National Christian Forensics and Communications Association “…addressing life issues from a biblical worldview in a manner that glorifies God…” Welcome to Judge Orientation For NCFCA Debate! Welcome to Judge Orientation For NCFCA Debate!

 We appreciate your time!  You are making an investment in the lives of our students.  You are helping young people across the country to learn communication skills. Thank You for Coming!

This is a communication activity. It is the student’s job to communicate with you. You are Qualified to Judge You have already been judging communication. We will give you the tools to evaluate the students.

In This Orientation  What is NCFCA debate?  How to listen to or “flow” a debate round  How to make a decision  How to fill out the ballot  Guidelines to remember

What is NCFCA debate?  Respectful argumentation between two teams on opposing sides of an idea  The affirmative team argues for the topic  The negative team opposes the topic or the affirmative’s position  Debate teams will alternate sides over the six preliminary rounds of the tournament

NCFCA Styles of Debate Team Policy (TP)  About 90 minutes  Two person teams (two on two debate)  Deals with a change in policy Team Policy (TP)  About 90 minutes  Two person teams (two on two debate)  Deals with a change in policy

Debate Topics The topics or “resolutions” for this year:  Lincoln Douglas Value Debate Resolved: National security ought to be valued above freedom of the press.  Team Policy Debate Resolved: That federal election law should be significantly reformed in the United States.

In Your Judge Packet…  Ballot  Flow Sheet – note-taking system for debate  Debate Rules and Ethics Guidelines  Speaker Point Guide

What To Expect  Debaters will introduce themselves.  You will record their names on the ballot. John Doe Jan Smith Jane Doe Jeff Gray

What To Expect  Timekeeper will sit near you and give hand signals to the debaters.  There will be one (1) judge in each preliminary round.  Before the round begins, debaters may ask if you’d like to share a little bit about yourself or if you have any judging experience.

Debate Communication  Real world, conversational-style communication is valued.  The burden of communication is on the debater.  Debaters are responsible for clarifying any terminology they use in the debate round.

 Set aside personal bias.  Listen to the debate and take notes.  Evaluate the debate round using the same judgment you use to make normal, everyday decisions.  Judge the round based upon issues entered into and refuted in the round.  Decide which team best supports their position. How to make your decision

Team Policy Flow Sheet This is a Team Policy debate note-taking system, called a flow. It helps you keep track of the arguments. FOR YOUR EYES ONLY!

Lincoln Douglas Flow Sheet This is a Lincoln Douglas Value debate note- taking system, called a flow. It helps you keep track of the arguments. FOR YOUR EYES ONLY!

Structure of Debate Each wide column represents a speech given by a debater. A=Affirmative N=Negative

Constructive Speeches The Constructive Speeches “construct” or build the arguments in the debate round.

Cross Examination  Follows each constructive speech  One debater asks a series of questions of his opponent  Debaters will face the judge – not each other  There is no space for cross- examination notes on your flow  Follows each constructive speech  One debater asks a series of questions of his opponent  Debaters will face the judge – not each other  There is no space for cross- examination notes on your flow

Rebuttal Speeches The Rebuttal Speeches respond to arguments already introduced in the Constructive Speeches.

Lincoln Douglas Flow

Flowing 101 Point 1 a.Blah b.Blab Point 2 a.Yak b.Yak-yak Point 3 a.Blip a.Blab b.Blabbity a. Yak, yak b. Yackety-Yak a.Blip-blop a.Blah b.Blah blab a. Yip-yap b. Yackety-yak a.Blippety-blop

Did the debaters use...? Now That You’ve Taken Notes  Sound logic and analysis  Compelling and respectful argumentation  Adequate support  Academic integrity  Effective communication These are things you might consider as you make your decision.

Let’s look at the ballot. Here is where you will record your decision and write feedback for the students. The Ballot

 Highlighted portion is where you record which team won – affirmative or negative.  Double Loss is a disciplinary action only (for both teams) – not a tie. John Doe Jan Smith

The Ballot  Record the reason for your decision.  Suggestions on how to improve argumentation are helpful. John Doe Jan Smith

2.Speaking Well John Doe Jan Smith Jane Doe Jeff Gray 1.Winning Debates The Ballot Debaters are judged for two things:

Evaluating the Speakers John Doe  This is an individual speaker box from the ballot.  Each individual debater will receive feedback here.

Evaluating the Speakers 1.Rate the speakers in each of the six categories. John Doe Helpful Comments and Feedback 3.Write helpful comments Circle & total speaker points.

Evaluating the Speakers John Doe Helpful Comments and Feedback 21 1.Speaker point total determines rank.  Comparing all speakers in the round, highest point total gets first rank, etc.  If speaker point totals are tied, break ties with rank. 2.Win/Loss decisions are not determined by speaker points.  Team with lower speaker points may win round

 Don’t ask questions of the debaters, or give verbal feedback.  Do stay in the competition room for the duration of the round.  Don’t use your phone during the round.  Do monitor distractions in the competition room. Guidelines

 Debate is primarily a verbal activity. Please do not request written material directly from the debaters before, during, or after the round.  In the rare instance that you have a question about the evidence presented, you may request to review it for clarification or accuracy at the end of the round by speaking with a Judge Orientation staff member. Questions?

When the round is over…  Immediately following the round, take your ballot to the designated Judge Area for completion.  Please do not mark your decision in view of the competitors.  Submit completed ballot to Ballot Return as soon as possible.

 If you have questions, please see a member of the Judge Orientation staff.  Please do not consult anyone else about your decision.  Please keep your decisions confidential throughout the tournament. Final Thoughts

We appreciate your time! Please enjoy the Judges’ refreshments! Thank you!