JOHORE JUNIOR DEBATE 2016

SEHEBAT INTERNATIONAL JUNIOR DEBATE 2016

(DEBAT ANTARABANGSA JUNIOR SEHEBAT 2016)

Date:

MARCH 31st  - APRIL 4th, 2016

Venue:

BATU PAHAT SCIENCE SECONDARY SCHOOL,

JOHOR DARUL TAKZIM, MALAYSIA

NAME

1.       This competition is named SEHEBAT INTERNATIONAL JUNIOR DEBATE 2016, which also known as PERTANDINGAN DEBAT ANTARABANGSA JUNIOR SEHEBAT 2016, or DEBAT JUNIOR 2016 for short.

FORMAT

1.       Each team will be represented by five (5) debaters, which consists of

a)      Two (2) Form One students (aged 13 years old)

b)     Two (2) Form Two students (aged 14 years old)

c)      One (1) Form Three student (aged 15 years old)

2.       In any matches, 4 main debaters will present their arguments while 1 reserve debater acts as the team’s ICT Technician.

3.       Each team must list down one (1) accompanying teacher and one (1) mentor (teacher/coach/senior student/alumni/ex-student).

4.       One team will be known as the Government that will compete against another team known as the Opposition.

5.       The Government consists of

a)      First Proposer (Keynote Speech Session),

b)     Second Proposer (Keynote Speech Session),

c)      Third Proposer (Duel Debate Session),

d)     Fourth Proposer (Duel Debate Session),

e)      Fifth Proposer (Team’s ICT Technician)

6.       The Opposition consists of

a)      First Opposition (Keynote Speech Session),

b)     Second Opposition (Keynote Speech Session),

c)      Third Opposition (Duel Debate Session),

d)     Fourth Opposition (Duel Debate Session),

e)      Fifth Opposition (Team’s ICT Technician)

7.       The allocation of time and order for every session are as follows:

NO	GOVERNMENT	TIME	NO	OPPOSITION	TIME
	KEYNOTE SPEECH SESSION
1	First Proposer	8 minutes	2	First Opposition	8 minutes
3	Second Proposer	8 minutes	4	Second Opposition	8 minutes
	DUEL DEBATE SESSION
	(Open Debate)
5	Third Proposer	90 seconds	6	Third Opposition	90 seconds
7	Fourth Proposer	90 seconds	8	Fourth Opposition	90 seconds
9	Third Proposer	90 seconds	10	Third Opposition	90 seconds
11	Fourth Proposer	90 seconds	12	Fourth Opposition	90 seconds
13	Third Proposer	90 seconds	14	Third Opposition	90 seconds
15	Fourth Proposer	90 seconds	16	Fourth Opposition	90 seconds
	(Judges Question Session)
17	Third Proposer	4 minutes	18	Third Opposition	4 minutes
	(Wrapping Up Session)
20	Fourth Proposer	4 minutes	19	Fourth Opposition	4 minutes
		33 minutes			33 minutes
	TOTAL TIME: 70 – 90 minutes

8.       The first debater from both teams are allowed to present one (1) argument only. The same rule applies to the second debater (one (1) argument only). This means in any matches, each team have to present only two (2) arguments.

9.       The third debater is assigned to be involved in the duel debate session, namely during open debate and judges question.

10.   The fourth debater is assigned to be involved in the duel debate session, namely during open debate and wrapping up.

11.   The fifth debater acts as the team’s ICT Technician to manage any form of multimedia displays, gadget applications or even electronical devices.

12.   The role and task scope for each debater are as follows:

THE ROLE OF EACH DEBATER
No	GOVERNMENT	No	OPPOSITION
	KEYNOTE SPEECH SESSION
1	FIRST PROPOSER -          Government’s Stand -          Government’s Definition -          First Proposing Argument -          Assertion -          Giving Way & Answering Points of Information (POIs)	2	FIRST OPPOSITION -          Opposition’s Stand -          Rebutting Government’s Definition & First Proposing Argument -          First Opposition Argument -          Assertion -          Giving Way & Answering POIs
3	SECOND PROPOSER -          Government’s Stand -          Rebutting Opposition’s Definition & First Opposition Argument -          Second Proposing Argument -          Assertion -          Giving Way & Answering POIs	4	SECOND OPPOSITION -          Opposition’s Stand -          Rebutting Government’s Second Proposing Argument -          Second Opposition Argument -          Assertion -          Giving Way & Answering POIs
	DUEL DEBATE SESSION
	(Open Debate)
5	THIRD PROPOSER -          Rebutting all the arguments/facts presented by the Opposition -          Asserting the stand and supporting the Government’s argument by giving new facts	6	THIRD OPPOSITION -          Rebutting all the arguments/facts presented by the Government -          Asserting the stand and supporting the Opposition’s argument by giving new facts
7	FOURTH PROPOSER -          Rebutting all the arguments/facts presented by the Opposition -          Asserting the stand and supporting the Government’s argument by giving new facts	8	FOURTH OPPOSITION -          Rebutting all the arguments/facts presented by the Government -          Asserting the stand and supporting the Opposition’s argument by giving new facts
	(Judges Question Session)
9	THIRD PROPOSER -          Listening and understanding the judge’s question -          Answering the question correctly -          Assertion	10	THIRD OPPOSITION -          Listening and understanding the judge’s question -          Answering the question correctly -          Assertion
	(Wrapping Up Session)
11	FOURTH PROPOSER -          Conclusion & Rebutting the Opposition’s Stand -          Asserting the Government’s Stand	12	FOURTH OPPOSITION -          Conclusion & Rebutting the Government’s Stand -          Asserting the Opposition’s Stand

13.   While one team is presenting, members of the opposing team can ask for points of information (POIs) starting from the first minute (time card display of 7:00) until the seventh minute (time card display of 1:00).

14.   Only the first and second debater from each team are allowed to give way and answer POIs from the opposing team. Each debater is required to give way and answer at least two (2) POIs.

15.   After the first and second debater have presented, the third and fourth debater from each team will be involved in the duel debate session. There are two (2) execution levels for this session, which are open debate dan judges question session.

16.   For the open debate, the third and fourth debater is given 90 seconds (1 minutes 30 seconds) respectively to present any rising issues related to the argument speeches given earlier.

17.   Debaters are encouraged to briefly rebut the issues given by the opposing team and then present additional issue/fact from their own team.

18.   The above gesture will take place alternately between the third and fourth debater from both teams. Each debater is given the chance to present speech during the open debate at least three (3) times per debater.

19.   The bell will only be rung after the 90 seconds period is over as a sign for the opposing team to rise, rebut and present the issues from their own team.

20.   It is recommended for each debater to  make full use of the 90 seconds period to help strengthening each team’s respective argument and stand.

21.   After the end of the open debate (which is after the total time of 18 minutes), the judges question session will take place.

22.   The panel of judges will present only one (1) question (based on the issues raised during the open debate) to he third debater from each team.

23.   Judges have to present the question to the third debater in a duration that does not exceed 1 minute. Every judge is advised to give question that is simple, compact, and precise.

24.   The third debater is given 1 minute (a moment of silence) prepare the answer(s) for the given question.

25.   After the 1 minute period is over, the bell will be rung once and the third debater has to present his/her verbal answer in 4 minutes only.

26.   The bell will be rung once at the third minute to indicate the remaining 1 minute to present the answer. The bell will be rung twice after the 4 minutes period is over.

27.   The judges question session will be started with the answers from the Third Proposer, followed by the Third Opposition.

28.   After the end of the judges question session, the Fourth Opposition will start the wrapping up session, followed by the Fourth Proposer.

29.   A total time of 4 minutes is given to each debater during the wrapping up session.

30.   The bell will be rung once at the third minute to indicate the remaining 1 minute to wrap up. The bell will be rung twice after the 4 minutes period is over.

ELIGIBILITY

1.       This competition is only open to the Form 1, 2, and 3 students (aged 13-15 years old) for the current school year (2016) from all secondary schools in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapura and Brunei Darussalam.

2.       Each school is allowed to submit only one (1) Malay language debate team for this competition. In that team, it must consist of

a)      Two (2) Form One students (aged 13 years old)

b)     Two (2 Form Two students (aged 14 years old)

c)      One (1) Form Three student (aged 15 years old)

3.       Each team can only register five (5) debaters, one (1) accompanying teacher and one (1) mentor.

4.       Each team can only be represented by the students who are currently studying in the school.

5.       The registration of team has to be officially certified by the school’s administration via the accompanying teacher before the Team Participation Form is handed to the Competition Secretariat during the registration session (Thursday, March 31st 2016).

6.       During registration, the Team Participation Form must be attached with A COPY OF BIRTH CERTIFICATE/MYKAD/PASSPORT from each debater for the age confirmation process by the organizer.

7.       The age of each debater must be between 13 to 15 years old during the year of competition. Failure in doing so will result in the team’s participation to be automatically revoked.

8.       Team member who have been officially registered can be replaced with other participants throughout the competition. Failing to do so will result in the team’s participation to be automatically void.

JUDGEMENT

1.       The Judging Technical Division will be entirely managed by the organizer.

2.       All the matches in the preliminary round will be judged either by the supreme judge, which is only one (1) judge who will adjudicate a match or by using three (3) judges for every match (depending on the suitability and the number of judge in-charge).

3.       However, the organizer will give the best effort to prepare at least three (3) judges in-charge for every match in the preliminary round.

4.       The quarter-final round will be judged by three (3) judges for every match.

5.       The semi-final round will be judged by five (5) judges for every match.

6.       The final will be judged by at least seven (7) judged appointed by the judging technical division.

7.       The judges will be briefed about the judging rules before the competition.

8.       Judges are not allowed to judge a match that involves their own school/alma mater. However, such restriction could be void if there are no available judges at that moment and after getting consensus from both teams in the match.

9.       The team that obtains majority vote from the judges will be announced as the winner of the match. Each team’s accumulated marks will not be made as basic indication in determining the match’s winner.

10.   The Debate Moderator or the hall attendant will collect the result forms from all judges after the announcement of result. Judges are NOT ALLOWED TO DISCUSS or refer to each other about the decision that has been made.

11.   Best debater for each match will be decided via the judges system There are two best debater titles that will be determined by the judges, namely Best Keynote Debater and Best Duel Debater.

12.   In the event of equal score, the debater’s highest overall score will be taken into account to determine the best debater. The names of the winning debater will be announced as soon as the debate has been executed.

13.   All judges are required to give commentary review after the debate is over in less than five (5) minutes.

14.   Judges review has to generally and briefly focus on each team’s strength and weakness in terms of content, strategy and presentation style. The review must not touch personal aspect of any debaters in specific.

COMPETITION STRUCTURE AND SYSTEM

1.       As many as twenty (20) schools/teams are allowed to compete this year.

2.       Each team will compete in at least 5 preliminary rounds which will be conducted according to the power match Swiss bracket system.

3.       The regularity of role (whether Government or Opposition) are determined based on the above system.

4.       The reularity of each team’s ranking after each preliminary round is set according to the following criteria;

a)      Total Number of Win(s)

b)     Number of Judges (if applicable)

c)      Total Number of Margin

d)     Total Marks

5.       The top eight (8) teams after the end of 5 preliminary rounds will compete in the quarter-final round. The quarter-final, semi-final, and final will be executed via the winning move.

6.       The motion for every match (except for the final) will be announced on Monday, February 29, 2016. The theme and scope for each round are as follows;

a)      Preliminary Round 1 : SPORTS / QUALITY OF FOOTBALL

b)     Preliminary Round 2 : ICT / INTERNET USER

c)      Preliminary Round 3 : SCIENCE / EARTH’S SURVIVAL

d)     Preliminary Round 4 : EDUCATION / CHILDREN SELF DEVELOPMENT

e)      Preliminary Round 5 : ENVIRONMENT / POLLUTION

f)       Quarter-Final Round : INDEPENDENCE / HISTORY SUBJECT

g)      Semi-Final Round : SCIENCE / CREATIVITY VALUE

h)     Final : GLOBAL JUSTICE / MASS MOVEMENT

*Subject to any changes by the organizer.

7.       ALL DECISIONS MADE BY THE JUDGES ARE FINAL.

8.       If there is any justified objections towards the judges’ decision, a written objection can be made within fifteen (15) minutes after the match to the Judging Technical Division of Debat Junior 2016.

9.       A deposit of RM300.00 (Three Hundred Ringgit only) will be charged for every objection made.

10.   If the objection is accepted or rejected by the Judging Technical Division, the deposit will not be refunded to the objecting team.

11.   The decision made by the Judging Technical Division after deliberating the objection (if there is any) is final and can’t be challenged by any methods (including legislation). The decision made will take into account the general interest and reflects the transperancy as weel as credibility of the organizer and the Judging Technical Division.

COMPETITION PROCEDURES

1.       THE OFFICIAL MOTION FOR THE COMPETITION will be announced by the organizer via blog view to help teams in making preperation. The motion for the final will only be announced after the end of the semi-final.

2.       The regularity of position for every team will be executed via the power match Swiss bracket system and announced during the briefing session before the match.

3.       The regularity of role (whether Government or Opposition) are determined based on the above system before the start of quarantine session.

4.       After the roll-call for teams has been made before the start of any matches, debaters will be escorted to their respective quarantine room.

5.       Time of quarantine is 30 minutes only.

6.       Due to the logistic and management factor, it is hereby set that the GOVERNMENT will be quarantined IN THEIR RESPECTIVE PREPERATION ROOM. All these quarantined teams will be supervised by their respective attendants.

7.       For the OPPOSITION, they will be quarantined INSIDE THE BRIEFING HALL (either at the SEHEBAT Resource Center or Seri Banang Hall).

8.       Every quarantined team must consist of FIVE (5) debaters and ONE (1) mentor.

9.       The mentor (teacher/coach/senior student/alumni/ex-student) serves his/her function to give guidance during the quarantine session.

10.   The Fifth Debater acts as the Team Manager and ICT Technician.  The Fifth Debater is also the reserve debater who will manage any form of multimedia displays (including the LCD television), gadget applications or even electronical devices during the quarantine period and the match.

11.   Fifteen (15) minutes before the match begin, the Fifth Debater (ICT Technician) is allowed to be at the trial room to prepare the necessary material(s) for their respective multimedia display.

12.   Any attempts by any outsiders (other than the 5 debaters and 1 mentor) to trespass into the quarantine room or any actions that may interfere the quarantine session, whether on purpose or not during the quarantine period will be taken seriously by the Judging Technical Division.

13.    The organizer can take follow-up action against the involved parties based on the information received from all the interested parties.

14.   The usage of laptop, electronic gadget, and and device with access to the Internet is ALLOWED DURING THE QUARANTINE SESSION.

15.   Any printed materials CAN BE BROUGHT AS REFERENCE during the quarantine session and/or during the presentation and CAN BE SHOWN TO THE AUDIENCE AS EVIDENCE (for example, showing a newspaper or magazine article to prove a debater’s statement).

16.   The competing teams can also use computer and LCD, as well as LCD Television or Screen to display the prove or fact from their respective team.

17.   All the materials or electronic gadgets have to be brought or prepared by the team themselves. The safety of such materials or gadgets are subject to the team’s own responsibility.

18.   During the match, no additional time will be given for handling those electronic devices.

19.   The organizer will not provide any gadgets or electronic devices to be used by the competing teams. The preperation of such devices are subject to the team’s own initiative.

20.   The competing teams are recommended to bring their own mobile modem to ensure easy access to the Internet constantly.

21.   The time allocated for the quarantine session is 30 minutes only depending on the announcement made by the Judging Technical Division.

22.   Each team is required to be at the trial room 5 minutes before the match begin for the smooth running of the match. The team that fail to show up after 15 minutes since the commencement of the match will be automatically declared the loser.

23.   Any form of assistance from the audience or supporters during the match is strictly prohibited. The Debate Moderator has the right to inform such gesture to the Head of Judges for further action.

ROLE OF DEBATE MODERATOR

1.       Every debate match will be chaired by one (1) DEBATE MODERATOR to ensure clear flow during the match. In certain cases, the DEBATE MODERATOR can be appointed from among the judges in-charge, especially the Head of Judges.

2.       The DEBATE MODERATOR can’t make any commentary reviews regarding the debaters or the contents of debate during the match.

3.       The DEBATE MODERATOR must be alert to any form of assistance given or interruption towards the debaters and inform it to the Head of Judges for further action.

4.       The Head of Judges has the power to ask those whom it may concern to leave the trial room to make sure the match can be held in a fair and comfortable atmosphere.

5.       The DEBATE MODERATOR has to allocate a suitable amount of time for the judges to fill in the marking form. The DEBATE MODERATOR has to wait for signal from the Head of Judges before continuing the match with the next debater.

6.       The DEBATE MODERATOR will announce the match result, best keynote debater and best duel debater.

ROLE OF TIMEKEEPER

1.       The Timekeeper has to make sure every debater is given eight (8) minutes to present their argument, 90 seconds for the pen debate, four (4) minutes for the judges question session, and four (4) minutes for wrapping up.

2.       The Timekeeper will ring the bell after the first minute(1:00) and the seventh minute (7:00) to indicate the time space allowed for the opposing team to request for POIs. At the end of the eighth minute (8:00), the bell will be rung twice.

3.       Time cards will be displayed by the Timekeeper to notify the remaining time left every 1 minute (count down).

4.       A time of 90 seconds should be given to the third and fourth debater from both teams during the open debate.

5.       A maximum time of one (1) minute should be given as preperation time for the third debater from both teams t prepare answer to the judges.

6.       A time of four (4) minutes should be given to sthe third debater from both teams during the judges question session.

7.       A maximum time of one (1) minute should be given as preperation time for both teams to prepare the wrap up.

8.       While answering the judges question or presenting the wrap up, the Timekeeper will ring the bell once at the third minute (time card display of 1:00) to show that the debaters have only 1 minute left. At the end of the fourth minute, bell will be rung twice to indicate the end of time to answer the judges question or present the wrap up.

9.       The Timekeeper has to make sure all results, judges files and debate materials are sent to the Debate Secretariat Room after the end of every match.

MARKING SYSTEM

KEYNOTE SPEECH SESSION : 8 MINUTES (for every debater)

1.       Each debater will be given a mark according to the following distribution:

Aspect	Full Mark
a)     CONTENT(S)	40 marks
b)     STRATEGY/STRUCTURE	25 marks
c)      PRESENTATION STYLE	25 marks
d)     LANGUAGE*	10 marks
TOTAL MARKS	100 marks

*The usage of Nusantara Malay language

2.       The first and second debater from each team  is given 8 minutes to present.

OPEN DEBATE : 4 MINUTES 30 SECONDS (for every debater)

1.       Each debater will be given a mark according to the following distribution:

Aspect	Full Mark
a)     CONTENT(S)	40 marks
b)     STRATEGY/STRUCTURE	25 marks
c)      PRESENTATION STYLE	25 marks
d)     LANGUAGE*	10 marks
TOTAL MARKS	100 marks

2.       During the duel debate, each debater is given 4 minutes 30 seconds to present. The time distribution are as follows:

a)      Third Proposer                                : 90 seconds x 3 times = 4 minutes 30 seconds

b)     Third Opposition                            : 90 seconds x 3 times = 4 minutes 30 seconds

c)      Fourth Proposer                             : 90 seconds x 3 times = 4 minutes 30 seconds

d)     Fourth Opposition                          : 90 seconds x 3 times = 4 minutes 30 seconds

JUDGES QUESTION SESSION : 4 MINUTES (for the third debater from each team)

1.       The third debater from each team will be given a mark according to the following distribution;

Aspect	Full Mark
a)     CONTENT(S)	20 marks
b)     STRATEGY/STRUCTURE	10 marks
c)      PRESENTATION STYLE	10 marks
d)     LANGUAGE*	10 marks
TOTAL MARKS	50 marks

2.       The third debater from each team is given 1 minute of preperation time and 4 minutes to answer the judges question. The time distribution are as follows:

a)      Third Proposer                                                : 1 minute + 4 minutes = 5 minutes

b)     Third Opposition                            : 1 minute + 4 minutes = 5 minutes

WRAPPING UP SESSION : 4 MINUTES (for the fourth debater from each team)

1.       The third and fourth debater from each team will be given a mark according to the following distribution;

Aspect	Full Mark
a)     CONTENT(S)	20 marks
b)     STRATEGY/STRUCTURE	10 marks
c)      PRESENTATION STYLE	10 marks
d)     LANGUAGE*	10 marks
JUMLAH MARKS	50 marks

2.       Only the fourth debater who will present the wrap up. The Opposition will start the session, followed by the Government.

3.       The debater in-charge of the wrap up is given 4 minutes to present.

REFERENCE FOR MARKING FORM

CONTENTS

1.       Judges have to evaluate the contents in terms of the presented argument, and not the way of presenting the argument.

2.       Judges have to (must) evaluate the accuracy and adequacy of the argument without being influenced by the debater’s skill in presenting the argument.

3.       The evaluation of contents includes the accuracy and adequacy of rebuttals. Judges are advised to give evaluation based on the level of ability for the lower secondary school students.

4.       The judges have to evaluate the accuracy and adequacy of the argument and not whether the opposing team can present any rebuttals. If the argument is lacking of substancial contents, the mark for contents will be less even if no rebuttal is given.

5.       If the presented argument is weak in terms of accuracy and adequacy, and is not being challenged by the opposing team, then the opposing team has made a more serious fault than the team that present the weak argument for not taking the chance in rebutting the argument.

STRATEGY/STRUCTURE

1.       Strategy covers three (3) aspects: the argument structure, time allocated to argue as well as debater’s understanding towards the motion.

2.       An argument with good quality structure has clear introduction, elaboration, and closure. While the argument is being presented, keywords will be given as a directional guide for the rest of the debaters.

3.       The argument must be logical and showing continuity. This is crucial, especially in showing the flow of idea which is parallel to that of the first until the fourth debater.

4.       The time to present the argument is important. There are two (2) aspects related to this matter, which are presenting the argument in the given time and giving enough time for the argument.

5.       Debaters should give priority to the main and fundamental contents, before being followed by less important points.

6.       In general, it is better for the debater to state the rebuttal before presenting their own contents/argument because it is more logical deny the stand made by the opposing team before enforcing their own stand.

7.       Judges should not just evaluate the accuracy and adequacy of the argument, but also should take into account the time precision and the priority on issue.

8.       Understanding towards the motion/issue – The debaters need to know important contents during the match. It will be a waste of time if the important issues are not being argued. If the debaters can’t understand the important issue(s) during the match, the debaters will not obtain high mark for strategy.

9.       Judges must know the difference between strategy and contents.

10.   If a debater tries to rebut an important content but not doing so correctly, the debater will get low content mark for making rebut of low quality. However, the debater will still obtain a decent mark for strategy for being able to rebut the argument.

PRESENTATION STYLE

1.       Judges should not be influenced by the debater’s exaggerate presentation style.

2.       The style includes the way a debater argues in terms of pronunciation and body language.

3.       The use of notes and note cards is allowed and should not be penalized, unless if the debater is clearly reading notes.

4.       The use of electronic device or gadget while arguing juga can also be taken into account if it helps in the presentation of argument.

5.       Judges are advised to tolerate with the speaking gesture and the pace in delivering the argument, and marks will only be deducted if the debater is beyond the limit.

LANGUAGE

1.       The use of Nusantara Malay language is allowed throughout the debate session. The use of standard language is not compulsory but highly recommended.

2.       The language aspects that should be taken into consideration include language style/debate adjustment, sentence structure, grammar and effective vocabulary.

3.       The other aspects that are also assessed are pronunciation, fluency, tone, and vocal intonation.

REBUTTALS

1.       A debater only rebut the argument, and not the examples. For instance, the first proposer has given a weak example but his/her argument is precise and highly valid. Hence, the Opposition should rebut the argument, and not the weak example.

2.       Other than that, the debater might be able to give a few examples/analogies/facts to explain the same argument. Therefore, if the debater from the opposing team can make a strong rebuttal to subvert all examples given, thus it is not necessary to rebut every example.

WRAPPING UP

1.       Wrap up is the conclusion on the debaters’ stand towards the debated issue. Therefore, debaters should only state their own issue(s) based from the match.

2.       During the wrap up, debaters are not encouraged to focus on petty matter or examples given.

3.       Debaters should highlight the main issues that can support their stand and eventually destabilize the opposing team’s stand.

4.       As a guidance, if the debater focuses on examples during wrap up, it means that the debater might not understand the debated issue or might not understand the effective debating technique.

5.       While wrapping up, the debater can’t present new argument.

POINTS OF INFORMATION (POIs)

1.       While a debater is presenting, the opposing team is allowed to request for POIs within the given time.

2.       Only the first and second debater from both teams who can request and give way for POIs.

3.       POIs is a formal interruption which is addressed to the debater who is presenting. POIs can be done in statements, facts, questions, or short remarks related to the issue  presented.

4.       The main function of POIs is to give or ask for further information about the issue that is being presented.

5.       The opposing team can rectify the facts which are deflected. POIs also can be used to ask for clarification and question the team.

6.       POIs can be requested by the opposing team when a debater is presenting his/her argument. However, the debater can either accept or reject the POIs request.

7.       If the POIs is accepted, the opposing team can rectify the debater’s information or giving questions about the given issue within the match, especially those that have just being presented by debaters.

8.       By having POIs, this will allow every debater to take part throughout the debateand not just presenting their own argument.

9.       The debater should play his/her role in giving opinion. Even if it might not be acceptable, but at least that will show that the debater is taking part or trying to take part in the match.

10.   Only 15 seconds is given for every POIs. The POIs must be compact, precise, and concise.

11.   POIs can’t be misused to deliberately interrupting the opposing team because there are etchics that need to be followed. The mark for strategy will be deducted if these ethics is violated.

POINTS OF INFORMATION (POIs) ETHICS

1.       The opposing team will only be allowed to request for POIs between the second and seventh minute during the presentation by the first and second debater only.

2.       POIs can’t be requested during the first and last minute of the debater’s presentation. Bell will be rung to indicate the start and end of the time set for POIs.

3.       No POIs will be allowed during the duel debate, judges question, and wrapping up session.

4.       Courteous gestures, such as raising hands or standing up must be done while requesting for POIs.

5.       Abrasive and rude behaviour, such as patting the table, clapping or waving hands, snapping fingers, whistling, shouting etc. that is purposely done to distract the opposing team will cause the strategy mark to be deducted.

6.       The words spoken during POIs must be polite and well-mannered, as well as reflect the high values of ethics, manner, and culture. Shouting, showing anger and mocking the opposing team are prohibited.

7.       POIs is requested by a debater by standing up and saying “P.O.I.”. The debater who is currently presenting at that time does not necessarily have to give way for every POIs addressed to him/her.

8.       A debater is allowed to:

a)      Ask his/her opponents to sit down, OR

b)     Finish his/her remarks and give way for POIs, OR

c)      Give way for POIs at that moment instantly

REQUESTING AND GIVING WAY FOR POINTS OF INFORMATION (POIs)

1.       Throughout a match, a debater must request for at least two (2) POIs.

2.       A debater must also giving way for at least two (2) POIs addressed to him/her.

3.       The provisions of this rule is not subject to the third and fourth debater. They will be only involved in the duel debate and wrapping up session.

4.       Any debaters who requested for less than two (2) POIs will lose mark for strategy.

5.       Any debaters who did not giving way or answer any POIs from the opposing team will also lose mark for strategy.

6.       POIs in the given time must be finished by the questioner first before being answer by the addressee. Marks will be deducted for violation of these ethics.

7.       The panel of judges can also evaluate whether the debater is arguing spontaneously or restricted to texts based on his/her involvement in the POIs.

Any changes or refinement to the rules and regulation of this debate competition are subject to the discretion and careful consideration by the organizer on the advice of the Judging Techincal Division.