Supplemental Debate Resolutions Announced

Debate resolutions are available now for NFL’s inaugural supplemental debate event, to be held at this summer’s “Jazzin it up in KC” National Tournament. Please review the following instructions for important information about the event before beginning research.

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GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS: The NFL national office will determine the order in which the resolutions will be debated. This order will be published and made available to all contestants prior to the beginning of round one. All contestants in each round will debate the same resolution. Contestants will be assigned sides by the tab room. Both contestants must use mandatory prep time at the same time. Judges will record a win or a loss for each contestant. Ballots will not be returned to the contestants. Contestants are eliminated from competition following their second loss.

INSTRUCTIONS TO DEBATERS: The topic is to be debated literally. Debaters are prohibited from using published materials (dictionaries, magazines, books, etc.), prepared arguments, or other similar resources in the debate. Notes and/or an outline may be used but the debater but should speak extemporaneously rather than read prewritten speeches. Debaters should signpost, explain/warrant, and impact their arguments, referencing current fact and opinion where appropriate. All speeches are two minutes in length and all speech times are protected; a speaker may not be interrupted. The proposition debater must affirm the resolution by presenting and defending a sufficient case for that resolution. The opposition debater must oppose the resolution and/or the proposition debater’s case. Debaters need not restrict themselves to the most obvious arguments for or against the resolution but should focus on the main reason(s) to affirm or reject it.

INSTRUCTIONS TO JUDGES: At the beginning of the debate, announce the resolution listed on your ballot for the round. Confirm that both the proposition and opposition team are present and correctly listed. During the debate, the debaters and/or the judge(s) must keep time. Throughout the debate, the judge will not consider his or her personal opinions or knowledge of the topic. Rather, he or she should evaluate the strength and merits of the arguments offered by the students. Arguments unaddressed by an opponent are not necessarily important. Judges may determine which arguments have been supported, are most persuasive, or are effectively undermined by the opponent as reasons for his or her decision. At the end of the debate, if the judge believes that the proposition debater has supported and successfully defended the resolution, s/he will be declared the winner. If the judge believes the opposition debater has successfully undermined the case for the resolution, s/he will be declared the winner. Clearly indicate the winning team on your ballot and return it to the tabulation room.

RESOLUTIONS: Of the following resolutions, one will be used during each round. Please note that some of the resolutions listed will not be used. A list of resolutions in the order they will be used will be available at supplemental re-registration.

• This House believes that “Buy American” policies are overall good.
• This House believes that Washington is more to blame than Wall Street for the economic crisis.
• This House believes that American global hegemony is superior to multipolarity.
• This House believes that looting in times of economic crisis is morally defensible.
• This House believes that professional sports organizations should permit performance-enhancing drugs.
• This House will presume consent for organ donation.
• This House believes that innovation works best when government does least.
• This House believes that China's growing involvement in Africa is to be welcomed.
• This House believes that Barack Obama is succeeding in ensuring the future prosperity of the United States.
• This House believes that the US should abandon the war on drugs.
• This House believes that corporations should be treated as legal persons.
• This House believes that college football should move to a playoff system.
• This House believes that the use of nuclear energy should be expanded.
• This House believes that the minimum wage should be reduced.
• This House believes that calorie counts on restaurant menus should be mandated.
• This House believes that the filibuster is a useful tool in government.
• This House believes that charter schools are a good idea.
• This House believes that the US should withdraw its participation from the Middle East peace process.
• This House believes that nuclear weapons should be abolished.
• This House believes that the National Football League should have different overtime rules for regular season and post-season games.
• This House believes that schools should have mandatory anti-bullying programs.
• This House believes that video game creators should be subject to government regulations regarding content.

For more information about the 2010 National Tournament, click here.