DEBATE RULES
1. There are few rules for debating. These are the basic rules:
2. Number of teams in a debate – 2; the teams are known as the proposition and opposition
3. Number of students per team – 3
4. Number of speeches in a debate – 6; each student delivers one speech
SPEAKING ORDER AND TIME LIMITS
The proposition opens and closes the debate; there is no preparation time during the debate – at
the conclusion of a speech, the following speaker is called forward to deliver the next speech in
the debate.
First proposition speaker – 6 minutes
First opposition speaker – 6 minutes
Second proposition speaker – 7 minutes
Second opposition speaker – 7 minutes
Third opposition speaker – 7 minutes
Third proposition speaker – 7 minutes
The first four speeches in a debate are known as constructive or main speeches; the final two
speeches are also known as rebuttal speeches.
THREE SPECIAL RULES FOR THE EVENT.
1. No new arguments in rebuttal speeches – Rebuttal/third speakers may continue or
further develop a line of argument from an earlier time in a debate. They may amplify
established arguments with analysis or evidence, if the new material does not
fundamentally alter an established position. Third speakers may NOT introduce entirely
new arguments, those that do not have a foundation established in the constructive
speeches of a debate. New arguments are not considered by judges in the debate
evaluation.
2. Points of Information (POI) – This is a request of the person delivering a speech by one
or more members of the opposing team to yield time to the opponents to make a
statement or ask a question. POIs may be attempted only during the constructive speeches
(5- minute speeches) of a debate.
POIs may be attempted only after the first minute and last minute of an opponent’s
speech (referred to as ‘protected time’ to allow a speaker to begin and end a speech on
her or his own terms).
A judge or timekeeper signals that protected time begun by slapping a hand on a desk or
tabletop one time – this happens one minute into each constructive speech and with one
minute remaining in each constructive speech. A student attempts a POI by standing or
standing and saying “Information.” The speaker may accept or reject (usually by using a
gesture to wave opponents to their seats) a POI. The number of accepted POIs depends
on the number of attempted POIs by an opponent but experienced debaters usually accept
2, perhaps 3 POIs. If the speaker accepts a POI, an opponent has up to 15 seconds to
deliver the POI.
3. Argumentative Heckling – This is a respectful interruption during an opponent’s
speech. Heckles are directed to the judge. They have an argumentative purpose and must
be 1-2 words only (e.g., “New” as a heckle by opposition debaters on listening to a new
argument in the final proposition rebuttal in the debate, a counterexample during the
presentation of an argument from the opposing side).
Heckling is meant to add substance to the debate, not interfere with a speaker’s ability to
deliver a speech. Argumentative heckles may be made during any of the speeches of the
opposing team.