MES Debate 2021 Onlıne Manual

Debate Rules, Procedures & Protocols

MES Debate features a dynamic form of debate combining the concepts of “prepared” topics with “impromptu” topics, encouraging debaters to focus on specific issues rather than debate theory or procedural arguments. This highly interactive style of debate allows debaters to engage each other, even during speeches. This challenging format requires good teamwork and in-depth quality argumentation. It is derived and adapted from World Schools Debate Format.

The following manual outlines the debate rules, procedures, and protocols for MES DEBATE 2021 Online.

1. The Status of These Rules

1.1 These rules govern MES DEBATE 2021 Online held by MES DEBATE SECRETARIAT as a part of M. Emin Sarac English and E-twinning Club (MES EEC).

1.2 Conflict

1.2.1 The Executive Director of the MES DEBATE SECRETARIAT is empowered to make reasonable and defensible extrapolations of these rules, the bylaws, or official tournament rules to ensure a fair, accurate, efficient, and enjoyable tournament experience consistent with the mission of MES EEC. Decisions of the Executive Director are final.

2. Eligibility of Participant

2.1 Teams

2.1.1 A team shall have four (4) speakers including one (1) substitute speaker and one (1) speaker as a team captain.

2.1.2 Team members must be ongoing students at M. Emin Sarac AIHL.

2.1.3 Team members must not be a member of the MES DEBATE SECRETARIAT for that year's organization.

3. Format of Debates

3.1 Online Specifications

3.1.1 All debates will be held in Zoom breakout rooms. Links will be provided on the tournament schedule closer to the tournament dates.

3.1.1.1 All the participants and the judges shall have their cameras opened up throughout the debate.

3.1.2 Registration will be processed through Google Forms.

3.1.3 Judges will receive a private URL to submit their ballots.

3.1.4 If a judge’s ballot is not submitted within 30 minutes of the end of the round or at all, the results for the lowest ballot will be replicated.

3.1.5 We will assume that all teams registered will be present all days. However, we will take into account a registration time-frame at the beginning of each session for any attendance matters: a sick teammate, a change in judges, etc.

3.2 Teams in a Debate

3.2.1 In a debate there are two teams.

3.2.2 One team proposes the motion for debate; the other team opposes it.

3.3 Speakers in a Team

3.3.1 For each team in a debate, there are four (4) speakers including one (1) substitute.

3.3.2 Before a debate begins, each team must inform the chairperson of the names of their four (4) speakers and the order in which they will be speaking.

3.3.3 The only persons who may speak in a debate are the speakers for each team announced by the chairperson at the start of that debate.

3.3.4 Each speaker gives only one constructive (substantive) speech.

3.3.5 After each speaker has spoken, the first or second speaker (or the substitute) for each team gives a reply speech, with the opposition reply going first and the proposition reply second.

3.3.6 Roles of the speakers include:

a. 1st Prop: The role of the first speaker of the proposition is to define the topic, establish the issues for the debate, outline the proposition case, announce the case division between the speakers, and present their part of the proposition case. The proposition may define the topic in any way provided that the definition - is reasonably close to the plain meaning of the topic, allows the opposition team reasonable room to debate, is not unnecessarily repetitive or truistic, and is otherwise a reasonable definition.

b. 1st Opp: The role of the first speaker of the opposition side is to challenge the definition if necessary, present an alternative definition if the definition is challenged, respond to the proposition case, outline the opposition case, announce the case division, and present his or her part of the opposition case. If the first opposition does not challenge the definition, the opposition is taken to have accepted the definition and the opposition may not challenge the definition in any other speech unless the proposition significantly alters the definition in their subsequent speeches.

c. 2nd Prop: The role of the second speaker of the proposition is to deal with the definition if it has been challenged, respond to the opposition case, and continue with the proposition case as outlined by the first speaker. If the second proposition does not challenge a re-definition of the debate made by the first opposition, the proposition is taken to have accepted the opposition's re-definition and no further challenges to the definition may be made.

d. 2nd Opp: The role of the second speaker of the opposition is to deal with the definition if it is still in issue, respond to the proposition case, and continue with the opposition case as outlined by the first speaker.

e. 3rd Speeches: The role of both third speakers is to deal with the definition if it is still in issue, and respond to the other team's case. The third speaker of either team may have a small part of the team's case to present, but this is not obligatory as the third speaker's primary role is to respond to what has gone before in the debate.

f. Reply Speeches: The reply speaker may be either the first or second speaker (or the substitute speaker) of the team, but not the third. The reply speakers are in reverse order, with the opposition reply first and the proposition reply last. Neither reply speaker may introduce a new part of the team case. A reply speaker may respond to an existing argument by raising a new example that illustrates that argument, but may not otherwise introduce a new argument.

3.4 Timing of Speeches

3.4.1 The speaking time for substantive speeches is 5 minutes and for reply speeches is 4 minutes.

3.4.2 The time-keeper shall provide time signals for each speech.

3.4.3 In addition to the time signals provided by the time-keeper, team members may give time signals to a speaker provided that the signals are discrete and unobtrusive.

3.5 Interruptions

3.5.1 During a substantive speech (a 5-minute speech) a competitor from the opposite team may rise to offer a "Point of Information" (POI).

3.5.2 A POI may be a question or a statement.

3.5.3 The first full minute of a substantive speech and the last full minute of a substantive speech are considered protected time. No Points of Information may be given during this time.

3.5.4 The speaker may choose to accept a Point of Information or to reject or waive down a Point of Information though waiving down may result in loss of point/s.

3.4.4.1 Rejection can take the form of an obvious hand gesture or a verbal comment from the speaker.

3.5.5 Speakers are discouraged, though not prohibited from:

3.5.5.1 Offering Points of Information that exceed 15 seconds.

3.5.5.2 Rising more frequently than every 20 seconds during unprotected time to offer Points of Information.

3.5.5.3 Offering more than three (3) Points of Information to a single speaker during unprotected time.

3.5.6 There are no other interruptions in the flow of debate. Teams have no preparation time once the debate begins, nor is there any time dedicated to questioning speakers or providing cross-examination.

3.6 Communication

3.6.1 During a debate, speakers may not communicate with their coach, other team members who are not speaking in that debate, or any person in the audience.

3.7 Behavior During Debates

3.7.1 It is the responsibility of each participant of the tournament to behave in a manner consistent with the MES Student Rights and Responsibilities. Any behavior that may negatively affect a positive learning community is unacceptable.

3.7.1.1 Examples of unacceptable behavior include but are not limited to:

a. Any conduct that violates a person’s dignity or creates an intimidating, degrading or hostile environment including inappropriate touching, fighting, play fighting or contact with sexual overtones

b. Inappropriate communication (verbal, non-verbal or written), including swearing

c. Racial/cultural slurs, disparaging comments or sexually related comments,

d. Damaging or disrespecting school property or the property of others littering or stealing,

e. Defying or disrespecting others,

f. Cheating or any variant of academic dishonesty,

g. Inappropriate use of technology including cellular telephones, computers or other electronic devices, specially during impromptu preparation time,

h. Direct contact (addressing a single speaker) during a speech.

4. The Schematic

4.1 The Quarter-Finals

4.1.1 The tournament shall consist of between 8 (eight) and 16 (sixteen). The bracket shall be designed accordingly.

4.1.2 The quarter-finals shall be prepared debates.

4.1.3 4 (four) teams shall be eliminated when all the matches in the quarter-finals are concluded.

4.2 The Semi-Finals

4.2.1 The 4 (four) winning teams of the quarter-finals shall compete in the semi-finals.

4.2.2 The semi-finals shall be impromptu debates where the motion shall be given to the teams sixty minutes (one hour) before the matches.

4.3 The Grand-Final

4.3.1 2 (two) winning teams of the semi-finals shall compete in the grand-final.

4.3.2 The final shall be a prepared debate.

5. Motions

5.1 Motion Format

5.1.1 Motions shall take the format befitting debate in a House of Parliament, always beginning with the phrase “This House,” which will often—but not exclusively—be followed by the verbs “would,” “believes that,” or “regrets.”

5.2 Prepared Debates

5.2.1 MES Debate Secretariat will announce a list of motions for prepared rounds two weeks before the competition.

5.2.2 Motions for prepared debates shall be written by members of the secretariat in consultation with community members.

5.3 Impromptu Debates

5.3.1 MES Debate Secretariat will prepare motions for impromptu debates in consultation with community members.

5.3.2 The motions for impromptu debates shall be assigned by MES Debate Secretariat, taking into consideration difficulty, subject variety, and other qualities as appropriate.

6. Language

6.1 All debates shall be in English.

7. Prepared Debates

7.1 Prepared Debates Definition

7.1.1 This part of the rules applies to the prepared debates of the Quarter-finals and the Final round.

7.2 Preliminary Rounds

7.2.1 At the discretion of MES Debate Secretariat, no preliminary debates will be held in the tournament.

7.3 Preparation

7.3.1 From the release of the prepared motions two weeks before the tournament, teams may use as much or as little time to prepare for the prepared motions as they choose.

7.3.2 All team members may participate in preparation of prepared motions.

7.3.3 Coaches, team managers, parents, fellow students, and other interested parties may assist in preparing for prepared motions.

7.4 Materials

7.4.1 During preparation, any materials may be used that are conducive to their education and preparation.

7.4.2 During the debate, students may bring prepared notes with them into the round. However, no electronic retrieval devices (except the use of cellular phones for timing—see 7.4.3 below), including tablet and laptop computers, are permitted in the round. Notes should be in paper form.

7.4.3 The use of hand-held cellular phones is permitted as a timing device only. The cellular phone must be kept in airplane mode during the debate. Use for any purpose other than timing may result in the loss of a round.

7.4.4 During the debate, students are permitted to bring with them an English language dictionary, a bilingual dictionary, and a single-volume encyclopedia or almanac. Other printed or published materials, including documents referred to during the course of prepared speeches, may also accompany a team into the room.

8. Impromptu Debates

8.1 Impromptu Debates Definition

8.1.1 This part of the rules applies to any impromptu debates held during the Semi-Final rounds.

8.2 Preparation Time and Procedure

8.2.1 Both the team supporting the motion and the team opposing the motion shall have 60 minutes (one hour) from the time the motion is released until the beginning of the impromptu round.

8.2.2 All members of the team—both those who will be speaking in the round and any other members who may speak in other rounds—may participate in preparation. Up to four members of a team may participate. Team members may not consult coaches or anyone other than the four members.

8.3 Materials

8.3.1 Teams may not bring any handwritten, printed, or published materials with them into their preparation room (or area) for impromptu debates, with the exception of an English language dictionary, a bilingual dictionary, and a singlevolume encyclopedia or almanac per team.

8.3.2 Teams may not use any electronic storage and retrieval devices, including tablet or laptop computers or hand-held cellular telephones in the preparation room (or area) for impromptu debates (except the use of cellular phones for timing—see 8.4.3 below.) Notes should be in paper form.

8.3.3 The use of hand-held cellular phones is permitted as a timing device only. The cellular phone must be kept in airplane mode during preparation and the debate. Use for any purpose other than timing may result in the loss of a round.

8.3.4 During the debate, students are permitted to bring with them hand-written notes prepared during the preparation period, an English language dictionary, a bilingual dictionary, and a single-volume encyclopedia or almanac. No other printed or published materials are permitted.

8.3.5 Use of the Internet or any communication with anyone who is not one of the five team members during preparation may result in the loss of the round.

9. Judging

9.1 Number of Judges

9.1.1 All rounds shall be judged by at least two judges.

9.2 Affiliation

9.2.1 A judge shall not judge a team where it is obvious that the jury could not judge the team impartially.

9.3 Judging Repetition

9.3.1 A judge who has judged a team in the previous rounds may judge that team during elimination rounds but preference will be given to judges who have not yet judged the team.

9.4 Winning a Debate

9.4.1 In elimination rounds or any rounds with a panel of judges, the debate is won by the team who receives a winning ballot from a majority of judges in the round. The sum of team scores determines a winning ballot.

9.5 Judging Criteria

9.5.1 The decision of who won a debate shall be the sole discretion of the judge(s) of the debate.

9.5.2 Judges will use the debate ballots provided by MES Debate Secretariat.

9.5.3 Judges will use the following scoring criteria as outlined on the official ballot:

a. Style: Speakers should communicate clearly using effective rate, pitch, tone, hand gestures, facial expressions, etc. The use of notes should not be penalized unless it hinders delivery; however, speakers should not read their speeches. Notes are to be used only for reference.

b. Content: This portion of the score should focus on the argumentation used by the speaker, divorced from the style. Weak arguments should be marked accordingly, even if the other team does not expose a weak argument. Judges should not be influenced by their own personal beliefs or specialized knowledge when making this decision.

c. Language: This portion of the score focuses on the speaker's ability to articulate their thoughts in English using the appropriate vocabulary, pronunciation and sentences. The speaker's accent is not relevant to this criterion, therefore cannot affect the score.

d. Strategy: Strategy consists of whether or not the speaker understands the importance of the issues in the debate and the structure/timing of the speech. Debaters should identify the most substantive issues and allocate their time to covering issues based on the relative importance. Strategy may also consider answers to points of information and choosing when/how to address them. Strategy is not content: a speaker who answers the critical issues with weak responses should get poor marks for content but good marks for strategy.

9.5.4 A judge’s scoring decisions using the above criteria are at the sole discretion of the judge(s) in the round and cannot be protested.

10. Evidence and Argumentation

10.1 Use of Evidence

10.1.1 The assessment of the quality and appropriate use of evidence as it relates to the scoring of the debate is the sole discretion of the judge(s) in the round. This assessment cannot be protested.

10.2 Validity of Evidence and Argumentation

10.2.1 The adjudication of the validity of evidence and argumentation used in a debate and its effect on scoring is the sole responsibility of the judge(s) in the round. This assessment by the judge cannot be protested.

11. Protests/Complaints

11.1 All complaints and/or protests should be made to the Ombudsperson on duty.

11.2 No protests will be adjudicated by the Ombudsperson until a formal protest form has been completed and filed.

11.3 Protests must be filed within 60 minutes of the end of the round in which the proposed violation occurred to be considered by the Ombudsperson.

12. Penalties

12.1 Failure to arrive within 10 minutes of the stated start time of a debate round may result in forfeiture of the round.

12.2 Penalties for violations of any rules will be determined by the Ombudsperson and Executive Director. This decision shall be final.

Adapted by Zülal Soysal and Zeynep Aslan.

See the original source by National Speech&Debate Association: https://www.speechanddebate.org/wp-content/uploads/USWSDI-Manual

See also: https://www.asf.edu.mx/learning/events/asomex-debate-tournament/debating