One last swing before Nationals!

The Authentalk Unofficial IPDA Warm-Up is a single-day virtual tournament designed to give competitors one more chance to sharpen up, experiment, have fun, and get in quality rounds before the national tournament. This is meant to be light, enjoyable, and low-cost. We are charging only enough to cover basic hosting costs on ForensicsTournament.net.

This tournament uses a mixed IPDA division, meaning Novice, JV, Varsity, and Pro competitors are all welcome to enter together. This is a link to the IPDA ballot.

Tournament Format

• 1 mixed IPDA division

• 5 preliminary rounds

• 1 final round

• 30 minutes of prep at the start of each round

• 1 pattern of competition

• Final round will be recorded

Speech times will follow standard IPDA format: 5-2-6-2-3-5-3

Resolution Themes

Each round will feature a themed resolution set. The themes, in no particular order, are:

• Fictional Villains

• Geopolitical Hotspots

• Historical Hypotheticals

• Classic Literature

• Video Games

• Philosophy

The goal here is good competition, creative thinking, and a memorable experience. This is serious enough to be useful, but relaxed enough to be fun.

Entry Fees

• $10 per entry

• $10 per school/team

Judge fees are as follows:

• 1 judge required for every 2 competitors

• $50 per uncovered entry

Please cover your entries. More judges are always welcome. We strongly encourage schools to bring judges who are willing to write meaningful feedback and listen with an open mind.

Time Rules and Competitive Procedure

We are looking to keep the tournament strictly on time. That means rules regarding draw and debate times will be enforced carefully.

• Draw time begins the moment competitors receive the resolutions. Resolutions will be distributed via GroupMe. 

• Debaters must begin the round 30 minutes later.

• A maximum 5-minute grace period will be allowed

• After that, the absent side will forfeit.

• If a competitor is missing, the present competitor should immediately contact their coach, and the coach should contact tournament tab.

• If a judge is late, competitors and coaches should notify tab immediately.

• No internet prep during the round on the honor code. Internet research and prep before the round begins is fine.

Conduct Expectations

It is expected that all competitors, judges, coaches, and guests conduct themselves with respect at all times.

Competitors should notify their coach of any disrespectful or unsportsmanlike behavior. Coaches, judges, and guests should contact tournament staff if any such issues arise.

We want this tournament to be competitive, but also genuinely enjoyable. Keep it clean, professional, respectful, and fun.

As a condition of entry, all participants agree that decisions made by the tournament director are binding and final.