Lincoln-Douglas debate on the intercollegiate level is one-on-one policy debate. Typically, the membership proposes several different topic areas which are used for an entire season. The membership votes on those areas, selecting one. The LD committee then proposes several resolutions.
The 2009-2010 resolution is: Resolved: That the United States Federal Government should substantially reform domestic transportation infrastructure. The winning topic paper is available.
Time limits for LD debate are:
- 1st Aff. constructive - 6 minutes
- Cross Examination - 3 minutes
- 1st Neg. constructive - 7 minutes
- Cross Examination - 3 minutes
- 1st Aff. rebuttal - 6 minutes
- Neg. rebuttal - 6 minutes
- 2nd Aff. rebuttal - 3 minutes
- Prep time: 4 minutes
Helpful links:
- Martin Harris from Drury University has created a wiki for NFA-LD cases, and it can be found at: http://nfacaselist.wikispaces.com
- Danny Cantrell has created a NFA-LD blog, coaching helps, and resolution-related resources at: http://www.socal-ld.net
Call for Topics: 2010-2011 Resolution
Each school that has an interest in and intends to participate in LD Debate during the following academic year to submit a topic area for consideration to the Chair of the NFA Lincoln-Douglas Committee (Dr. Marty Birkholt) by January 31st. Topic area briefs should be sent to the Chair of the LD Committee by e-mail: martybirkholt@creighton.edu
In order to be accepted for consideration, the topic area must be in the form of a 1-2 page brief which includes:
- A statement of the significance of the topic area in current events;
- A statement of why the topic is interesting, challenging, and/or provocative;
- A statement of the perceived educational value of the topic area for debaters;
- A brief bibliography of selected readings (5-10) that capture the nature of the controversy surrounding the area; and
- Contact information should the committee need further clarification.
Remember, in order for a brief to be accepted, it must meet all of the above qualifications.
All briefs that are submitted will be confirmed by the Chair of the LD Committee. If you submit a brief and do not receive a confirmation, please call Dr. Marty Birkholt at 402-280-2524.
NARROWING PROCEDURES:
If more than ten briefs are submitted, the LD Committee will narrow the field using a weighted preferential voting system in which each first choice on a ballot receives 10 points and so on down to each tenth choice receiving 1 point. Any ties for tenth place will be broken by the LD Committee Chair.
By February 9th, the Committee will distribute the briefs to the LD Community and the membership of the NFA, for discussion and consideration. This mailing will include a ballot on which the school should rank its top three choices and return to the Chair of the LD Committee to be received by February 23rd. The topic area will be selected by using the following method: ballots will be tallied using a weighted preferential voting system in with 1st place receiving 3 points, 2nd place receiving 2 points, and 3rd place receiving 1 point.
Please remember to return the ballots to Dr. Marty Birkholt, Director of Forensics, Department of Communication Studies, 2500 California Plaza, Creighton University, Omaha, NE 68178-0305
The LD Committee will formulate resolutions based on the selected topic area; the community is encouraged to submit their ideas and recommendations to the committee chair, Marty Birkholt. A ballot will be sent out by March 30th with five (5) resolutions for consideration. In order for a ballot to be counted, all five resolutions must be rank ordered. The ballots must be returned to the NFA President to be received by April 30th. A weighted preferential voting system with 1st= = 5 points, 2nd= 4 points, 3rd = 3 points, 4th = 2 points, and 5th = 1 point will be used. Ties will be broken by the President of the NFA, who may at his or her discretion consult with the LD Debate Committee.
RESOLUTION ANNOUNCEMENT:
The winning resolution will be known only to the President of the NFA until it is announced on AUGUST 1st.
The Lincoln Douglas Committee will be waiting to hear from you. If your school is involved with Lincoln Douglas Debate, this is your opportunity to become active in the selection of the topic area for 2010-2011. Dr. Marty Birkholt is waiting to hear from you. The only way the system will work is if you become involved in the process. There are definite deadline dates that have been established. On behalf of the L/D Committee and the NFA tournament staff, please take time to participate in this process during this academic year.
Also remember, your students that are engaged in Lincoln Douglas Debate wish to be considered in this process of topic and resolution selection. Please take time to include them in your consideration of topic areas and resolution selections.
The Lincoln Douglas Committee for this year is as follows:
- Marty Birkholt, Chair, NFA Council Member, Creighton University
- Vicki Karns, NFA Touranment Director, Suffolk University
- Kelly Larson, Missouri Southern University
- Nichelle McNabb, Otterbein College
- David Trumble, St. Anselm College
- Jessica Fergerson, Western Kentucky University (Student Member)