How to run a debates competition

Who will judge?

A debating competition needs judges and for many schools new to debating finding judges can prove difficult, but it need not be.

• Local councillors, local secondary school staff, parents, governors, local university students or teachers from other schools are all possible judges for a competition. Many university debaters are involved in training programmes and are happy to be involved.
• If the tournament is a juniors tournament (S1-S3), older pupils can be involved in the judging process.
• If the judges have no experience of judging debates, provide a set of judging guidelines for them to read.
• Finally, contact one of the main debating organisations (see Useful links). They may be able to provide support or advice.