Rules & Regulations

Engagement

We understand the challenges debaters face when investing time and effort into presenting a strong argument. There will be days where a loss or dispute can get emotional and personal. We must keep in mind however that how we all present ourselves is vital to the development of the league. Commissioner solar has an “open door” policy so you will always have a proper channel to have any grievance or concern addressed fairly and reasonably.

Any rule violation either reported to or observed by the commissioner will carry the following penalty progression:

First offense – a verbal/emailed warning will be issued.
Second offense – suspension for the remainder of the season.

Rules include but are not limited to:

Any form of slander, threats or harassment toward peers, judges or commissioner and their families.
Exposing any personal information about anyone affiliated with the league.
Creating conspiracies about judges, peers and the commissioner as it pertains the league.
Appearing on or conducting streams that are detrimental to the league. This applies to debaters as well as judges.
Any form of retaliation from debaters or judges even if you believe someone wronged you. Use the proper channel and reach out to the commissioner via email/phone.
Accepting assistance on an upcoming debate from judges.

After a debater reaches suspension level they will be placed on probation for the remainder of the season. If any of the following violations take place while on probation, it will result in removal from the league. Violations include but are not limited to:

Conduct or take part in streams that express negativity or disparaging language toward the league.
Attempting to insight conspiracies or negativity among others affiliated with the league.

Judge engagement

We are extremely grateful for judges that give their time to be part of such an important and challenging role within the league. The commissioner will do everything in his power to protect the reputation of all judges and make sure they are held in high regard where they deserve to be. In order to achieve this, we require judges to conduct themselves with the highest standard.

Judges are also expected to abide by the rules above in addition to:

Showing or acting on any level of bias against debaters.
Assisting any debater with an upcoming debate in any way.

Any violation from judges will result in removal from the league. There may be cases where a lighter incident will lead to a vote by the debaters on if a judge should stay on. These will be looked at on a case-by-case bases. Debaters need to know they are being judged fairly so there is very little room for keeping judges on once trust has legitimately been broken. To keep the trust factor judges are strongly advised to conduct themselves with the highest standard. Judges are encouraged to stay above the fray and not get involved with public issues that can put you in a negative light. There will be opportunity for judges to do streams on the SVDL channel as well as give feedback after debates.

If any of the above rules are met with extreme cases, the commissioner will use discretion to skip progression steps and move straight to removal from the league.

Challenges

Challenges are only accepted during the regular season. If you believe an error was made in the judges scoring, debaters are allowed up to 2 challenges for the season. Please submit challenges to Solar (solarmind123@gmail.com). Please be as specific as possible on what you are challenging and include a time marker of the debate. the commissioner will thoroughly review all challenges within 48 hours and make a final decision on a ruling being overturned. You will be notified by email and a public announcement will be made. Decisions made by the commissioner are final. Challenges are prohibited during the playoff season.

The commissioner reserves the right to use discretion in extreme cases. Remember we have an open door policy so please never hesitate to reach out to directly with any issues.

Ties

Regular season ties are allowed based on point system.

Playoff ties are prohibited. Each judge is required to make a decision and select a winner based on who proved their arguments best. If a judge cannot decide, please utilize the point system checklist to see if any infractions warrant a loss of points.

Dropping out of the league

If a judge or debater removes themselves from the league due to extenuating circumstances, they will be allowed a grace period to return within the same season. Approval is required from the commissioner. If a judge or debater removes themselves for the remainder of the season You will be allowed to return in future seasons 1 time only with approval from the commissioner. Some cases may require a longer grace period. the Commissioner will use discretion in these cases.

Cancelling debates and preparedness

Debaters are required to provide the premise at least 72 hours before the debate. please list your sources. failure to do so could lead to a loss of points.
Debaters are required to provide 48 hr. notice to cancel. Debates should be rescheduled as soon as possible.

Debates cancelled with more than 48 hr. notice and presentation is provided:

1st offense – No penalty. reschedule in a timely manner.

2nd offense – Points will be deducted from the highest round of the debate.

Debates cancelled with more than 48 hr. notice and presentation is not provided:

1st offense – Points will be deducted from the highest round of the debate.

Debates cancelled with less than 48 hr. notice:

1st offense – Points will be deducted from the highest and lowest round of the debate.