Eligibility

1. This competition is open to every secondary/high school student between the ages of 13 to 18 (Grades 9 to 12 in North American school terms). University students cannot participate in this competition.
   
   
2. Once the top four students have been selected, students must be eligible for travel to Toronto in April 2024.

Public Speaking Phase

1. Those who choose to compete will need to provide the name and contact information of a person who can serve as a judge for at least the public speaking phase. This adult can be any member of the community over the age of 18 and has proficiency in English.
2. This judge will be required to listen to other speeches on the online platform, provide a score and comments.
3. If students are having difficulty finding a judge, please email the convenor at ReSolved@branksome.on.ca to inform that you are not able to provide a judge. 
4. Competitors are to present a six- to eight-minute speech on the prescribed topic.
   • It is meant to be a persuasive speech. That means it must be organized, researched and relevant.
   • Students can speak in favour or against the topic. Students may also provide conditions and criteria to their position.
   • All videos are due December 1, 2023
   • In order for a speech to be considered, it must be uploaded onto the online debate platform db8. Emailed videos will not be considered.

Judging

1. Judging will take place during the month of  December 2023 and is due on January 10, 2024. Judges must complete their ballots using the db8 platform.
2. If a judge does not fulfill their requirements, the student(s) under that judge will no longer be eligible.

Debate Stage

1. The top 32 students will enter a round of 16 debate. The debates will be coordinated and they will debate the same topic as the public speaking phase.
2. The debate will follow the Canadian National Debate Format with 6-minute constructive speeches by all four competitors and 3-minute rebuttal speeches by the first government and opposition leader. The convenor will send all qualified students a handout and a briefing video.
3. During the debate phase, the students will be judged on win/loss.
   • The top two speakers from each round will progress to the next round.

Finals

1. The final four students must be able to compete in Toronto in April 2024.
2. Students are responsible for verifying the entry requirements to Canada and to purchase the required travel visa if necessary.
3. The organizers will provide a letter, if necessary, for travel visa purposes.
4. The organizers will book travel and hotel on behalf of the students.
5. Chaperones are free to attend at their own expense. The convenor of the tournament will be at the hotel during finals weekend as a chaperone.