Point of Information

CHSSA Parli Rules

A. Topic approach: A different topic is used for each round of debate.
Value: Both sides push for their value in the topic as superior to the other team’s value.
Policy: Proposition shows there is a problem and offers a solution (plan) to the problem. Both sides debate the appropriateness and/or merits of the problem and solution asserted by the Proposition.
Fact: Both teams try to prove under what circumstances the topic would be called a valid fact.

B. Length and order of speeches
1st Proposition 7 minutes
1st Opposition 7 minutes
2nd Proposition 7 minutes
2nd Opposition 7 minutes
Opposition Rebuttal 5 minutes
Proposition Rebuttal 5 minutes

C. Preparation Time:
During preparation time, Parli teams will report to designated Prep areas and remain there until dismissed to go to their rounds. At the end of 20minutes of preparation time, the First Proposition speech begins.
1. A topic is presented to both teams prior to the start of the round. The teams have 20 minutes of preparation time from the announcement of the topic to prepare for each debate.
2. Students may consult their partner, dictionaries, reference materials, and prepared notes during the preparation period.
3. The next speaker must get up to speak within 20 seconds of the preceding speech.
4. All speaking time must be timed, including “thank you’s” and “roadmaps.”

D. Evidence:
The intent of Parliamentary Debate is to encourage an extemporaneous or impromptu argumentation. Reference to “outside materials” should be limited; instead, students should rely on general knowledge, common sense, and application of logic and analysis. Nevertheless, the use of “outside materials” is allowed within the following parameters:
1. No prepared materials may be brought into the debate round for the debater’s use.
2. Debaters are not permitted to read published material in the speeches of the
debate to support their argument claims.
3. During the debate, students may consult notes prepared during the preparation period.
4. Debaters may take and use notes during the debate.

E. Oral Prompting/Heckling:
Oral prompting by the speaker’s colleague while the speaker has the floor in the debate should be discouraged, and may be considered by the judge as a factor in deciding the debate. Heckling is not allowed.

F. Constructive/Rebuttal Speeches:
1. All arguments a team intends to present during the debate may be presented in the team’s first two speeches.
2. Rebuttals are a team’s formal response to opponent arguments or an extension of their own arguments.
3. No new arguments may be introduced in rebuttals. However, new analyses of prior arguments are allowed in rebuttals.
4. Rebuttals must be given the first speaker for each side.

G. Points of Information:
These are common practice in parliamentary debating. To make a point of information, a member of the opposing team rises for recognition by the speaker. The speaker then has the discretion to accept or refuse the point. If the point is accepted, the opposing team member directs a statement or question to the speaker. The speaker is technically yielding time from his/her own speech for the point of information and the time for the point is deducted from the speaker holding the floor.
1. Points of Information are allowed in every speech in the debate.
2. Points of Information must be concise statements or questions lasting no more than fifteen seconds.
3. Debaters may or may not take points of information at their discretion. The speaker accepts a single point; the opposing speaker is not allowed to make following questions or arguments unless again recognized by the speaker holding the floor.
4. The opening and closing minute of each speech are ‘protected,’ i.e., no Points of Information are allowed. Points may be made after the first minute and before the last minute of each speech. The judge should tap the desktop to indicate that one minute has elapsed and points of information may commence. The judge should then tap the desktop when one minute remains in each speech to indicate that no more points may be attempted.
5. No other parliamentary points are permitted.

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