2025 ARTa National Championship

Mt. SAC - May 3 | Status: Completed | 8:31 AM Pacific

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Tournament Time: 8:31 AM Pacific
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Judge Philosophies

Alicia Del Rio - Mt. SAC

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Artemis Statler - ULV

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Campbell Gorlinski - OCC

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Christian Gutierrez - ULV

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Emma Peterson - (ARTa Judges)

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Erin McFarlin - OCC

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Jordan Kay - Palomar

NO SPREADING

Now that we've gotten that out of the way, just have fun. Be kind. Be considerate. Talk to me and your opponents like we're human beings deserving of basic decency. Ts are fine if the way the Aff has set up the round is particularly egrigous, but I'm not a big fan of 'Ts and Ks for Ts and Ks sake'. Forensics is a communication activity. Connect with us.

For IPDA, please keep parli tech and terminology minimal

Kyle Duffy - COC

Kyle's Judging Philosophy

Hey there! I've been judging since 2016, mostly Individual Events like Prose, Drama, Informative, and Persuasive, so I'm more of a storytelling, logic-and-feelings kind of judge than a speed-and-theory one. Here's what I want you to know before we dive in:

The Please Dont's

  • Don't spread. Fast = fuzzy. I'd rather hear a select few of your BEST arguments, not all the ones you found in a panic five minutes ago.
  • Don't talk too fast. Talk to me like a normal human being. I have ADHD, the slower the better. I will unintentionally tune out if its a word avalanche.
  • Don't be mean. No personal attacks, no condescending vibes. Be passionate, not petty.

The Please Do's

  • Be clear and structured. Signpost your points like you're giving me GPS directions. Help me stay on the map. (I get lost easily)
  • Define your debate lingo. If you use fancy terms like "topicality" or "impact calculus", explain it. Pretend I'm 5 and I know nothing about debate (not far from the truth, lol).
  • Explain why it matters. Great logic is cool but tell me why your argument wins the round in the big picture final moment.
  • Time yourselves. I'm focused on you, not my stopwatch. Help me stay present.

Bonus Points (Not Really, But Spiritually)

These wont affect your score but they will make for a fun round:

  • Crack a joke? LOVE IT. Even if it flops, I respect the risk.
  • Feeling the feels? YES. Get emotional if the topic calls for it.
  • Use a weird metaphor about dinosaurs or robot lasers? CHEFS KISS.
  • Reference a fun fact, meme, or pop culture moment that fits? I'm here for it.
  • Make creative analogies or silly examples? I love those, bring 'em on.
  • Try something a little different? I'll always respect a creative risk. I'm rooting for you, not against you.

What I'm Really Judging

Two big things:

  • Did you convince me with logic and evidence?
  • Did you move me with passion and connection?

I'm not looking for perfection, I'm looking for people who care about their ideas and can make me care, too.

Final Words: Lets Make This Round Awesome!

Relax. Breathe. Be your weird, wonderful self. I'm fun. I'm fair. I believe that ALL students are MY students, so I'm rooting for you! Let's leave this round together thinking: Dang, that was actually fun!

Now go give 'em hell (respectfully).

Lana Tran - HW

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Maya Staylor - (ARTa Judges)

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Mikayla Holzinger - ULV

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Rebel St. Lilith - CSULB

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River Mishow - (ARTa Judges)

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Sam Weber - (ARTa Judges)

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Sean Connor - OCC

I am primarily an IE Coach, however I also appreciate a good debate.

Spreading: Dont do it. It defeats the purpose of the educational nature of this activity. Speak to be heard and understood.

Organization: Be clear in your structure; show me how the arguments fit together and be sure that clash is occurring between your and your opponents arguments; roadmap your speeches and label your components,

Kritiks/Topicality: Im game as long as they make sense. Dont do it to do it. Do it because it makes sense.

IPDA: This event is meant to be distinct from Parliamentary Debate; I think about it as competing extemps; this means that style is an important component that must be utilized. You should also avoid highly technical language and treat me as a lay judge.

NPDA:You may use more technical language with me; however, this does not mean you may spread (see above).

Off-Time Roadmaps:Keep them brief

Partner Communication: Keep communication to a minimum while each partner debates; you may pass notes, but the person speaking is the person that needs to be the one making the arguments

If the tournament doesn't allow oral critiques I won't give them. Otherwise, I'm happy to give critiquesafterthe round is finished,aftermy ballot is turned in, and only if it doesn't impede with the tournament running on time. If you see me after the round, I'm happy to give you feedback then.

Steven Suarez - (ARTa Judges)

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Taylor Hartmann - Saddleback

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Vince Hernandez - ULV

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Wade Hescht - (ARTa Judges)

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