Judges and debaters can use this ballot to keep track of your rounds’ arguments and feedback. We call the red and blue table a flow because it shows how the arguments run their course from one speech to the next. If you’re new, this video explainermight help.
You still have to submit your ballot on Tabroom, so copy and paste your feedback and RFD when done. If you’re a BDL coach or debater, please hit the submit button too!
This format guide may help you identify the purpose of each speech. In a nutshell, students should be laying out ALL of their arguments in the constructive speech, using the next two speeches to clash over disagreements, and using the last speech to summarize the debate.
Each side gets 5 minutes of prep time during the round, as well as a 2-minute cross-examination block following their opponent’s first speech. The cross-ex blocks aren’t included on the flow because students are expected to land their points during the speeches themselves.
Coolidge debates emphasize accessibility and discourage arguments that are overly theoretical, dramatic, or spoken too quickly to follow. Here’s the official guidance if it helps.
Debate Ballot (1v1)
Resolved: The United States federal government should abolish its Department of Education.
