Verbatim is a "free, open source platform for paperless debate" built into an advanced Microsoft Word template. This is the industry standard for debate (elementary through college) and almost all tournaments use procedures that assume files are completed in this format. This template creates a standard formatting for all evidence shared across all platforms which creates synchronicity within formatting and evidence sharing. Click here for a video tutorial on how to use the product and how it is used in debate. The largest limitation is that it requires access to word, and not just word online. It is in your interest to speak with your tech department about the potential of full word access for students in debate. Verbatim does use macros, so many school tech departments will ban it until you explain what it is and how it works.
Luckily, those without access to word are not totally left out. Debate Template is a google chrome extension that attempts to replicate the formatting of the Verbatim word template, without access to word. It is by far an inferior product since it does not have any of the cool tracking (words per minute, timers etc) features but will keep your students in compliance with the norms of debate. Compared to verbatim, its biggest limitations include the lack of interactive navigation pane and the inability to sort through 100 plus page files. Click here for more information about how to make the most of the Debate Template extension!
Tabroom is most common online platform associated with debate at all levels. It allows registration for tournaments, allows students to enter dietary and/or religious preferences, has coded software to actively run tournaments, and is connected to NSDA campus. NSDA campus is a much safer (and approved by most major tech departments) digital platform for digital speech competition. It includes ways to share evidence that don't include student email and have local recording to protect students. This is all managed by the National Speech and Debate Association, which is the worlds largest forensics organization dedicated to helping K-12 students access debate. This is the industry standard.
There are two other main tournament software programs that tournaments are run through. They are Speechwire, which is far more user friendly, but also has MUCH more limited functions and is more expensive. People who use this software are paying for the convenience of having the creator of that software a phone call away, not for its ability to manage tournaments effectively. ForensicsTournament is a third program that is a midway point between Speechwire and Tabroom in terms of user friendliness plus capabilities. It's intended more for speech versus debate, which has different rules and priorities. ForensicsTournaments biggest problem is lack of ease in accommodating ADA requests. Tabroom literally has a button to press. ForensicsTournament requires you make notes and do the accommodations by hand.
*One note* - all of these are free to sign your team up for and register for tournaments in. In order to access most tournament management features, there is a fee. The structure of debate has entry fees from schools entering the tournament to help cover these costs.