How to Judge a Debate Round: A Guide for New Judges
To judge a debate round, flow the arguments, decide which side gave the judge better reasons to vote for them, and write a short reason for your decision. Judge the arguments that were made, not your own opinion, and keep speaker points separate from who won. The Debate Prep has free judge training, flow sheets, a timer and ballots.
Six steps for a first-time judge
1. Get the basics before the round
Know the format, the speech order and the time limits. Bring a pen, paper or a laptop for notes, and a timer if nobody else is timing.
2. Take notes as you listen
Write down each argument in short form, one column per speech. This is called flowing, and it is how you remember what was answered and what was not.
3. Judge what was said, not what you think
Set aside your own view of the topic. Ask which side gave better reasons, and did more to answer the other.
4. Look for the reason to vote
Good debaters tell you why they won. If neither does, decide which arguments mattered most and which side was ahead on them.
5. Score speaking separately
Speaker points are for clarity, organization and delivery. A speaker can score well and still lose, or score poorly and still win.
6. Write a short reason for decision
Say who won and the one or two arguments that decided it. Debaters learn most from a clear, kind explanation.
What The Debate Prep gives a judge
- Judge training: short modules on the role of a judge, flowing, what debaters actually say, weighing impacts, speaker points, writing your decision, and more.
- Ballots for the winner, speaker points and your reason for decision. Pairings can be imported from tab sites.
- The same flow sheets students use, set up for the judge’s seat.
- A format-aware timer, so you can time speeches and prep for whatever format is on that day.
- Judge Mode does not use credits.
Start judge training
Free to start. No credit card needed.
Frequently asked questions
How do you judge a debate?
Flow the round, work out which arguments are still standing at the end, and decide which side gave better reasons for you to vote for them. Then write a short explanation of the decision.
What if I am a parent or volunteer with no experience?
That is common. Read the tournament’s judge instructions, take notes on each argument, and judge what the debaters said. The training modules cover this from the start.
Should I decide the round on who I agree with?
No. Judge the arguments that were made. A debater can win a side you disagree with, as long as they gave the better reasons.
Is judge training free?
Yes. Judge Mode, including training, quizzes and ballots, does not use credits.
Get ready to judge
Work through the judge training and fill out a practice ballot. Free to start.