Communications (Comms)

Learn how to manage common in-room issues, maintain tournament timelines, and ensure professional, consistent communication with judges and competitors.

Learning Objectives

1. Identify common issues that may arise during rounds.
2. Apply proper communication protocols when issues occur.
3. Maintain fairness, professionalism, and tournament flow.
4. Know when and how to contact your Comms Lead for support.

Managing Digital Presentation Issues

• Do not provide competitor tech support beyond the approved troubleshooting steps in the online Tournament Prep Guide.
• Competitors manage their own devices and digital solutions.
• If a judge begins offering excessive technical help, politely redirect them.
• Competitors may not leave the room after their start time has begun.
• If technical delays threaten the speaking window or round schedule, contact your Comms Lead immediately.
• For digital presentations, a table must be used for the competitor’s device — not a podium or music stand.

Speech Timing and Common Issues

• Generally monitor speaking times and contact your Comms Lead if you notice any irregularities.
• At times, a particular speech room might fall behind schedule due issues outside of the competitor fault. Your Comms Lead may direct you to help bring the room back on track through a process called “bleeding.” The Comms Lead must give permission before taking this step and will guide you through the process.
• If anything unusual occurs (delays, disruptions, or compliance concerns), contact the Comms Lead.

Room Size and Management

• Flipping Rooms Before Each Round: When flipping rooms between rounds, do not remove tables or chairs from the room. Instead, move any extra furniture neatly out of the way and reuse existing judge and competitor tables. Remember that room flips happen on a tight schedule, so make adjustments efficiently—such as pushing a podium to the back of the room or shifting a table forward—to quickly reset the space for the next event.

• Room Size Limitations:
  • Some rooms may not accommodate all spectators.
  • Debate competitors may share a single table if space is tight.
  • The Comms Lead will decide final table and seating arrangements.

Spectator Rules and Environment

• Spectators must always remain behind the judge to minimize distractions.
• Children under the age of 12 must be with an adult or sibling at all times.  Contact the Comms Lead and Child Safety Coordinator if you see an unaccompanied child.
• Hallway Noise: If students or spectators become too loud, feel free to direct them to the designated hangout areas.

Handling Judge and Competitor Questions

• Judge Technical Issues: Direct all technical issues to the Judge Tech Team via the dashboard. If the issue is impeding the start time, contact Comms Lead immediately.
• Compliance Questions: Do not answer any compliance questions.
  • For judges, direct them to the Compliance Team found on their NCFCA dashboard.  
  • For competitors, direct them to the official Speech & Debate Rule Book (available online), or have them log in to their dashboard and contact the Compliance Team on their device.

Professional Conduct and Availability

• Never leave your area without notifying your Comms Lead.  Always contact your Comms Lead if you need to leave your station.
• Be prepared to remain at your assigned station for the majority of the tournament - your consistent presence ensures smooth and timely rounds.

Key Takeaways

• Stay calm, professional, and consistent when issues arise.
• Always protect fairness and tournament flow.
• Direct Comms-related questions, disruptions, or irregularities to your Comms Lead immediately.
• Remember: The Comms Team does not make final decisions. Our role is to communicate information and relay updates to tournament leadership.