Lots of people have been asking for clarifications on the rules of the debate competition. So here is a listing of the rules governing The Global Youth Debate Conclave: 2008 Edition [Climate Change and its Worldwide Impact] for the reference of participants:
A. Eligibility:
Indian Universities: Undergraduates and Post Graduates students across any stream. The applicant must be above the age of 18 years currently pursuing a full time course at the Universities.
International Universities/ Associations: Undergraduate, Post Graduate students or members of eminent debating associations. The applicant must be above the age of 18 years.
[International Participants need to take care of their VISA and Travel would be arranged by us]
B. Judges:
The Tournament directors will empanel a set of judges for the debates selected from an invited group of eminent experts and delegates. The names shall be disclosed upon the commencement of the event.
C. Seating:
Contestants must seat themselves such that, from the audience's point of view, the Affirmative (For) is on the left and the Negative (Against) on the right. The arrangements at the venue will be made accordingly.
D. Topic Areas & Resolutions:
Please refer to the topics given on the home page. Topics for the first round will be disclosed only on the spot. The Tournament Directors reserve the right to alter the topics which will be communicated in advance, in case any such instance arises.
E. Topic Draw:
In the first round contestants will meet for an extemporaneous topic draw before the scheduled start of the debate. Contestants must complete the topic selection process independently and without outside assistance. The second round onwards, the topics would be pre allotted and the contestants would be separated into teams. The final round would consist of individual speakers presenting their view point.
F. Preparation:
Debaters are permitted to use reference materials during their preparation time before debating. They may utilize extemporaneous speaking type files, dictionaries, reference books, libraries, or anything else for that matter. They may also consult with teammates and/or coaches for ideas and advice. However, no reference (other than flow sheets that the debater carries) is allowed once the debating begins. Debaters are encouraged to do their research on all topics well in advance to be better equipped to speak after selecting topics via the draw.
G. Format:
The team elimination second round will have the following format:
3 Minutes Affirmative Constructive
3 minutes Negative Constructive
3 minutes 2nd Affirmative Constructive
3 minutes 2nd Negative Constructive
1 minute Cross Examination question from Affirmative*
1 minute Cross Examination question from Negative
--------- 14 minutes Total (approximate)
The Final Showdown round will have the format as follows (Individual Debaters)
3 minutes Affirmative / Negative Constructive
Cross Examination for the purpose of the GYDC would be defined as: One question each allowed from the opposition team (or debaters). No cross questions will be entertained
H. Use of Evidence during the Debates:
Contestants may not bring written reference materials into the round with them. No 'reading' of evidence will be permitted. Contestants may not even copy evidence verbatim onto their flow sheets to be read during a speech. They may only bring and reference case outlines and limited notes which they may have worked up during the preparation period before their round. Evidence must be memorized or paraphrased for use during debates. Serious violations of this rule would cause the judge to automatically award the decision to the opponent.
I. Nomenclature & Procedure:
The two sides in the GYDC will be known as the Affirmative and Negative. If debaters have questions or problems they should ask about them during cross-examination and/or raise them as points during their next speech. The decision of the judge(s) is final.
J. Etiquette:
Debaters are expected to maintain a highly polite, civil, and professional demeanor during rounds. Judges will be instructed to reward appropriate ethos and count off for abusiveness.
