LMHS Speech & Debate Team
Step 2: Arrive on Time and Be Prepared
Please plan to arrive between 7:45–8:00 a.m. so you have time to check in and settle before the tournament begins. All judging is now done electronically, so you’ll need to bring a laptop, iPad, or phone (a larger screen is usually easier to work with). Don’t forget a charging cord or portable power bank — judging days can be long, and you don’t want to run out of battery mid-round.
Step 1: Set Up Your Judge Account
Please send your full name, phone number, and email address to Mr. Crisp as soon as possible so he can create your Speechwire account. Without this account, you cannot judge — it’s essential.
In the past, tournaments used paper ballots, but now everything is handled online through Speechwire. Don’t worry — the system is simple and user-friendly.
Email your information directly to: shawncrisp@scps.k12.fl.us
Once your account is created, you can log in at: https://live.speechwire.com
Technology Reminders:
Bring a laptop or iPad to the tournament (a smartphone works if necessary, but a larger screen is much easier).
Start the day with a fully charged battery and bring a charger or portable power bank. You’ll need it — rounds can run long, and your device will get heavy use.
Thank you for judging! As a coach, I can allow 2-4 kids to participate in this great activity per parent judge therefore parent/family contribution is essential to our organization. That being said, here are some pointers. No worries. It's super easy.
Step 3: Summing the Training Up in a Nutshell
Most of our tournaments feature two debate formats: Public Forum (PF) and Lincoln-Douglas (LD).
What is PF?
In Public Forum, two teams debate a resolution — one side Affirmative, the other Negative. Over the course of the day, competitors rotate so they’ll argue both sides multiple times.
The goal of PF is persuasion: which team can best convince an ordinary citizen that their side of the resolution is correct? Topics can be controversial (gun control, abortion rights, healthcare, etc.). Judges may have personal views on these issues, but it is essential to set them aside. Students are required to argue both sides — it would be unfair to penalize them for defending a position they were assigned.
Your job is simple: decide which team did the better job of arguing and persuading.
A reminder: please do not comment on a student’s dress or appearance under any circumstances.
What to Expect at the Tournament
Arrival: Check in early. You’ll be escorted to the Judge’s Lounge while competitors go to their debate rooms.
Registration: Coaches register the team; you log into the Speechwire account provided by Mr. Crisp. Report any login issues immediately.
Assignments: You won’t be judging all day — usually two rounds out of four. You’re “on call” in case you’re needed.
Stay Put: Please remain in the Judge’s Lounge when you’re not judging. If you’re missing when called, the team is fined $50. Also, you may not observe other rounds unless assigned.
Amenities: The lounge has snacks, drinks, and lunch (you’ll get a meal ticket). Bring a book or work to pass the downtime.
How Judging Works
Ballots: You’ll receive a digital ballot through Speechwire telling you when and where to go. Find the room (maps provided), enter first, then invite students in.
Starting the Round: Open your ballot, click to start, and let the debaters begin.
Comments: Leave clear, constructive feedback. Students love comments and want to improve. Vague or minimal notes are disappointing; be specific about what they did well and what they can improve.
Prep Time: In PF and LD, each team gets 4 minutes of prep for the entire round. Students usually time themselves, but you should also track and give warnings as they near their limit.
Neutrality: Just listen. Even if you feel strongly about the issue, remember — debaters don’t necessarily believe what they’re saying. Debate is about learning to argue both sides.
Special Notes on LD
LD is a values debate. Students frame arguments around a Value Criterion or Benchmark — essentially the standard by which the debate should be judged.
For example:
On the death penalty: Affirmative may argue “Sanctity of Life,” while Negative may argue “Moral Fairness.”
PF debates ask, What should we do?
LD debates ask, Should we do it, and why?
You don’t need to do anything different — just understand this framing helps explain why arguments sound more philosophical.
After the Debate
Decision: Choose a winner. Then assign speaker points to each team member:
20: Extreme misconduct (fighting, profanity — almost never happens).
24: Very poor performance.
25–26: Below average.
27: Average.
28: Good.
29: Excellent.
30: Near perfection.
Disclosure: At local tournaments, do not announce winners or give oral comments. Simply thank the competitors, let them leave, then finish your written feedback and submit the ballot in Speechwire.
And that’s it — you’re done!
Key Takeaways
Stay neutral. Be kind in your comments.
Stay in the Judge’s Lounge when not assigned a ballet.
Give students thoughtful, written feedback.
Decide based on who debated better, not personal beliefs.
Judging is simple — and meaningful.
Honestly, even if you walked in with zero training, you’d figure it out within five minutes. It’s not complicated. What it is, though, is rewarding. Judging gives you a a shared experience that can really strengthen your bond.
Over the years, we’ve been fortunate to have parents and volunteers judge with us all four years, even traveling across the country to tournaments. Many have told me it was one of the best ways they connected with their teenager — especially during those years when teens usually want to do anything but spend time with parents.
— Mr. Crisp