For judges
Listen closely, score the argument rather than the position, and give feedback someone can use in the next round. The ballot makes the work concrete.
01
Sharper debaters come from sharper feedback. The judges who give it are how every round becomes something someone learned from.
From the judge's chair you see structure and strategy in arguments you would otherwise miss.
Your written notes are what debaters remember: the feedback that told them exactly what to fix.
Consistent, impartial calls make your scores the ones debaters trust and want on their rounds.
A debate becomes a result when someone scores it fairly. That someone is you.
The best seat in the room comes with a ballot.
02
A standard round runs about 28 minutes, and events range from 15 to 60. Your job is the same at every length.
What good notes look like
A useful note points at something the debater said and tells them what to do about it. These pairs show the difference.
Instead of
“Good arguments, work on delivery.”
Write
“Your second point on cost was your strongest and you buried it last. Lead with it.”
Instead of
“Nice job in cross-examination.”
Write
“You got them to concede the timeline in cross-examination, then never mentioned it again. Land it in your rebuttal.”
Instead of
“Could be more persuasive.”
Write
“You listed four reasons in one breath. Pick two, give each an example, and the room will remember them.”
03
Judges score four core criteria: arguments, evidence, clarity, and persuasion, 1 to 5 each for a total out of 20. This is the actual default ballot. Move the sliders and see how one comes together before your first round.
Organizers can adapt the criteria for their events, so always read the ballot in front of you. The judging job stays the same.
Want the longer answer on how a winner gets decided? How debates are judged →
Structure, flow, and clarity of arguments
Logic, reasoning, and strength of arguments
Use of facts, examples, and supporting data
Overall convincing power and impact
Final score
12/20
Competent
04
Same ballot, same form. You get a few extra controls because you are also moderating the room.
Your token gives owner permissions: mute, manage, and remove a disruption if you have to.
Start, pause, skip. The countdown syncs to every participant in real time.
Submit ballots from the Judge Portal exactly like in-person events.
Run the connection test before the event: camera, mic, and browser checks.
Judging an online event soon? Test your connection →
Onboarding is quick, and the first round teaches you the rest. Bring a basic grasp of debate structure and the discipline to stay impartial; everything else comes with reps.
