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Debating Championship Rules and Regulations

Global Schools Debating Championship follows standard guidelines when conducting our debates. To create a fair, safe and inclusive school debate environment for all our participants, we have some simple rules that we encourage you to follow. Whether you’re a student or a debate coach, familiarize yourself with our debating championship rules and regulations and help us create a fun and educational experience for everyone.
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Competition Dates and Times

Round 1 – Friday 05 September

Round 2 – Friday 12 September

Round 3 – Friday 19 September

Round 4 – Friday 26 September

Semi-Finals – Friday 03 October

Finals – Friday 10 October

Round 1 – 19 September

Round 2 – 26 September

Round 3 – 03 October

Round 4 – 10 October

Finals – 17 October

DivisionYear GroupsPreparation TimeSpeaking TimePreparation Start (AEST)
Debate Start (AEST)
Upper Primary5-645 minutes2-4 minutes5:00 PM5:45 PM
Junior7-845 minutes3-5 minutes6:00 PM6:45 PM
Senior9-1145 minutes4-6 minutes7:15 PM8:00 PM

Debating Format

Affirmative

  • Supports the motion
  • Four members

Negative

  • Negates the motion
  • Four members
1st Aff 1st Neg
  • Define the topic
  • Provide a model
  • Present 2-3 arguments
  • Define the topic
  • Provide a model
  • Rebut affirmative
  • Present 2-3 arguments
2nd Aff 2nd Neg
  • Rebut negative
  • Present 2-3 new arguments
  • Rebut affirmative
  • Present 2-3 new arguments
3rd Aff 3rd Neg
  • Rebut negative
  • Summarise the affirmative’s case
  • NO NEW ARGUMENTS
  • Rebut affirmative
  • Summarise the negative’s case
  • NO NEW ARGUMENTS
4th Aff 4th Neg
  • Assist brainstorming with the team during prep
  • Will not speak in the debate
  • Assist brainstorming with the team during prep
  • Will not speak in the debate

Preparation Time

  • 45 minutes for all categories (primary, junior, senior)
  • Speakers are only able to use Zoom and online documents like Google Docs
  • Teams can request help for technical issues
  • No research allowed
  • No coaches or teachers allowed in the online prep room
  • Cheating can potentially result in disqualification
  • Must not use any prepared material
  • No contact between team members and anyone else for assistance with the debate, including coaches, adjudicators and observers

Rules During The Debate

  • Cameras must remain ON and microphones OFF for all participants. The adjudicator will instruct you to unmute yourself before delivering a speech.
  • The adjudicator will also act as the chairperson and timekeeper. Speakers are permitted to time their own speech with a stopwatch.
  • You may communicate with your team via Google Docs.
  • All participants must be respectful and professional throughout the debate. Disrespectful behaviour and the use of profanity will not be accepted.
Rules & regulations

Contact Global Schools Debating Championship on info@globalschoolsdebatingchampionship.com.au to participate in a fun and educational debating experience.

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