Ok, just a question that is entirely unrelated to the topic, but to debate itself. I too, am a debater, but in Canada, rather than the US. What style do you guys use down there? I would assume it's completely different from what we use, thought I may be wrong.
That's awesome! It's great to know that we've got debaters. Then at least I know SOMEONE will be arguing constructively here.
We have a wide range of debate styles down here:
Lincoln-Douglas: I'm sure you don't call it LD, but it's your basic 1 on 1 debate. I prefer this style. The timing (I think) is 6-3-7-3-4-6-3 (aff, negcx, neg, affcx, closing aff, closing neg, closing aff).
Public Forum: 2 on 2. I don't really remember the timing, but it's a lot less depthy because the constructive speeches last only about 4 minutes.
Policy Debate: 2 on 2. Really long-winded, and the resolutions are chosen for the entire year. I haven't debated in this one yet, because the style's basically degenerated into WHOEVER CAN SAY THE MOST ARGUMENTS WINS.
Congress: It's really an IE, but I like to call it a debate because it has debate elements. Basically we all act like senators and we debate about certain bills. Constructive speeches are only 3 minutes. Fun thing is, before the round starts we can motion for stupid stuff. A friend of mine once motioned for everyone to be known as "Lords and Ladies" instead of senators. Fun!
The resolutions for LD, PF, and Policy are found on the national forensic league website @ nflonline.org. Congress resolutions are found there too (I think). They're issued in bulk, and the Presiding Officers overseeing each debate pick which ones to debate about.
And that's just about it as far as the debates go. So -- you guys have a single style, or...?
EDIT:
By the way, if I ever do congress, I'ma motion to be known as "Senator McCain"