—James Madison HH—

—JMHS '24; VT '28—

Hi! My name is Maya and I’m currently a varsity debater at James Madison High School and have been doing PF on the national & local circuit for 2 years. I’m not too picky with judging, but you can find my prefs below. I do have some judging experience (most of it doesn't show up on my judging record for whatever reason) and have learned that I tend to prefer tech over truth, however I will not really evaluate really weird arguments like “Biden must do this to win election and stop the world from ending”. I know a lot of the top teams do this, but I think it’s just a way to appeal to the majority political preference in debate. I’m not saying it doesn’t work, but I prefer real substance and instances that are actually probable. With that being said, if you do run it, please prove that it will actually happen and know how the government and legislation works! My absolute biggest pet peeve in PF is prog debate & disclosure. I think they are becoming extremely harmful norms, and as someone who lost in semi-finals to frivolous theory, I will not condemn anyone to the same fate. Any progressive arguments will not be on my flow and speaks could also be affected if you attempt them. Same goes for disclo, sending speech docs or posting them on the wiki is just harmful for everyone. Come into the debate prepared instead of relying on someone disclosing their case, this should never be an expectation as you enter a round.

—Novice & JV—

I won’t be too picky with teams at this level, I just have a few hard prefs. No spreading, I will not read a speech doc, say it or it's not going to be on my flow. This should go without saying, but absolutely no prog at this level. Finally, make sure you are signposting, you are a lot more likely to have your arguments evaluated properly if it is extended cleanly across my flow. Feel free to ask questions if I’m allowed to disclose my decision.

—Varsity/ Nat Circ—

As I said above, absolutely no prog. Otherwise, feel free to run what you believe in. Other prefs: No spreading, I will not read a speech doc, say it clearly or it's not going to be on my flow. Please signpost and don’t give me a roadmap. Nothing should be new in the second half of the debate, but I will accept new evidence in summary, just no new arguments. Treat me like a flay and explain your warranting and link-chains to me. Extending author names is fine as long as you give me a quick reminder of what that author said, it really doesn’t need to be much. Use cross for gotchas and actual substance, not clarifying questions. I do not flow cross, so if something happens that you want evaluated please be sure to bring it up in a speech. Finally, be respectful. Attitude is one thing, but being straight up rude is another. I don’t really care about attitude, it can be pretty funny sometimes, but be kind to your opponents or your speaks will take a hit. Also, feel free to post round or ask me questions after I disclose my decision. Obviously, My decision will not change, but it helps me learn to be better and it helps you take out some frustrations and understand why I made the decision that I made.

James Madison KP

JMHS ‘24

Northwestern ‘28

For Novice PF:

Try to be as convincing as you can! Use a combination of evidence and your own analysis. I don’t care what you argue as long as you argue it well.

For JV/Varsity PF:

I am a flow judge who enjoys traditional PF rounds with effective clash, nuanced and unique arguments, analytical debate, and quality, non-power-cut evidence.

Some general preferences:

- Some speed is fine with me, but please don’t spread (I won’t flow off a doc).
- Don’t misrepresent evidence.
- I enjoy when teams don’t exclusively read off a speech doc for rebuttal. If, outside of reading new evidence, you can deliver an organized, completely unscripted rebuttal based solely on the flow, then by all means go for it.
- Weighing impacts in the back half of the debate is crucial to winning the round.
- You absolutely can and should attack poor evidence.
- I won't evaluate theory or K's; please debate the resolution at hand.
- Please exchange cards efficiently.
- If both teams agree to make an email chain, please add me at cakaplan28@gmail.com.

Most importantly, have fun!