Rules

Public Forum: There will no no flip for sides in PF rounds. Sides will be assigned in tab, and Pro will always go first. This is seen as potentially more educational, and more fair, than flipping and, conceivably, never debating one side of a resolution.

Eligibility: The Metro Hudson League is limited to students officially representing diploma-granting institutions. In other words, the organization is open only to schools and students from those schools, approved by and representing those schools. Camps, after-school programs, independent entries, etc., can not be considered for membership. Hybrid teams are acceptable provided that their schools are MHL members. Middle school entries are acceptable (although keep in mind that debating as a middle-schooler removes novice status later on).

Divisons:

Awards: Each tournament will award an appropriate number of placement medals in each of the divisions. Additionally, speaker awards recognizing individual achievement will be awarded in the policy and PF divisions.

Judging:

Prep time: Prep time in LD is 5 minutes. Prep time in Policy is 10 minutes. There are no Low Point Wins allowed in any division. PF follows NFL rules.

Registration/Procedure:

Cell phones: Just as cell phones will not be tolerated in the hands of the judges, they will not be tolerated in the hands of the debaters. If a student's cell phone rings during a round, it will mean an automatic forfeit for the offending person or team. The opposing person/team will receive a bye for the round.