Rules & Regulations

Speech & Debate Academic Integrity & Use of AI

Part I: Statement of Fairness 

Student expression, performance and voice are the building blocks of Speech & Debate tournaments. Participation in each of the 5 events shall be authentic, honest, ethical, responsible and transparent. 

Part II: Best Practices for Using AI in Speech & Debate

• Research and Fact-Checking: AI can be used for gathering information, fact-checking arguments, and generating counterpoints during the preparation phase. Tools like AI-powered search engines, databases, or natural language processing systems can help quickly access data. However, all information generated by AI shall be critically assessed. Students should never say 'According to AI' when making a claim; instead, all claims must come from identifiable, reliable sources."

• Speech Structure and Organization: AI can help participants outline and structure their speeches or debates. For instance, an AI can assist in creating outlines based on their original ideas. However, the actual delivery and personalized aspects of the speech shall come from the speaker.

• Debate Strategy: AI can assist in identifying common counterarguments or potential weaknesses in an opponent’s case. But competitors shall still develop and adapt their own arguments and strategies. AI cannot be used to design a full debate plan or strategy.

• Rehearsal and Feedback: AI tools for speech analysis can help debaters practice body language, delivery, tone and pacing. These tools can provide feedback on things like filler words, speech clarity, and pacing. Again, the actual performance and fine-tuning of these elements shall come from the speaker.

• Differentiate Between Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Sources: AI being a tertiary source and secondary sources, for example, wikipedia. Primary sources such as original texts and secondary sources should always be cited.

Part III. Tournament Guidelines for Using AI

• Proper Use of AI

  • Research: Using AI for gathering information or identifying credible sources is allowed, provided it is done before the competition rounds begin.

  • AI can help a student consider a line of argumentation, but the student must still find a reliable source to use as proof, not the list of ideas AI generates based on its large language models. AI can be asked to identify such sources, but the student should go to the original source and make claims based on the reading of that source.

  • Arguments and speeches must be the product of students’ own voice and understanding 

  • Any unoriginal content and/or examples should be cited in speeches, or available to say during cross-examination. This includes AI-generated content. 

• Improper Use of AI

  • Automated Speech Generation: Using AI to write or deliver full speeches is not allowed, as it undermines the educational objectives.

  • Real-Time AI Assistance: Using an AI tool during a live debate to generate responses is not allowed.

Part IV. Coaches’ Responsibilities  

• All CEESA coaches should consider themselves primarily as educators and role models.

• In preparation for Speech & Debate tournaments, coaches' role is to act as mentors, showing students how to be authentic, responsible and ethical creators or participants.

• Explicitly teach skills relating to authentic and transparent research and citations, including critically evaluating sources (including AI content) for credibility and accuracy 

• Ensure to have some understanding about how AI can be used to research and have some recognition of what “AI voice” can sound or look like.

• Encourage students to seek guidance when unsure.

Part V: Tournament Procedures Regarding Academic Integrity 

• If  a concern regarding to academic integrity is observed during a performance, a judge should: 

  1. Note the concern on the bottom of the judging sheet *

  2. Personally bring the judging sheet directly to the Tournament Director

  3. The Tournament Director registers the concern (written summary)

  4. The Tournament Director informs the concern to the participant’s coaches   

  5. The coaches discuss the concern with the participant/s involved and report back to the Tournament Director

  6. The Tournament Director takes necessary action, depending on the nature of concern, communication with the participants coaches and stage of the tournament, and if the concern or violation has grounds for possible additional disciplinary action.

* To keep things fair, judges should focus on whether students can clearly explain and defend their arguments especially in cross examination and provide sources when needed. This way, integrity concerns are based on evidence, not personal opinion.