IPDA (Individual Debate)

The International Public Debate Association (IPDA) uses a primarily one‑on‑one debate format in which one competitor argues the affirmative side and the other argues the negative. At the start of each round, the debaters receive five potential resolutions. The negative speaker removes one option first, and the two debaters alternate striking topics until only one remains. Once the resolution is chosen, both competitors have thirty minutes to prepare their cases for their assigned positions. IPDA emphasizes a conversational style of argumentation and often relies on lay judges to evaluate rounds. More information is available at http://www.ipdadebate.info/constitution--bylaws.html.

Format:

5 minute 1st Affirmative

2 minute Cross Examination

6 minute 1st Negative

2 minute Cross Examination

3 minutes Affirmative Rebuttal

5 minute Negative Rebuttal

3 minute Affirmative Summary

T-IPDA (Team IPDA)

Team IPDA is the two‑person (two‑on‑two) debate format within the International Public Debate Association (IPDA). It follows the same core philosophy as individual IPDA—conversational, accessible, real‑world argumentation—but with partners working together. Teams receive a set of topics, strike down to one, and then deliver coordinated constructive speeches, cross‑examinations, and rebuttals. The format emphasizes clarity, persuasion, teamwork, and audience‑friendly communication rather than technical jargon or speed‑based debate.

Format:

4 minute Affirmative Constructive (1st speaker)

2 minute Cross Examination (2nd speaker)

5 minute Negative Constructive (1st speaker)

2 minute Cross Examination (1st speaker)

5 minute Affirmative Constructive (2nd speaker)

2 minute Cross Examination (1st speaker)

4 minute Negative Constructive (2nd speaker)

2 minute Cross Examination (2nd speaker)

3 minute Negative Rebuttal (1st speaker)

4 minutes Affirmative Rebuttal (1st speaker)

4 minute Negative Rebuttal (2nd speaker)

3 minutes Affirmative Rebuttal (2nd speaker)

NPDA (Parliamentary Debate)

The National Parliamentary Debate Association (NPDA) is the largest intercollegiate debate organization in the United States, with roughly 200–250 colleges and universities participating in at least one tournament each year. NPDA features a two‑on‑two debate format that emphasizes strong speaking skills, quick thinking, and effective collaboration between partners to build clear, logical arguments. Parliamentary debate is typically divided into four divisions—Rookie, Novice, Junior, and Senior (or Open/Varsity). For each round, students receive an assigned topic and side, then work with their predetermined partner for 20 minutes to prepare before facing the opposing team. More information is available at https://npdadebate.com/governance/.

Format*:

7 minute Constructive by Prime Minister (Government)

2 minute Opposition Flex Time

8 minute Constructive by Leader of the Opposition

2 minute Government Flex Time

8 minute Constructive by Member of the Government

1 minute Opposition Flex Time

8 minute Constructive by Member of the Opposition

4 minute Rebuttal by Leader of the Opposition

1 minute Government Flex Time

5 minute Rebuttal by the Prime Minister (Government)

*There is no Flex Time in PSCFA tournaments (see PSCFA Rules for more information). Additionally, the terms Government and Opposition are often used interchagebly with respectively Affirmative/Proposition and Negation/Negative.

SPAR (SPontaneous ARgumentation)

SPAR is a brief form of debate on simple topics selected from 3 options, in which competitors have 2 minutes to prepare for a debate in which they are ranked on presentation style and skill. More information is available at: https://s3.amazonaws.com/tabroom-files/tourns/27974/postings/49013/SPARdebatejudgeinstructions.pdf

Format:

2 minute Constructive by Pro

2 minute Constructive by Con

4 minute Cross Examination

2 minute Rebuttal by Pro

2 minute Rebuttal by Con