Email: hechildress25@gmail.com, please include me in any email chains

I've competed in almost every event - I've been in debate for 7 years now. I've gone to nationals 3 years in a row now. I love debate, please don't change that for me.

LD: Framework is the most important and whoever wins framework tends to win in my experience. Use your contentions to back your framework. I love LD, please don't make me dislike it. If your opponent drops your case and you say it went uncontested in your speech, then the argument stands and will be weighed heavily. I like impact analysis, so do what you with that. I do not care for statistics much because this is Lincoln Douglas Debate, this a morals and values centric debate and stats are for more policy and implementation centric debates. If it resorts to a stats debate, low speaker points, but better stats win.

PF: I have never competed in PF, but I have PFers on my team and understand the basics. Please don't use much jargon because I don't speak PF. This is not policy junior, so don't act like it. Use your evidence as impacts and arguments, don't just read it. I prefer traditional PF.

Congress: Read a speech and actually know it (or act like you know it). This is supposed to be fun. Don't be rude, and actually get stuff done.

CLASH - this is a debate, not a tea party. argue against every point. I prefer framework debates and contention impact weighing clash, but please don't resort to a definitions debate. If there is no clash, then speaker points will show that.

I will not do your work for you. If you said something in Cross Ex and don't bring it up, it is not an argument. Explain your links and impacts or else I won't.

Use all of your prep time because even if you don't need it, you need it.

IMPACTS!!!!! I judge the round off of impact weighing and linkage to frame!! If you do not bring up any impacts, speaker points and the overall outcome of the debate.

Values - I think the framework of a case is the most important part of a debate for LD. I don't care that much about implementation unless the resolution has it. PROVE HOW YOURS WINS and how it links to your case.

I will not accept any disrespectful language towards your opponents or judges. Don't be rude and you'll do just fine.

Timing - Use all of your time. Just do it. I will take points off for more than one minute of left.

Flow - When giving rebuttals, just go down the flow so it's easier for everyone. And please, please, please, for the love of all that is good, clarify what you are talking about.

Spreading - If I cannot understand what you're saying because you're speaking so fast, I will take off points even if I have the case. I can flow spread, but please speak clearly, and if you don't, then I will not flow the argument.

Know your case - at least act like you did the research and wrote the case. If you say you have a card for it, say the card name and argument at least.

Keep your logical fallacies for your next round.

PLAY BY THE RULES - if you lie about something or steal a case or do anything unethical, I will vote against you.

I will not vote on Extinction arguments without proper links (minimum of 4 cards to prove linkage).

Losses for me: disrespect, sexist/racist/LGBTQ+phobic/literally any discriminatory comments or language, or violence.

I don't really like Theory, but if it goes uncontested I'll flow it, and if it has proper links and explanation, then I'll flow it.

Don't browbeat less experienced debaters or your speaks will be below 28

Interp: Only rule for me- SCREAMING DOES NOT EQUAL EMOTION!! If you can show emotion without screaming, you did good. Now if it's a getting louder because the piece needs to show emphasis, sounds good.

I am a debate coach in Georgia. I also competed in LD and Policy out west. Take that for whatever you think it means.

• LD - Value/Value Criterion (Framework, Standard, etc,) - this is what separates us from the animals (or at least the policy debaters). It is the unique feature of LD Debate. Have a good value and criterion and link your arguments back to it. I am open to all arguments but present them well, know them, and, above all, Clash - this is a debate not a tea party.
• PF - I side on the traditional side of PF. Don't throw a lot of jargon at me or simply read cards... this isn't Policy Jr., compete in PF for the debate animal it is. Remember debate, especially PF, is meant to persuade - use all the tools in your rhetorical toolbox: Logos, Ethos, and Pathos.
• Speed - Debate is a SPEAKING event. I like speed but not spreading. Speak as fast as is necessary but keep it intelligible. There aren't a lot of jobs for speed readers after high school (auctioneers and pharmaceutical disclaimer commercials) so make sure you are using speed for a purpose. If you spread - it better be clear, I will not yell clear or slow down or quit mumbling, I will just stop listening. If the only way I can understand your case is to read it, you have already lost. If you are PRESENTING and ARGUING and PERSUADING then I need to understand the words coming out of your mouth! NEW for ONLINE DEBATE - I need you to speak slower and clearer, pay attention to where your mike is. On speed in-person, I am a 7-8. Online, make it a 5-6.
• Email Chains Please include me on email chains if it is used in the round, but don't expect me to sit there reading your case to understand your arguments - pchildress@gocats.org **Do not email me outside of the round unless you include your coach in the email.
• Know your case, like you actually did the research and wrote the case and researched the arguments from the other side. If you present it, I expect you to know it from every angle - I want you to know the research behind the statistic and the whole article, not just the blurb on the card.
• Casing - Love traditional but I am game for kritiks, counterplans, theory - but perform them well, KNOW them, I won't do the links for you. I am a student of Toulmin - claim-evidence-warrant/impacts. I don't make the links and don't just throw evidence cards at me with no analysis. It is really hard for you to win with an AFF K with me - it better be stellar. I am not a big fan of Theory shells that are not actually linked in to the topic - if you are going to run Afro-Pes or Feminism you better have STRONG links to the topic at hand, if the links aren't there... Also don't just throw debate terms out, use them for a purpose and if you don't need them, don't use them.
• I like clash. Argue the cases presented, mix it up, have some fun, but remember that debate is civil discourse - don't take it personal, being the loudest speaker won't win the round, being rude to your opponent won't win you the round.
• Debating is a performance in the art of persuasion and your job is to convince me, your judge (not your opponent!!) - use the art of persuasion to win the round: eye contact, vocal variations, appropriate gestures, and know your case well enough that you don't have to read every single word hunched over a computer screen. Keep your logical fallacies for your next round. Rhetoric is an art.
• Technology Woes - I will not stop the clock because your laptop just died or you can't find your case - not my problem, fix it or don't but we are going to move on.
• Ethics - Debate is a great game when everyone plays by the rules. Play by the rules - don't give me a reason to doubt your veracity.
• Win is decided by the flow (remember if you don't LINK it, I don't either), who made the most successful arguments and used evidence and reasoning to back up those arguments.
• Speaker Points are awarded to the best speaker - I end up with a rare low point win each season. I am fairly generous on speaker points. I disclose winner but not speaker points. Even is you are losing a round or not feeling it during the round, don't quit on yourself or your opponent! You may not like the way your opponent set up their case or you may not like a certain style of debate but don't quit in a round.
• Don't browbeat less experienced debaters; you should aim to win off of argumentation skill against less experienced opponents, not smoke screens or jargon. 7 off against a first-year may get you the win, but it kills the educational and ethical debate space you should strive for. As an experienced debater, you should hope to EDUCATE them not run them out of the event.
• Enjoy yourself. Debate is the best sport in the world - win or lose - learn something from each round, don't gloat, don't disparage other teams, judges, or coaches, and don't try to convince me after the round is over. Leave it in the round and realize you may have just made a friend that you will compete against and talk to for the rest of your life. Don't be so caught up in winning that you forget to have some fun - in the round, between rounds, on the bus, and in practice.
• Rule of Debate Life. Sometimes you will be told you are the winner when you believe you didn't win the round - accept it as a gift from the debate gods and move on. Sometimes you will be told you lost a round that you KNOW you won - accept that this is life and move on. Sometimes judges base a decision on something that you considered insignificant or irrelevant and sometimes judges get it wrong, it sucks but that is life. However, if the judge is inappropriate - get your advocate, your coach, to address the issue. Arguing with the judge in the round or badmouthing them in the hall or cafeteria won't solve the issue.
• Immediate losers for me - be disparaging to the other team or make racist, homophobic, sexist arguments or comments. Essentially, be kind and respectful if you want to win.
• Questions? - if you have a question ask me.

This may or may not be helpful, so feel free to read it if you would like. It's also very long... but worthwhile, I think.

If you choose to read this, it means I am your judge. My email is marmadukezgen@gmail.com you can use this to share files if needed.

Lincoln Douglas Debate

• I have been debating in Georgia for three years (give or take...), so I understand the gist of the event. However, I want to stress that this is a persuasion-based competition, not an imaginary rap battle against Eminem. DO NOT SPREAD- While I don't mind a fast-paced delivery, you must speak clearly. Please keep in mind that if your argument becomes difficult to understand, I will deduct speaker points and stop listening. I will flow all speeches except for cross-examination (CX). Therefore, if you fail to mention any points made during CX, it will not be my responsibility.

• How to Win: It is crucial to tie everything in your LD case to your Value and Value Criterion. This is what distinguishes us from other competitors. LD is a philosophy-based event, so it is vital to refer back to your V/VC and organize your case accordingly. Referring to your Value and Value Criterion is essential to succeed in this event. Also, ensure that there are credible links between your cards and your case, and extend your cards as required. I will be judging the round off of impact-weighing and linkage.

Public Forum Debate

Totally original.

• PF - I side on the traditional side of PF. Don't throw a lot of jargon at me or simply read cards... this isn't Policy Jr., compete in PF for the debate animal it is. Remember debate, especially PF, is meant to persuade - use all the tools in your rhetorical toolbox: Logos, Ethos, and Pathos.

General Points/Basics:

• Clash: This is a crucial topic that requires discussion, even though I know it may be too early for you and you would rather stay in bed and watch Spongebob. However, it's important to argue your points well and refute your opponent's, as it will benefit you in the long run. I suggest debating each point thoroughly and going down the flow, as I learned from experience that it's necessary. While I prefer framework and impact-weighing debates, definitions are also important at times, although they are not required as often.

• Signpost: This is essential to the flow of the round, so keep that in mind when you are countering your opponent's case (rebuttal) and rebuilding your case.

• KNOW YOUR CASE!!! From my experience, it's important to act like you know what you're talking about even if you wrote it at 3 a.m.

• Time: Please use your prep time wisely, and most importantly use all of your speech time.

• This is important because it's here twice :) DO NOT SPREAD- While I don't mind a fast-paced delivery, you must speak clearly. Please keep in mind that if your argument becomes difficult to understand, I will deduct speaker points and stop listening.

Speaker Points (Unless told otherwise)

30: You altered my perception of what is achievable during a debate or accomplished something truly revelatory with the subject. Your speaking manner demonstrates a complexity that would capture a theater full of people's attention.

29-29.9: I would anticipate you to be in the tournament's late eliminations because you are a top-tier speaker and thinker. You are pondering the subject at a very high level.

28-28.9: Compared to the stock instances I usually hear on a specific topic, your speech demonstrated much more thought than was typical. Your conversational style exudes confidence and grace.

27.27.9: This is what I mean when I say that this is the "perfect average." Even though the presentation wasn't very eye-catching, you did a nice job of building your case and presenting it.

26-26.9: Although you typically made a convincing point, your delivery and argumentation lacked sophistication.

22-25.9: Your argument was little supported, and your case and/or delivery were both confusing.

Under 21: You said or did something severely offensive, and will most likely be reported to Tabroom. sorry stink <3

PLEASE BE RESPECTFUL OF EACH OTHER

It is important to remember that disrespect towards your opponent or me during a debate will result in a deduction of speaker points. In addition, I will immediately report any discriminatory behavior, such as LGBTQIA+phobia, racism, or sexism, to Tabroom. There will be zero tolerance for any form of discrimination or violence.

Upon reading this paradigm, I am pleased to inform you that you have earned an additional 0.5 speaker points.

If you have any questions do not ask me. Thank you for your time :) jkjk, ask me...

**between me and you... if you made a funny jokey joke... you earned yourself an extra speakey point**