Tournament Judging

So you want to judge for Southview?  That's awesome!

Contact Mr. Clarkson with any questions this page does not answer.

If you have never judged for speech and debate before, read the following f.a.q.  If you have judged before, scroll down to the "Judges' Information" section below.

Why judge?

The Southview Speech/Debate team must bring judges to each tournament it attends.  Tournament organizers set judge quotas in relation to team participants.  Usually, for every two Lincoln/Douglas debaters or public forum teams, we must bring a judge.  For every five individual events speakers, we must bring a judge.  If we cannot bring the judges, we cannot compete.  If your child competes, volunteering to judge ensures that s/he can.  If you are not a parent, but a former competitor for Southview, many judges sacrificed their time for you.  It's time to reciprocate.  If none of this applies, judging tournaments is still a great experience as you see the best high school students showing talents which would shame most adults.

Who judges?

Any adult, really.  You need not have prior experience with the events in any way.  In fact, some event organizers prefer public forum judges who do not bring the prejudice of prior experience.  You may judge if you are a parent, former competitor, or just any interested party.

What should I judge?

If you're interested in thinking the deep thoughts through critical analysis of philosophical subjects, judge Lincoln/Douglas debate.  If that scares you, judge public forum debate.  That event likes novice judges.  If you'd prefer to see students acting and delivering orations, judge individual events.

How do I start?

Select an event (consult Mr. Clarkson if you're not sure what to select), read the judging primer, select a tournament, and inform Mr. Clarkson of your willingness to volunteer.

Judges' Information

Southview Speech/Debate pays judges $40 per day per tournament for judging.  Any judge who wishes to waive the fee may do so.  If you judge an overnight tournament and would like overnight accommodations, the team will provide them.

Judging Primers:

I.E. Judging Primer

Lincoln/Douglas Debate Judging Primer

Public Forum Debate Judging Primer

Tournament Schedule:

Click the the tournament location for an information sheet about location and schedule.  This site will upload information sheets as information comes from the tournament organizers.