I was a Policy Debate Coach for the Margarita Muñiz Academy (MA) — both English and Spanish teams — I am currently working for the Boston Debate League. I also have debating experience as a debate en español high school debater.

My approach to judging policy debate is primarily objective. I will strive to remain neutral and impartial throughout the debate, and will base my decision solely on the merits of the arguments presented. I do not have any predetermined biases or predispositions towards any particular argument or position.

I expect both teams to engage in constructive and respectful debate. Each team should be prepared to support their claims with strong evidence and be able to respond to the other team's arguments in a thoughtful and respectful manner. I expect all participants to adhere to the established time limits and to speak clearly and coherently. I value effective communication and organization in a policy debate. Teams that are able to clearly and effectively articulate their arguments and support them with strong evidence will be more likely to earn my support.

In evaluating the arguments presented, I will consider a variety of factors, including the quality and relevance of the evidence, the strength of the logical reasoning used, and the persuasiveness of the overall argument. I will also consider the ability of each team to effectively address and refute the other team's arguments.

When evaluating theory arguments, I will assess the validity of the argument, the interpretation of the rules or norms in question, and the potential impact of the violation. I will also consider the extent to which the violation affects the fairness of the debate. If the argument is well-supported and the violation is significant, I will vote on the theory argument. However, I will also consider whether the theory argument is strategic or a tactic to gain an advantage in the debate.

When evaluating kritikal affirmative cases, I will assess the strength of the arguments presented, the coherence of the framework, and the evidence presented. I will also consider whether the affirmative case offers a viable alternative or solution to the problems identified in the critique. I expect kritikal affirmative teams to be able to effectively defend their framework and explain how it relates to the debate topic. I will evaluate the debate based on whether the affirmative team has effectively proven their case, rather than on whether I agree with their perspective or ideology.

Finally, I believe that policy debate is a valuable opportunity for students to develop critical thinking and public speaking skills. I am committed to providing constructive feedback to each team following the debate, in order to help them improve their skills and continue to grow as debaters.

Español

Fui debatiente de la escuela secundaria por 3 años, y ahora soy parte de la comunidad de exalumnos de la Liga de Debate de Boston. Desde mi graduación de la escuela secundaria, comencé a ayudar como juez de la Liga de Debate de Boston durante las competencias, especialmente para la división en español. En la actualidad soy entrenadora de debate en español y trabajo como para-profesional para las escuelas públicas de Boston.

Puntos clave:

Estilo: Entiendo que como debatientes, podemos desarrollar diferentes estilos de debate. Como ex-debatiente soy considerada en ello y acepto diferentes estilos que pueden ser brindados, siempre y cuando los estilos utilizados sean bien ejecutado.

Velocidad: la velocidad utilizada durante una ronda de debate debe ayudar a que sus argumentos sean claro y comprensibles. También debe ayudarte a ser más persuasivo a la hora de presentar tus argumentos.

Actuación: cuando se trata de la actuación de los debatientes, siempre que sea profesional y muestren respecto, será bien aceptado.

Nota sobre la tecnología: Entiendo que debido a este nuevo formato de debate. Es posible que experimentemos algunas dificultades técnicas. En caso de que ocurra alguna dificultad técnica, yo sería muy flexible con el tiempo de cada equipo y con el tiempo de las rondas de debate.

Intercambio de pruebas: si un equipo aporta pruebas adicionales, espero que sea compartida con el otro equipo y el juez.

No tolero palabras/acciones racistas, sexistas, etc. durante la ronda de debate. En caso de que suceda, descartaré la ronda de debate de inmediato. Especialmente, si se hacen de manera intencional.

English

I was a high school debate for three years, and now I become part of the Boston Debate League alum community. Since my high school graduation, I started assisting as a Judge for the Boston Debate League during competitions, especially for the Spanish division. Now, I work as a debate coach in the Spanish division and as a paraprofessional for Boston Public School.

Key points:

Style: I understand that, as debaters, we may develop different debate styles. I'm very open to accepting different debate styles during a debate round as long as the style is well-implemented.

Speed:Your speed should make your argument clear and understandable. It should also help you to be more persuasive when it comes to presenting your arguments.

Performance:When it comes to debaters' performance, As long as the debater is professional and respectful, it will be well accepted.

Note About Technology: I understand that because of this new debating format. We may experience some technical difficulties. I am flexible with the time if some technical difficulty happens.

Evidence Sharing:If one team brings additional evidence, I expect it to be shared with the other team and the judge.

I do not tolerate racist, sexist, etc. words/actions during the debate round. If it happens, I will dismiss the debate round immediately, especially if it was intentional.