INFORMATION
All debaters will compete in three rounds, approximately 20 minutes each.
Rounds will follow a variation of the Extemporaneous Debate format:
Coin is flipped. Topic is revealed. The winner of the coin flip chooses either to argue for the proposition or the opposition.
Mandatory Prep Time: 3 minutes | Both debaters have three minute to prepare their constructive speeches and general strategies for the round. Evidence found online may be used, but it is certainly not essential given the time constraints. Having a fully developed argument ought to be prioritized over searching for supporting empirics.
Proposition Constructive: 2 minutes | The debater in favor of the resolution presents their case/position in support of the topic.
Cross Examination of Proposition: 1 minute | The opposition debater asks the proposition questions.
Opposition Constructive: 2 minutes | The debater against the resolution or the proposition’s case presents their case/position.
Cross Examination of Opposition: 1 minute | The proposition debater asks the opposition questions.
Mandatory Prep Time: 1 minute | Both debaters have one minute to prepare their rebuttals.
Proposition Rebuttal: 2 minutes | The proposition debater refutes the main idea of the opposition and supports their main ideas.
Opposition Rebuttal: 2 minutes | The opposition debater refutes the main idea of the proposition and supports their main ideas.
Mandatory Prep Time: 1 minute | Both debaters have one minute to prepare their final focus speeches.
Proposition Final Focus: 1 minute | In this final speech, the proposition crystallizes the round for the judge and aims to establish sufficient reason for a vote in favor of the resolution.
Opposition Final Focus: 1 minute | In this final speech, the opposition crystallizes the round for the judge and aims to establish sufficient reason for a vote against the proposition’s case and/or the resolution.
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DEBATE FORMAT
Brackets
Competitors are split into pools of eight. If the total competitor count exceeds a multiple of 8, competitors are distributed among groups reaching a maximum of 15 competitors. The tournament is run provided that the total competitor count is four or greater.
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Performance in previous rounds influences round pairings (i.e. round one winners debate each other in round two, etc.) Disclosure of records and delivery of feedback does not occur until after the tournament is completed.
Topics
Topics are chosen from a repository of past collegiate parliamentary debate resolutions. Resolutions either advocate an action or support a moral position.
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At the beginning of each round, a new topic is revealed for all competitors.
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While a basic knowledge of current events may be required, topics outside of the general public's awareness are not selected.
Tiebreakers
In the case that two debaters have leading records after the third round, a tiebreaker will ensue to determine the champion. The same debate format is followed with a new topic. Eliminated competitors may spectate.
Winnings
Each bracket's victor will receive $35 through PayPal.
In the rare circumstance that there are only 4 - 5 or 6 - 7 competitors in total, the winnings will be reduced to $20 and $30 respectively to ensure that we still sufficiently fundraise for charity.
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