UIL Speech Judges

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Russell Phelps

Current high school:
San Antonio Lee

Currently coaching?: No

Conference:

Number of years coached: 4

Number of tournaments judged: 7

High school attended:
Tom Clark

Graduated high school: 86

Participated in high school: Yes

Participated in college: No

Judging qualifications:
I have judged from 86-94 then 2006 til now. I have judged extemp cx ld and other debate events and assisted in coaching CEDA in college at Texas State and Sam Houston State. I help my daughter who debates at Lee High School in San Antonio.

Judging Philosophy

CX

Rounds judged: 25
Judging approach: Tabula Rasa
Policy priority: Communication skills and resolution of substantive issues are of equal importance
Evidence philosophy: Quality of evidence is more important than quantity of evidence
Paradigm: My philosophy is to let the debaters determine the importance of the issues at hand and try not to interfere in that process. I expect good behavior from the participants as we should have more students in the activity. I vote based on what is presented trying to keep my personal biases out. If students follow that as well, they will learn more about ideas from a round then me telling them what I want to hear. I will vote on stock issues. I will vote in a policy making paradigm should that be the realm. I prefer policymaking , but have come around to see that other arguments carry valid forms of discussion.

LD

Rounds judged: 14
Approach: Resolution of substantive issues is more important than communication skills
Philosophy:
While both issues are of high importance, I find that the time in favor of the negative makes it a little harder to expect the last 2 aff speeches to convey as much communication of ideas as the first. However, a well written case will help combat that. I will vote solely on value and criteria or whatever the main argument is if not related to the value. That could be a long discussion. Sometimes the debate strays from aff v/c vs neg v/c. If the impacts of the case/d.a. are of higher value or capture the v/c then that works if explained well.I also enjoy a strong value debate.

Contact Information

email: russellphelps@gmail.com
cell: 210 5370686
office:

Availability Information

Meet types:
Invitational District Regional

Qualified for:
CX
LD
Extemp

Travel

Region of residence:
1

I will travel to: 1 4