Competition Structure

Preliminary Rounds: 2 rounds (every participant debates twice)

• Round 1: Government position

• Round 2: Opposition position

• Topics drawn 30 minutes before debate begins

Elimination Rounds: Based on preliminary performance

• If there are 12 or less competitors the competition will jump to the next available round

• If there is an odd number of competitors, one team will randomly get a bye in which their previous or next round’s score will be duplicated

• Single elimination format

• New topics for each elimination round

Set Topic Areas by Round for 25-26 Season

Preliminary Rounds:

• Round 1: Economic Policy (Domestic)

• Round 2: International Relations (Asia, Africa, Middle East focus)

Elimination Rounds:

• (Top 12) Quarterfinals: Education, Healthcare, or Immigration Policy (Domestic)

• (Top 8) Semifinals: International Affairs (Europe, Oceania, and the Americas focus)

• (Top 4) Finals: American Politics and Government (Domestic)

Debate Format (67 Minutes)

1. Topic Introduction (5 minutes)

   • Moderator reads motion

   • Clarification questions allowed

2. Preparation Time (30 minutes)

   • Private preparation for both sides

   • Electronic devices allowed

3. Government Opening (7 minutes)

   • Present case for the motion

   • Define key terms

   • Outline main arguments

4. Opposition Cross-Examination (4 minutes)

   • Questions to government speaker

   • Must be respectful and relevant

5. Opposition Opening (7 minutes)

   • Present case against motion

   • Refute government arguments

   • Present opposition case

6. Government Cross-Examination (4 minutes)

   • Questions to opposition speaker

7. Opposition Rebuttal (5 minutes)

   • Respond to government arguments

   • Strengthen opposition case

   • No new arguments allowed

8. Government Rebuttal (5 minutes)

   • Final government response

   • Strengthen government case

   • No new arguments allowed

Debate Rules and Procedures

Approved Preparation Materials:

• Pencils

• Paper

• Electronic Devices

• Internet Access

Prohibited During Preparation:

• Communication with coaches or other competitors

• Outside research materials

• Notes from previous rounds

During Debate:

• Professional attire required

• Stand while speaking unless accommodation needed

• Address remarks to judge, not opponent

• No interruptions except for points of order

• Students may take notes/write during debate

• Respectful language required at all times

• No Internet access

• No cell phones or electronic devices

• Students may use the pad that they wrote all information down during prep time.

Advancement Criteria

Preliminary Rounds:

• Win-loss record (primary factor)

• Total points scored (tiebreaker)

• Quality of opposition faced (second tiebreaker)

• Head-to-head record (final tiebreaker)

Elimination Rounds:

• Single elimination

• Higher seed chooses side (government or opposition)

• New judges for each round

• No carryover points from preliminaries