Debate Judge Resources

Setting up your computer

Judges enter ballots using an online application called Tabroom at all tournaments.  You will need an internet-capable device to use this software.  We find that a laptop works best.

• Creating an account on Tabroom: Judges need an account on Tabroom.com. Click here for instructions.

• For online tournaments only, judges view the round NSDA Campus, a Zoom-like video platform.

• Be sure you are using the Chrome browser.

• Check that you can connect to NSDA Campus by following these directions: 

  • Click here for written instructions.

  • Click here to watch a 3-minute video.

Instructional videos - How to judge

1. Introduction to judging Public Forum Debate (17 minutes). All new judges should watch this video.

2. Introduction to judging Lincoln Douglas Debate (14 minutes). Watch only if you are assigned to judging Lincoln Douglas. If you are new to judging, please watch Introduction to Public Forum Debate first (above).

3. Entering your ballot in Tabroom (7 minutes). You will use Tabroom to enter your ballot whether you are judging at an in-person tournament or an online tournament.

4. How to "flow" (take notes) in a debate round (9 minutes). Taking notes in a debate round will help you better follow the arguments and determine the winner.

5. Demonstration Public Forum debate round (40 minutes). Note - At the time this video was made, the Summary speech was 2 minutes in duration. It is now 3 minutes long.

Quick guide for experienced judges

• The debate judge quick guide is linked here.