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Rules
Rule 1: Speakers should not “go over” the time limits given for each speech, although they may stop before time has run out, if they so choose.
Rule 2: Once the debate has begun, debaters may not consult any material collected or prepared before the announcement of the topic for debate. Debaters may use notes prepared during their designated preparation time, but may not use any other materials in the debate. The use of quoted evidence or printed materials is forbidden in the debate, and such use is grounds for a loss in the debate.
Rule 3: Points of information may be attempted in every speech when the speaker is not speaking during his or her “protected time.” Protected time occurs during the first minute and last minute of every speech. Points of information may be a statement or a question, not to exceed 15 seconds. The speaker has the discretion to accept or refuse points of information attempted by the opposing side. There are no “friendly” points of information (points made by the speaker’s partner).
Rule 4: The proposition team supports the motion for debate by presenting a case for the motion. The opposition team opposes the case made by the proposition team, showing either that there is no reason to vote for the motion or that there are reasons not to vote for the motion.
Rule 5: Both sides bear the burden of clash; that is, they should acknowledge and argue the issues raised by their opponent in the debate.
Citation: Shuster and Meany http://www.chssa.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Parliamentary_Debate_Intro.9104950.pdf