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Judge’s Briefing Here!

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The ADSA is hosting its

2026 Alberta

Debate Provincials

50/50 Raffle

Ticket sales end at

3:30 PM on April 11th

https://www.rafflebox.ca/raffle/albertadebate

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Alberta Debate and Speech Alumni Group

Stay connected with ADSA and get connected with our alumni!!

https://www.linkedin.com/groups/16801036/

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So you want* to become a Debate Judge?

*were forced by your kid

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THANK YOU!

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Table of Contents

What is debate?
Where do you come in?
CN Flowchart & the six speeches
Criteria to evaluate debate rounds
New Canadian National Style JH Ballot
CN Scoring Range
Feedback
Final considerations

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What is Debate?

Discussion of a Resolution
Resolutions are worded as: This House Believes That / Would / etc. (THBT/THW)

i.e., THBT judging debate is wonderful fun!

Proposition/Government/Affirmative: Argues FOR the resolution – pushes for change.
Opposition/Negative: Argues AGAINST the resolution – defends status quo.

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So, Where do I come in?

Judges must:

Award individual speaker points.

Winning team MUST have more points.

Decide a winning team.

If obligations of the debate are not met (proper terms, etc.), winner demonstrates best debate skills.
NO DRAWS. Can’t decide, Opposition wins.

Judges are HIGHLY ENCOURAGED to:

Give Feedback! It’s how we learn and grow.

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Canadian National Style Setup

Prop Team

Opp Team

Chair/Timekeeper

Judges

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Canadian National Style Flowchart

1^st Proposition Constructive Speech	1^st Opposition Constructive Speech
2^nd Proposition Constructive Speech	2^nd Opposition Constructive Speech
Proposition Rebuttal (Typically delivered by first speaker)	Opposition Rebuttal (Typically delivered by first speaker)

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Canadian National Style Flowchart

You may be able to find a flow chart on the back of your ballot as well.

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1^st Proposition Constructive Speech

State the resolution
Define the terms

simple, layman’s terms ideal; should be obvious in reference to the topic. i.e. right to bear arms

Outline arguments / pillars (usually 2)
Construct arguments with cited evidence (more on this later)
Accept POIs

An interjection (in the form of a question or statement) from the other team during a speech (more on this later)

BURDEN OF PROOF: Falls on Proposition

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1^st Opposition Constructive Speech

Restate resolution
Respond to the definition of terms:

99% of the time, accepted, move on.
can challenge terms if Propositon’s terms are unreasonable for fair debate and present their own terms
judges can reward the opposition team if the definitions are poor and properly challenged

Refutation

undermine their opponents’ arguments (more on this later)

Outline/Construct arguments
Accept POI’s

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2^nd Proposition/Opposition Speech

Refutation!
Restate/Reconstruct team’s arguments
Outline/Deliver final arguments
Accept POIs

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Rebuttal / Reply Speeches

3 Minute Break – Take/Review Notes on what’s happened so far!

3 minute breaks are not given at Regionals and Provincials

These are the final words; summarize cases and refutation
EXPLAIN why their team won the debate
During Rebuttal:

NO NEW ARGUMENTS

new evidence to back up existing arguments OK

NO POIs

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The Decision

Judges should consider four main criteria in their decision

Constructive Arguments/Logic
Refutation/POI
Evidence/Research
Delivery/Etiquette

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Constructive Arguments/Logic

Their speech should contain persuasive arguments with impacts that are important
Their speech should be:

Well structured

easy to follow, clear transitions, effective introduction & conclusion

Logical

well-explained cause & effect relationships, avoidance of errors that undermine their arguments

Coherent

justified & consistent values, all arguments work together rather than contradict each other, impacts are important

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Refutation (Clash)

Speakers engage with their opponents’ arguments through

targeted refutation of their opponents’ arguments (the values, logic, or evidence)
rebuilding and defending of their own cases

Clash must refute arguments through logic or evidence – contradiction is not clash
Keep track of successfully refuted arguments

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POI

Points of Information
Interjection (in the form of a question or statement) from the other team during a speech.
Speakers engage with their opponents’ arguments by strategically offering and responding to points of information

POIs should be purposeful/effective; not whack-a-mole!

“Give 2 Take 2 Rule” (FLEXIBLE)

can be offered during constructive speeches,
NO POIs during the first and final minute.
NO POIs during Rebuttal speeches.

Debaters may accept, reject, or hold a POI

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Evidence/Research

Arguments are supported with anecdotes or researched evidence; an argument without evidence carries no weight

evidence must be relevant to arguments presented as well

Evidence reflects the speaker’s strong understanding of the motion and its context

credit should be given for thorough and relevant research

Facts, statistics, authorities, & anecdotes must be sound; accuracy is important

if a judge is CERTAIN evidence has been DELIBERATELY falsified, points may be deducted only if the opposing team recognizes it

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Delivery/Etiquette

Demonstrates poise and intentional use of voice for emphasis and enunciation
Engages the judges (the panel) through an awareness of the audience

effectiveness and ease of gestures, eye contact, humor, and drama can be elements considered under this category.

Finally, the speaker is respectful towards their opponents throughout the debate

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