The Importance of Parliamentary Procedure in Judging High School Congress Sessions

As a judge of a high school Congress session organized by High School Speech and Debate NSDA, understanding the parliamentary procedure is crucial for ensuring a fair and engaging experience. These guidelines provide an essential framework for evaluating the qualities of authors, speeches, decorum, and more.

Identifying Quality Bills and Authors

When evaluating bills and their authors during a Congress session, keep the following criteria in mind:

Feasibility: The bill should be practical and achievable within the existing legal and political framework. Relevance: The bill should address a significant issue that has a meaningful impact on its stakeholders. Debatability: The issue should be open to discussion and argument, allowing for a robust debate. Authorship Speech: Authors who can provide a clear and persuasive rationale for their bill should be given additional points.

Effective Speech Delivery During Congress

Speeches during Congress should be well-prepared and engaging, with speakers utilizing their time wisely. Here are some key aspects to look for:

Speech Duration: Speaker should use up to three minutes of their allocated time, using the remaining time to allow for questions or transitions. Content: Speakers should present multiple reasons for supporting or opposing the bill, providing clear arguments and examples. Relevance: Speakers must remain on topic, avoiding tangents that can detract from the main argument. Credible Sources: Citing at least two or three credible sources enhances the ethos and credibility of the speech, making it more compelling.

Focusing on Mandatory Questioning

Mandatory questioning is a critical component of the debate. Judges should pay special attention to the following:

Frequency: Students who ask questions frequently should be given extra consideration. Respect: Questions should be asked respectfully, without antagonism or sarcasm. Relevance: Questions should be relevant to the bill and contribute to a deeper understanding of the issue. Information Gain: Questions should aim to gain information that enhances the debate and provides valuable insights.

Maintaining Decorum and Professionalism

Decorum is of utmost importance in a mock congressional session. Key points to note:

Politeness: All participants should be polite and courteous, showing respect to one another. Professionalism: The presiding officer (PO) should ensure that speeches and questioning are conducted efficiently and without unnecessary interruptions. Time Management: The PO should prevent any waste of time, ensuring that the session proceeds smoothly and on schedule.

Assessing Judgement and Strategic Use of Arguments

Evaluating the strategic use of arguments and body language will give you a comprehensive view of a student’s performance. Pay attention to:

Body Language: Effective use of body language, such as posture, eye contact, and gestures, can greatly enhance the delivery of arguments. Research and Facts: Well-researched and factual arguments are crucial in supporting or refuting a bill. Contradicting Opponents: Students who effectively contradict opponents using logical and well-supported arguments will be highly rated. Speaking Skills: Articulate and confident speaking skills are essential for effective communication. Formality and Manners: Maintaining a formal and respectful tone throughout the session is important, reinforcing the mock environment.

Conclusion

By focusing on these critical aspects of parliamentary procedure, you can ensure that the judging of a high school Congress session is fair, engaging, and educational. Remember, the goal is not only to evaluate the content but also to foster a spirit of debate and constructive dialogue among participants.

For more detailed information on parliamentary procedure, you can refer to the comprehensive guide provided by the NSDA.