
Judging Info
As a judge your goal is to be as fair and un-biased as possible. No matter the event, your ballot shouldn't based on their team, race, gender, your opinion on the matter, etc. Rather it should be based on how well they made the argument, how well they spoke, and how put together their case/piece was. If you need help understanding how to judge, the National Speech and Debate Association (NSDA) should have helpful information, however, if you can't find any we have a breakdown of each event for you below.
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Note: Each event has differently timed speeches, and should be provided to you on a judging sheet.
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What to Bring
When you are judging a tournament, make sure you have a laptop and materials to take notes with. You can take notes on a laptop, or you can bring pencils and paper to flow the round on. In addition, you'll need to make sure you can navigate your Speechwire account. Speechwire is where you will put in all of your decisions and feedback. It is also where you will find out when and where you are judging. There should also be a judge's lounge with food where you can be when you are not judging.
What to Wear
While the dress code is formal for the competitors, there is not necessarily a dress code for our adult judges. Please wear whatever makes you feel comfortable as you spend the day sitting in classroom chairs and listening to debaters.