DEBATE FORMATS AND RULES

For the Australasia, European, and Intercontinental leagues, debates are in a modified world schools debate format as a 3 vs 3, with leaders replies and Points of information. 

​

If you are unfamiliar with WSDC, please click here! Luckily it is very similar to most formats.

​

In the Junior leagues, speaking times are 3-5 minutes with 3 minute replies.

​

 In the Senior leagues, speaking times are 4-6 minutes with 4 minute replies.

Accept terms-bro.png

The Public Forum league, both Junior and Senior, follow the "Standard" Public Forum debate format of a 2 vs 2, with the speaking times and structure as follows:

First Speaker - Team A

First Speaker - Team B

Crossfire

Second Speaker - Team A

Second Speaker - Team B

Crossfire

Summary - First Speaker - Team A

Summary - First Speaker - Team B

Grand Crossfire

Final Focus - Second Speaker - Team A

Final Focus - Second Speaker - Team B

4 minutes

4 minutes

3 minutes

4 minutes

4 minutes 

3 minutes

2 minutes

2 minutes

3 minutes

2 minutes

2 minutes

For the Parliamentary league, debates are in the NPDA Parliamentary debate format of a 2 vs 2, with Points of information.

Speaking times follow the format 5-6-6-6-3-4 in the Junior and Senior leagues.

All debates are limited prep with access to devices. However, Preparation times vary depending on the age group of the team. 

  • In Junior League (ages 13-15), teams are given 45 minutes to prepare their argument before debating commences.

  • In Senior Leagues (ages 16-19), teams are given 35 minutes to prepare their argument before debating commences.

​

This provides a fantastic opportunity for teams who have little to no experience in limited prep debates, allowing them to gain more limited preparation experience in a low-pressure environment.

For seasoned veterans, it provides even more chances to further hone their skills in limited preparation.