Canarie,+Dave

Dave Canarie South Portland High School South Portland, ME Judging Paradigm, 2012-13 Season

__Background__

--Former high school and college policy debater; former college policy coach.

--LD coach at South Portland HS for 5 years; judged > 50 rounds last year.

--Practicing attorney who teaches a college course on business law.

__ Preferences: LD Debate __

I am open to virtually any well-reasoned argument. The only general constraint is that the debate has to take place within the context of the resolution. In the absence of any tournament-specific rules, or persuasion to the contrary in a round, I generally subscribe to the NFL guidance that there can be no plans or counter plans in LD debate.

I prefer debates that feature high quality evidence, analysis, clash and extensions. I will ask to evidence after a round if I feel it important in deciding the round. Weak or inadequately-cited evidence will carry little weight with me. I am OK with theory and //kritiks//, but please note: I don’t teach at summer institutes and am not an expert on these so go a little easy on speed and communicative shorthands when you are arguing theory or //kritiks// before me.

Remember that speed is not an end in itself and you should be sure not to speak above your fluency/persuasion threshold. If I can’t understand you, I will say: “clear.” Please respond accordingly.

A related point: not all words in a debate are created equal. I find it helpful when debaters emphasize (through changes in cadence, volume, tone or speed) their key cards or arguments rather than giving them the same emphasis as, say, a generic transition phrase in their speech.

Organization is important as well. I find it really helpful when debaters let me know where they are going before they start a speech // and // are clear where they are // during // the speech. Random, unannounced, hopping-around-the-flow in a debate is annoying and very difficult for me to manage as a judge.

In the absence of tournament rules specifically authorizing flex-prep, I do not like flex-prep in my rounds. I prefer that debaters keep time.

Courtesy toward opponents is a must. Rudeness or bad manners = low speaks.

__Final Thoughts__

I'd be happy to answer any questions you have before the round. If tournament rules permit disclosure of decisions I will disclose my decision.

I hope you have a successful and enjoyable season. Have fun and be sure to appreciate the great opportunity you have to participate in forensics.