2024-2025

Handbook
Last Revised October 17, 2024

© 2024 American Speech and Debate Association All rights reserved.

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Page 1

What’s New This Year

General
• Core Values: Conversational, Collaborative, Kind. (page 4)
• Adult Representatives are required at tournaments for all students. (page 7)
• One adult may represent no more than four students. (page 7)
• Judge Recruitment is the responsibility of every competitor and coach. (page 10)

Speech Events
• Prepared speech time limit is eight minutes. (page 14)
• Belief & Values is a new limited preparation event with a pre-determined list of questions. Study
the list in advance. Prepare specific sources to support ideas. (page 16)
• The Belief &Values Topic Bank is found on page 17. (page 17)
• Extemporaneous speech events will only be available at Nationals and a few limited online
tournaments in 2025. (page 14)

Debate Events
• Debate events are conversational (traditional) style rather than progressive style including
speaking at a conversational rate and refraining from using ad hominem attacks. (page 26)
• Team Policy round format is different than other leagues with just 2 minutes of cross
examination and 3 minutes of rebuttal time. (page 32)

Debate Resolutions for 2024-2025

2024-2025 ASDA Lincoln-Douglas Debate Resolution (page 26)

In the United States criminal justice system, jury nullification ought to be used in the face of perceived
injustice.

2024-2025 ASDA Team Policy Debate Resolution (page 31)

The United States Federal Government should significantly reform its foreign policy toward one or more
of the following countries: Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica.

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Table of Contents
What’s New This Year ................................................................................................................................ 1

General .................................................................................................................................................. 1

Speech Events ........................................................................................................................................ 1

Debate Events........................................................................................................................................ 1

Debate Resolutions for 2024-2025 ........................................................................................................ 1

Table of Contents ...................................................................................................................................... 2

Mission Statement..................................................................................................................................... 4

Core Values and Conduct ........................................................................................................................... 4

Core Values............................................................................................................................................ 4

Tournament Code of Conduct ................................................................................................................ 5

Appropriateness of Material .................................................................................................................. 5

Safety ........................................................................................................................................................ 6

Open Door Unless 3 or More ................................................................................................................. 6

Adult Representative ............................................................................................................................. 7

Handbook Adherence ................................................................................................................................ 7

Compliance ............................................................................................................................................ 7

Eligibility .................................................................................................................................................... 8

Eligibility FAQs ....................................................................................................................................... 8

Prepare to Compete .................................................................................................................................. 9

Curriculum ............................................................................................................................................. 9

Clubs ...................................................................................................................................................... 9

Coaching .............................................................................................................................................. 10

Tournaments ........................................................................................................................................... 10

Judge Recruitment ............................................................................................................................... 10

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Page 3

Tournament Competitor Instructions .................................................................................................. 11

Tournament Host Instructions ............................................................................................................. 12

Tournament Judge Instructions ........................................................................................................... 12

ASDA National Tournament ................................................................................................................. 12

Competition Speech Events ..................................................................................................................... 14

General Speech Rules .......................................................................................................................... 14

Belief & Values Limited Prep ................................................................................................................ 16

Digital Presentation Rules .................................................................................................................... 18

Duo Interpretation Rules ..................................................................................................................... 19

Extemporaneous Speaking Rules ......................................................................................................... 21

Impromptu Speaking Rules .................................................................................................................. 22

Open Interpretation Rules ................................................................................................................... 23

Original Oratory Rules.......................................................................................................................... 25

Competition Debate Events ..................................................................................................................... 26

Lincoln-Douglas Debate ....................................................................................................................... 26

Team Policy Debate ............................................................................................................................. 31

Index........................................................................................................................................................ 36

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Page 4

Mission Statement
American Speech and Debate Association’s mission is to prepare the next generation of leaders by
providing competitive speech and debate events where youth learn to communicate their ideas, beliefs
and values effectively while maintaining respect for differing views.

To accomplish this mission, ASDA:

• Embraces those values found in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution such as
freedom of speech and religion.
• Cultivates an atmosphere of collaboration and congeniality where freedom of conscience in all
religious beliefs and political stances is honored.
• Welcomes youth from all learning environments.

Core Values and Conduct

ASDA agrees with the Declaration of Independence in claiming that “all men are created equal.” We
expect our competitors, judges, coaches, staff, adults and visitors to treat all people with respect and
honor and to commit to the following statement of values and tournament conduct.

“In my relationship with ASDA, whether as a competitor, judge, coach, staff, adult or visitor, I commit to
upholding our shared core values of being conversational, collaborative, and kind as I honor each
person’s free exercise of conscience. Communication is here meant to include mutual understanding as
well as peaceably hearing or presenting material that has the ability to generate strong opinions.”

Core Values
Conversational: “In refining my skills of effective communication, I employ a conversational rate of
speaking and style of presentation. I am willing to hear opinions that differ from my own regarding
religion, money, health, politics, etc. Competitors, judges, and audience observers listening with an
unbiased preconception will be shown that I value being conversational.”

Collaborative: “I will work peaceably with others to accomplish the mission of American Speech and
Debate Association. I will help prepare the next generation of leaders as I attempt to communicate my
ideas, beliefs and values effectively while maintaining respect for differing views. I will do my best to
help others.”

Kind: “I will be kind and polite in all my words to and about other people, whether or not they are
present and whether or not I agree with them.”

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Tournament Code of Conduct

“I will treat others with courtesy and kindness, in and out of competition rounds, including refraining
from ad hominem attacks and name calling. Ad hominem attacks are arguments directed at a person
rather than the position they are maintaining. Name calling refers to any type of insult, label, or
definition other than the other person’s actual name (or approved nickname) or position in the round.

“I will exercise integrity, tell the truth, and be honest.

“I will give credit where credit is due and never commit plagiarism.

“I will follow all speech and debate rules and admit mistakes when rules are broken.

“I will honor the decisions and requests of staff members, judges and other adults.

“I will respect the property of others and never steal or harm another’s property.

“I will avoid vulgarity and crude or rude humor, in words or in actions, either in rounds or at any other
time when participating with ASDA.

“I will report any unsafe situation to tournament staff immediately.

“I will refrain from public displays of affection.

“I will never use, retrieve, share, save or display any hate-based, discriminatory or sexually explicit
material.

“I will not use or possess alcohol, tobacco, e-cigarettes, illegal drugs, pornography or any other generally
unacceptable items.

“I will not possess dangerous items like knives, lighters or other weapons.”

Appropriateness of Material
All material presented in speech and debate events is prepared by the competitor. See general and
specific event rules below for information about each event. All material presented at ASDA events must
meet the following appropriateness standards. If you are unsure whether your topic is appropriate, you
are encouraged to get approval before the tournament by emailing the league at least two weeks prior
to the tournament to [email protected]. If adjudicated during the tournament, the Tournament
Coordinator should err on the side of discretion and the protection of our youngest competitors. The
ultimate decision of what is appropriate is determined by a committee appointed by the board of ASDA.

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Mature Topics
Mature topics are not allowed. Mature topics are those topics that include or require research or
discussion of events hypothetical or actual that are sexually oriented, profane, or contain realistic
violence that is either extreme or persistent. Mature topics are not appropriate for our competitor age
range and therefore will not be allowed. If discovery or presentation of a topic would be inappropriate
for children aged 17 and younger, the topic is too mature for ASDA, and the speech or debate case will
be disqualified. For example, debate cases or speeches regarding transgender issues, prostitution, rape,
late term abortion, or other similar subjects will be disqualified. We recognize that these topics are
important and should be discussed in society, just not with the age of our competitors.

Sensitive Topics
Sensitive topics may be allowed in speech but not in debate. Sensitive topics are those topics that
include or require research or discussion of events hypothetical or actual that are disturbing or
emotional, but not necessarily ruled out by the mature topics rule. If discovery or presentation of a topic
would be inappropriate for children aged 13 and younger, it is a sensitive topic. Sensitive topics may be
presented in a speech event only after inviting young competitors or children to leave the room.
Because it is impossible to invite young competitors or children to leave a debate room, sensitive topics
may not be used in debate and will be disqualified. For example, the following topics may not be used in
debate but may be used in speech with the proper disclaimers and if they are not graphic or gratuitous
in nature: discussion of the holocaust, abortion, sex trafficking, drug use, assisted suicide, or other
similar subjects.

Safety

Open Door Unless 3 or More

In order to protect the safety of competitors, parents, volunteers and others at ASDA events, American
Speech and Debate Association follows an “open door unless 3 or more” rule. This rule states that there
must be 3 or more people in a room before a door is closed. All doors should be propped open between
rounds and whenever there are fewer than 3 people in a room. No one should be alone with another
person in a room, whether physical or virtual. In online tournaments, when there are fewer than three
people in a room, all participants should keep their video and microphones turned off until the third
person enters the room.

We recognize that the “open door unless 3 or more” rule does not eliminate the possibility of danger.
However, it is our hope that adherence to this rule will reduce the chances for unsafe conditions to
exist. All competitors, parents, volunteers or others should report any unsafe situation to tournament
staff immediately even if this rule has been followed.

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Page 7

Adult Representative
Adults at tournaments serve a variety of purposes. They are chaperones, coaches, judges, staff, and
emergency contacts for competitors. For this reason, it is essential that each competitor submit the
name and contact information of their Adult Representative(s) when they register for each tournament.

Parents are the preferred Adult Representative. Parents can fill all the above roles for their competitors.
When parents are at the tournament with their competitors, they should expect to judge more than half
the rounds, assist with compliance concerns, and serve on staff. However, when a parent is not available
to serve as the Adult Representative, competitors may designate a different chaperone by filling out a
release waiver and recruiting one or more additional adults willing to judge more than half the rounds at
the tournament. Coaches can expect to chaperone their competitors, judge, serve on staff, and help
their competitors find additional judges willing to fill the necessary judge opportunities. Coaches or
other adults may serve as the designated adult representative for a maximum of four students.

Competitors will not be allowed to participate without a designated adult representative onsite the
entire time the student is at the ASDA tournament or event.

Handbook Adherence
Competitors, coaches, judges, parents, and all other participants in ASDA league events including
tournaments and any other ASDA event or activity agree to adhere to all aspects of this handbook
including mission, values, event rules, etc. Competitors may incur penalties ranging from instruction on
the handbook to tournament rank reductions to loss of affiliation or other if they disregard any aspect of
this handbook. ASDA reserves the right to include or exclude competitors, judges, parents or other
adults or observers based on their adherence to the values and instructions herein.

Compliance
Questions about rule violation or any other violation of this handbook may be reported by competitors,
adults, staff, judges or others to the compliance staff at the tournament. The compliance staff under the
direction of the tournament leadership will review the report and determine the consequences.
Consequences may include education, rank reduction, speaker point reduction, forfeiture of the round,
tournament disqualification, loss of affiliation, or other if necessary to ensure the honest and unbiased
application of this handbook.

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Eligibility
To be eligible for competition during the 2024-2025 season, a competitor must affiliate with ASDA, read
and abide by this handbook, and meet all three of these age and educational criteria:

1. Age no younger than 12 years old on January 1, 2025

2. Age no older than 18 years old on September 1, 2024
3. Not have graduated from high school

For competitors who are too young to compete, some tournaments offer a Juniors Tournament
concurrently with the regular tournament. Competitors wanting to compete in the Juniors Tournament
should consult the Juniors Handbook for rules and eligibility.

Eligibility FAQs
● I am younger or older than the eligibility requirements, but I am eager to compete. Will
American Speech and Debate Association make an exception?

No. Younger competitors may participate in Juniors Tournaments. Competitors who have
already graduated from high school or who are too old to compete may be eligible to judge.

● I have graduated from high school. Am I eligible to compete?

No. Competitors who have received a high school diploma or who are too old to compete are
not eligible for competition, but they may be eligible to judge.

● I have special needs or a learning disability. Am I allowed to compete?

Yes. Competitors with special needs or learning disabilities are encouraged to compete.
Accommodations for competitors with special needs or learning disabilities are provided at the
discretion of league or tournament leadership. Any adaptation of event rules must be approved
by the National Tournament Director in advance of any competition. Email
[email protected] with requests.

● I have physical limitations. Can I compete?

Yes. Competitors with physical limitations are eligible to compete. American Speech and Debate
Association will make accommodations when practical. Accommodations may vary from
tournament to tournament. Requests for special arrangements that may affect competition
must be made in advance by sending a detailed explanation of the situation to the National
Tournament Director. Email [email protected] with requests.

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● I compete in a college forensics league. Can I also compete in American Speech and Debate
Association tournaments?

No. A competitor who competes in forensics at the collegiate level is ineligible to compete in
American Speech and Debate Association tournaments. However, taking a college course while
in high school on a dual enrollment or concurrent enrollment basis does not make a competitor
ineligible for ASDA competition, even if that course includes forensics instruction.

● I compete in another high school forensic league. Can I also compete in American Speech and
Debate Association tournaments?

Yes. Any competitor who meets our eligibility requirements is encouraged to compete.

● I am homeschooled. Can I compete?

Yes. Competitors from any educational background are welcome to compete.

● I attend a public or private school that does not have an ASDA speech or debate team. Can I
compete?

Yes. Competitors may register for tournaments as individuals. A school team or competition club
is not required for participation.

Prepare to Compete

Curriculum
American Speech and Debate Association allows competitors to prepare for competition using any
curriculum they choose so long as they follow competition rules at tournaments. Some competitors
choose to use the excellent curriculum and resources available from our partners. Partner information
can be found on our website www.americanspeech.org. We encourage our affiliates to enhance their
preparation by using partner services.

Clubs
Some competitors gather in clubs for preparation throughout the year in order to have larger practice
opportunities, however, it is not required for ASDA competitors to belong to a club. Competitors may
prepare for competition in whatever way works for them so long as they follow the guidelines of this
handbook.

Some of the advantages to meeting in a club might include:

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• Shared resources for coaching. By combining talents and money, clubs can find premises,
teachers and curriculum that they can share. For more information about how to form a club in
your area, please reach out to ASDA at [email protected]. We have partners and staff
members who can help.
• Parent involvement. Some clubs meet in the evening or on weekends so they can invite parents
who would otherwise be uninvolved in their child’s education to participate. Parents recognize
the opportunities for growth in a competitive environment. They offer a unique perspective that
is valued in ASDA.
• Virtual practice. Some clubs meet virtually through online platforms. This flexibility allows
competitors in remote areas to experience the benefits of preparing with a club. For more
information about how to locate a virtual club or to form your own virtual club, please reach out
to ASDA at [email protected].
• School Speech and Debate Club. Schools with speech and debate teams are treated as clubs in
ASDA. Competitors may register for tournaments through their school, or they may register
individually with their families. If a school would like to register their competitors, please reach
out to [email protected] for the school registration form.
• Host tournament. Clubs are invited to host tournaments in their area and invite others in the
league to participate. This creates opportunities that are convenient for local competitors.
Please contact the National Tournament Director at [email protected] for more
information.

Coaching
Coaches for ASDA do not need advanced training. Many coaches are just interested parents. Some
coaches prepare their own materials based on the ASDA Handbook. Others may use commercially
available curriculum. For more information about resources available to help new coaches prepare their
competitors, please reach out to ASDA at [email protected].

Sometimes competitors choose to hire a private professional coach to help them prepare. It is in the
sole discretion of the competitor and the competitor’s family whether to seek private coaching. Many of
our partners listed on our website www.americanspeech.org offer private coaching resources. Please
reach out to ASDA at [email protected] for more information.

Tournaments

Judge Recruitment
It is the responsibility of every competitor and coach to recruit judges for each tournament the
competitor attends. Although judge recruitment may not cost money, it is part of the price of
participation in ASDA. Every tournament needs judges in order to run. Competitors need judges in order

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to get feedback and have the opportunity to compete. Much of the judge responsibility can be filled by
parents or adult representatives, but there is always a need for additional community judges. From the
time a competitor affiliates, they should begin talking to family, friends, teachers, pastors and other
adults in their life about this activity.

Competitors should expect to invite and fill several judge spots at each tournament through their own
networks of support. For reference, judging one round typically takes 2-3 hours. It is a rewarding
experience for the adults who are invited. Judges routinely thank ASDA students for inviting them. It
gives them hope for the future when they meet articulate, polite and thoughtful competitors at
tournaments.

Tournament Competitor Instructions

Debate Registration Restrictions

A competitor or team may register for one debate event per tournament. This means that an individual
competitor may register for Lincoln-Douglas Debate or a team of two competitors may register for Team
Policy Debate. An individual competitor will be disqualified from competing in Team Policy Debate if
they have no registered teammate competing with them. If a competitor or team registers in a debate
event at a tournament, they must compete in only that debate type, and in all rounds for which they
qualify. Competitors may register for the other debate event at a different tournament within the same
school year.

Speech Registration Restrictions

A competitor or team may register for up to three speech types per tournament. An individual
competitor will be disqualified from competing in Duo Interpretation if they have no registered
teammate competing with them. If a competitor or team registers for one or more speech events at a
tournament, they must compete in only those speech types, and in all rounds for which they qualify.
They may register for different speech events at a different tournament within the same school year.

Dress Code
● A business suit with dress shoes is the most appropriate choice.
● Other formal business attire may also be worn.

Just as a lawyer or elected official would dress in formal business attire in a courtroom, congress or
board room, competitors in ASDA should also wear formal business attire. A neat appearance in well-
fitted clothing demonstrates commitment to the activity.

ASDA judges are allowed to take appearance into account when ranking speakers and debaters and are
asked to inform tournament staff of any flagrant abuses of the dress code. Competitors should avoid
any clothing or grooming choices that may distract the judges from hearing what they are presenting.

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Very casual clothing such as t-shirts, jeans and athletic wear are never appropriate when presenting a
speech or debate. Clothing with a logo, emblem or symbol, such as a school uniform or military uniform
is not formal business attire and therefore, not appropriate. Likewise, very formal dress attire such as
tuxedos and prom dresses are not appropriate. Competitors who are not appropriately attired will be
taught what is appropriate and asked to amend their dress.

Business casual clothing is acceptable attire when between rounds or when observing speeches or
debates. Graphics on clothing must be in line with the ASDA code of conduct. Anyone wearing clothing
that includes foul language, inappropriate graphics, or hate speech will be asked to change clothing
immediately or leave the tournament facility.

Tournament Host Instructions

We invite anyone, club leader or other, to host a tournament. Please contact [email protected]
for more information. An invitation to attend the tournament must go out league-wide early enough
that interested competitors have time to sign up.

As much as possible, qualifying tournaments should protect the impartiality of the judges by prohibiting
parents from judging their own competitors and preferring (as much as possible) that parents and
coaches refrain from judging someone they do life with or that they have coached in that event.
Conflicts will be resolved by the tournament leadership at time of event depending on judge need.

Tournament Judge Instructions

Judges must:

1. Be an adult not qualified to compete as a competitor.

2. Read the league mission and the event-specific rules that pertain to judging.
3. Fill out the ballot as quickly as possible after the round.
4. Refrain from speaking about the round until after the tournament is over.

ASDA National Tournament

At each tournament, competitors compete for ASDA National Tournament points. Competitors earn
National Tournament points in events based on the criteria in the ASDA Tabulation Handbook.
Additional National Tournament points may be awarded at-large to fill available space.

1. Competitors may only receive a maximum of one point per event at any given tournament.
2. Competitors may only register to compete at the National Tournament in events for which they
received a qualifying number of Nationals points over the course of the competition season
whether earned at a tournament or at-large.

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Page 13

3. Competitors may compete at the National Tournament in multiple events up to the limit
imposed by the tournament, provided they have received a qualifying number of Nationals
points in each of those events.
4. Any prepared speech qualifying to compete at the National Tournament must retain 70% or
more of the original qualifying material.

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Competition Speech Events

ASDA offers competitors the opportunity to compete in up to three speech events at any given
tournament. Each speech event is governed by the general and specific speech rules. The speech events
for the 2024-2025 school year are:

• Belief & Values Limited Prep

• Digital Presentation
• Duo Interpretation
• Extemporaneous Speaking (not available at all tournaments)
• Impromptu Speaking
• Open Interpretation
• Original Oratory

General Speech Rules

1. General speech rules apply to all speech events.
2. The speech must be the original work of the competitor.
3. All sources must be acknowledged verbally in the speech.
4. For prepared speeches, all sources must be acknowledged on scripts with both parenthetical
citations and with a Works Cited page at the end of the script. An academic style guide such as
MLA, APA or Chicago should be used to determine how to properly acknowledge sources in
scripts.
5. Any Artificial Intelligence (AI) generated text such as might be generated by ChatGPT or other is
considered a source and must be acknowledged properly the same as any other source. Directly
quoted AI generated text must be limited to the quoted word limit for the specific speech type.
6. Plagiarism will not be tolerated. Use of others’ words, theories, ideas or stories without proper
acknowledgement constitutes plagiarism, whether the source material is directly quoted or
paraphrased. Common knowledge, meaning information that the average person can be
expected to know, does not need to be cited. ASDA reserves the right to examine speeches for
plagiarism and disqualify any that do not meet these standards.
7. All work must be prepared for a single school year. Competitors may use a speech script to
compete in other leagues in addition to ASDA competition as long as they occur during the same
school year. Speeches performed competitively in ASDA or in other leagues in previous school
years may not be used.
8. Competitors are responsible for their timers in the competition room. Before speaking, the
competitor will show a timer set to zero. The head judge will acknowledge that the timer is set
properly. Then the competitor will start the timer when they begin speaking and stop it when
they finish, showing the final time to the judges while verbally announcing the final time. The
timer should be placed within view of the speaker.
9. Only feet may touch the floor when a speech is presented.

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10. Presentation of any material related to the speech, whether verbal or non-verbal, before the
timer is activated or after the timer is stopped is called a pre-show and will not be allowed.
Competitors may give a brief introduction of their name and the speech type being performed
as well as any other discussion necessary to confirm that judges are ready.
11. Audience participation is not allowed. Competitors may not request interaction from the judges
or the spectators in the room. Audience members may not prompt the speaker.
12. No vulgarity will be permitted, including profanity, crude gestures, and other inappropriate
content. See Appropriateness of Material above. Profanity refers to offensive words or actions
used to intensify language or insult.
13. Unless allowed in individual speech rules, no visual aids may be used.

General Script Submission Instructions

All prepared speeches will require submission of scripts prior to the tournament. Some speeches also
require submission of visual support or preparation of source material. Specific instructions are included
for every speech type.

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Belief & Values Limited Prep

The purpose of the Belief & Values Limited Prep speech type is to give students a safe place to express
their own beliefs and values in answer to a variety of questions pertaining to philosophy, religion,
American values, or the human condition. Competitors are given two possible topics and two minutes to
prepare a 5-minute speech. During the preparation time, competitors may use physical note cards they
have prepared in advance. The topics will be randomly chosen from a pre-published bank of questions.
In their speech, competitors should cite specific sources to support their position.

Belief & Values Limited Prep Rules

1. Competitors may bring their pre-prepared note cards and a writing utensil into competition
rooms. They may not use any other written or electronic resources once they have entered
the competition room. Note cards may be 4x6 size or smaller.
2. The topic card and any notecards may be held by the competitor while delivering the speech.
3. Sources of support referenced on the note cards and in the speech may include (but are not
limited to) scripture, authoritative commentary on scripture, religious dogma, philosophers,
personal stories and notes, etc.
4. Sources of support must follow the general speech rules regarding plagiarism.
5. Any sources cited in the speech must be acknowledged verbally during the speech and if not
commonly known should be noted on the card. Any note card used in the speech should be
kept by the competitor through the end of the tournament.
6. Competitors are allowed and encouraged to present ideas and beliefs that may differ from
those of the judges. Judges will be instructed to evaluate the speech based on the objective
measures found on the ballot rather than personal bias.
7. The tone of the speech should foster respect among differing beliefs. Speeches should not be
derogatory to other beliefs.
8. Competitors may speak for up to 5 minutes. There are 15 seconds of grace time. Competitors
who go over the 15 seconds of grace time will receive time penalties.
9. Any use of characterization, singing or dancing should be minimal and make sense with the
topic and thesis of the speech. It is not allowed to share a complete speech in characterization
other than that of the competitor.

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Page 17

Belief & Values Topic Bank

25. What is a hero?
1. Why do some people prevail in the face of
26. Which natural human rights are the most
adversity while others fail?
important?
2. How do your beliefs about an afterlife affect
27. If you could teach everyone in the world
the way you live?
one concept, what concept would have the
3. What does the American Dream mean to
biggest positive impact on humanity?
you?
28. Are humans inherently good or evil?
4. How does art affect your life?
29. How can you live with integrity?
5. Why do bad things happen in the world?
30. By what standards do you judge yourself?
6. What is beauty?
31. Is liberty and justice for all attainable?
7. How can you honor a diversity of beliefs?
32. How does the media influence people’s
8. How do you put your beliefs into practice?
beliefs and values?
9. What is a community's responsibility to the
33. What is the relationship between justice
individual?
and mercy?
10. What is an individual's responsibility to
34. When does a positive personality trait
their community?
become a tragic flaw?
11. How does diversity benefit society?
35. How does perspective shape or alter truth?
12. What is the proper relation between faith
36. What is our responsibility to our planet?
and reason?
37. What role should prayer or meditation have
13. What does it mean to be free?
in your life?
14. How are freedom and responsibility
38. Why does the right to property matter?
related?
39. What is the purpose of life?
15. Should freedom be sacrificed in the interest
40. What are some aspects of a healthy
of security?
relationship?
16. Why is freedom of speech important?
41. Why do you treat others the way you do?
17. How do your friends affect your beliefs and
42. How does freedom of religion benefit
your values?
society?
18. How does a belief in a higher power affect
43. What role should service have in our lives?
the way you live your life?
44. How do we use stories to understand our
19. What does it mean to live a good life?
experiences?
20. How can you become a better person?
45. What is truth?
21. What is goodness?
46. Why are certain truths considered
22. What is the proper relationship between
universal?
religious belief and democratic
47. Is war ever justifiable?
government?
48. Where does your personal worth come
23. What is the best way to attain happiness?
from?
24. How do people grow through hardship?

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Digital Presentation Rules

Digital Presentation is a platform speech. It is a visually supported speech written, memorized and
presented by the competitor. Digital Presentation may include visual support from a device. PowerPoint,
Prezi, Google Slides or other presentation software may be used to create the visual portion of the
speech. Visual support should begin with an opening slide and end with a blank slide and should include
five or more slides total.

Digital Presentation Speech Rules

1. All general speech rules must be followed.
2. Competitors may speak for up to eight minutes. There are 15 seconds of grace time.
Competitors who go over the 15 seconds of grace time will receive time penalties.
3. A competitor may directly quote a maximum of 350 words total in the speech. Directly quoted
words may be sprinkled throughout the speech as long as they are verbally attributed and cited
properly.
4. Images used in visual support must be credited on the slide.

Digital Presentation Script Submission

1. Digital Presentation requires a full script to be submitted prior to the tournament. Online
submission instructions will be distributed before the submission deadline.
2. Scripts should be in black, 12-point font and double spaced. Hyperlinks may be in blue.
3. Scripts must include the name of the competitor and the title of the speech.
4. A Works Cited page must be included if the script includes any words, theories, ideas or stories
that were created by someone other than the competitor. Every source must be included on the
Works Cited page, whether the information is directly quoted or paraphrased in the script.
5. Every source must also be acknowledged parenthetically after each mention in the script,
according to the rules of the style guide chosen by the competitor. MLA, APA and Chicago are
recommended options for style guides.
6. The script submitted must be the script performed by the competitor.
7. Visual support (slides) must be submitted in the form of an image that can be opened by anyone
regardless of whether they have the specific presentation software.

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Duo Interpretation Rules

Duo Interpretation is a literary interpretation event in which two competitors choose a published or self-
authored piece of literature, cut the work into a presentation, act out all the roles, and direct all the
action. Duo Interpretation provides substantial freedom of imagination to competitors. Without sets,
props or costumes available, competitors use body language, facial expressions, and voice to create rich
characters and settings. Duo Interpretation gives competitors the opportunity to present classic
literature and works with high literary merit in a dynamic, entertaining way. Duo Interpretation
speeches may be dramatic or humorous in tone.

Duo Interpretation Speech Rules

1. All general speech rules must be followed.
2. Competitors may speak for up to eight minutes. There are 15 seconds of grace time.
Competitors who go over the 15 seconds of grace time will receive time penalties.
3. If competitors choose to include singing, it should be motivated by the original source. Up to
150 words may be sung in total in the speech.
4. Dancing should be limited in nature and make sense with the original source material.
5. Sound effects are allowed.
6. One published or self-authored work must be used as the source material for each speech.
7. An introduction must be presented. It must be delivered at the beginning of the speech and may
be after a short teaser section.
8. The introduction must include the title and author of the literature selection.
9. A conclusion may also be used. If used, the conclusion must be the final words of the speech.
10. The introduction and conclusion combined may be up to 150 original words, not including the
title and author of the literature selection.
11. The introduction and conclusion must be written by the competitor(s). Any sources referenced
in the introduction or conclusion must be acknowledged verbally, cited parenthetically, and
listed in the Works Cited. This includes the literature selection.
12. The two competitors must be the same two competitors for an entire tournament.
13. The two competitors must not intentionally touch or make eye contact with each other.

Duo Interpretation Literature Cutting Rules

1. The original source may be cut to fit the time limit.
2. It is permissible to cut phrases from several sentences and string them together, but it is not
permissible to string together individual words from separate sentences to create original
sentences. Single words may only be used for transitions or character identification.
3. Repeating an author’s words is permitted even when the repetition does not occur in the
original text.

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4. Lines may be reassigned to any other existing character in the work. If that necessitates
changing an author’s words for pronoun substitution, verb tense, or subject-verb agreement,
those changes are allowed.

Duo Interpretation Script Submission

1. Duo Interpretation requires a full script to be submitted prior to the tournament. Online
submission instructions will be distributed before the submission deadline.
2. Scripts should be in black, 12-point font and double spaced. Hyperlinks may be in blue.
3. Scripts must include the name of the competitor(s) and the title of the speech.
4. Interpretation scripts should not include stage directions. They may be written in a play format,
with each line listed according to which character says it, or they may be written in prose format
with unspoken names and attributions removed.
5. A Works Cited page must be included.
6. The Works Cited must include the source of the literature selection. If the original words include
any words, theories, ideas or stories that were created by someone other than the
competitor(s), those sources must also be included in the Works Cited. Every source must be
included on the Works Cited page, whether the information is directly quoted or paraphrased in
the script.
7. Every source in the original words must also be acknowledged verbally in the speech and
parenthetically in the script after each mention in the script, according to the rules of the style
guide chosen by the competitor(s). MLA, APA and Chicago are recommended options for style
guides.
8. The script submitted must be the script performed by the competitor(s).
9. Original source material must be available to tournament staff if requested. The original source
material may be in print or digital copy, and the text used in the competitor’s script must be
marked.

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Extemporaneous Speaking Rules

Extemporaneous Speaking is a limited preparation event. Topics are drawn from current events. The
topics focus on any topic in domestic, international or business news. Competitors choose from the
topics given, then they have a short time to prepare before presenting their speech. During the
preparation time, competitors may use any physical or digital news clippings they have brought.
Extemporaneous Speeches are supported with verbal citations.

Extemporaneous Speech Rules

1. Competitors will be assigned a draw time for each extemporaneous speaking round. At the draw
time, competitors will present themselves at the Extemp Prep Room. They will show the room
monitor a timer set to 20 minutes. Upon drawing their topics, the competitor will begin the
timer counting down and begin their preparation time. Competitors will be given 2 topics to
choose from. The topics will come from current events in the category of domestic,
international or business topics.
2. During preparation time, competitors may use any printed resources they have brought with
them. They may use electronically clipped resources that are downloaded on the competitor’s
device. Sources should come from reputable news sources. Competitors may not use the
internet during preparation time. Only previously saved resources may be used. Competitors
also may not use any documents that are not publicly printed. No speech materials prepared by
the competitor before the competition rounds begin may be used.
3. Competitors must provide a 3x5 index card and a writing utensil. Any sources cited in the speech
must be acknowledged verbally during the speech and noted on the card. The card will be held
by the competitor when presenting the speech and should be kept by the competitor through
the end of the tournament.
4. At the end of the 20-minute preparation time, an ASDA staff member will escort the competitor
to the competition room.
5. Competitors may speak for up to seven minutes. There are 15 seconds of grace time.
Competitors who go over the 15 seconds of grace time will receive time penalties.
6. Any use of characterization, singing or dancing should be minimal and make sense with the topic
and thesis of the speech. It is not allowed to share a complete speech in characterization other
than that of the competitor.

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Impromptu Speaking Rules

Impromptu Speaking is a limited preparation event. Competitors choose from the topics given, then
they have a short time to prepare before presenting an informative or persuasive speech. Topics may be
single words, phrases, quotes or questions.

Impromptu Speech Rules

1. Competitors may bring a blank sheet of paper and a writing utensil into competition rooms.
They may not use any written or electronic resources once they have entered the competition
room.
2. Competitors may use their blank sheet of paper to make notes during preparation time,
however they may not hold or view any notes during delivery of their speech. Competitors may
not write on the topic card given to them during the round. The topic card may be held by the
competitor while delivering the speech.
3. After introducing themselves and making sure the judges are ready, competitors will show a
timer to the judges. The timer should be set to two minutes, counting down.
4. The head judge will provide a topic card for the competitor that has two possible topics on it.
Upon picking up and looking at the topic card, the competitor will begin the timer.
5. When the timer goes off or if the competitor is ready earlier, the competitor must complete
preparation time and present their speech.
6. Competitors may speak for up to five minutes. There are 15 seconds of grace time. Competitors
who go over the 15 seconds of grace time will receive time penalties.
7. Any use of characterization, singing or dancing should be minimal and make sense with the topic
and thesis of the speech. It is not allowed to share a complete speech in characterization other
than that of the competitor.

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Open Interpretation Rules

Open Interpretation is a literary interpretation event in which the competitor chooses a published or
self-authored piece of literature, cuts the work into a presentation, acts out all the roles, and directs all
the action. Open Interpretation provides substantial freedom of imagination to competitors. Without
sets, props or costumes available, competitors use body language, facial expressions, and voice to create
rich characters and settings. Open Interpretation gives competitors the opportunity to present classic
literature and works with high literary merit in a dynamic, entertaining way. Open Interpretation
Speeches may be dramatic or humorous in tone.

Open Interpretation Speech Rules

1. All general speech rules must be followed.
2. Competitors may speak for up to eight minutes. There are 15 seconds of grace time.
Competitors who go over the 15 seconds of grace time will receive time penalties.
3. If competitors choose to include singing, it should be motivated by the original source. Up to
150 words may be sung in total in the speech.
4. Dancing should be limited in nature and make sense with the original source material.
5. Sound effects are allowed.
6. One published or self-authored work must be used as the source material for each speech.
7. An introduction must be presented. It must be delivered at the beginning of the speech and may
be after a short teaser section.
8. The introduction must include the title and author of the literature selection.
9. A conclusion may also be used. If used, the conclusion must be the final words of the speech.
10. The introduction and conclusion combined may be up to 150 words, not including the title and
author of the literature selection.
11. The introduction and conclusion must be written by the competitor(s). Any sources referenced
in the introduction or conclusion must be acknowledged verbally, cited parenthetically, and
listed in the Works Cited. This includes the literature selection.

Open Interpretation Literature Cutting Rules

1. The original source may be cut to fit the time limit.
2. It is permissible to cut phrases from several sentences and string them together, but it is not
permissible to string together individual words from separate sentences to create original
sentences. Single words may only be used for transitions or character identification.
3. Repeating an author’s words is permitted even when the author does not do so.
4. Lines may be reassigned to any other existing character in the work. If that necessitates
changing an author’s words for pronoun substitution, verb tense, or subject-verb agreement,
those changes are allowed.

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Open Interpretation Script Submission

1. Open Interpretation requires a full script to be submitted prior to the tournament. Online
submission instructions will be distributed before the submission deadline.
2. Scripts should be in black, 12-point font and double spaced. Hyperlinks may be in blue.
3. Scripts must include the name of the competitor and the title of the speech.
4. Interpretation scripts should not include stage directions. They may be written in a play format,
with each line listed according to which character says it or they may be written in prose format
with unspoken names and attributions removed.
5. A Works Cited page must be included.
6. The Works Cited must include the source of the literature selection. If the original words include
any words, theories, ideas or stories that were created by someone other than the
competitor(s), those sources must also be included in the Works Cited. Every source must be
included on the Works Cited page, whether the information is directly quoted or paraphrased in
the script.
7. Every source in the original words must also be acknowledged verbally in the speech and
parenthetically in the script after each mention in the script, according to the rules of the style
guide chosen by the competitor(s). MLA, APA and Chicago are recommended options for style
guides.
8. The script submitted must be the script performed by the competitor(s).
9. Original source material must be available to tournament staff if requested. The original source
material may be in print or digital copy, and the text used in the competitor’s script must be
marked.

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Original Oratory Rules

Original Oratory is a platform speech. It is a speech written, memorized, and presented by the
competitor. Because competitors prepare their Original Oratory speech scripts throughout the season,
they are able to present topics they care deeply about and have researched well. The topic is entirely of
the competitor’s choosing. The speech may seek to inform, inspire or persuade the judges. It may be
serious or humorous in tone.

Original Oratory Speech Rules

1. All general speech rules must be followed.
2. Competitors may speak for up to eight minutes. There are 15 seconds of grace time.
Competitors who go over the 15 seconds of grace time will receive time penalties.
3. A competitor may directly quote a maximum of 350 words total in the speech. Directly quoted
words may be sprinkled throughout the speech as long as they are verbally attributed and cited
properly.

Original Oratory Script Submission Rules

1. Original Oratory requires a full script to be submitted prior to the tournament. Online
submission instructions will be distributed before the submission deadline.
2. Scripts should be in black, 12-point font and double spaced. Hyperlinks may be in blue.
3. Scripts must include the name of the competitor and the title of the speech.
4. A Works Cited page must be included if the script includes any words, theories, ideas or stories
that were created by someone other than the competitor. Every source must be included on the
Works Cited page, whether the information is directly quoted or paraphrased in the script.
5. Every source must also be acknowledged parenthetically after each mention in the script,
according to the rules of the style guide chosen by the competitor. MLA, APA and Chicago are
recommended options for style guides.
6. The script submitted must be the script performed by the competitor.

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Competition Debate Events

ASDA offers competitors the opportunity to compete in one of two available debate events. The debate
events are Lincoln-Douglas debate and Team Policy debate. ASDA invites students to compete in debate
using traditional, or conversational, techniques. Progressive debate techniques such as spreading,
kritiking, incorporating personal narratives and poetry as sources, and other non-traditional debate
techniques are contrary to ASDA mission and values and will be cause for disciplinary action. Debaters
should assume the debatibility of the resolution and form their cases in a manner that affirms or
negates the resolution. Judges are instructed to prefer debaters that fulfill their affirmative or negative
duty over debaters that attempt to argue that there are problems with the resolution itself.

Lincoln-Douglas Debate
Lincoln-Douglas debate is also known as Values Debate. A single debater on each side affirms or negates
the resolution using logic, philosophy, and real-life examples to support their side of the debate. A single
debate round takes approximately 40 minutes.

2024-2025 ASDA Lincoln-Douglas Debate Resolution: In the United States criminal justice system, jury
nullification ought to be used in the face of perceived injustice.

Lincoln-Douglas Purpose: Values Debate

A Lincoln-Douglas debate is a philosophical debate. Competitors participating in this debate type will
examine and compare competing value systems to best answer a philosophical question (the
resolution). This type of debate is meant to help competitors develop enhanced critical thinking skills
and be able to apply those skills to questions of competing values they encounter in their lives.

Lincoln-Douglas Affirmative and Negative Responsibilities: Values Debate

The responsibility of the affirmative debater is to produce a compelling argument in favor of the
resolution. The responsibility of the negative debater is to produce a compelling argument negating the
resolution. The judge should suspend any previous bias and vote for the debater who has better upheld
their burden to affirm or negate the resolution.

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Lincoln-Douglas Round Format

Speech Time
Affirmative Constructive ······································································································ 6 minutes
Negative Cross-Examination of the Affirmative ··································································· 3 minutes
Negative Constructive ········································································································· 7 minutes
Affirmative Cross-Examination of the Negative ··································································· 3 minutes
First Affirmative Rebuttal ···································································································· 4 minutes
Negative Rebuttal ··············································································································· 6 minutes
Second Affirmative Rebuttal ································································································ 3 minutes
Each side is allowed 3 minutes of preparation time.

Lincoln-Douglas Debate Speeches

1. Affirmative Constructive: This speech is the affirmative team’s time to establish their claim
regarding the resolution. During this speech, the debater may introduce new arguments and
illustrations into the round to support their side.
2. Negative Constructive: This speech is the negative team’s time to establish their claim regarding
the resolution and refute the affirmative claim. During this speech, the debater may introduce
new arguments and illustrations into the round to support their side.
3. Rebuttals: In these speeches, the debaters respond to arguments made in constructive speeches
and strengthen their claims in the round. Debaters may introduce new illustrations to support
existing arguments in these speeches but must not introduce new arguments into the round. If
new arguments are introduced in the rebuttal speeches, the judge should disregard these
arguments when making their final decision.

Lincoln-Douglas Cross-Examination
The purpose of cross-examination is to allow the competitors to interact directly and is the only time the
debaters should interact directly other than when evidence is being exchanged. During cross-
examination, the debaters face the judge, not each other. One side is questioning, and the other is
responding. The responder may not ask questions while being cross-examined unless they need to ask
for clarification. Conversely, the questioner cannot make statements while cross-examining.

Lincoln-Douglas Timing
Debaters will be responsible for timing their own speeches, cross-examinations, and preparation time.
Debaters will be responsible for providing their own time pieces.

The time should be set to count down and should begin as soon as the debater begins speaking. The
timepiece should be set to beep audibly when the time is up. A debater may finish their current

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Page 28

sentence after their time is up but should not begin a new thought. The timepiece must be allowed to
continue beeping until the debater finishes speaking.

During cross-examinations, the questioning debater will be responsible for timing.

Lincoln-Douglas Prep Time

Debaters will start and end their own preparation timer and report used and remaining times to the
judge before speaking.

Lincoln-Douglas Evidence Standards

Though direct quotes and paraphrased sources are not a requirement of Lincoln-Douglas Debate,
competitors who wish to quote and paraphrase sources to strengthen their arguments should adhere to
the same standards as for Team Policy Debate as follows:

LD Debate Sources: Publicly Available

Sources of evidence may be found in print or online but must be publicly available. Personal
communications between a competitor and an author are not admissible as evidence.

LD Debate Sources: Electronic Devices

Evidence referenced in a round must be physically present in the round. The use of phones, tablets,
computers, or other such electronic devices to produce evidence into a round will not be admissible for
in-person rounds. If the debate round is being held online, evidence may be considered to be physically
present in the round if it can be exchanged electronically and exists in the format of an editable
document or non-editable image which is cut, credited, and formatted properly. Sharing a website,
journal article, or other document in its original format (uncut, uncredited and unformatted) is not
allowed.

LD Debate Sources: Written Standards

A piece of evidence read into the round must include the authors’ names (first and last) and the URL. In
cases where there is no author, the publisher name must be included. If the evidence is from a print
source that does not have a URL, other relevant information such as title of book or article, publisher,
and date of publication may replace the URL. The date of publication (or of access, if no publication date
is available) and the publisher may be included for any evidence, but it is not required. Competitors may
include credentials of the author and/or publisher if they wish to enhance the credibility of the source,
but this is not necessary.

If a source is paraphrased in the round, the statement being paraphrased must be physically present, in
its entirety, in the round so that it can be reviewed by the opponent or judge.

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LD Debate Sources: Oral Standards

When reading evidence into the round, a competitor must identify the author of a piece of evidence. All
other information mentioned above may be included but is not necessary. In cases where there is no
author, the publisher must be mentioned verbally.

LD Debate Sources: Fabricating or Distorting Evidence

Reading only part of a piece of evidence, using ellipses, or adding brackets will be considered distortion
of evidence and will constitute a rule violation if it alters the original meaning of the author’s words.

Creating evidence that does not exist in the public domain, changing the author’s original intent, or
purposefully misquoting a piece of evidence will not be permitted. Competitors found to have fabricated
or distorted evidence will be subject to a speaker point reduction or forfeiture of the round in which the
violation occurred. The Tournament Coordinator will make the final decision regarding violation
discipline.

Lincoln-Douglas Communication with Opponent(s) or Judge(s)

Consistent with the Tournament Code of Conduct above, competitors and judges agree to treat others
with courtesy and kindness, in and out of competition rounds, including refraining from ad hominem
attacks and name calling.

Debaters may ask for their opponent’s evidence during cross-examination or preparation time. If such a
request is made, a physical copy of the evidence read in the round complying with the written standards
should be supplied to the opposing debater.

If a judge wishes to review a piece of evidence, they should wait until after the round and ask a staff
member who will get the physical evidence from the debater. This will allow the judge to maintain a
bias-free ruling of the round.

Debaters may not interact with the judge directly unless their timer is on. The only exception is to briefly
introduce their name and position and ask for the experience or judging philosophy before the round
and thank the judge after the round is over.

Lincoln-Douglas Judge Responsibilities

It is a judge’s responsibility to consider the round in an unbiased way and make a fair decision based on
argumentation presented in the round. A judge should make their decision based on evidence and
arguments presented in the round rather than the judge’s own personal leaning on the topic. A judge
should keep an open mind and not allow their own experience or opinions to influence their decision.
Judges should feel free to provide their own personal experience, knowledge, and opinions in the
feedback on the ballot, but that should not be part of the deciding factors. The judge’s ruling should be

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Page 30

limited to what is presented in the round. Ultimately, the judge’s role is to determine which team best
upheld their burden to affirm or negate the resolution.

A judge should maintain a bias-free ruling by refraining from discussing the round or their decision with
any debaters or fellow judges until after the tournament has ended.

When possible, upon conclusion of the round, the judge should promptly exit the competition room and
complete their ballot elsewhere such as in the judge room so that the competitors and staff may quickly
transition to the next event.

Lincoln-Douglas Audience
Audience members may not assist the debaters in any way during the round. If it is clear that a debater
is receiving solicited help from an audience member, that debater may be subject to forfeiture of the
round or other disciplinary action.

Lincoln-Douglas Rule Violations

In all cases of rule violations, competitors may be subject to education, speaker point reductions,
forfeitures or other disciplinary action.

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Team Policy Debate

Team Policy Debate is also known as CX Debate. A team of two debaters on each side debates a
question of policy change. The affirmative team proposes a change in policy that fits within the assigned
resolution, and the negative team presents potential problems with the specific policy change. A single
debate round takes approximately 60 minutes. Teams must have two competitors, and the same two
competitors must remain in the same team for the entire tournament.

2024-2025 ASDA Team Policy Debate Resolution: The United States Federal Government should
significantly reform its foreign policy toward one or more of the following countries: Belize,
Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica.

Team Policy Purpose: Policy Debate

A Team Policy debate is a hypothetical debate. Competitors participating in this debate type will
examine and compare competing policy systems to best answer a political question (the resolution). This
type of debate is meant to help competitors develop enhanced critical thinking and research skills.

Team Policy Affirmative and Negative Responsibilities: Policy Debate

The responsibility of the affirmative team is to produce a specific plan for a policy change within the
scope of the resolution that is preferred over the status quo. The responsibility of the negative team is
to produce compelling arguments showing that the status quo is preferred above the affirmative team’s
plan or that the affirmative’s plan has flaws or brings about disadvantages that are worse than their
proposed benefits. Many debaters use stock issues such as topicality, inherency, solvency, significance
and advantages/ disadvantages to strengthen their positions. If the judge is convinced that the change
proposed by the resolution is warranted by the affirmative team’s plan, then the affirmative team
should win. Otherwise the negative team should win.

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Team Policy Round Format

Speech Time
First Affirmative Constructive ······························································································ 8 minutes
Second Negative Speaker’s Cross-Examination of the First Affirmative Speaker ················· 2 minutes
First Negative Constructive ································································································· 8 minutes
First Affirmative Speaker’s Cross-Examination of the First Negative Speaker ····················· 2 minutes
Second Affirmative Constructive ························································································· 8 minutes
First Negative Speaker’s Cross-Examination of the Second Affirmative Speaker ················· 2 minutes
Second Negative Constructive ···························································································· 8 minutes
Second Affirmative Speaker’s Cross-Examination of the Second Negative Speaker ············ 2 minutes
First Negative Rebuttal ······································································································· 3 minutes
First Affirmative Rebuttal ···································································································· 3 minutes
Second Negative Rebuttal ··································································································· 3 minutes
Second Affirmative Rebuttal ······························································································ 3 minutes
Each side is allowed 4 minutes of preparation time.

Team Policy Debate Speeches

1. Affirmative Constructives: These speeches are the affirmative team’s time to establish their case
regarding the resolution. During these speeches, the debaters may introduce new arguments
and evidence into the round to support their side.
2. Negative Constructives: These speeches are the negative team’s time to establish their claims
regarding the effectiveness of the affirmative arguments. During these speeches, the debaters
may introduce new arguments and evidence into the round to support their side.
3. Rebuttals: In these speeches, the teams respond to arguments made in constructive speeches
and strengthen their claims in the round. Debaters may introduce new evidence to support
existing arguments in these speeches but must not introduce new arguments into the round at
this point. If new arguments are introduced in the rebuttal speeches, the judge should disregard
these arguments when making their final decision.
4. Teams are not permitted to switch speaker positions midway through the round. For example,
the person who delivers the first affirmative constructive must deliver the first affirmative
rebuttal and the corresponding cross-examination.

Team Policy Cross-Examination

The purpose of cross-examination is to allow the competitors to interact directly and is the only time the
debaters should interact directly other than when evidence is being exchanged. During cross-
examination, the debaters face the judge, not each other. One side is questioning, and the other is
responding. The responder may not ask questions while being cross-examined unless they need to ask
for clarification. Conversely, the questioner cannot make statements while cross-examining.

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Page 33

Team Policy Timing

Debaters will be responsible for timing their own speeches, cross-examinations, and preparation time.
Debaters will be responsible for providing their own time pieces.

The time should be set to count down and should begin as soon as the debater begins speaking. The
timepiece should be set to beep audibly when their time is up. A debater may finish their current
sentence after their time is up but should not begin a new thought. The timepiece must be allowed to
continue beeping until the debater finishes speaking.

During cross-examinations, the questioning debater will be responsible for timing.

Team Policy Prep Time

Debaters will start and end their own preparation timer and report used and remaining times to the
judge before speaking.

Team Policy Evidence Standards

Directly quoted evidence and advocacy are an essential part of a compelling team policy case.
Competitors who wish to quote and paraphrase sources to strengthen their arguments should adhere to
the following standards:

TP Debate Sources: Publicly Available

Sources of evidence may be found in print or online but must be publicly available. Personal
communications between a competitor and an author are not admissible as evidence.

TP Debate Sources: Electronic Devices

Evidence referenced in a round must be physically present in the round. The use of phones, tablets,
computers, or other such electronic devices to produce evidence into a round will not be admissible for
in-person rounds. If the debate round is being held online, evidence may be considered to be physically
present in the round if it can be exchanged electronically and exists in the format of an editable
document or non-editable image which is cut, credited, and formatted properly. Sharing a website,
journal article, or other document in its original format (uncut, uncredited and unformatted) is not
allowed.

TP Debate Sources: Written Standards

A piece of evidence read into the round must include all of the available following parts: the authors’
names (first and last), the date of publication (or of access, if no publication date is available), the
publisher, and the URL. Competitors may include credentials of the author and/or publisher if they wish

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Page 34

to enhance the credibility of the source, but this is not necessary. A dictionary definition may be listed
only by publisher name if desired.

If a source is paraphrased in the round, the statement being paraphrased must be physically present, in
its entirety, in the round so that it can be reviewed by the opponent or judge.

TP Debate Sources: Oral Standards

When reading evidence into the round, a competitor must identify the author and date of a piece of
evidence. All other information mentioned above may be included but is not necessary. In cases where
there is no author, the publisher and date must be provided orally. A dictionary definition may be
verbally acknowledged only by publisher name if desired.

TP Debate Sources: Fabricating or Distorting Evidence

Reading only part of a piece of evidence, using ellipses, or adding brackets will be considered distortion
of evidence and will constitute a rule violation if it alters the original meaning of the author’s words.

Creating evidence that does not exist in the public domain, changing the authors’ original intent, or
purposefully misquoting a piece of evidence will not be permitted. Competitors found to have fabricated
or distorted evidence will be subject to a speaker point reduction or forfeiture of the round in which the
violation occurred.

Team Policy Communication with Opponent(s) or Judge(s)

Consistent with the Tournament Code of Conduct above, competitors and judges agree to treat others
with courtesy and kindness in and out of competition rounds, including refraining from ad hominem
attacks and name calling.

Debaters may ask for the opposing team’s evidence during cross-examination or preparation time. If
such a request is made, a physical copy of the evidence read in the round complying with the written
standards should be supplied to the opposing debater.

If a judge wishes to review a piece of evidence, they should wait until after the round and ask a staff
member who will get the physical evidence from the debater. This will allow the judge to maintain a
bias-free ruling of the round.

Debaters may not interact with the judge directly unless their timer is on. The only exception is to briefly
introduce their name and position and ask for the experience or judging philosophy before the round
and thank the judge after the round is over.

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Team Policy Judge Responsibilities

It is a judge’s responsibility to consider the round in an unbiased way and make a fair decision based on
argumentation presented in the round. A judge should make their decision based on evidence and
arguments presented in the round rather than the judge’s own previous knowledge of the topic. A judge
should keep an open mind and not allow their own experience or opinions to influence their decision.
Judges should feel free to provide their own personal experience, knowledge, and opinions in the
feedback on the ballot, but that should not be part of the deciding factors. The judge’s ruling should be
limited to what is presented in the round. Ultimately, the judge’s role is to vote for the affirmative team
or negative team based only upon facts presented on the round.

A judge should maintain a bias-free ruling by refraining from discussing the round or their decision with
any debaters or fellow judges until after the tournament has ended.

When possible, upon conclusion of the round, the judge should promptly exit the competition room and
complete their ballot elsewhere such as in the judge room so that the competitors and staff may quickly
transition to the next event.

Team Policy Audience

Audience members may not assist the debaters in any way during the round. If it is clear that a debater
is receiving solicited help from an audience member, that debater may be subject to forfeiture of that
round.

Team Policy Rule Violations

In all cases of rule violations, competitors may be subject to education, speaker point reductions,
forfeitures or other disciplinary action.

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Index

Accommodations, 8 Judge Recruitment, 1, 10, 12, 29, 34, 35

ad hominem, 5, 29, 34 kind, 4
Adult Representative, 7 kritiking, 26
Adults, 7 learning disability, 8
Affirmative and Negative Responsibilities, 26, Lincoln-Douglas, 1, 11, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30
31 mission, 4, 7, 12, 26
Age, 8 National Tournament points, 12
appropriateness, 5 older, 8
Artificial Intelligence, 14 Open Interp, 14, 23, 24
Audience participation, 15 Original Oratory, 14, 25
Belief & Values, 1, 14, 16, 17 Original source, 20, 24
citations, 14, 21 original work, 14
Coaches, 7, 10 Parents, 7, 10
collaborative, 4 penalties, 7, 16, 18, 19, 21, 22, 23, 25
college, 9 physical limitations, 8
consequences, 7 plagiarism, 5, 14, 16
conversational, 4, 26 Plagiarism, 14
Debate Resolution, 1, 26, 31 private school, 9
Digital Presentation, 14, 18 profanity, 15
Dress Code, 11 public school, 9
Duo Interpretation, 11, 14, 19, 20 Restrictions, 11
Eligibility, 8 safety, 6
Evidence, 28, 29, 33, 34 Scripts, 18, 20, 24, 25
Extemporaneous Speaking, 1, 21 special needs, 8
General Speech Rules, 14 spreading, 26
graduated, 8 submission, 15, 18, 20, 24, 25
homeschooled, 9 timer, 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, 29, 33, 34
Impromptu, 14, 22 Values Debate, 26
inappropriate, 6, 12, 15 Works Cited, 14, 18, 19, 20, 23, 24, 25
integrity, 5, 17 younger, 6, 8

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