Part 1.2 - The Motion

1.2 The motion

1.2.1 The motion should be unambiguously worded.

1.2.2 The members should debate the motion in the spirit of the motion and the tournament.

1.3 Points of Information

1.3.1 Points of Information (questions directed to the member speaking) may be asked between first minute mark and the six-minute mark of the members’ speeches (speeches are of seven minutes duration).

1.3.2 To ask a Point of Information, a member should stand, place one hand on his or her head and extend the other towards the member speaking. The member may announce that they would like to ask a "Point of Information" or use other words to this effect.

1.3.3 The member who is speaking may accept or decline to answer the Point of Information.


1.3.4 Points of Information should not exceed 15 seconds in length.


1.3.5 The member who is speaking may ask the person offering the Point of Information to sit down where the offeror has had a reasonable opportunity to be heard and understood.

1.3.6 Members should attempt to answer at least two Points of Information during their speech. Members should also offer Points of Information.

1.4 Timing of the speeches

1.4.1 Speeches should be seven minutes in duration (this should be signaled by two strikes of the gavel). Speeches over seven minutes and 15 seconds may be penalized.

1.4.2 Points of Information may only be offered between the first minute mark and the six minute mark of the speech (this period should be signaled by one strike of the gavel at the first minute and one strike at the sixth minute).

1.4.3 It is the duty of the Speaker of the House to time speeches.

1.4.4 In the absence of the Speaker of the House, it is the duty of the Chair of the Adjudication panel to ensure that speeches are timed.