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  Massachusetts Speech & Debate League
  • Home
    • Past Announcements
  • About Us
    • Belonging & Inclusion
    • Member Schools
    • MSDL Board >
      • Board Meeting Schedule
    • State Champions
    • Rules & Policies of the MSDL
    • By-Laws of the MSDL
    • Newsletters
    • MSDL Meeting Minutes
  • Schedule
  • Events
    • Quick Guide
    • Ballots
    • Childrens' Literature Reading
    • Declamation
    • Dramatic Performance
    • Duo Interp
    • Extemp
    • Group Discussion >
      • Group Practice Prompts
    • Impromptu
    • Informative Speaking
    • Multiple
    • Original Oratory
    • Play Reading
    • Poetry Reading
    • Program Oral Interp
    • Prose Reading
    • Radio Broadcasting
    • Big Questions Debate
    • Congressional Debate
    • Lincoln-Douglas Debate
    • Policy Debate
    • Public Forum Debate
  • Joining
    • How To Join
    • Invoice/Participation Agreement
  • Resources
    • Speech Judge Resources
    • Debate Judge Resources
    • For New Coaches
    • Radio Copy for Practice
    • Extemp Questions for Practice
    • Professional Development Grant
    • Pro Tips
    • Related Organizations
  • Hall of Fame
    • Hall of Fame Nominations
  • Contact Us
  • Tabroom.com

Debate Judge Resources

Setting up your computer

Judges enter ballots using an online application called Tabroom at all tournaments.  You will need an internet-capable device to use this software.  We find that a laptop works best.
  • Creating an account on Tabroom: Judges need an account on Tabroom.com.  Instructions are here.
For online tournaments only, judges view the round NSDA Campus, a Zoom-like video platform.
  • Be sure you are using the Chrome browser.
  • Check that you can connect to NSDA Campus by following these directions (document here, or 3-minute video here).  

Instructional videos - How to judge

  • (Video 1) Introduction to judging Public Forum Debate (17 minutes) - Here.  All new judges should watch this video.
  • (Video 2) Introduction to judging Lincoln Douglas Debate (14 minutes) - Here.  Watch only if you are assigned to judging Lincoln Douglas.  If you are new to judging, please watch Introduction to Public Forum Debate first (above).
  • (Video 3) Entering your ballot in Tabroom (7 minutes) - Here.  You will use Tabroom to enter your ballot whether you are judging at an in-person tournament or an online tournament.
  • (Video 4) How to "flow" (take notes) in a debate round (9 minutes) - Here.  Taking notes in a debate round will help you better follow the arguments and determine the winner.
  • (Video 5) Demonstration Public Forum debate round (40 minutes) - Here.  Note - At the time this video was made, the Summary speech was 2 minutes in duration.  It is now 3 minutes long.

Quick guide for experienced judges

  • The debate judge cheat sheet is here.
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  • Home
    • Past Announcements
  • About Us
    • Belonging & Inclusion
    • Member Schools
    • MSDL Board >
      • Board Meeting Schedule
    • State Champions
    • Rules & Policies of the MSDL
    • By-Laws of the MSDL
    • Newsletters
    • MSDL Meeting Minutes
  • Schedule
  • Events
    • Quick Guide
    • Ballots
    • Childrens' Literature Reading
    • Declamation
    • Dramatic Performance
    • Duo Interp
    • Extemp
    • Group Discussion >
      • Group Practice Prompts
    • Impromptu
    • Informative Speaking
    • Multiple
    • Original Oratory
    • Play Reading
    • Poetry Reading
    • Program Oral Interp
    • Prose Reading
    • Radio Broadcasting
    • Big Questions Debate
    • Congressional Debate
    • Lincoln-Douglas Debate
    • Policy Debate
    • Public Forum Debate
  • Joining
    • How To Join
    • Invoice/Participation Agreement
  • Resources
    • Speech Judge Resources
    • Debate Judge Resources
    • For New Coaches
    • Radio Copy for Practice
    • Extemp Questions for Practice
    • Professional Development Grant
    • Pro Tips
    • Related Organizations
  • Hall of Fame
    • Hall of Fame Nominations
  • Contact Us
  • Tabroom.com