Debate

Debate Announcements

IMPORTANT - Debate Manual change regarding Section 8 F on page 9 under Electronic Retrieval Devices:

Re: Disclosure of Evidence in Debate Rounds-
When Kansas coaches voted to allow laptop computers to be used in debate rounds this fall, the language of the computer use policy included evidence disclosure requirements. This language echoes the language of policies used in other states and by national organizations. However, the disclosure requirement for debaters using laptops has created an inconsistency with our lack of a similar policy for students using evidence on paper. The ensuing inequity will be addressed this spring; until then, to assure equity for all debaters, section F of the laptop policy will not be enforced this year. (We are defaulting to a lack of disclosure policy for all debaters.)

"New Policy" - Electronic Retrieval Device Option for 2011-12
The use of laptop computers by competitors in debate events is permissible for flowing or evidence retrieval so long as wired or wireless connection devices are disabled and remain disabled while the debate is in progress.

Computers equipped with removable wireless cards must have the cards removed before the beginning of any round of competition. It is the responsibility of the contestant to disengage this equipment.
Computers with built in wireless capability may be used only if the wireless capability is disabled. It is the responsibility of the contestant to disable the equipment.
Wired connections (Ethernet or phone) during rounds of competition are not permitted.
Computers or other electronic devices (such as cell phones) may not be used to send or receive information from ANY source during the round, whether that source is inside or outside the room in which the competition occurs. Internet access, use of email, instant messaging of any sort, texting, or other means of receiving information from sources inside or outside the competition room are prohibited.
Sanctions: Contestants found to have violated provisions A-C above shall forfeit the round of competition with a loss on a 7, with zero rating/quality points if those are given at the tournament. Contestants found to have violated provision D above shall be disqualified from the tournament and shall forfeit all rounds, even those debated previous to the violation.
Availability of Evidence: Contestants electing to use computers have the responsibility to promptly provide a copy of any evidence read in a speech for inspection by the judge or opponent. Printers may be used for this purpose. Evidence may be printed in the round or produced electronically, but must be provided in a format readable by the opposing team and the judge. Debaters must be able to produce a copy of any evidence read in a round.
Contestants electing to use computers are responsible for providing their own computers, batteries, extension cords and all other necessary accessories. Tournament hosts shall not be responsible for providing computers, printers, software, paper, extension cords or specific facilities for contestants. Contestants choosing to use laptop computers accept the risk of equipment failure. No special consideration or accommodations, including no additional prep time or speech time, will be given by judges, contest directors or tournament hosts should equipment failure occur. The host school is not liable for damage or theft of contestants’ equipment.
No recording equipment may be used to record the debate round, including laptops and cell phones, as per KSHSAA rules.

By choosing to use laptop computers in the round, debaters are consenting to give tournament officials the right to search their files and any relevant software on the laptop used. Debaters who do not wish to consent to a search should not use computers in a round. Judges may use computers to flow during these rounds. However, it is the responsibility of all judges to write comments on the ballot justifying the rankings. Blank ballots are unacceptable and non-educational for students.

“Approval of Events” --Attention Debate Coaches and Activity Directors
KSHSAA member schools may NOT attend Debate tournaments which involve two or more states unless the event is listed on our KSHSAA “approved list”. Upon receiving an invitation, schools need to check the “approved list” link on KSHSAA’s front web page before signing up. If the event isn’t on the list and you want to attend, contact the host school and ask them to contact their state’s athletic or activity association and complete the proper sanctioning forms to get it approved in Kansas. If this doesn’t work call Reg Romine for assistance. This does not guarantee that it will be approved, thus you must wait to make sure it appears on the approved list otherwise you may NOT attend.

Summer Debate Camp/Clinic Rules:
Debate coaches may work with students all summer on a voluntary basis. Coaches may NOT make summer camp a requirement of students.

Coaches may host a 1 week camp in the summer for their own students. However, the school can’t pay a fee for any camp, or finance any camp (1 week host camp may be held in the school library or similar area). * Coaches may attend and even transport students to any camp but may not use school transportation or be reimbursed by the school for such mileage. Schools may NOT provide school transportation for summer camps.

By interpretation, concerning debate summer camp rule, debate season doesn’t start until the first competition date. Thus invitational debate clinics/camps may be held up to September 17, 2010. If a school authorizes a field trip to a clinic, they may fund and provide school bus transportation. (Field trip means all students attending must be enrolled in an academic debate class). This type of trip could only be during the school calendar year.

Clarification on 2-Speaker State Debate qualifying computation for win-loss record:
The manual reads:
Sec. 2 State Qualifications—Each school’s individual debater shall have qualified during the current school year in the following ways:

Qualified in tournaments in which at least five (5) schools are in attendance.
Qualified in a minimum of four (4) tournaments above the novice division.
Each individual debater must have participated in at least four (4) rounds of competition at each qualifying tournament.
Each individual debater must have a cumulative win/loss record of 50 percent or better over four (4) in-state tournaments above the novice division. (You may choose any 4 tournaments, with 4 rounds or more, and total up the number of wins-losses your team participated in to determine the 50% or above qualification. You may NOT take out certain rounds within a qualifying tournament to make your win-loss higher. You must count all rounds the team actually participated in or no rounds from each tournament. You may NOT count only prelim rounds unless these were the only rounds the team participated in.)

Coaches have asked how to count a Bye and how to count a “walkover” (when two teams from same school meet but decide not to debate to settle placing). You are to count these scenarios as follows: A Bye counts as a win. A walkover counts as a win for both teams.

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