ByLaws

Southeastern Pennsylvania Debate League
=BY LAWS=

Article B1 - Cross Examination Debate Rules
In all tournaments of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Debate League the cross-exam method will be used.. The pattern is as follows:
 * Section B1.1**


 * First Affirmative || Constructive || 8 minutes ||
 * Second Negative || Questioning || 3 minutes ||
 * First Negative || Constructive || 8 minutes ||
 * First Affirmative || Questioning || 3 minutes ||
 * Second Affirmative || Constructive || 8 minutes ||
 * First Negative || Questioning || 3 minutes ||
 * Second Negative || Constructive || 8 minutes ||
 * Second Affirmative || Questioning || 3 minutes ||


 * First Negative || Rebuttal || 5 minutes ||
 * First Affirmative || Rebuttal || 5 minutes ||
 * Second Negative || Rebuttal || 5 minutes ||
 * Second Affirmative || Rebuttal || 5 minutes ||

No more than a total of 5 minutes of prep time will be allowed per team.

In order for a Cross Examination Debate team to be qualified for the League semifinal and final tournaments, that team must compete in six (6) rounds of debate at the preliminary tournaments. If the league has numerous new teams, the involved coaches may change the qualifying number to 4 rounds. At least two of those rounds must be during the January tournaments.
 * Section B1.2**

A school may enter as many Cross Examination Debate teams in each tournament as it wishes. However, the school must meet the judging criteria of one experienced judge for each two (2) teams or any portion thereof (i.e., 3 teams require 2 judges, 5 teams require 3, etc.). A judge shall be defined as a coach, teacher, trained parent or graduate of the school with experience in the event or a student who has debated for two years (a junior or senior).
 * Section B1.3**

A school’s CX teams will not be allowed to compete if the school cannot provide or make provision for the providing of the proper number of judges unless other judging options exist.
 * Section B1.4**

Each debater will be held responsible for his or her own cross-examination period. No “open” questioning is permitted.
 * Section B1.5**

Time lost for unavoidable interruptions shall be made good to the speaker.
 * Section B1.6**

No new constructive arguments shall be introduced in the rebuttal speeches.
 * Section B1.7**

No coaching shall be permitted during the debate round. No interaction between a coach or a school’s judge is permitted during a debate. The debaters may not interact with anyone after the debate begins except those persons involved in the debate (i.e. partner, opponent, judge(s) of that debate. At no time will scouting be permitted.  During the course of a tournament, a judge sharing with one’s own team or any other team a case flow obtained through judging is a violation of the trust and responsibility required of ethical judges.  Failure to abide by these rules will result in the disqualification of the offending team from the tournament.
 * Section B1.8**

The falsification of evidence will not be tolerated by the Southeastern Pennsylvania Debate League.
 * Section B1.8A**

If a debate team is 15 minutes late for a scheduled round of debate, it shall forfeit the round of debate unless the delay is a result of a function of the tournament.
 * Section B1.9**

The keeping of time during a debate round shall be the responsibility of the judge. It shall also be the responsibility of the judge to assure proper debate etiquette on the part of both teams and any observers in the room. Any violation should be brought to the attention of the League President for action.
 * Section B1.10**

Article B2 – Public Forum Debate
In all tournaments of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Debate League, Public Forum Debate will be offered as an event. The format is follows (following a coin flip to determine Team A and Team B). Each team has two (2) minutes of preparation time to allocate during the entire debate.
 * Section B2.1**
 * Team A, Speaker 1 || Opening Argument(s) || 4 minutes ||
 * Team B, Speaker 1 || Opening and Refutation || 4 minutes ||
 * A 1 and B 1 || Crossfire || 2 minutes ||
 * Team A, Speaker 2 || Refute/Defend || 4 minutes ||
 * Team B, Speaker 2 || Refute/Defend || 4 minutes ||
 * A 2 and B 2 || Crossfire || 2 minutes ||
 * A 1 || Summary || 2 minutes ||
 * B 1 || Summary || 2 minutes ||
 * All speakers || Grand Crossfire || 3 minutes ||
 * A 2, then B 2 || Last Shot || 1 minute apiece ||

Public Forum Debate shall have 1 division, although, at the start of the season, attempts will be made to have newer teams debate each other while experienced teams do the same.
 * Section B2.2A**

In order for a Public Forum Debate team to be qualified for the League semifinal and final tournaments, the team must compete in nine (9) rounds of debate at preliminary tournaments.
 * Section B2.2B**

A school may enter no more than 4 Public Forum Debate teams in each tournament unless the schedule will allow for more than that number. However, the school must meet the judging criteria of one adult or certified student judge for each two (2) teams or any portion thereof. (See Article B1.3) (See Article B2.6)
 * Section B2.3**

The topics to be used in Public Forum Debate will be those of the National Forensic League as published in The Rostrum. It is the responsibility of each coach to check for topic changes at www.nflonline.org. If the League final tournament should be postponed until a March date, the topic to be used will remain the topic from the preceding month.
 * Section B2.4**

No coaching shall be permitted during the debate round. No interaction between a coach or a school’s judge is permitted during a debate. The debaters may not interact with anyone after the debate begins except those persons involved in the debate (i.e. partner, opponent, judge(s) of that debate. At no time will scouting be permitted.  During the course of a tournament, a judge sharing with one’s own team or any other team a case flow obtained through judging is a violation of the trust and responsibility required of ethical judges.  Failure to abide by these rules will result in the disqualification of the offending team from the tournament.
 * Section B2.5**

A judge in this event may be an adult or a student. If it is a student, that student must have experience in the event in a previous year or must have been certified by attending the League’s workshop for student judges held in the Fall. Responsibility for tracking the qualifications of a school’s judges lies with the coach. Schools not providing competent judges or sufficient judges for each team shall not be allowed to compete beyond the number of teams which does meet League criteria.
 * Section B2.6**

All other procedures for this event shall follow the SPDL Bylaws (Section B1.8A, 1.9 and 1.10) and procedures defined by the National Forensic League in its publications and materials.
 * Section B2.7**

Article B3 - Lincoln Douglas Debate
In all tournaments of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Debate League, the format shall be as follows:
 * Section B3.1**


 * Affirmative || Constructive || 6 minutes ||
 * Negative || Cross Examination || 3 minutes ||
 * Negative || Constructive || 7 minutes ||
 * Affirmative || Cross Examination || 3 minutes ||
 * Affirmative || Rebuttal || 4 minutes ||
 * Negative || Rebuttal || 6 minutes ||
 * Affirmative || Rebuttal || 3 minutes ||

Each speaker will be allowed a total of three (3) minutes of preparation time during the debate.

In order for a Lincoln Douglas debater to be qualified for the League semifinal and final tournaments, the contestant must compete in nine (9) rounds of debate at preliminary tournaments. At least three of those rounds must be during the January tournaments.
 * Section B3.2**

A school may enter as many Lincoln Douglas debaters in each tournament as it wishes. However, the school must meet the judging criteria of one adult or certified student judge for each two (2) debaters or any portion thereof. (See Article B1.3) (See Article B2.6)
 * Section B3.3**

The topics to be used in Lincoln Douglas debate will be those of the National Forensic League as published in the Rostrum. If the League final tournament should be postponed until a March date, the topic to be used will remain the topic from the preceding month.
 * Section B3.4**

No coaching shall be permitted during the debate round. No interaction between a coach or a school’s judge is permitted during a debate. The debaters may not interact with anyone after the debate begins except those persons involved in the debate (i.e. opponent, judge(s) of that debate. At no time will scouting be permitted.  During the course of a tournament, a judge sharing with one’s own team or any other team a case flow obtained through judging is a violation of the trust and responsibility required of ethical judges.  Failure to abide by these rules will result in the disqualification of the offending team from the tournament.
 * Section B3.5**

Article B4 - Extemporaneous Speaking
Each school is permitted to enter as many as six (6) students in Extemporaneous Speaking at all League tournaments. There will be three rounds of competition in the Extemporaneous events at all League tournaments. The first two (2) rounds will be in Extemporaneous Speaking, one round of domestic topics and one round of foreign topics. The third round for Extemporaneous contestants will be in Extemporaneous Commentary (See Article B5).
 * Section B4.1**

The speech shall not exceed seven minutes in length. Up to 50 words of notes may be used.
 * Section B4.2**

Contest topics shall be kept secret until the actual contest. Topics shall be selected by the League President and/or coach of the host school. Topics for the League semifinal and final tournaments shall be prepared by the League President or a designated coach. The topics shall be phrased in the form of a question. The topics shall concern current events of both national and international significance. Each round of competition shall have different set of topics; however, the same set of topics must be used for all of the competition sections of the same round. Duplication of topics from round to round is prohibited.
 * Section B4.3**

Once the topic has been chosen, the speaker shall withdraw to a specified area and prepare for twenty-five (25) minutes. During this preparation period, the speaker may have available a library of sources previously prepared by the contestant, including newspaper, magazines, and books, in print or digital versions. The speaker may not consult with anyone or make use of previously prepared materials, or retrieve materials through electronic communication devices, on penalty of disqualification from the tournament.
 * Section B4.4**

The speaker may have available a variety of sources including newspaper, magazines, and other print sources and electronic retrieval resources.
 * Section B4.5**

Any material, including electronic devices, brought into the preparation room will be subject at any time to the scrutiny of League coaches or their designees.
 * Section B4.6**

Article B5 - Extemporaneous Commentary
Each school is permitted to enter as many as six (6) students in Extemporaneous Speaking at all League tournaments. There will be three rounds of competition in the Extemporaneous events at all League tournaments. The first two (2) rounds will be in Extemporaneous Speaking, one round of domestic topics and one round of foreign topics (See Article B4). The third round for Extemporaneous contestants will be in Extemporaneous Commentary.
 * Section B5.1**

The speech shall not exceed seven minutes in length. Up to 50 words of notes may be used.
 * Section B5.2**

The speech must be delivered while the speaker is seated at a table.
 * Section B5.3**

Contest topics shall be kept secret until the actual contest. Topics shall be selected by the coach of the host school. Topics for the League semifinal and final tournaments shall be prepared by the League President or a designated coach. The topics are never to be phrased in the form of a question. The topics shall be of contemporary importance and may include issues, personalities, trends, or concerns. The same set of topics must be used for all of the competition sections of the same round.
 * Section B5.4**

Once the topic has been chosen, the speaker shall withdraw to a specified area and prepare for twenty-five (25) minutes. During this preparation period, the speaker may have available a library of sources previously prepared by the contestant, including newspaper, magazines, and books, in print or digital versions. The speaker may not consult with anyone or make use of previously prepared materials, or retrieve materials through electronic communication devices, on penalty of disqualification from the tournament.
 * Section B5.5**

The speaker may have available a variety of sources including newspaper, magazines, and other print sources and electronic retrieval resources.
 * Section B5.6**

Any material, including electronic devices, brought into the preparation room will be subject at any time to the scrutiny of League coaches or their designees.
 * Section B5.7**

Article B6 - Oral Interpretation of Literature
The speaker shall prepare a programs of literature from manuscripts. Each program shall consist of a single piece, a cutting, or a series of short pieces united by author or theme. A program shall be published prose or published poetry. The intent of the SPDL is that all materials presented in interpretation events must be available to all members of the league. Each program shall contain an introduction for purposes of explication, setting, or selection transitions. Lines attributed to one character in the published source may not be attributed to another character in the performance. The author's words as published in the literature may not be altered for the presentation with the exception that cutting is permitted. Material being performed at the SPDL tournament must match the student’s original script.
 * Section B6.1**

The literature chosen may include any form of prose or poetry, fiction or non-fiction, except drama and strictly oratorical composition written to be delivered in real-life, such as monologues from a play.
 * Section B6.2**

No props of any kind are permitted with the exception of the speaker’s manuscript.
 * Section B6.3**

Speakers should keep eye contact between audience and manuscript in reasonable balance. Speakers who fail to maintain the illusion of reading from the manuscript may not be ranked first.
 * Section B6.4**

Speakers should keep gesture and bodily movement to a minimum. The selection must be delivered from center stage. Movement and gestures, if used, should be appropriate to the selection. Walking is not permitted. They should emphasize vocal variety and facial expression to enhance the literary interpretation. Any singing must be limited to a maximum of thirty (30) seconds total within the presentation.
 * Section B6.5**

The maximum time limit of the prepared reading, including the introduction, shall be ten minutes. This includes at most 1 minute of introductory and transition material other than the author's words. If the speaker goes over a 30 second grace period, that contestant may not be awarded first place. No minimum time.
 * Section B6.6**

Important consideration should be given to the quality of the selection.
 * Section B6.7**

The reader is not permitted to change the selection during a tournament  The reader is not permitted to repeat material used in a previous year.
 * Section B6.7**

Article B7 – Dramatic Performance
The speaker shall offer a memorized dramatic presentation.
 * Section 7.1**

The presentation must be from a single published play or single published script. The intent of the SPDL is that all materials presented in interpretation events must be available to all members of the league. Lines which are attributed to one character in a published play or script may not be attributed to another character in the performance. The author's words as published in the literature may not be altered for the presentation with the exception that cutting is permitted. Material being performed at the SPDL tournament must match the student’s original script.
 * Section 7.2**

The presentation may be either serious or humorous and should have some literary merit. Important consideration should be given to the quality of the selection.
 * Section 7.3**

Scenes from musicals are acceptable provided that the singing be limited to a maximum of thirty (30) seconds total within the presentation.
 * Section 7.4**

Single or multiple character cuttings will be allowed. When doing a multiple-characterization the performer should create effective interaction between the characters.
 * Section 7.5**

Although this is primarily a display of vocal ability, body language will play a part in the overall performance, and since it is a drama, more vocal and physical suggestion may be required in order to portray characters, conflict, and story. However, no physical action should be performed that will distract the listeners' attention from the drama being presented. The performance should display another world outside the performance setting.
 * Section 7.6**

No properties or costumes of any kind may be used.
 * Section 7.7**

Time limits: Maximum - 10 minutes, including introductory and transitional material other than the author's words. Material thus used should be limited to one minute. If the speaker goes over a 30 second grace period, that contestant may not be awarded first place. No minimum time.
 * Section 7.8**

Speakers in the category of Dramatic Performance may not use a selection or selections which they have used in any previous academic year.
 * Section 7.9**

Article B 8 - Student Congress
At all regular season tournaments, Student Congress will be offered. Each school may enter four students in Student Congress at each tournament, with additional entries permitted if space is available.
 * Section 8.1**

At each regular season tournament, a chamber will consist of no more than twenty-eight students (28), a judge, and a parliamentarian. No more than two (2) chambers of Congress will be held at a single tournament. A judge will evaluate speakers for one (1) session, whereas the parliamentarian will evaluate both the speakers and Presiding Officer for both sessions of a tournament. Two sessions of Congress will be held at each tournament, each lasting seventy-five (75) minutes separated a fifteen (15) minute break. The League President may alter the time of sessions as needed and at his or her discretion.
 * Section 8.2**

For the purpose of fulfilling judging quota requirements, Student Congress entries will be considered speech entries.
 * Section 8.3**

The proceedings of Student Congress will be based on the NCFL Student Congress Manual unless otherwise stipulated by these by-laws. NCFL ballots will be used in all tournaments for the purposes of judging.
 * Section 8.4**


 * Section 8.5**
 * Section A: A student shall be eligible for the semifinals if he or she has participated in either four sessions of Student Congress or two sessions of Student Congress and three rounds of Speech.   Public Forum Debate, or Lincoln-Douglas Debate or two rounds of  Policy Debate.  For a student to have participated in a session of Student Congress, he or she must have delivered at least one speech or asked two questions to a speaker holding the floor during that session.  The Parliamentarian shall record whether a member of the chamber has properly participated.
 * Section B: Students who qualify for the semi-finals in Student Congress shall participate in a total of two (2) sessions. Students who rank in top twenty-four (24) in the semi-finals will advance to the finals. Two (2) sessions will occur during the finals.  Participants will be ranked for Sweepstakes Points based on their performance in the semi-final and final rounds.
 * Section C: A consolation Student Congress will be offered to all students who: 1) did not compete the semi-finals or finals in any event other than Congress and 2) did not qualify or compete in the semi-final session of Student Congress, or, 3) competed in the semi-finals of Congress but did not qualify for the finals. This event will be composed of two sessions of Congress to be held at the finals and will be conducted independently of the regular Student Congress sessions.  When such an event is offered, the regular Student Congress will be referred to as the Senate and the consolation Student Congress as the House of Representatives.  The House and the Senate will conduct business using the same docket.

Decisions made by the Parliamentarian or the League President cannot be appealed or overturned by the Student Congress.
 * Section 8.6**


 * Section 8.7**
 * Section A: A docket of bills and/or resolutions shall be assembled by the League President or his or her designee. A docket shall consist of a minimum of eight (8) bills and/or resolution. Each member school may submit no more than two (2) bills and/or resolutions.  When necessary and at the discretion of the League President or his or her designee, legislation may be drawn from dockets of other leagues in order to fulfill the minimum quota of bills and/or resolutions.
 * Section B: A docket of legislation will be created for the first three regular season tournaments;  a second docket will be created for the last three regular season tournaments, and a final docket will be created for use in both the finals and semi-finals.  Legislation is due no less than ten (10) days prior to the start of a new docket.  Late legislation will not be accepted.  New legislation shall be made available to all schools by posting on the district website or by an email to all league coaches seven (7) days before an event.  By a majority vote of the League, certain legislation from previous dockets may be carried over to later dockets but only in the same season.


 * Section 8.8**
 * Section A: For Sweepstakes points, the following point values will be awarded to those who place in the Senate: 1st 10 points, 2nd 8 points, 3rd 6 points, 4th 5 points, 5th 4 points, 6th 3 points, 7th 2 points, 8th 1 point, the following point values will be awarded to those who place in the House: 1st 5 points, 2nd 4 points, 3rd 3 points, 4th 2 points 5th 1 point.
 * Section B: If entries into the House of Representatives requires that more than one chamber be opened, the League may elect to award separate Sweepstakes points to each House as outlined in Section 8.8A.