convincing argument should be >50% of vote
4 pts on 7 pt scale,
you can divide these points between debaters 4-0, 1-3, 2-2
It doesn't make sense that you can win every argument and still lose debates
spelling and grammar should replaced with clarity
clarity of reasoning, thesis, purpose
1 pt on a 7pt scale
sources should be replaced with "strength of evidence"
some arguments don't require sourcing
strength of evidence is how well you supported your argument with facts
2 pts on a 7 pt scale
you can split these point or award all
all pts must be awarded
no ties, ever. Matches end after 5 votes are cast.
conduct should be removed from regular voting since good conduct is always required
however, a finding of bad conduct by a VOTER against one debater that is not reciprocated by the other debater can forfeit the debate. Bad conduct includes to excessive concessions, excessive ad hom, excessive bigotry or prejudicial arguments against classes of people, etc and must be consistent with DART CoC
I have said before that I think any forfeit should automatically end the debate with a loss. This would concentrate VOTER attention on well engaged debates and seems very fair to me. In any school or pro debate, a no-show would result in auto loss.
I understand this is an unpopular notion but I strongly advocate this position and think it would rapidly improve the quality of debates.
Lastly, all creative debates, rap debates, non-debate debates, etc should have a "dogfight" category which would replace winner selection. These debates only come in odd numbers 1,3,5 rounds and voters pick winners by rounds with very short (less than 100 character)explanations.