DEBATE MECHANICS

1. All participants should be dressed in appropriate attire

2. Only oral communications described in this Rules are permitted. In particular, no written
communication or exhibits may be delivered by any Team Member to any judge.
3. Debaters are enjoined to talk, argue, debate with clarity and audible manner.
4. During a debate round, debaters at the podium and those seated at the table may not operate
computers/laptop, cell phones, or any other computing device for any purpose.
5. Debaters are barred to use profane, vulgar, cursing, insulting, demeaning or any negative
labelling to his/her worthy opponent. The use of such language shall constitute the following
stages of the penalty; Stern Warning, Very Stern Warning, and Points deduction ranging from 3
to 5 points.
6. In the event of a complaint, all participants must bring the issue to their coaches only, who will
then approach the tournament organizer on their behalf.
7. Complaints must be lodged immediately following a round of debate or speech.
8. The decision of the judges is final.

Evidence
1. Assertions of fact by debaters must be accurate and should be supported by proof.
2. Debaters must be prepared to cite specific authority.
3. The actual publication or at least a copy of that page must be available. It is the opponents’
prerogative to examine evidence, if they so desire.
4. Interviews may be introduced as evidence if the debater has with him or her a transcript
signed by the interviewee.
5. Letters from experts may be used as evidence and must be available to the opposing team.
6. Evidence must not be fabricated, misquoted, distorted, or quoted out of context. If a judge
suspects that evidence is inaccurate he/she may request full documentation at the end of
the debate, before rendering a decision.

Rules on Interpellation
1. Questions should primarily focused on arguments developed in the speech of your opponent.
However, matters relevant and material to the proposition are admissible.
2. Questioner and opponent should treat each other with courtesy.
3. Both speakers stand and face the audience during the question or Interpellation period.
4. Once the questioning has begun, neither the questioner nor his opponent may consult a
colleague. Consultation should be done before but as quietly as possible.
5. Questioners should ask brief and easily understandable question. Answers should equally be
brief. Categorical questions answerable by yes or no is allowed, however, opponent if he
choose, may qualify his answer why yes or why no.
6. Questioner may not cut off a reasonable and qualifying answer, but he may cut off a nervous
response with a statement such as a “thank you” “that is enough information” or “your point is
quite clear” or “I’m satisfied.”
7. Questioner should not comment on the response of his opponent.
8. Your opponent may refuse to answer ambiguous, irrelevant or loaded questions by asking the
questioner to rephrase or reform his question.
Time Signals:
A. Time begins when the speaker begins to speak.
B. The blue flag and a ring of the bell signal that only 1 minute is left.
C. The red flag and two rings of the bell signal the end of the time allotment.

CRITERIA FOR JUDGING:

a. Best Speaker
Speech (organization and clarify of expression) 30%
Pronunciation/Enunciation 20%
Voice Quality & Projection 20%
Stage Presence 20%
Audience Rapport 10%
TOTAL 100%

Best Debater
Arguments 30%
Reasoning/Logic 20%
Ability to Analyze Questions 20%
Ability to Refute 20%
Preparation Demonstrated 10%
TOTAL 100%