For Judges
You'll learn more about argument by judging ten debates than by reading a hundred books
Understanding the Debate Structure
Before scoring, it helps to understand what you're watching. SuperDebate uses a modular format with constructive speeches, cross-examination, and rebuttals. A typical debate runs about 28 minutes, though formats vary from 15-60 minutes.
Standard Phases:
- • Constructive speeches (present your case)
- • Cross-examination (questions only)
- • Rebuttals (respond to opponents)
- • Closing statements (summarize)
Format Varies By Event:
- • Team sizes: 1v1 to large teams
- • Duration: 15-60+ minutes
- • Some events skip cross-examination
- • Check event details before judging
Why Become a Judge?
Learn & Grow
Judging teaches you to see arguments the way a coach sees plays. You start noticing structure, strategy, and gaps you never saw before. That transfers to every meeting, negotiation, and conversation in your life.
Give Back
Your scorecard is the thing debaters remember — the feedback that helped them get better, the score that felt fair
Build Reputation
Earn recognition as a trusted judge in the community
Make a Difference
Your feedback shapes how debaters grow. Good judges are remembered.
How Judging Works
During the Debate
- 1
Watch & Listen
Pay attention to arguments, evidence, and delivery
- 2
Take Notes (Optional)
Use our note-taking tool to track key points
- 3
Stay Impartial
Judge based on performance, not personal opinions
After the Debate
- 1
Score Each Debater
Rate them on 6 simple criteria (1-5 stars each)
- 2
Add Comments (Optional)
Provide constructive feedback to help them improve
- 3
Submit Your Scores
Results are aggregated with other judges' scores
Requirements
Must Have
- Basic understanding of debate structure
- Ability to remain impartial
- Commitment to provide timely scores
Nice to Have
- Previous debate experience
- Subject matter expertise
- Teaching or coaching background
Judging Online Debates
Online events work the same as in-person — same scoring, same criteria. Here's what's different.
You join as room moderator
Your video room token gives you owner permissions. You can mute participants if needed and manage the room.
You control the debate timer
Start, pause, skip to next speech — the timer syncs to all participants in real time. They see the same countdown you do.
Score from the same interface
After the debate, submit your ballot from the Judge Portal. The scoring criteria and form are identical to in-person events.
Test your setup first
Use the connection test page before the event to verify your camera, mic, and browser work.
Explore More
Learn about other roles in the SuperDebate community
Start Judging
Every debate you score makes the next round sharper. Sign up and get your first assignment.