Judges’ Briefing

Ms. Fraser

BP debate: the basics

What is a BP debate?

• 4 teams
• Discussion of a motion/resolution
• Often begin with THBT, THW, etc.
• 2 teams support the motion; 2 teams oppose it
• All 4 teams are still competing with each other, even if they are on the same side of the debate
• All speeches are 5 minutes long, 30 seconds protected time (more on this later), 15 seconds grace time after the 5 minutes

Opening Government (OG)

• Prime Minister (PM)
• Sets up the round
• Definitions/model/characterizing the world
• 1-2 constructive points
• Deputy Prime Minister (DPM)
• Clash/refute the LO
• Rebuilds partner’s content
• May choose to present another point

Opening Opposition (OO)

• Leader of Opposition (LO)
• Sets up opposition’s take on the round
• May contest definitions if they’re unreasonable
• Opp stance, sometimes
• Clash/refute the PM
• 1-2 constructive points
• Deputy Leader of Opposition (DLO)
• Clash/refute all of OG
• Rebuilds partner’s content
• May choose to present another point

Member of Government/Member of Opposition

• Needs to present an extension
• One new argument that was not discussed or was insufficiently explained by opening
• Explain why the extension is important and distinct from previous arguments (“meta debate”)
• An extension that relies on or repeats opening’s argumentation is “derivative” – extensions should avoid being derivative
• Clash
• Clash with the opening teams’ arguments

Whip speeches

• Last speaker from each side
• Is a biased summary of the round
• Should talk about their partner’s points and clash with the opposing teams’ points
• Often strategic to ignore their opening team’s points
• Explains why their side, and specifically closing, wins the round
• Focuses on their partner’s contributions to the round
• Should be very organized
• Debaters often use themes or questions to organize these speeches
• Should not have new argumentation (new clash is fine)
• Can accept POIs (unlike CN replies)

What makes for good argumentation?

• Relatively few assertions
• Tell you why something will happen and why you should care that it will happen
• What constitutes evidence?
• Examples can be nice, but:
• Keep in mind that they were only given 15 min to prepare
• Argumentation should rely on logic, not examples or emotion

POIs

• Questions (occasionally statements) asked during speeches from the other side
• Both gov teams can POI both opp teams and vice versa, but OG and CG cannot POI each other
• Should be short (no more than 10 or 15 seconds)
• Cannot be given during first and last 30 seconds of speeches (protected time)
• On Zoom, can be visual or audible; speakers should specify their preference
• Visual: Type “POI” in the chat or wave aggressively at the camera
• Audible: Unmute and say “POI” or “on that point” then wait to be called on
• Debaters do not have to take all POIs, but should take 1 or 2 per speech if they are offered

Adjudicating BP debate

The roles of panelist and chairs

• Panelists
• Decide how you’d like to rank the teams
• Have an idea of what score you think each speaker should have
• Share your thoughts in deliberation
• Give feedback to the debaters, if you want -- CANNOT give away the result of the round!
• Chairs
• Rank teams and give speaker scores
• Lead deliberation -- 15 mins TOTAL, take a vote if you’re going to go overtime
• Have ONE person fill out the ballot. This can be the moderator if you’d like
• Give feedback to the debaters -- CANNOT give away the result of the round!

How to decide?

• Contribution
• Were the team’s arguments important to the round?
• Were the team’s arguments compelling? Were they still standing by the end of the debate?
• Other factors:
• Role fulfillment -- OG needs to set up the round cleanly; closing teams need extensions, etc.
• Clash -- even when a team’s constructive content is minimal, they can sometimes be given credit for compelling clash
• Factors that DO NOT decide the win, but can affect speaker scores:
• Strategy/POIs -- speakers should be rewarded for being willing to engage and for using POIs effectively; judge POIs on quality, not quantity
• Style -- unless it’s actively distracting, it should mostly be ignored; never judge accents!

The scoring range

• 67-73
• Tournament average should be 70
• 67s and 73s are VERY rare (be prepared to justify these scores if you give them)
• Things to note:
• No low-point wins! The combined scores of the teams have to match their rankings
• Generally easiest to start with rankings, then decide speaker scores
• Teams on the same side do not need to win or lose together
• If you’re confused, ask your chair!

Reminders/Questions?

• Please wait for the announcement on the intercom to start the rounds
• The rounds are ‘closed adjudication’ do not announce the winners
• Once the ballot (one) is filled out by the judges, the moderator will take the ballot to the staff room. You may then make your way to the moyis for pizza
• The Draw and Motion will be dropped in the Moyis for Round Two
• Medals will be in the Moyis or Theatre the end-TBA
• Questions?