You'll learn more about argument by judging ten debates than by reading a hundred books.
Sharper debaters come from sharper feedback. The good ones get remembered.
You'll see structure and strategy in arguments you'd never have noticed otherwise.
Your scorecard is what debaters remember. The feedback that helped them get better.
Build a judging record debaters trust. The good calls get remembered.
Without judges, debates are just arguments. You make the score count.
A typical debate runs 28 minutes. Events range 15 to 60. Your job is the same regardless.
Take notes if you want. Track arguments, evidence, and delivery as they happen.
Score the performance, not the position. Personal politics stay home.
1–5 stars per line item. The standard scorecard, so debaters know what to expect. Organizers can adapt it.
Optional but high-value. Tell them what worked, what to fix, and why it matters.
Judges score four core criteria: arguments, evidence, clarity, persuasion. The standard scorecard expands them into six line items, 1 to 5 stars each. Move the sliders and see a balanced ballot before your first round.
Logical structure and reasoning used in arguments
Effectiveness in addressing and countering opposing arguments
Quality and use of facts, examples, and supporting evidence
Speaking clarity, confidence, and persuasive delivery
Structure, flow, and time management of the presentation
Overall ability to convince and engage the audience
The standard expansion of the four core criteria, each weighted equally. Organizers can adapt the criteria for their events. Click into a debate to see the full rubric inline.
Logical structure and reasoning used in arguments
Effectiveness in addressing and countering opposing arguments
Quality and use of facts, examples, and supporting evidence
Speaking clarity, confidence, and persuasive delivery
Structure, flow, and time management of the presentation
Overall ability to convince and engage the audience
Same rubric, same form. A few extra controls because you're moderating the room.
Your token gives owner permissions: mute, manage, kick if needed.
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, browser checks.
Quick onboarding. The first round teaches you more than any book.
Need: basic grasp of debate structure, willingness to stay impartial. Helpful but not required: prior debate or subject expertise.
