1. Issue being debated is referred to as the "topic" or "question."

2. Team arguing in favour of the question is called the "Affirmative".

3. Team arguing against the question is called the "Negative".

4. Address all your remarks through the "Moderator."

5. Teams are not in the House of Commons, but role- playing is allowed.

6. No heckling, no points of order or personal privilege.

7. Basic format follows a court of law, where one debater gives their "testimony" and is then cross-examined by a member of the opposing team.

8. Each debater has a 5-minute constructive speech, after which s/he will be cross-examined for 3 minutes by an opponent. Each debater is responsible for a 3-minute rebuttal/refutation speech after constructive and cross-examination speeches have been completed.

9. Order of debate:

First Affirmative: constructive speech (5 minutes)

Cross-examined by: first Negative (3 minutes)

First Negative: constructive speech (5minutes)

Cross-examined by: second Affirmative (3 minutes)

Second Affirmative: constructive speech (5minutes)

Cross-Examined by: second Negative (3 minutes)

Second Negative: constructive speech (5minutes)

Cross-examined by: first Affirmative (3 minutes)

1st Negative ( 3 minutes)

1st Affirmative ( 3 minutes)

2nd Negative ( 3 minutes)

2nd Affirmative ( 3 minutes)

10. There is an opportunity to address rule violations after the debate has concluded. The Moderator will rule on each violation individually.