For Volunteers & Judges

Welcome, NUDL Judges! 

Volunteer judges make our tournaments possible. You don't need any prior debate experience to make a meaningful difference- just a willingness to listen, learn, and provide thoughtful feedback to our students.

Judging gives you a front-row seat to see Nashville students think critically, speak boldly, and tackle important issues from multiple perspectives. Your feedback helps students become stronger speakers, thinkers, and more confident advocates for their ideas.

Whether you're a longtime member of the debate community or stepping into a round for the very first time, we'll provide the training and resources you need to feel prepared. Thank you for giving your time and helping make competitive debate accessible to more Nashville students.

• Thanksgiving Throwdown- Saturday, November 14th, 2026: https://forms.gle/hxkV4X6U9KhGahpw8

• Holiday Classic- Saturday, December 5th, 2026: https://forms.gle/BpQiawDDMHtvXv1G9 

• Winter Showcase- Saturday, January 30, 2027: https://forms.gle/TgFytkhMCJVppk74A

• City Championship- Saturday, February 20, 2027: https://forms.gle/njRkSAxKSG6ibas18 

World Schools Debate Judge Resources:

• Sample World Schools Debate Ballot: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1yveMOWRAfU-yvO3P3wg2rcB9-1azIJl9v3KjgUywPrg/edit?usp=sharing

• World Schools 101: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1dmJwhx-Gcc6VN-xFK_C96eRv9iP3RIcGDZ6I38KpGwk/edit?usp=sharing

• World Schools Judge Training Video Series: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9eF6gwV0MuU&list=PLbRmCbS7bdKLJ8grdI0kI7bANlVT6luHt

Policy Debate Judge Resources:

• Novice Training Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LuQ1Q6oKha4 

• Sample Policy Debate Ballot: https://docs.google.com/document/d/19i96ULo_Kqjffmlq3cFpjhCJaEB6WPmWtp2s7Q1Jy-4/edit?usp=sharing 

• Policy Debate 101: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1doMzfp4KBvAlfdXBdVmVbGVGA6HZSax4ZO_Tnyw-aRc/edit?usp=sharing  

• Creating a Judge Paradigm (for Varsity Judges): https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vNvR_-9r-HFaeXOvKVdli43mH5yoCuViQSATadb-bZI/edit?usp=sharing

Before the Tournament: 

All volunteer judges must complete three steps before tournament day:

1. Register to Judge: All judges must register in advance. Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate walk-in volunteers.

2. Complete a Background Check: To ensure a safe environment for our students, all judges must complete a background check before volunteering.

3. Create a Tabroom Account: Tabroom.com is the platform we use to manage tournament pairings and ballots. You'll need an account to receive your judging assignments and submit feedback.

What to Bring:

• Laptop or tablet and charger 

• Water Bottle 

• Writing Utensil

• Paper or Notebook

When You Arrive

When you arrive, our team will check you in and direct you to the Judge Lounge, where breakfast and coffee will be waiting!

We'll begin the morning with a judge orientation and training session. We'll review tournament procedures, judging expectations, and how to complete your ballot. No prior debate experience is necessary!

After training, you'll receive your first judging assignment and head to your assigned classroom.

During Your Rounds

As a judge, your role is to listen carefully, evaluate the arguments presented, and provide constructive feedback to help students grow.

During each round, you will:

• Introduce yourself: Sit at the front of the room and briefly introduce yourself, including any prior debate experience.

• Listen and take notes: Follow the arguments presented by both teams, taking notes to help you evaluate the debate.

• Keep time: Monitor speech times to help the round run smoothly.

• Evaluate the debate: Determine which team presented the stronger case based on the arguments made during the round.

• Provide feedback: Complete your electronic ballot and offer written and verbal feedback to help students improve.

Don't worry- we'll walk you through the judging process during training!

Between Rounds

After completing your ballot and feedback, return to the Judge Lounge to relax and await your next assignment.

We'll provide pizza and salad for lunch, along with opportunities to connect with other volunteers throughout the day.

Tournament Day Schedule: 

• 8 AM - 8:15 AM: Arrival and Check in

• 8:20 AM: Judge Training

• 9:15 AM: Round 1 Begins

• 11:15 AM: Round 2 Begins

• 12:30 PM: Lunch

• 1:45-2 PM: Round 3 Begins

• 3:30 PM: Rounds Wrap

• 4 PM: Award Ceremony (optional for judges) 

Volunteer Time Commitment:

We welcome judges who can volunteer for the full day (preferred) or a half-day (morning or afternoon).

While full-day volunteers are especially helpful in keeping our tournaments running smoothly, we appreciate any time you're able to give!

Thank you for helping create a positive, encouraging environment where Nashville students can develop their voices and sharpen their skills.