2025 Ready Response

Response (CA) - Jan 16-18, 2025 | Status: Closed | 4:12 AM Pacific

Tournament Time
4:12 AM Pacific

The leadership of this tournament recognizes the many benefits of competitive speech and debate. Public speaking, critical thinking, research skills, writing skills, and community service top the list, and the impact of these things toward the growth and training of young minds is undeniable.

However, we also recognize the temptations that a competitive environment can create. Without a Christian focus, competition often breeds prideful arrogance that can result in a competitor's willingness to "bend the rules" for competitive advantage. The Stoa League believes that written rules should be kept to a minimum to avoid an overly legalistic approach. We agree with Stoa’s position but this tournament also recognizes the need to support and uphold Christian integrity in this competitive environment.

We therefore ask all competitors to carefully review and consider the content of their speeches and debate cases well in advance. Ask yourselves if your content is above reproach. If you find any part of your speech or debate case might be seen as grounds for adjudication then it is probably not above reproach and should be corrected. To be “above reproach” your speeches and cases should avoid any appearance of an intent to bend or break the rules for competitive advantage.

The adjudication team at this tournament has the authority to disqualify any individual or team not only due to rule violations, but also based on the appearance of a lack of integrity. The adjudication team is committed to using this authority with great restraint and considerable prayer, but our greatest prayer is that it will not be needed at all because students, parents and coaches will apply the following Bible verses to their speeches and cases well in advance of the tournament:

Proverbs 12:22
The LORD detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.

Proverbs 21:3
To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.

1 Peter 3:16
keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.

2 Corinthians 8:21
For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man.

Hebrews 13:18
Pray for us. We are sure that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way.

Psalm 41:12
Because of my integrity you uphold me and set me in your presence forever.

Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Ready Response will use the Joy of Tournament tabulation software with Stoa recommended presets for tiebreaks.

For debate events, club protection is not guaranteed for any round.

For debate outrounds, the following No-Flip protocol will be used

If two teams have debated in a preliminary round (i.e. rounds 1 thru 6) and are paired against one another in an outround, their sides will be the opposite of their previous match-up. In other words, their sides are locked.

If two teams have not debated in a preliminary round, sides are assigned in outrounds to maintain side balance whenever possible. In other words, teams should debate an equal number of rounds on each side of the resolution, if at all possible.
- Example 1: In outround 2, Team 1 with 4 AFFs/3 NEGs and Team 2 with 3 AFFs/4 NEGs meet. Team 1 is assigned NEG and Team 2 is assigned AFF to maintain side balance of four of each side for both teams.
- Example 2: In outround 1, Team 1 with 3 AFFs/3 NEGs and Team 2 with 3 AFFs/3 NEGs meet. One team will have be to side-imbalanced going forward. The sides are randomly assigned by Tab. THERE IS NO COIN FLIP TO DETERMINE SIDES.

In all outrounds, the sides for each team will be clear in the postings and in the printed ballots JUST AS IN PRELIMINARY ROUNDS.

THERE IS NO COIN FLIP IN OUTROUNDS. TEAMS ARE NOT RANDOMLY GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO CHOOSE SIDES.

Why are we using a no-flip protocol?

The ability for a debate team to choose a side conveys an advantage. This is irrespective of whether one believes there is an advantage for the affirmative or the negative side of a resolution. The ability to opt for a side is an advantage!

We believe it is unfair in a debate outround for one team to given an advantage, however slight, over another team. Furthermore, side balance has always been a prevailing pairing principle in preliminary rounds. We believe that outrounds should continue the same pairing principle as well. Ideally, the champion of the debate event should demonstrate the ability to debate both sides of the resolution equally well.

In the past, some tournaments with many outrounds using coin-flips to give one team the ability to opt for sides have resulted in teams who have progressed deep into outrounds with substantial side imbalances. The no-flip protocol aims to minimize side imbalances.

Note that in a tournament with elimination outrounds such as this one, it is still possible for teams to have side imbalances as they progress deeper into the outrounds because it may be the side-imbalanced teams that eliminate the side-balanced teams. At least with this protocol, the likelihood of side-imbalanced teams is reduced.

If you have any questions regarding this no-flip outround protocol, please contact the Tabulation staff.

Important Etiquette Guidelines for Speech and Debate Tournament

Parents and Students,

We are excited for the upcoming Speech and Debate Tournament at Las Positas College. Your cooperation is crucial in ensuring the success of the tournament and the safety of all participants.

Parental Presence on Campus:

Parents are expected to be on campus at all times during the tournament.
While Las Positas College boasts a beautiful open campus, it is important to note that it is a public space. Student safety is our utmost priority, and your presence is vital in monitoring not only your own students but also young children who are not actively participating in the competition.

Exclusive Use of Designated Areas:

Students, please limit your activities to the competition rooms and the designated student lounge in building 1300.

Refreshments and drinks will be provided for your enjoyment. However, please be mindful to clean up after yourselves and dispose of any waste in the designated bins.

Do not Move or Remove FURNITURE:

Moving or removing furniture within rooms, common areas, lobbies, hallways, or any shared spaces may seem like a small task, but it cause have significant work for our facilities team. Please DO NOT move or remove furniture.

Do Not Touch Classroom Equipment:

Please be advised that under no circumstances should you touch, turn on, or turn off any equipment present in the classrooms. This includes but is not limited to projectors, computers, audio-visual devices, and any other instructional tools.

Restricted Access to Buildings and Rooms:

Strictly adhere to the rule that no one is allowed in buildings or rooms that are not designated for the competition.
This includes respecting areas that may be reserved for other purposes during the tournament.

Ensuring a Warm Welcome for Years to Come:

It is our collective responsibility to maintain a positive and respectful presence on the Las Positas College campus.

By following these guidelines, we can ensure that we leave a lasting positive impression, paving the way for future tournaments at this venue.
Your cooperation in adhering to these guidelines is greatly appreciated. By working together, we can create a supportive and welcoming environment for all participants. We look forward to a successful and enjoyable tournament, and your contributions are instrumental in achieving this goal.

Let's represent STOA well!

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Dear Community, Parent, and Alumni Judges,

Thank you for contributing to the success of our tournament. Your assistance is invaluable in ensuring a smooth event.

Community Judges:

Take a moment to watch this short video to see the vital role you play in the success of our tournament:
Watch Video

Total Tournament Time Commitment - Approximately 3 hours. Please arrive one hour prior to the round you signed up to judge. This will allow you to:

Attend orientation in room 1641
Receive your ballot
Arrive at the room assignment on time

After your round, please return to the judge's lounge to complete your ballot and enjoy refreshments. Students look forward to reading your helpful feedback!

Parking: Special areas are reserved for community judges in Parking LOT C 1600 building.

Judge Orientation:

Sessions for speech and debate events are scheduled each tournament day.
Attendance is encouraged annually for an overview of events, training, and materials.
Complimentary snacks and refreshments will be available for judges throughout the day in our lounge.

Judge Orientation Schedule

Thursday, Jan. 16th

7:00 AM	TP/LD Debate Orientations
8:30 AM	Parli Debate Orientatioin
9:45 AM	Speech Orientation
11:45 AM	TP/ LD Debate Orientations
1:20 PM	Parli Debate Orientation
2:30 PM	Speech Orientation
4:30 PM	TP/LD Debate Orientations
6:15 PM	Parli Orientation

Friday, Jan. 17th

7:00 AM	TP/LD Debate Orientations
8:30 AM	Parli Debate Orientatioin
9:45 AM	Speech Orientation
11:45 AM	TP/ LD Debate Orientations
1:30 PM	Parli Debate Orientation
2:30 PM	Speech Orientation
4:30 PM	TP/LD Debate Orientations
6:15 PM	Parli Orientation

Saturday, Jan. 18th

7:00 AM	Debate Orientations
9:00 AM	Speech Orientation
12:00 PM	Debate Orientations
2:00 PM	Speech Orientation
4:00 PM	Debate Orientations

Parent and Alumni Judges:

Parents are expected to judge 2 rounds per registered event and be available throughout each tournament day.

Alumni judges cannot judge rounds of former competitors in the previous year.
Annual attendance at Judge Orientation is required for updates on recent changes to ballots.

Thank you for your time in supporting our students. If you know someone interested in volunteering, help us recruit community judges to enrich the competition experience. We provide training for first-time judges.

Useful Links:

Stoa USA
Judge Training Video

READY RESPONSE Script Submission

Script Submission Opens: Monday, December 16th, 2024 at 8:00am (PST)
Script Submission Closes: Tuesday, December 31st, 2024 at 5:00pm (PST)

APPROVAL DEADLINE: All scripts MUST be approved on or before Friday, Jan. 3rd, 2025 at 3:00pm (PST) in order to be eligible for competition in that event.

Ready Response Script Submission -- 100% electronic

ALL scripts MUST be submitted electronically by the above closure date AND approved on or before the approval deadline. NO LATE SCRIPTS WILL BE ACCEPTED. Scripts not receive by the submission close date OR not in compliance by the approval deadline will be dropped from that event with no refund.
Script reviewers will communicate via email, SO it is imperative that you check your email frequently once you have submitted.
You will only have 24 hours to make your necessary corrections and resubmit your script for approval.
ALL approval confirmations will be emailed to competitors and parents.

How to Submit Scripts Electronically

1. Follow the rules for your speech event that can be found here.

2. Follow the script submission guidelines and use forms found here.

3. Watch THIS six-minute video for help! If you've watched it before it is always good to refresh your memory.

4. PREPARE your script and submission form WITH your parent or coach. Include ALL initials and ALL signatures. Submission forms MUST have the current tournament listed!

5, Combine each speech into a single PDF file. You may scan into a single file or use a file joiner. See resources below.

6. Name the file correctly: Last Name, First Name-event.pdf

7. Submit Scripts: e-submission here (Link will be active Monday Dec. 16th at 8:00am (PST))

8. Correct or Celebrate: If your script is returned for corrections, complete any requirements within 24 hours and resubmit before the approval deadline of Friday Jan. 3rd, 3pm (PST). Otherwise, it is time to celebrate your approval!

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Resources for Script Submission

Stoa Resources

Work Cited Page Helps

EasyBib
Citation Machine

PDF File Joiners

PDFsam (Free download to your computer)
PDFmerge (Merging via a website)

To make PDFs of printed docs with your phone, search your app store for "PDF Scanner App". We recommend Adobe Scan Free version.

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Questions regarding script submission: readyresponsescripts@gmail.com

Dear Community & Alumni Judges,

We are so thankful for your willingness to come and participate as a judge at Ready Response! Your support is very encouraging to all of us, and especially to the students.

Here are a few important details:

Address

Las Positas College, 1600 Student Services and Administration, 3000 Campus Hill Dr, Livermore, CA 94551

Parking

Lot C is designated for Community Judge Parking. However, if that lot is full you may park in Lots A & D. Please DO NOT park in Lot B as it will be in use for motorcycle training.

Check-in

From the parking lot, signs will direct you to the nearby 1600 building to check-in at the table for Community Judges and Alumni Judges.

Judge Orientation

Orientation sessions for speech events and for debate events will be conducted during each tournament day. Attendance is encouraged annually for an overview of events, training, and materials you will need to prepare to judge a round. We request all Community & Alumni Judges to attend Judge Orientation, as there are changes to most ballots this year.

Please see the Judges Tab (left side of the screen) for details on Orientation Times

Total Tournament Time Commitment - Approximately 3 hours. *

*Please arrive 1.5 hours prior to the round you signed up to judge.
This will allow you to:

Attend orientation in room 1641
Receive your ballot
Arrive at the room assignment on time

Additionally, please allow one hour following the round to complete your ballots. Students look forward to reading your helpful feedback!

Judging Reminders

To help you prepare for judging, please watch this quick information video. Judge Training Video Link

Though we are grateful for our judges, we ask for judges to please refrain in giving verbal feedback during or after the round. You will be trained in your orientation on how to give feedback on your ballot.
Alumni judges, please remember that you are not permitted to judge rounds of students with whom you have previously competed against within the past two years.

Rest and Refresh!

After your round, please return to the Judge's Lounge to complete your ballot and enjoy refreshments. Students look forward to reading your helpful feedback! Complimentary snacks and small meals will be available for judges throughout the day in our lounge.

Questions?

Please contact us at readyresponseregistrar@gmail.com.

We look forward to seeing you this Thursday, Friday, or Saturday (or all three days) !

Warmly,

2025 Ready Response Team