Show Me District Tournament
2021 — MO/US
Congress (Congress) Paradigm List
All Paradigms: Show HideI am a flow judge but for me it's all about the voters! I do judge on appearance and behavior, especially in team debate but it will most likely come down to the flow.
Good Luck!
Judging Experience
Judged live debate for zero years and fewer then twenty ld rounds this season so far. These tournament rounds will be first ever.
Attitude toward typical LD practices
I have judged LD debate for ___ years. M. How many LD rounds have you judged this season? (select one)
Typical conversational speed of 4.
Rate of delivery does weigh heavily in my decision as I want to be able fully understand each debater argument.
Will vote against student for exceeding your preferred speed.
Rebuttals and Crystallization
Final rebuttals should include line-by-line.
Voting issues should be given as the student moves down the flow.
How the winner is decided?
I decide who is the person who persuaded me more of his/her position overall.
The use of jargon or technical language ("extend,". "cross-apply," "turn," etc.) during rebuttals should be kept to a minimum.
Q1) How important is the criterion in making your decision?
It may be a factor depending on its use in the round.
Q2) Do you feel that a value and criterion are required elements of a case?
No
NFL POLICY DEBATE
JUDGE PHILOSOPHY CARD
Name : Katie Cross
School - Raytown High School
In order to assist the debaters whom you will judge in adapting to the particular audience that you provide as a judge, please indicate your policy debate judging experience and preferences.
1. Your experience with policy debate (check those that apply):
A. Coach of a team
B. NDT Policy debater in college
C. CEDA Debater in college
D. Policy debater in HS
E. Frequently judge policy debate
F. Occasionally judge policy debate
2. I have judged ____ years of policy debate. I have judged (circle one)
0-10 11-20 21-30 31-40 40+ varsity rounds this season.
3. Which best describes your approach to judging policy debate:
Speaking skills
Stock Issues & Possibly Policymaker
Policymaker
Hypothesis tester
Games-playing
Tabula rasa
Circle your attitudes concerning these policy debate practices:
4. RATE OF DELIVERY ( No preference)
Slow and deliberate 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Very rapid
-- maybe in the middle :) but honestly no preference
5. QUANTITY OF ARGUMENTS ( No preference)
A few well developed 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 The more arguments arguments the better
6. COMMUNICATION AND ISSUES
Communication skills 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Resolving substantive most important
issues most important
7. TOPICALITY: I am willing to vote on topicality:
Often 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Rarely
8. COUNTERPLANS
Acceptable
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Unacceptable
9. GENERIC DISADVANTAGES
Acceptable
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Unacceptable
10.CONDITIONAL NEGATIVE POSITIONS
Acceptable
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Unacceptable
11. DEBATE THEORY ARGUMENTS
Acceptable
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Unacceptable
12. CRITIQUE (KRITIK) ARGUMENTS
Acceptable
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Unacceptable
In approximately 100 words or less, please add any brief comments that you feel are appropriate. You might want to include information bout practices that you encourage or discourage in a round.
I am fairly new to being a judge and knowing jargon for debate. I encourage professionalism, respect, and kind manners throughout. I don't mind if you call me judge, I encourage fluidity, restating, providing evidence in speech and in chat. I encourage communication with the judge if you are having technology issues.
NFL LINCOLN DOUGLAS DEBATE JUDGE PARADIGM CARD
Name: Katie Cross
School: Raytown High School
In order to assist the debaters you will be judging, please answer all of the questions accurately and thoroughly.
1. Your experience with LD debate (check all that apply):
A. Current LD coach
B. Former LD coach
C. Former LD competitor
D. Summer LD instructor
E. Experienced LD judge
F. Former Policy debater
G Collegiate policy debater
H. Current Public Forum coach or judge
I. Speech Coach
J. Community Judge
K. No LD experience
L. I have judged LD debate for ___ years. M. How many LD rounds have you judged this season? (select one)
1. Fewer than twenty 2. Twenty to forty 3. Forty to sixty 4. Sixty or more
2. Please indicate your attitudes towards typical LD practices: (circle one)
A. What is your preferred rate of delivery?
Slow, conversational style--- Typical conversational speed---Rapid conversational speed
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Does the rate of delivery weigh heavily in your decision?
Yes/No
Will you vote against a student solely for exceeding your preferred speed?
Yes/No
B. How important is the criterion in making your decision?
1. It is the primary means by which I make my decision.
2. It is a major factor in my evaluation.
3. It may be a factor depending on its use in the round.
4. It rarely informs my decision. ,
Do you feel that a value and criterion are required elements of a case?
Yes/No
C. Rebuttals and Crystallization (check one of the answers for each question)
1. Final rebuttals should include
a) voting issues or
b) line-by-line analysis, or
c) both.
2. Voting issues should be given
a) as the student moves down the flow,
b) at the end of the final speech, or
c) either is acceptable.
3. Voting issues are
a) absolutely necessary or
b) not necessary.
4. The use of jargon or technical language ("extend,". "cross-apply," "turn," etc.) during rebuttals is:
a) acceptable or
b) unacceptable, or
c) should be kept to a minimum.
--I am new so I don't know what it means so I would say to use it
D. How do you decide the winner of the round? (check the best answer)
1. I decide who is the better speaker regardless of whether they won specific arguments.
2. I decide who is the winner of the most arguments in the round.
3. I decide who is the winner of the key arguments in the round
4. I decide who is the person who persuaded me more of his/her position overall.
-- who persuaded me, has manners & respect towards one another, and speaks wells.
E. How necessary do you feel the use of evidence (both analytical and empirical) is in the round?
Not necessary---------------------Sometimes necessary------------------Always necessary
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
F. Please describe your personal note-taking during the round.
1. I do not take notes.
2. I only outline the important arguments of each debater's case.
3. I write down the key arguments throughout the round.
4. I keep detailed notes throughout the round.
5. I keep a rigorous flow.
In approximately 100 words or less, please add any brief comments that you feel are appropriate. You might want to include information about practices that you encourage or discourage in a round.
02/08
I encourage professionalism, respect, and kind manners throughout. I don't mind if you call me judge, I encourage fluidity, restating, providing evidence in speech and in chat. I encourage communication with the judge if you are having technology issues.
I have experience in judging for 4 years.
I value the following: depth in understanding of the core issue, relevancy of evidence and sources, overall delivery/presentation - including your manners to your opponents, please don't spread, and keep track of both your and your opponent's time.
Focus on quality of arguments and clash. Formulate accurate analyses of evidence: what does it mean for the resolution?
Civility and poise under all circumstances is appreciated.
Please give voters. Tell me why you have won.
I am a speech/debate coach. Though I did not participate in the activity myself, I have five years of experience coaching and judging at all levels of competition.
I can follow you at whatever speed you wish to debate, as long as you don't sacrifice clarity for speed.
I will be taking notes throughout the round, focusing on key arguments in the case. I am willing to vote on topicality, to vote for counterplans, and to vote for a K, but at the end of the day, my decision will come down to who argues their side most effectively. A well-argued stock issues case will win my ballot over a poorly-articulated theory argument every time (and vice versa).
How should debaters approach constructive speeches?
Respectfully and clearly present on topic, evidence based arguments. Speak clearly and succinctly, no “spreading.” I want to hear your evidence, not 8 minutes of mumbling and run away speech that can’t be comprehended.
How Should Debaters approach Rebuttal Speeches?
New arguments should be avoided in rebuttals
How Should Debaters approach Evidence?
Evidence is important, you have to be able to support your opinions with facts. If one side is able to provide better evidence (either due to lack of evidence or the use of outdated evidence by the opposing team), that side will win. I might ask to see evidence if I feel it is crucial for an argument. Don’t make me search for it- have it pulled up. I will also check the context around the evidence, so please make sure you are not misrepresenting the overall intent of the source.
How should debaters use values, criteria and arguments to support a value position?
Be sure you have solid logic- no leaps or missing steps. Lay it all out clearly.
What arguments (such as philosophical, theoretical or empirical) do you prefer to support a value position?
I prefer evidence to support any decisions or beliefs. Theoretical arguments are just that- unproven theories, and philosophical arguments easily become convoluted. Show me the evidence that supports the value proposition. WHY should we consider that value?
Please explain your views on kritikal arguments.
As a general rule, I don’t like kritical arguments. I prefer the debate focus on the topic as presented. I again see this as unfair because the affirmative side has the obligation to support the resolution. Teams without evidence who simply throw out a bunch of kritiks will have an uphill battle with me and better be the most persuasive speakers I have ever seen. Stay on topic and address the plan.
Please explain your views on Topicality.
Topicality is important as a matter of fairness. I will NOT consider off-topic arguments when making my decision.
What other preferences do you have, as a judge?
I mentioned it above, but please do not “spread”- I want to understand what you are saying; getting more into a speech doesn’t do any good if your audience can’t understand you. Also make sure you are not rude to each other; assertiveness is fine, rudeness is not. Please be aware of nonverbal reactions like eye-rolling and refrain from verbal attacks like name calling and disrespectful comments.
In General—
Put me on the email chain-- kathrynlipka16@gmail.com
I debated in high school, briefly in college, and have been coaching with Lawrence Free State & Pembroke Hill off and on for 6+ years.
I don't think it is my job as a judge to call for evidence, kick CPs, decide how I should evaluate the debate, etc. It is your job to tell me these things. This means impact calculus plays a significant part in the way I evaluate the round—please do it. I default to moral obligation claims. Warranted extensions or it probably isn’t an extension.
I don’t put up with rudeness, racism, sexism, transphobia, homophobia, or ableism -- these are worthy of losing a ballot and certainly a reason to dock your speaker points.
I expect debaters to do whatever they are best at and/or have the most fun doing in front of me-- debate is not an event for conformity.
My speaker point scale (taken from the KellyThompson):
29+ - you should receive a speaker award in this division at this tournament
28.5+ - you should be in elimination debates at this tournament, and probably win one or more of those rounds
28 - you are competing for a spot to clear but still making errors that may prevent you from doing so. Average for the division/tournament.
27.5 - you are slightly below average for the division/tournament and need to spend some time on the fundamentals. Hopefully, I've outlined in my notes what those are.
27 - you are in the wrong division or at the wrong tournament in my estimation.
Topicality—
If you’re going for T it should be the entire 2NR. If it is not, you’re not doing enough work. I evaluate education and fairness as impacts, so treat them as such. I am more persuaded by education. I am fine with creativity to make the aff topical, but at a certain point would rather you just reject the resolution than squeeze your way into a nonexistent “we meet” arg. I think rejecting the resolution is fine and switch side debate is typically not a winning argument. If you can prove that your education is best in the round I am willing to listen to what you have to say.
DAs—
Specific links pls or be really good at storytelling
CPs—
Generic bad. I think smart and well-developed PICs are a good way to control offense in a debate. Don’t assume doing theory and a perm is enough to get out of the CP. I default to sufficiency framing so I need clear reasons why the aff is more desirable. Blippy word PICs and delay CPs are annoying.
Ks—
Most familiar with neolib/fem/anthro. You need to explain what the alternative does specifically—even if it is inaction. I like to hear “in the world of the alternative…”. I need to know why the aff is uniquely bad. Permutations are always valid, but often poorly executed and cause severance. Severance is probably bad. If I have to do a lot of work just to understand your jargon and what the K is I’m not the judge for you.
Theory—
I have a higher threshold for voting on theory, it needs to be the center of the rebuttal if that is what you want. I almost always view theory as a reason to reject the argument not the team. Obviously, I can be persuaded otherwise. Severance is mostly bad. Condo is mostly good. K’s are not cheating. PICs are good but also sometimes not. Slow down on theory.
NFL POLICY DEBATE
JUDGE PHILOSOPHY CARD
John Nichols
In order to assist the debaters whom you will judge in adapting to the particular audience that you provide as a judge, please indicate your policy debate judging experience and preferences.
1. Your experience with policy debate (check those that apply):
A. Coach of a team
B. NDT Policy debater in college
C. CEDA Debater in college
D. Policy debater in HS
E. Frequently judge policy debate
F. Occasionally judge policy debate X
2. I have judged __2__ years of policy debate.
I have judged 0-10 varsity rounds this season.
3. Which best describes your approach to judging policy debate:
Speaking skills
Stock Issues
Hypothesis tester
Circle your attitudes concerning these policy debate practices:
4. RATE OF DELIVERY
Slow and deliberate 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Very rapid
5. QUANTITY OF ARGUMENTS
A few well developed 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 The more arguments arguments the better
6. COMMUNICATION AND ISSUES
Communication skills 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Resolving substantive most important
issues most important
7. TOPICALITY: I am willing to vote on topicality:
Often 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Rarely
8. COUNTERPLANS
Acceptable
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Unacceptable
9. GENERIC DISADVANTAGES
Acceptable
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Unacceptable
10.CONDITIONAL NEGATIVE POSITIONS
Acceptable
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Unacceptable
11. DEBATE THEORY ARGUMENTS
Acceptable
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Unacceptable
12. CRITIQUE (KRITIK) ARGUMENTS
Acceptable
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Unacceptable
In approximately 100 words or less, please add any brief comments that you feel are appropriate. You might want to include information bout practices that you encourage or discourage in a round.
I encourage a quality debate that includes respect for the other speaker including not speaking outside of your turn first and foremost. I also prefer that debates and crosses stay close to the original argument utilizing strong evidence, along with the practicality of such arguments and don't expound too far off course, even when the debater feels like they may be falling behind in the argument.
NFL LINCOLN DOUGLAS DEBATE JUDGE PARADIGM CARD
John Nichols
In order to assist the debaters you will be judging, please answer all of the questions accurately and thoroughly.
1. Your experience with LD debate (check all that apply):
A. Current LD coach
B. Former LD coach
C. Former LD competitor
D. Summer LD instructor
E. Experienced LD judge
F. Former Policy debater
G Collegiate policy debater
H. Current Public Forum coach or judge
I. Speech Coach
J. Community Judge
K. No LD experience
L. I have judged LD debate for _2__ years.
M. How many LD rounds have you judged this season?
1. Fewer than twenty
2. Please indicate your attitudes towards typical LD practices: (circle one)
A. What is your preferred rate of delivery?
Slow, conversational style--- Typical conversational speed---Rapid conversational speed
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Does the rate of delivery weigh heavily in your decision?
Yes/No
Will you vote against a student solely for exceeding your preferred speed?
Yes/No
B. How important is the criterion in making your decision?
1. It is the primary means by which I make my decision.
2. It is a major factor in my evaluation.
3. It may be a factor depending on its use in the round.
4. It rarely informs my decision. ,
Do you feel that a value and criterion are required elements of a case?
Yes/No
C. Rebuttals and Crystallization (check one of the answers for each question)
1. Final rebuttals should include
a) voting issues or
b) line-by-line analysis, or
c) both.
2. Voting issues should be given
a) as the student moves down the flow,
b) at the end of the final speech, or
c) either is acceptable.
3. Voting issues are
a) absolutely necessary or
b) not necessary.
4. The use of jargon or technical language ("extend,". "cross-apply," "turn," etc.) during rebuttals is:
a) acceptable or
b) unacceptable, or
c) should be kept to a minimum.
D. How do you decide the winner of the round? (check the best answer)
1. I decide who is the better speaker regardless of whether they won specific arguments.
2. I decide who is the winner of the most arguments in the round.
3. I decide who is the winner of the key arguments in the round
4. I decide who is the person who persuaded me more of his/her position overall.
E. How necessary do you feel the use of evidence (both analytical and empirical) is in the round?
Not necessary---------------------Sometimes necessary------------------Always necessary
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
F. Please describe your personal note-taking during the round.
1. I do not take notes.
2. I only outline the important arguments of each debater's case.
3. I write down the key arguments throughout the round.
4. I keep detailed notes throughout the round.
5. I keep a rigorous flow.
In approximately 100 words or less, please add any brief comments that you feel are appropriate. You might want to include information about practices that you encourage or discourage in a round.
I prefer facts coupled with practicality of execution regarding the debaters position.
In general, I appreciate a solid delivery: clarity over rushing, good enunciation, and logic. Reliance on reference materials should be minimized to the greatest extent possible, and eye contact is a must. Enthusiasm/energy is also a desirable attribute. Finally, for Cross-X I do not appreciate a counter plan from a negative team.
1. Experience with LD debate: Community Judge
2. Please indicate your attitudes towards typical LD practices:
A. What is your preferred rate of delivery? Typical conversational speed
B. Does the rate of delivery weigh heavily in your decision? No
C.Will you vote against a student solely for exceeding your preferred speed? No
3. How important is the criterion in making your decision? It may be a factor depending on its use in the round.
A. Do you feel that a value and criterion are required elements of a case? Yes
4. Rebuttals and Crystallization (check one of the answers for each question)
A. Final rebuttals should include: Voting issues
B. Voting issues should be given: at the end of the final speech, or .
C. Voting issues are: not necessary.
4. The use of jargon or technical language ("extend,". "cross-apply," "turn," etc.) during rebuttals is: acceptable
5. How do you decide the winner of the round? I decide who is the winner of the key arguments in the round
6. How necessary do you feel the use of evidence (both analytical and empirical) is in the round? Always necessary
7. Please describe your personal note-taking during the round: I keep detailed notes throughout the round.
1. Your experience with policy debate: Occasionally judge policy debate
2. I have judged ____ years of policy debate: 0-10 years
3. Which best describes your approach to judging policy debate: stock issues
Circle your attitudes concerning these policy debate practices:
4. RATE OF DELIVERY: 7
Slow and deliberate 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Very rapid
5. QUANTITY OF ARGUMENTS: 4
A few well developed 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 The more arguments arguments the better
6. COMMUNICATION AND ISSUES: 6
Communication skills 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Resolving substantive most important
issues most important
7. TOPICALITY: I am willing to vote on topicality: 3
Often 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Rarely
8. COUNTERPLANS: 1
Acceptable 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Unacceptable
9. GENERIC DISADVANTAGES: 1
Acceptable 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Unacceptable
10.CONDITIONAL NEGATIVE POSITIONS : 2
Acceptable 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Unacceptable
11. DEBATE THEORY ARGUMENTS: 5
Acceptable 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Unacceptable
12. CRITIQUE (KRITIK) ARGUMENTS: 3
Acceptable 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Unacceptable
I debated at Emporia High School (in Kansas) from 2009-2013. I won the Kansas State 4-Speaker Championship in 2013, made it to CFL national quarterfinals in 2013, and went 10 rounds at NFL (now NSDA I guess) nationals in 2013. I also won a state championship in Informative Speaking in 2012.
I coached debate and forensics from 2013-2015 at Emporia High School and then Olathe North High School. I also debated a ~small~ amount in college for Emporia State University and Kansas City Kansas Community College.
After that, I moved to Omaha, NE where there isn't really a lot of debate, so I've been out of the activity for a while. So I am so sorry I know this is annoying but please don't spread. I used to do it, I understand why you want to do it, but even in high school I couldn't really understand people reading fast and now as an adult I'm pretty sure I have sensory processing issues so I just literally will not be able to understand you if you go too fast. It is nice to go slow though! It will help you more in real life, and if you have to rely on making a ton of arguments to win then you're probably not actually learning to be persuasive.
Otherwise, as a debater, I did it all - straight-up policy, a bit of K debate, a ~tiny~ bit of performance stuff in college. But it's seriously been so long since I've been involved in debate that it's probably best to treat me like a lay judge. In general though, I am familiar enough with plenty of different arguments, theories, philosophies, authors, government departments, policies, politicians, etc.
And in case what I do in real life helps at all, I'm a graduate student getting my Master's in Urban Studies with a minor in Geography, and my undergraduate degree was in Political Science, English, and Biology. My graduate research focus is on the housing system. I am super active in community organizing work, especially the tenant/housing movement. I'm an active member of my local tenants union as well as the national Autonomous Tenants Union Network. I also host a podcast (I know, I'm annoying) called Tenants United Podcast. You can check out all those orgs/podcast if you want to see what my general political ideology is, but you don't have to cater to me. Just win the debate. :)
So ANYWAY, a lot of things from debate were really helpful in preparing me for my life outside of debate, but the competition/speed/anxiety of arguing all the time was NOT helpful. So y'all should debate how you want to debate, but just know that actual education and persuasive skills are what I personally would want to see students getting from their time in debate. (This is not an argument about theory or topicality though, again, debate how you want - it's just my general inclination which hopefully is helpful!)
Of course if you have any questions, ask. :)
This is my FIRST time judging virtually, over webcam.
Competed successfully in LD and CX debates in Show Me district during high school years. Experienced judge at invitational, NSDA districts, and MSHSAA district competitions in Missouri and Texas. Speed is fine if I can understand you. Note: I did NOT compete in debate in college, although I hold Bachelor's and Master's degrees.
Topicality matters. If you are debated, and accordingly deemed, to be a non-topical affirmative, you cannot win the round--even if you are the best speakers in the room. Smooth talkers can still lose a debate on the facts discussed.
Not a big fan of Kritiks, but if you run it very well--and it is convincing--you might win my ballot.
CX specific: Inherency matters. There must be firm, legitimate reason(s) why status quo does not contain your plan.
1. As a judge, It is a priority of mine to not let bias and predisposed opinions of topics to influence how I judge a competitor. I do not want to award winners just because I agreed with their side beforehand. Fairness comes from a clean slate beforehand and a newfound opinion after the round. I value the the time and effort you put in to debate such challenging topics so I try my best to be someone that really trusts and listens to what you say.
2. I value respect over anything. Respect the judge of course, but also respect your opponent. Losing a round is not worth an attitude of disrespect. I have seen too many rounds recently where people talked over the other and it got ugly. I do not like that. Also remember, this is something that should be considered fun. Enjoy yourselves.
3. it is often thought of to take debate as way more serious than it should be. Humor, puns, and side jokes are ideal. I get bored if it’s all talk and no games. Give a joke or two. Even if other jokes do not like this, it makes it more lively for me.
4. paint me a picture. As a future lawyer, I need to see a picture and a concrete image of your plan and ideas rather than having to try to imagine something in my mind. That makes me get lost in the “what if’s” and “could be‘s.
5. Imagine yourself as a policy maker or politician rather than debate competitor. Convince me that you know how to get the job done and that you know what you are talking about. It is more convincing than talking like a student trying to win a debate competition.
6. Refer to me as “judge”. I am nice, you can make conversation with me. I love meeting competitors and hearing about what they do because it is something that I used to do.
7. pace of speaking is a huge part of how I judge. If you talk too fast, I get lost. A little goes a long way when you keep your pace under control.
8. Snark is okay, don’t be a jerk, please.
9. Know and understand your evidence. Become an expert of it.
10. Prove to me that there ARE flaws and that you CAN fix them.