Format Guide

Parliamentary debate (APDA): speech order & POI rules

American Parliamentary debate (APDA) is a two-on-two format using a parliamentary structure with Points of Information instead of cross-examination. It is widely used at US universities. This guide covers the complete speech order, POI rules, and how to time a Parliamentary round.

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Parliamentary speech order

#SpeechSideTime
1Prime Minister Constructive (PMC)GOV7:00
2Leader of Opposition Constructive (LOC)OPP7:00
3Member of Government Constructive (MGC)GOV7:00
4Member of Opposition Constructive (MOC)OPP7:00
5Leader of Opposition Rebuttal (LOR)OPP4:00
6Prime Minister Rebuttal (PMR)GOV4:00

No prep pool. Speeches run back-to-back. POIs may be offered during constructive speeches.

Points of Information

POIs are brief interjections by the opposing team during constructive speeches. A debater stands and says "Point of information" — the speaker may accept or decline. Accepted POIs should be no more than 15 seconds. The first and last minute of each constructive speech are protected from POIs.

Frequently asked questions

How long are Parliamentary speeches?
Constructive speeches: 7 minutes each. Rebuttal speeches: 4 minutes each. No cross-examination periods.
Is there prep time?
No in-round prep pool. Teams typically get 15 minutes before the round starts.
How is APDA different from British Parliamentary?
APDA has 2 teams of 2 speakers (4 speakers total). BP has 4 teams of 2 speakers (8 speakers total). APDA uses rebuttal speeches; BP does not.

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