1. Quebec Student DebatingAssociation Judge’s Briefing

2. Introduction to Debating two team debate opposite sides of issues, called Proposition and Opposition.two team debate opposite sides of issues, called Proposition and Opposition. topics will be relatively substantial issues – students are expected to debate issues and not rely on humour.topics will be relatively substantial issues – students are expected to debate issues and not rely on humour. debating is NOT the same as public speaking – you are evaluating what they say, not how they say it.debating is NOT the same as public speaking – you are evaluating what they say, not how they say it. the Moderator will control the debate, read the script, and signal time remaining to the debaters.the Moderator will control the debate, read the script, and signal time remaining to the debaters. the key to any debate is “CLASH” – teams that do not engage each other cannot win.the key to any debate is “CLASH” – teams that do not engage each other cannot win.

3. Defining the Resolution do not need to define word for word, but outline parameters of the debatedo not need to define word for word, but outline parameters of the debate first Prop must do thisfirst Prop must do this definition must be fair and reasonable – debates over definitions make for very BAD debates – your judges won’t be happy.definition must be fair and reasonable – debates over definitions make for very BAD debates – your judges won’t be happy. NO PLAN is expected. Debate values and ideas, not implementation.NO PLAN is expected. Debate values and ideas, not implementation.

4. National Debate Format - Senior 1st Proposition8 minutesDefine, outline, 2-3 points 1st Opposition8 minutes2-3 points, refute 2nd Proposition8 minutes1-2 points, refute, rebuild 2nd Opposition8 minutes1-2 points, refute, rebuild 1st Opposition4 minutessummarize important points 1st Proposition4 minutes summarize important points Points of Information – during middle 6 minutes of 4 main speeches – timers bang desk to signal beginning and end of POI time. No Points of Privilege, Points of Order or Heckling!! No new information in 4 minute Summary speeches.

5. What to Look for Content and Evidence Argument and Reasoning Organization Presentation and Delivery Refutation and Rebutal

6. Scoring See the scoring breakdown for more details: Holistic score only!Holistic score only! high 80s is truly exceptional, and even then 87-88 is usually the maximum and very rare. You will be asked to justify this score.high 80s is truly exceptional, and even then 87-88 is usually the maximum and very rare. You will be asked to justify this score. the first place speaker usually averages around 85.the first place speaker usually averages around 85. under 70 is a truly weak speech.under 70 is a truly weak speech.

7. Conferral Judging *After the round, the debaters will leave the room while the judges discuss the debate. discuss for no more than 10 minutes – the head judge will lead the discussion.discuss for no more than 10 minutes – the head judge will lead the discussion. after 10 minutes, each judge fills out ballot independently.after 10 minutes, each judge fills out ballot independently. judges do not need to agree – the majority of decisions wins the round.judges do not need to agree – the majority of decisions wins the round. debaters come back into the room and head judge will make comments.debaters come back into the room and head judge will make comments. do NOT reveal the winning team – make constructive comments.do NOT reveal the winning team – make constructive comments.

8. Filling out the Ballot be sure to carefully fill out all names and enter the team code ONLY.be sure to carefully fill out all names and enter the team code ONLY. do NOT ask debaters what school they are from.do NOT ask debaters what school they are from. enter speaker’s final score only – add up the team score.enter speaker’s final score only – add up the team score. circle the winning team – the team with most points must win.circle the winning team – the team with most points must win. you may write comments, but many find it easier to give verbal comments.you may write comments, but many find it easier to give verbal comments.