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UIL Speech Judges

If you have corrections, questions or comments regarding this information, please notify The UIL Speech and Debate department at speech@uiltexas.org or 512-471-5883.

Darinka Brooks

Current high school:
Alvin Iowa Colony

Currently coaching?: Yes

Conference:

Number of years coached: 2

Number of tournaments judged: 0

High school attended:
Uvalde High School

Graduated high school: 2004

Participated in high school: No

Participated in college: No

Judging qualifications:
I have coached CX and LD debate for two years and have experience working with students across a wide range of argument styles, from traditional policy-making and values debate to kritikal and theory-heavy approaches. I am comfortable judging CX, LD, and Congressional Debate, and I evaluate rounds primarily on the flow. My judging philosophy emphasizes clarity, warranted analysis, clash, and strong impact comparison. I am open to all arguments as long as they are well explained and impacted. In Congress, I reward evidence-based speeches that directly engage with previous arguments, as well as thoughtful, respectful questioning. Across all events, I strive to be a fair and attentive judge who evaluates what happens in the round rather than relying on personal preference.

Judging Philosophy

CX

Rounds judged: 0
Judging approach: Policy Maker
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: I evaluate rounds on the flow and vote for the team that best explains and impacts their arguments. I’m open to all argument styles (policy, kritiks, theory) as long as they are clear and warranted. Impact weighing and comparison are key. Speed is fine, but clarity comes first.

LD

Rounds judged: 0
Approach: Communication skills and resolution of substantive issues are of equal importance
Philosophy:
I evaluate rounds on the flow and prioritize clear frameworks with warranted analysis. I’m open to both traditional and progressive argumentation (Ks, theory, tricks), but they must be well explained and impacted. Weighing and clash are essential. Speed is fine as long as it’s clear.

Contact Information

email: dmbrooks@alvinisd.net
cell: 346 515-991
office:

Availability Information

Meet types:
Invitational

Qualified for:
CX
LD

Travel

Region of residence:
4

I will travel to: 1 3 4