Debate
Debate criteria and competition standards, judges’ orientation, and other documents
for debaters and coaches.
CCA’s Policy Debate program is an educational experience that trains young men and women in the art of argumentation in a manner that glorifies God.
Policy Debate competition calls for a policy change by the United States federal government where the Affirmative team advocates for the resolution and proposes a specific course of action to better meet a goal or to solve a harm found in the current system (the Status Quo) while the Negative team must argue in favor the Status Quo and point out flaws and disadvantages in the Affirmative plan.
These events test the students’ ability to conceive, articulate, and evaluate arguments based on logic and reason. CCA debaters learn to delve into complex socio-political and economic issues as well as current events. More importantly, it teaches empathy and tolerance for differing viewpoints and working well within a team.
2023 Resolution:
Resolved, The United States Federal Government should reform its domestic policy or policies for the agricultural production of food in one or more of the following: crop subsidies, concentrated animal feeding operations, or production of genetically engineered foods.
The resolution letter of intent is here.
See our full resolution history here.
Competitive debate teaches students:
- Critical thinking and reasoning
- Evidence-based research
- Writing, structuring, and articulation
- Clear and confident public speaking
- Active listening
- Discerning weaknesses and flaws in arguments
- Political and social awareness
- Poise and composure under pressure
- Tailoring arguments to a specific audience
Words from former CCA debaters