If you've been to a speech and debate tournament before, you know how much depends on parent judges. Our goal is to offer a quality tournament to every family who prepares, practices, pays, and travels to be with us. That means three judges in every speech room for every round, and enough judges for every debate prelim and outround.

Reaching that goal takes everyone's participation, so we've set the following guidelines for all parent judges.

1. A Parent Judge Must Be Present

Every student must have a participating parent or adult judge on campus for the duration of the tournament. We understand it can be easier or more affordable to send students with another family, but doing so puts a heavy strain on our judge pool. Please either attend with your student or send another adult who can fully take on your judging responsibilities.

2. Judge at Least 3 Rounds per Day

Please plan to judge a minimum of 3 rounds each day. If you can judge more, wonderful. We need you!

3. Check In and Visit Ballot Push

Parent judges check in at the same time as their students, and students must have their judge with them at check-in. Throughout the tournament, please stop by Ballot Push at least 30 minutes before each round to see whether you're needed.

4. We Appreciate You!

We value your time and your service. Every parent or adult who serves as a full-time judge receives complimentary meals and refreshments in our Judge Lounge, so judges never need to buy a meal pass.

Judge hospitality covers the judge only. Siblings, non-judging adults, and other family members are warmly welcome to eat with us. Please purchase a meal pass for each of them during registration so we have plenty of food for everyone.

5. Our Pledge to You

We know judging can be demanding and tiring, even though it's essential to a quality tournament. In the weeks before the tournament, we'll do our very best to recruit as many community judges as possible to lighten the load. We're committed to that effort, and we're counting on you to meet your judging minimum too.

VIEW THE TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE