Parent Responsibilities
Parents are the heart of The Desert Gem! Your time, flexibility, and willingness to serve—especially as judges—make this tournament possible. Thank you for helping create a positive experience for every student and guest while reflecting the excellence and respect that define our STOA community.
Parents and students alike are expected to follow the code of conduct, dress code, and the Peacemaker’s Pledge, promoting unity, integrity, and Christlike character throughout the tournament.
- For Code of Conduct visit https://www.stoausa.org/membership
- For Dress Code visit https://www.stoausa.org/about-nitoc
- For Peacemaker's Pledge visit https://rw360.org/the-peacemakers-pledge/
Parent Judging Expectations & Guidelines
Each family is expected to fulfill the following judging requirements as part of participation in The Desert Gem.
- A training session will be provided during the first round.
- Experienced parent judges are needed for the first round to ensure the tournament begins on time.
- Please turn in completed ballots within 20 minutes after the end of each round. Your punctuality helps us keep the tournament running smoothly!
Important Requirements
- A Parent Judge must be on campus every day of the tournament.
- Students must have their judge physically present with them for check-in and throughout the day.
- Even if you’re not judging a specific round, please remain on campus.
- If you have not yet completed Judge Orientation this season, please attend a session offered at this tournament.
Judging Schedule
Please plan to judge every other round. Before each round, check in with the Ballot Push Table about 30–45 minutes prior to see where help is needed.
The Ballot Push Team will be happy to see you — and even happier to hand you a ballot!
Parent Participation: Debate Only
By registering your student for debate, you agree to:
- Remain on campus throughout the tournament, and
- Be available to judge. Please plan to judge three rounds. You’ll alternate judging rounds as follows:
- Option 1: Rounds 1, 3, and 5
- Option 2: Rounds 2, 4, and 6
Note: There will be no community judges for debate events.
If you have an alumni judge at home — bring them along! They’re welcome to join in and help.
Parent Participation: Speech Events Only
The Desert Gem welcomes Community Judges for speech events. However, each registered family must still provide a Parent Judge for their student.
Thank you for your gracious and significant participation!