TECHNICAL MEETING OF DEBATE COMPETITION

Summary

This technical meeting provides important guidelines for participants in a competition, covering the use of Zoom, WhatsApp, and TabbyCat platforms. It details the renaming format for teams, round cycle procedures, and how to handle technical issues during the event. Participants are encouraged to follow the rules for roll calls, motion release, and breakout room assignments. The briefing also emphasizes the importance of attending all preliminary rounds, even if a team faces setbacks. Technical support is available for any disruptions, ensuring a smooth and fair competition experience for all.

Takeaways

• 😀 Zoom is the primary platform for the tournament, and the meeting link will be shared every morning via WhatsApp group.
• 😀 WhatsApp will be used for real-time communication, including sharing important updates like draw releases and answering questions during motion release.
• 😀 Tabby Cat website will host important information like draw results, team standings, and motions for the tournament.
• 😀 All teams must rename themselves on Zoom according to a specific format (team name, speaker position, and round details) to avoid being removed by hosts or co-hosts.
• 😀 Teams with joint devices should rename using both team names and individual speaker names to ensure proper identification.
• 😀 Participants must attend all three preliminary rounds, regardless of the outcome of the first or second rounds, to remain in the competition.
• 😀 After the draw release, participants have 5 minutes to rename themselves and prepare before the motion release.
• 😀 During the motion release, all questions should be asked through the WhatsApp group to ensure consistent answers for all participants.
• 😀 In case of technical issues or disconnections, participants should immediately attempt to re-enter the Zoom room. If unsuccessful after 2 minutes, a backup plan will be implemented, like the Iron Person rule.
• 😀 Judges will provide oral feedback after the debates, but participants must remain in the Zoom breakout room until feedback is delivered.
• 😀 Technical issues affecting judges will be handled by a reserve judge who will replace the disconnected judge without penalizing participants, ensuring fairness in scoring.

Q & A

Who is Mr. Christopher Tia, and what is his background?

Mr. Christopher Tia is the Chief EDU from Sanata Dharma University. He holds a Bachelor's degree in English language and literature. His notable achievements include being a five-time best adjudicator in various competitions, two-time champion in multiple events, and serving as a Chief EDU in several competitions.

What platforms will be used during the tournament?

The main platforms used for the tournament will be Zoom, WhatsApp, and Tabby Cat. Zoom will host the meetings, WhatsApp will be used for sharing important updates, and Tabby Cat will provide key information such as draw results and team standings.

How should teams rename themselves for the competition?

Teams must rename themselves following a specific format, which includes the team name and, for joint devices, the names of the speakers. Observers should also rename themselves using the same format to avoid confusion or possible disqualification.

What happens if a participant is disconnected during a round?

If a participant is disconnected, they should try to re-enter the Zoom meeting within two minutes. If unable, their teammate can speak on their behalf. If the disconnection occurs after a participant has given their speech, the debate will continue without interruption.

What is the protocol for a judge being disconnected during a round?

If a judge disconnects during a round, participants must wait for the judge to return. If the judge cannot return within a reasonable time, a reserve judge may step in to continue the session.

How will teams be notified of the draw and motion releases?

The draw results and motion releases will be shared across multiple platforms: Zoom, WhatsApp, and Tabby Cat. Participants will have five minutes after the draw release to take notes and rename themselves according to the draw.

What is the importance of the three preliminary rounds?

The three preliminary rounds are essential for determining whether a team qualifies for the finals. Participants must attend all three rounds regardless of their performance in the first or second rounds, as they are crucial for overall ranking.

Can participants use external platforms or tools during the case building?

No, using external platforms or tools for research during the case-building time is prohibited. Participants are expected to be honest and fair, relying solely on the resources available during the tournament.

What is the procedure if a participant needs to leave the breakout room before the oral feedback?

For non-silent rounds, participants must remain in their breakout rooms until the oral feedback from the judges is delivered. In silent rounds, participants can leave after the debate ends, as no oral feedback will be provided.

How should participants introduce themselves at the start of their speeches?

Before delivering their speech, participants must introduce themselves by stating their name, speaking position, gender pronoun preference (if any), and POI (Point of Information) method preference (either via chat or unmuting).