Squabble

Concept: Squabble is a fast-paced, face-to-face debate competition built for energy and audience engagement rather than a slow, formal debate format.

The core twist: Topic Swap — teams don't know their stance until the round begins, and stances can be swapped mid-round by the moderator to test adaptability.

Format

Expected Participants: 70+ participants

Team size: 2 members per team

Number of teams: Confirm based on registrations

Rounds: Preliminary rounds → Semi-final → Final

Round duration: ~12–15 minutes, including transitions

Round Structure: Topic reveal (1 min) Opening statement preparation — both teams (5 min) Opening statement — both teams (3 min speaking time each) Rapid rebuttal round — alternating 30-second bursts (4 min total) Closing statement (1 min each)

Rules: No personal attacks — arguments must target the motion, not the opponent. The timekeeper's buzzer/bell is final — speaking after time is up results in a point deduction. Topics are picked blind from a sealed set; no repeats across rounds. The Swap can only be triggered once per round by the moderator, no earlier than the rebuttal phase. Judges' scores are final; no on-the-spot disputes — concerns can only be flagged via the scorekeeper.