MSHSAA Rules for Laptop Use in Debate

 

MSHSAA Guidelines for Laptop Use in Debate Events

(Policy, Lincoln-Douglas, Public Forum)

 

Non-Internet connected computers, electronic storage, retrieval devices, etc. shall be allowed in rounds of Policy, Lincoln-Douglas and Public Forum Debate.  Connectivity to any person, machine, device, server outside the competition room, wired and/or wireless networks is strictly prohibited during all rounds.  Other prohibited devices include cell phones and personal digital assistants.  (Ex:  Palm/Treo/Blackberry/etc.)

 

A.      Computers equipped with removable wireless cards must have the cards removed before the beginning of any round of competition. It is the responsibility of the contestant to disengage the equipment.

B.      Computers with built‐in wireless capability may be used only if the wireless capability is disabled. It is the responsibility of the contestant to disable the equipment.

C.      Wired connections (Ethernet or phone) during rounds of competition are not permitted.

D.      Computers or other electronic devices may not be used to receive information from any source (coaches or assistants included) inside or outside of the room in which the competition occurs. Internet access, use of e‐mail, instant messaging, or other means of receiving information from sources inside or outside of the competition room are prohibited. (This does not prohibit non‐electronic communication between debate partners during prep time.)

E.         Penalty: A violation of any rule/regulation for any event will result in disqualification from the event.  Any official protest of a disqualification shall be directed to and ruled upon by the tournament Grievance Committee, who has the authority to overturn a disqualification.

F.      Availability of Evidence: Contestants electing to use computers have the responsibility to promptly provide a copy of any evidence read in a speech for inspection by the judge or opponent. Printers may be used. Evidence may be printed in the round or produced electronically, but must be provided in a format readable by the opposing team and the judge.

G.      Contestants electing to use computers are responsible for providing their own computers, batteries, extension cords, and all other necessary accessories. Tournament hosts will not be responsible for providing computers, printers, software, paper, or extension cords for contestants.

H.      Because public speaking decorum remains an important element of debate, all debaters are expected to stand at the front of the room facing the judge while speaking.

I.       Contestants choosing to use laptop computers and related equipment accept the risk of equipment failure. Judges and/or contest directors will give no special consideration or accommodation, including no additional speech time or prep time, should equipment failure occur.

J.      By choosing to use laptop computers in the round, debaters are consenting to give tournament officials the right to search their files. Debaters who do not wish to consent should not use computers in the round.

K.      VIOLATIONS:  A violation of any rule/regulation for an event will result in disqualification from the event.  Any official protest of a disqualification shall be directed to and ruled upon by the tournament grievance committee who has the authority to overturn a disqualification.

 

 

 

 

(Revised: June 2013)