1–The occasion of the debate is traditionally a formal one. The conduct of all participants should at all times be regulated accordingly. Reference by any speaker to any other must pertain only to presented arguments. Any comments of a personal nature ought strictly to be avoided.
2–It is essential that teams prepare with the requirements of these rules and those of the evaluationstandards in mind.
3– Once a team submits itself as an entrant for the tournament, it is honour-bound to fulfil its commitments. Team A + Team B from the same school shall function as two separate entities and no interchange of debaters is allowed.
Clarification: Speakers in Grade 10-12 may not speak in the junior division of the tournament. Speakers in Grade 8-9 may speak in the senior division of the tournament.
4–Once a fixture is out, postponements and cancellations cannot be granted.
Clarification: Postponements are to be arranged between the affected teachers and the co-ordinator at the City Library.
5–No adjudicator is to be approached with the request for marks to be divulged.
6–The adjudicator is responsible for any problem areas or disputes before a debate.
7–Any school arriving more than 30 minutes after the due starting time, should expect to forfeit the debate. Strive to be at the venue at least 15 minutes before the time.
8–The co-ordinator will do her best to supply an odd number of adjudicators for each debate. However, one adjudicator should be deemed sufficient to proceed with a debate.
9–The chairperson for the debate must have a stopwatch in order to fulfil Function 4 and 6 of the Chairperson’s responsibilities.
10–The floor and the audience of the schools to be separated. No interaction between the floor and the audience or coach allowed during the debate.
11–The Floor should consist of 6 – 12 members, 5 points will be deducted for each one less than 6. When there is no floor, 50 points will be deducted from the total score of the team.