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
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
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