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Cross Examination Format

This document outlines the rules for a cross-examination debate format called Oxford-Oregon. It details the structure of the debate including the number of speakers, time limits, order of speeches, and criteria for judging. Teams consist of 2 speakers and a scribe. Debates involve 7 minute constructive speeches, 3 minute interrogation periods, and 4-5 minute rebuttal speeches. Judges score teams based on argumentation, responses to questions, and rebuttals to determine the winning team. Protests can be filed with a tournament tribunal.

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108 views4 pages

Cross Examination Format

This document outlines the rules for a cross-examination debate format called Oxford-Oregon. It details the structure of the debate including the number of speakers, time limits, order of speeches, and criteria for judging. Teams consist of 2 speakers and a scribe. Debates involve 7 minute constructive speeches, 3 minute interrogation periods, and 4-5 minute rebuttal speeches. Judges score teams based on argumentation, responses to questions, and rebuttals to determine the winning team. Protests can be filed with a tournament tribunal.

Uploaded by

JohnNicoRamosLucero
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Rules of Debate: Cross-Examination Format (Oxford-Oregon)

1. Number of Rounds
Elimination Rounds
Semi-Final Rounds
Final Round
2. Team Members
A team shall be composed of two members: two (2) to act as Speakers (including
the team captain) and the other member to act as Scribe. Each team shall submit the
names of two (2) possible alternates to the Tournament Directors in the event of the
unavailability of any member of the original team.
3. Propositions
The Tournament Committee shall determine the topics for each round of the
tournament.
4. Sides
The two teams in this debate shall be referred to as the Affirmative, supporting the
Proposition, and the Negative, opposing the Proposition. The side a team plays shall be
determined by TOSS-COIN, unless another system is adopted by both teams and
approved by the Tournament Director.
5. Order of Speakers
The speaking order is as follows:
First Affirmative Constructive

7 minutes

Interpellation by First Negative Speaker


First Negative Constructive

3 minutes
7 minutes

Interpellation by First Affirmative Speaker 3 minutes


Second Affirmative Constructive

7 minutes

Interpellation by Second Negative Speaker 3 minutes


Second Negative Constructive
Interpellation by Affirmative Speaker

7 minutes
3 minutes

BREAK (3 minutes)
1st Negative Rebuttal-Summation

4 minutes

1st Affirmative Rebuttal-Summation

4 minutes

1st Negative Rebuttal-Summation

4 minutes

2nd Negative Rebuttal-Summation

5 minutes

2nd Affirmative Rebuttal-Summation

5 minutes\

6. Speaking Time Allotment


Each speaker shall be allowed seven (7) minutes for his/her constructive speech.
Interpellations, on the other hand, are allotted three (3) minutes. A bell indication the
sixth minute shall be provided. After the seventh minute, a speaker is expected to finish
his/her speech within a 30-second grace period. If a speaker fails to conclude his
constructive speech within the grace period, he/she will be meted penalties.
7. Preparation
No grace period shall be allowed for debaters who come late during debates. The
Tournament Director reserves the right to disqualify teams that fail to arrive on time.
Debaters are discouraged from reading from prepared speeches. The use,
however, of a Speech Outline is allowed. The judges shall the discretion of adding points
to debaters who do not read written speeches.
8. Definition
The Affirmative must define the proposition and establish the parameters for
debate. The Right to Definition rests with the Affirmative, who is expected to define
faithfully and reasonably the text of the proposition.
The Negative may challenge the definition if it is clearly and unequivocally
unreasonable, creating an undue advantage for the Affirmative. In such cases, the
Negative is expected to engage in an even-if argument.
9. New Matter
No new matter (i.e. new arguments) may be brought up during the rebuttal stage
of the debate. Penalties will be meted out to teams who violated this rule. New examples

raised in support of an old argument are not new matter and as such are exceptions to this
rule.
10. Interjections
Interjections, which are short pertinent comments during an opposing speakers
speech, are allowed provided that both teams agree on the use of interjections.
11. Interpellation
The Moderator shall compel all debaters to answer all relevant questions during
the interpellation. A debater can ask the intervention of the Moderator on issues requiring
clarification or on question of procedure.
12. Judging
In each debate, there shall be, as far as practicable, three (3) judges known for
their integrity and competence. They shall be chosen on the basis of their knowledge of
the rules of debate, their impartiality, and of their knowledge of the topic.
The winner of each debate shall be based on the vote system.
The following shall be the official criteria to determine the winner.
Argumentation and Evidence

50%

Interpellation-Attack

10%

Interpellation-Support

10%

Rebuttal

30%

TOTAL

100%

13. Protests
As a rule, the decision of the Board of Judges is final and unappealable.

Protest, however, may be heard by a three-person Tournament Tribunal, if said


protest is filed a decision is announced, all protests are deemed dismissed for lack of
merit.

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