First Coast Florida Classic – Debate Tabulation Philosophy & Power-Matching Standards

Debate Tabulation Philosophy

The Florida Classic aims to develop excellence by pairing students in a way that faithfully measures skill, encourages growth, and rewards diligent preparation. Our tournament uses a power-matching model that brings competitors face-to-face with opponents of comparable strength as the rounds progress. This reflects a simple principle: excellence is refined by challenge (Prov. 27:17). When strong teams consistently meet strong opponents, they are both tested and strengthened, and the results provide a clearer reflection of actual competitive skill.

Our pairing philosophy is guided by several values:

- Integrity — rankings should reflect genuine performance

- Accuracy — stronger records should correspond to stronger competition

- Growth — students improve most when they are challenged

- Stewardship — we seek to manage each competitor’s experience responsibly

This model allows preliminary rounds to act as a meaningful measure of competitive ability, ensuring that students rise through the tournament by facing peers who match their level of preparation and success. Excellence is most clearly revealed when it is faithfully and fairly tested.

Florida Classic Debate Tabulation Standards

Applies to Team Policy and LD Debate

I. Preliminary Round Structure

The tournament will conduct six (6) preliminary rounds.

- Round 1: Random pairing

- Round 2: Random pairing

- Rounds 3–6: Strength-based power matching

II. Seeding and Ranking

The Florida Classic uses the standard Stoa seeding model to determine the ranking of teams during preliminary rounds.

III. Strength-Based Power Matching (Rounds 3–6)

Beginning in Round 3, teams will be paired using a strength-based bracket system. This method is also commonly referred to as a “Hi/Hi” pairing system, where high-seeded teams hit high-seeded teams within their bracket.

Teams are grouped into brackets based on identical win–loss records.

A. Even Number of Teams in a Bracket:

- 1st seed hits 2nd seed

- 3rd seed hits 4th seed

- 5th seed hits 6th seed, etc.

B. Odd Number of Teams in a Bracket:

1. The highest-ranked team in the next lower bracket is pulled up.

2. The lowest-ranked team in the upper bracket debates the pull-up.

3. Remaining teams pair high/high as listed above.

C. Pull-Up Limitations:

Teams may receive no more than one pull-up unless mathematically unavoidable.

IV. Side Assignment

The Florida Classic follows all standard Stoa side rules.

V. Advancement to Elimination Rounds

Standard Stoa advancement and out-round seeding rules apply (Hi/Lo). Seeding is used internally but not publicly announced.

Out-Round Bracket:

A Bracket:

A1- 1st seed hits 8th seed

A2- 4th seed hits 5th seed

Semi Final: A1 Winner hits A2 winner

B Bracket:

B1- 3rd seed hits 6th seed

B2- 2nd seed hits 7th seed

Semi Final: B1 Winner hits B2 Winner

Finals: A Bracket Winner hits B Bracket Winner

VI. Summary of Customizations

- Strength-based pairing (high/high)

- Structured pull-up rules

- Equivalent bracket rank pairing replaces random within bracket pairing