Middle School Parliamentary Debate Rules

The Resolution

• Topic of the debate is known as the resolution.
• Example: "Ban school uniforms."

Debate Teams

• Two teams: Proposition Team (for the resolution) and Opposition Team (against the resolution).
• Each team has three debaters.

Order of Speeches

1. First Proposition Speaker
   • Duration: 5 minutes
   • Tasks:
     • Introduce self
     • Define terms if needed
     • Present plan if applicable
     • Present 3-4 major points with evidence
2. First Opposition Speaker
   • Duration: 5 minutes
   • Tasks:
     • Introduce self
     • Present counter plan if applicable
     • Refute proposition's points
     • Present 3-4 arguments against the resolution with evidence
3. Second Proposition Speaker
   • Duration: 5 minutes
   • Tasks:
     • Rebuild and extend upon original points
     • Refute opposition's arguments
     • Present additional arguments if time allows
4. Second Opposition Speaker
   • Duration: 5 minutes
   • Tasks:
     • Extend opposition's arguments
     • Provide new evidence
     • Present additional arguments if time allows
5. Third Opposition Speaker
   • Duration: 5 minutes
   • Tasks:
     • Summarize and consolidate debate
     • Explain why opposition should win
     • No new arguments allowed
6. Third Proposition Speaker
   • Duration: 5 minutes
   • Tasks:
     • Summarize and consolidate debate
     • Explain why proposition should win
     • No new arguments allowed

Important Features

Points of Information (POI)

• A request to speaker from non-speaking team to yield time for a statement or question.
• Can be attempted only during the first four speeches.
• Allowed only after the first minute and before the last minute (protected time).
• To attempt a POI: Stand, stand and say "POI", or say "Point of Information."
• Speaker may accept or reject POI.
• If accepted, opponent has up to 15 seconds to deliver POI.

Heckling

• Respectful interruption during opponent’s speech with one or two words.
• Intended to add substance, not distract or harass.
• Can be made anytime during any speech.
• Example: "Hawaii?" if discussing no island becoming a U.S. state when the resolution is Puerto Rico becoming the 51st state.

Conclusion

• Adherence to rules is crucial.
• Always thank the judge after the debate.