Be prepared to have electronic devices restricted during prep time during some rounds as per the parli rule:
IV. E) Competitors may prepare using whatever resources they have available during preparation time, including electronic devices, unless otherwise indicated by tournament leadership.
Printed resources such as dictionaries, reference books etc... will be welcome for every round.
Parli Eligibility:
Each debater must have reached age sixteen (16) by October 1st of the competition year, or have competed for two or more years in another debate format, or receive consent from her/his coach. A parliamentary debate team consists of two competitors. A team may not switch partners within a single tournament.
During the debate, only pen and paper may be used for flowing. Electronic devices may only be used for timing. They may not be used to send or receive information from any source. A stand-alone calculator is allowed.
For this tournament: Parli Audience Participation Guidelines
Parliamentary debate provides a forum for students to enjoy a fast paced match of wit, critical thinking, and oratorical skills. Parli also offers a unique opportunity for the audience to participate. Loosely, based on the protocol used in the British House of Commons, audience members are allowed to engage in limited audible feedback during the speeches. While this adds to the fun and energy in the round, it is important to help students learn the proper balance between their natural enthusiasm and appropriate decorum.
Helpful Guidelines
1. Always be aware of the size of the audience, keeping in mind the more people that are in the room, the more chaotic a room can become if everyone is not careful.
2. Knocking or verbal affirmation is reserved for the strongest arguments. Usually, these arguments fall into two categories:
a. They are arguments that any reasonable person would agree with, in fact even the opposing team might affirm them.
b. Or they are the most important points the speaker will make. Cheering, and knocking for every argument of a favorite team is not the purpose of audible feedback.
3. Audible feedback, knocking or verbal, should never drown out the speaker or be loud enough to distract the judge.
4. Knocking should take place on the desk or chair of the audience member; never on a judge’s chair or desk.
5. Always be mindful of caring for our facilities. Knocking is intended to be gentle and restricted to appropriate surfaces. Avoid using surfaces that could be damaged.
6. Verbal affirmation should be a short phrase that does not drown out the speaker. Something like, “Here! Here!” or “Well said.”
7. No conversation among audience members should take place while a speaker is at the podium. This is the same for any debate round.
8. If what you do wouldn't be fun if YOU were the speaker (golden rule), don't do it.
9. Only students of competition age may participate in audible feedback. (12 years old and up)
10. No negative feedback. This differs from College Parli.