Diggs,+Shawntia

Towson University/BUDL

For starters: I have 10 years of debate experience. I debated at Towson University for 4 years and coached there for 2 years. I HAVE NOT judged a competitive debate in 2 years. I however, have worked debate camps in those two years and have done research on this years topic for camp. I have been involved with debate during the last 2 years but it has mostly been administratively.

Now to the specifics (short and sweet):

There are things that personally I might not agree with but I am always open to anything that debaters have to say because I believe that these debate rounds belong to the debaters and not to me. I have chosen to write summarizing statements about the way I judge because with limited time to prep for debates, teams shouldn't waste a bunch of time having to read my philosophy.

With that said this is how I typically view debate rounds:

1) **I evaluate the debate based off of the arguments in the round**. Regardless of the **method used to present** the argument it must be explained; clash and engagement is a must. 2) I expect debaters to show respect to each other, being overly aggressive and rude will not win me over. There is a fine line between being confident and being rude, walk this line very carefully. 3) **I will listen and evaluate any type of argument**: kritiks, counter-plans, disadvantages and even topicality. I'm not the biggest fan of topicality or other procedurals but I will and have voted for them. 4) Theory is good on two conditions: a. it is well explained and impacted, b. it is not done at top speed and blippy. 5) Clarity is more important than speed. I have been away for awhile so debaters can go fast but they should **BUILD** up to their fastest not start at their fastest right out of the gate. 6) Impact analysis/comparison is a must. I love **"even if"** statements. 7) I like smart debaters. **People who make choices and defend those choices**.

Good luck and have fun!