great

·       explain the link and weigh

Ks

·       there are good Ks and bad Ks

·       If you don't understand it, don't read it

·       I need to understand the alt to vote on it

·       Explain the links

CPs

·       please read one

·       needs to compete either through net benefits or mutual exclusivity

Theory

·       I like theory but I will start to not like it if I think the theory is more abusive than what it claims the abuse is

·       Give me interpretations

Tricks

·       I strongly encourage you read tricks if you like 20s and Ls

Speed

·       clarity > speed

·       go as fast as you can until your clarity drops

How to get good speaks

·       add me to the email chain/send the doc

·       explain the case clearly

·       make good weighing args

How to get bad speaks

·       be rude

·       read tricks

·       clip cards

Extra stuff

I have a website, check it out here: http://earthquakeresponsecenter.org/

Add me to the email chain- katieraphaelson@gmail.com

Hello! I'm Katie! I use they/them pronouns. I debated LD at Brentwood School from 2015-2019. I was a quarterfinalist at state and 10th at NSDA nats my senior year. I also come from a circuit background so I flow very diligently.

I just graduated from Smith College with a B.A. in Government and French Studies. My gov major concentrated on international relations.

I've been coaching and judging for about 5 years and have experience judging every event, but I do come from an LD background. This paradigm used to be super long but at this point I really only have like a few important things:

1) provide content warnings if you are going to talk about SA and violence against queer ppl. Please don't read cases that are primarily about SA.

2) Please don't read circuit arguments at States/Nat quals/Nats

3) time yourselves please! and keep track of your prep time.

4) Feel free to share your cases but I can keep up without a document.

5) Be nice to each other!!!!!!!

6) Debate the way you do best! Have fun!

fun fact for this PF topic-

Im a former student athlete! I played d3 softball at smith college (small historically womens college)!

I am very interested in seeing clash in the debate. I prefer that you present your case and refute the other side.

I do not mind you running counter-plans, theories, kritiks, or anything else that you like. The only thing that I ask is that you let me know what you are doing.

I also want you to sign post what you are doing so that I can follow your case.

If you are refuting your opponent's argument, then I would like for you to point out what your opponent said and then tell me your point of view.

I want you to be very specific with all of your points and refutals. If you are vague, I will not know what you are saying and, therefore, not consider that argument.

In a nutshell, I want to see a good clean, logical presentation and no underhanded tactics.

I competed in both Lincoln Douglas and policy debate, and had some success in Lincoln Douglas at the circuit level. It has been a awhile since I’ve been in a fast round so although I’m comfortable with some speed, I would not go your fastest with me. I’m okay with whatever arguments you want to run, but do tend to like a traditional Lincoln Douglas debate.

Have fun!

Hi my name is George Zhang and I debated in LD at the Harvard-Westlake School in California.

My email is georgezhang369@gmail.com. Please add me to the email chain!

General: Speed is fine. Have fun - I generally don't care what you read except morally repugnant arguments. I read big-stick policy arguments my senior year and have read a little bit of Ks in the past.

Topicality: Good T debates are fun to judge. If it's messy, weighing and argument resolution factor a lot into my decision. The more frivolous the shell, the lower the standard for answering it. I default drop the debater, reasonability, and no RVI's unless you convince me otherwise.

Kritiks: Make sure you at least have a basic understanding of the literature when reading a K. Specific links to the AFF rather than generic state bad Ks are better. Be clear on how the link applies to the aff and explain your alternative.

Counterplans: Great. Cheaty generic counterplans are ok, but I prefer unique and interesting ones. Perms are a test of competition, not an advocacy. Make sure it competes and has a net benefit. Tell me if you want to judge kick.

DAs: Great. Weigh weigh weigh. I don't think terminal defense exists.

Theory: Condo, PICs, etc. are good, but I can be convinced otherwise if the NEG abuses it. I have a high threshold for frivolous theory. I default reasonability, drop the argument, and no RVIs unless otherwise stated. I won't vote on an RVI unless there was literally 0 mention of it.

K Affs: Explain the method and why you should win. I have difficulty voting for these AFFs because they don't explain what giving the ballot to you does. Education > Fairness and TVAs are nice for Framework. It's all about big picture and explaining what your model of debates look like.

Phil: Fine. Normally these debates devolve into tricks or theory so I'm generally not a big fan. I lean more towards util since indicts like induction fails have low thresholds for answers and other frameworks aren't super persuasive. That being said, people generally mishandle framework so if you do it well, great!

Tricks: I'm not a big fan especially since they always seem to make the debate extremely messy. I give more leeway for new responses to the opponent when blippy 1-liners are everywhere. You can read them, but expect lower speaks and a possible loss if you went for a bunch of aprioris and I have to wade through it. Saying "This is dumb" is sufficient for dumb argument that aren't warranted.

General Rules

Be nice/Don’t be rude

Don’t cheat

Make logical arguments

Don’t do things that make debate a hostile environment

Be nice to novices

Feel free to ask me any questions about the round and any improvements!