1. MSPDP Rules
Ms. Chacon

2. What is MSPDP?
Middle School Public Debate Program is a modified version of parliamentary debate.

3. What is a debate?
Debate: an organized public argument on a specific topic.
What is the difference between a debate and an argument?
Differences
Argument
Conflict
Passionate
Loud angry voice
Misunderstanding and disagreement
No order or specific time
Debate
Reasoning
Evidence
Specific time allotted for each person

4. Parliamentary Debate
Parliamentary Debate loosely follows the same format of argumentation (process of how a case is presented) as the U.S. courtroom.
Proposition Team: Is the first to speak and prove their case.
Opposition Team: Must prove that the opposition team is wrong.
Proves their case.
Proposition
Team
Tries to prove the Proposition wrong.
Opposition Team
The finder of facts and decision-maker.
Judge
Argues someone’s guilty of a crime.
Prosecutor
Must prove prosecutor wrong/someone
Defense
Makes the decision of who of guilt or innocence based on facts.
Jury

5. MSPDP Rules to Debate Topic Rules:
Topic is announced (2) two to (4) four weeks before debate.
Both Impromptu and extemporaneous topics are both allowed.
* Impromptu: a topic not known before speech.
* Extemporaneous: a topic you prepare for before a speech.

6. MSPDP Rules to Debate Number of Teams and Debaters:
1. MSDPS involves two teams the proposition team and the opposition team.
2.Each team has (3) three speakers.

7. MSPDP Rules to Debate
Speakers
Time for Speaker
First Speaker-Proposition Team
5 Minutes
First Speaker-Oppositional Team
Second Speaker-Proposition Team
Second Speaker-Oppositional Team
Rebuttal Speaker-Proposition Team
3 Minutes
Rebuttal Speaker-Oppositional Team
*Rebuttals: These are summary speeches in which the debater makes the best case for their side. NO NEW ARGUMENTS ALLOWED.

8. Preparation Period
Extemporaneous Debate: 20 minutes preparation and review.
Impromptu Debate: 30 minutes preparation and Review.
Both can consult coaches, speak to team, and review.

9. Debate Materials
Students may use books, internet, articles, magazines, etc… ONLY DURING PREPERATION PERIOD.
Once debate begins debaters can not review any materials taken after the preparation period.
Any pre-prepared materials are considered a violation of the rules.

10. Points of Information
Point of Information (P.O.I): Speaker requests to surrender some time to take a question or comment from opponent. (Opponent can accept/reject)
Speaker can only accept one point at a time.
Person requesting P.O.I. must not interrupt.
Speaker can make a two part question, ask a follow-up question, or offer another comment

11. Heckling
Heckling: is slapping your hand lightly on a desk as to applaud a point. It is a sign of respect. It can be done for your team or opponent.

12. Judge Training Judges must be at least a high school sophomore.
Judges must be unbiased (neutral).
Judge determines which team successfully argued their topic.
Individual and Team points are awarded.
Argumentation, public speaking, and teamwork skills.
Debaters will receive a ballot with score and comments.