Rules & Regulations

Engagement

We understand the challenges debaters face when investing time and effort into
presenting a strong argument.  There will be days where a loss or dispute can get
emotional and personal.  We must keep in mind however that how we all present
ourselves is vital to the development of the league. We have an “open door” policy so
you will always have a proper channel to have any grievance or concern addressed
fairly and reasonably. 
 

Any rule violation either reported to or observed by the host will carry the following
penalty progression:

•   First offense – a verbal/emailed warning will be issued.

•  Second offense – suspension for the remainder of the season.

Rules include but are not limited to:

•  Any form of slander, threats or harassment toward peers, judges or the host and

         their families.

•  Exposing any personal information about anyone affiliated with the league.

•   Creating conspiracies about judges, peers and the host as it pertains the league.

•   Appearing on or conducting streams that are detrimental to the league.  This

         applies to debaters as well as judges.

•  Any form of retaliation from debaters or judges even if you believe someone

         wronged you.  Use the proper channel and reach out to the host via email/phone.

•  Accepting assistance on an upcoming debate from judges.

After a debater reaches suspension level they will be placed on probation for the
remainder of the season. If any of the following violations take place while on probation,
it will result in removal from the league.  Violations include but are not limited to:

•  Conduct or take part in streams that express negativity or disparaging language

         toward the league.

•   Attempting to insight conspiracies or negativity among others affiliated with the

         league.

Judge engagement
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We are extremely grateful for judges that give their time to be part of such an important
and challenging role within the league.  The host will do everything in his power to
protect the reputation of all judges.  In order to achieve this, we require judges to
conduct themselves with the highest standard.   

Judges are also expected to abide by the rules above in addition to:

•  Showing or acting on any level of bias against debaters.

•  Assisting any debater with an upcoming debate in any way.

Any violation from judges will result in removal from the league. There may be cases
where a lighter incident will lead to a vote by the debaters on if a judge should stay on. 
These will be looked at on a case-by-case bases. Debaters need to know they are
being judged fairly so there is very little room for keeping judges on once trust has
legitimately been broken.  To keep the trust factor judges are strongly advised to
conduct themselves with the highest standard.  Judges are encouraged to stay above
the fray and not get involved with public issues that can put you in a negative light. 
There will be opportunity for judges to do streams on the platform as well as give
feedback after debates.  

If any of the above rules are met with extreme cases, the host will use discretion to skip
progression steps and move straight to removal from the league.
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Challenges

Challenges are only accepted during the regular season.  If you believe an error was
made in the judges scoring, debaters are allowed up to 2 challenges for the season. 
Please submit challenges to the host via email.  Please be as specific as possible on
what you are challenging and include a time marker of the debate.  The host will
thoroughly review all challenges within 48 hours and make a final decision on a ruling
being overturned.  You will be notified by email and a public announcement will be
made.  Decisions made by the host are final.  Challenges are prohibited during the
playoff season.

The host reserves the right to use discretion in extreme cases.  Remember we have an
open door policy, so please never hesitate to reach out directly with any issues.

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Ties

Regular season ties are allowed based on point system.

Playoff ties are prohibited.  Each judge is required to make a decision and select a
winner based on who proved their arguments best.  If a judge cannot decide, please
utilize the point system checklist to see if any infractions warrant a loss of points.

Dropping out of the league

If a judge or debater removes themselves from the league due to extenuating
circumstances, they will be allowed a grace period to return within the same season.  
Approval is required from the host.  If a judge or debater removes themselves for the
remainder of the season You will be allowed to return in future seasons, one time only with
approval from the host.  Some cases may require a longer grace period.  The host will
use discretion in these cases.

Cancelling debates and preparedness

Debaters are required to email the host a pre-debate premise at least 48 hours before the

debate.  This is a brief summary of the stance you will be taking.  List at least 2 sources.

The premises will be shared AFTER both are received.  Failure to provide a premise within 

48 hours will carry a penalty of 1 pt.  deducted from your presentation round.

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Cancelling in the regular season

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Debates cancelled with more than 24 hr. notice and presentation is provided:

•   1st offense – No penalty. reschedule in a timely manner.

•  Future offenses – 2 points will be deducted from the highest round of the debate.

  ​
Debates cancelled with more than 24 hr. notice and presentation is not provided:

•    2 points will be deducted from the highest round of the debate.

Debates cancelled with less than 24 hr. notice:

•    With presentation - 1 point deducted from the highest round of the debate.

•    Without presentation - 3 points deducted from the highest round of the debate. ​ 

PENALTIES DO NOT APPLY TO SAME DAY TIME CHANGES.

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Cancelling in the post season

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• 1 reschedule will be allowed during the playoffs.  You must reschedule for the

        same week or the debate will be considered a forfeit, allowing the opponent to advance.