What's a Debate Round Like?

Find out exactly what a Debate Round looks like at a Judge Training.
For now we've provided a step-by-step description of the judge's day:

What Happens at a Debate Tournament?
A Step-by-Step Guide

1.) Sign In. When you arrive at the school, there will be a table near the entrance where you will check in to let us know you have arrived. You can then proceed to the Judge’s Lounge for breakfast.

2.) Scan the Pairing. Before the first round, pairings will be distributed, indicating where each team is debating, on what side, and with what judge. Scan the pairing for your name; if you are listed as a judge (and you probably will be), advance immediately to step 3. If not, please stand-by near the Tab Room Table; you may be needed to replace someone else.

3.) Pick Up Your Ballot. Go to the Tab Room Table (always located centrally) to pick up your ballot and have your name checked off the pairing by the Tab Room Table supervisor.

4.) Go to Your Round. Find the room number in which you are listed to judge.

5.) Fill in the Top Portion of the Ballot. Ask the debaters for their school and their names and fill them in on the appropriate lines.

6.) Declare Your Judging Preferences. In no more than 3-5 minutes, tell the four debaters whatever you feel they may need to know about the particular way you conceive this activity, especially your stylistic preferences (clarity and volume, speed, explanation of evidence, etc.).

7.) Begin the Debate. When all four debaters are in the room and ready, and when you are ready with flow paper, a pen, a timer, and the ballot's top-portion filled out, tell the debaters to begin the debate.

8.) Flow and Time. As the debate proceeds, fulfill your duty of flowing and timing the debate.

9.) Render a Decision. At the conclusion of the debate, reflect briefly on the arguments by reviewing your flow sheet. Then make a decision for the affirmative or the negative, and fill m the verdict on the ballot, with speaker points and ranks.

10.) TURN IN YOUR BALLOT. Detach the top, white copy of the ballot, and bring it immediately to the Tab Room Table, where your name will once again be checked off. You can fill out your comments on the yellow and pink sheets and return them later.

11.) Provide an Oral Critique. Return to you room and give constructive comments to each debater. DO NOT DISCLOSE YOUR DECISION AT THIS TIME.

12.) Repeat Steps 2 - 11. These steps are taken for each debate round in the tournament. There will be 3 rounds at the tournament, followed by an awards ceremony in the auditorium.