Debate Competition Rules and Regulations in India

Students learn to locate and apply evidence to support their positions by preparing for and participating in debates. They also learn how to communicate their thoughts effectively and convincingly. Debating forces them to present a case they may not entirely agree on. Thus, it helps them appreciate points of view that differ from their own.

Important Rules of Debate

1. There are two teams, with two or three presenters on each.
2. Two or three constructive speeches and two or three speeches are rebuttal. The rebuttals go, in turn, with the affirmative offering the first helpful speech and the affirmative, negative, affirmative, and negative. Both debate’s opening and closing speeches are given by the positive.

Speakers might then take the floor to address the motion and argue in favor of or against it. A set amount of time is allotted to each floor speaker (e.g. one minute or three minutes).

After the sides have had a brief consultation opportunity, each team may speak in “rebuttal.” This implies that they can refute any arguments made by the adversary. Each team may give one or more rebuttal speeches. The affirmative side makes the last rebuttal speech, whereas the negative side makes the first.

3. When expressed as a policy statement, the topic necessitates the affirmative to support a specific action taken by a certain person or organization. The affirmative may provide any acceptable definition of each proposition’s phrases. The judge has to endorse the definition provided by the team that provides stronger justification for their interpretation of the term if the negative contests the affirmative’s meaning as reasonable.
4. The affirmative must support all that the topic itself requires. During the argument, a team is not allowed to change its viewpoint.
5. The assertor must provide evidence. The team must provide sufficient evidence and reasoning to persuade an educated but uninformed individual that it is more rational to accept the assertion than to reject it to establish an assertion. Accurate facts are required. Visual materials are acceptable, and once presented, the opponents are free to use them if they so choose.
6. Any reasonable, well-reasoned question that directly affects the discussion may be asked during the questioning session. During this time, the interrogator may utilize it to advance any aspect of his case, undermine any aspect of the opposition, or gather information—for example, the opposition’s stance on a particular topic—that may be utilized in a subsequent exchange of ideas. The person posing the inquiry must refrain from making any declarations, remarks, or rhetorical inquiries.
7. As soon as each speaker finishes his insightful remarks, questions are raised. Without conferring with his colleagues, the witness must respond to the questions.
8. no fresh, constructive arguments are permitted during the rebuttal phase. Before the final rebuttal, the positive must respond to the main negative points.
9. The judge must base his decision solely on the evidence provided, disregarding any further evidence he may have in his possession.
10. Any profits obtained beyond the defined process are not permitted.

The motion’s supporting team must keep its mind. The opposition must vehemently oppose the proposal (regardless of their personal beliefs).

Some more rules

• When a speaker makes a claim, they must be able to back it up with facts or arguments.
• In a debate, the facts that are given must be true.
• Speaking in reply, speakers are kept from raising new topics.

Conclusion

A judge or judges choose which team wins a debate based mostly on the caliber of the debate. But a vote might also be used to decide it. The adhered to guidelines and the total number of points submitted determine how the process is judged.