The Trojan War
2026 — Rigby, ID/US
Novice Congressional Debate
Event Description:
Idaho Debate Code (IDC)
https://idhsaa.org/asset/DEBATE/Debate%20Rules%202025%20Update.pdf
Each Chamber should begin by setting the agenda (legislation order). Each school present in the chamber shall select one representative to draw a number. The representative who selects the lowest number (1) shall choose the first piece of legislation for the agenda. The representative with the next lowest number (generally 2) shall choose the second piece of legislation and so on, until the order is set for all legislation. After one rotation the order would then be snaked to allow the last school to choose the next piece of legislation until all pieces have been placed on the agenda. In all rounds, prelims and eliminations, Presiding Officers shall be elected for a single hour allotment and be scored on the appropriate point scale for that hour of service for the equivalent of a single speech.
Scoring: Scorers will include answers to questions when evaluating speeches. RATE each speech 1-6 points, with one being the worst, six being the best, providing comments to justify your rating, with constructive suggestions for improvement. At the end of the session, you will holistically and comparatively RANK students, on a separate form. Presiding officers should get scored for one speech per hour of service. When rating, consider the following elements and comment accordingly in the spaces provided:
ORIGINALITY OF THOUGHT(extent to which speech advances debate or merely repeats previously stated ideas; whether speaker refutes opposing arguments);
ORGANIZATION AND UNITY (while speeches that respond to other arguments advanced in the session are often spontaneous and extemporaneous, the speaker should attempt cohesiveness);
EVIDENCE AND LOGIC (cites credible sources and warrants claims accordingly); DELIvERY (extemporaneous vs. reading a manuscript, seriousness of purpose, style and poise).
How well the speaker ANSWERS QUESTIONS for each speech should be considered.
Speeches introducing legislation are allotted up to three minutes, followed by two minutes of questioning by other delegates. Following the first two speeches on legislation, the presiding officer will alternately recognize affirmative and negative speakers, who will address the chamber for up to three minutes, followed by one minute of questioning by other delegates. If no one wishes to oppose the preceding speaker, the presiding officer may recognize a speaker upholding the same side.
Use of Evidence- Visual aids are permitted in Congressional Debate, provided they do not require electronic retrieval devices in the chamber. All evidence used is subject to verification. Honesty and integrity are of utmost importance in legislative debate. Falsification or deliberate misuse of evidence may result in the legislator being suspended by tournament officials.