Public Forum Debate · HS Novice & Varsity · teams of 2 · flighted

Accessible, current-events team debate built for a citizen judge: two-person teams argue a resolution drawn from public policy, with short speeches and lively “crossfire” question periods. Four rounds, sides alternating or determined per ISSDA procedure. A round runs about 45 minutes, so PF is flighted: two debates share each round block and judge (see How flighting works).

Lincoln-Douglas Debate · HS Novice & Varsity · one-on-one · flighted

One-on-one values debate in the tradition of the 1858 Lincoln–Douglas contests: a resolution of principle, argued through a framework of values and criteria, with cross-examination. A round runs about 45 minutes, so LD is flighted alongside PF.

Policy Debate (High School) · HS Novice & Varsity · teams of 2

The deepest research event: two-person teams debate a single season-long policy resolution, with the affirmative proposing a specific plan and the negative testing it. Evidence-intensive and fast-developing — and the event with the longest rounds of the day. Each team — Affirmative and Negative — has 8 minutes of preparation time to use across the round, and both teams may prepare whenever either team calls prep, so in practice a round can include up to 16 minutes of preparation. Policy fills its full round block, and rounds may occasionally run over; the schedule catches up at the next break. Laptops are permitted for evidence per ISSDA norms; internet use in rounds is governed by the current ISSDA handbook.

World Schools Debate · HS Novice & Varsity · teams of 3 speaking (squads up to 5)

The international format: three speakers a side debate motions of principle and policy in a conversational, audience-friendly style, with points of information — brief interjections the speaker may accept or decline — replacing separate cross-examination. A round runs about an hour, one per round block. Motions for prepared rounds are announced in advance per ISSDA practice.

Policy Debate (College Novice) · teams of 2 · NDT/CEDA rules

College Policy follows the rules and norms of NDT/CEDA debate — the National Debate Tournament and Cross Examination Debate Association circuit in which the IU Debate Team competes. The structure mirrors high school Policy with longer speeches: The division is Novice, following CEDA’s novice-eligibility definitions (limited prior competitive debate experience); entrants debate the current NDT/CEDA intercollegiate resolution. Laptops and paperless evidence are standard per college norms. The division is primarily intended for IU Bloomington students and open to other college students case by case — contact [email protected] with eligibility questions.

The novice-built events

Congressional Debate — Middle School Novice & High School Novice

A simplified, welcoming version of Congress with three sessions, small chambers, and full free training resources: see the Congressional Debate site. (High School Varsity Congress follows standard ISSDA rules and procedures and runs in two extended sessions — see the Schedule.)

Constitutional Convention Debate — College Novice

A new event created for this tournament: delegates debate proposed constitutional amendments under convention procedure, with perfecting amendments and a two-thirds adoption rule. Full free resources at the Constitutional Convention site.

Judging notes for all events

• No debate background is needed to judge the novice divisions; experienced judges are placed where they help most. The judges’ meeting at 8:30 a.m. covers everything.
• Judge the arguing, not the position. In every event, students are assigned sides. Reward clear reasoning, accurate evidence, responsiveness, and courtesy.
• Ballots are electronic through SpeechWire, with a paper option from the tournament office. Submit your ballot as soon as possible after each round — late ballots delay the entire tournament. If you need more time for comments, submit the decision first, then return to edit comments.
• Flighted events: a PF or LD judge covers both flights of each round block — please start Flight B promptly.
• Disclosure and feedback practices follow ISSDA norms for high school events; the tab room can answer questions on the day.

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Next: the Schedule shows how all of this fits into one day — and the Congressional Debate and Constitutional Convention sites have everything a first-timer needs.