Timing

By following a strict timetable, debaters learn to refine their thoughts into professionally-delivered presentations with crisp and polished arguments. The essence of a good debate is arguments that are clear, concise and cogent.

The Time Keeper makes possible the smooth running of a fair debate by ensuring that debaters are kept informed of the established time limit for their presentation. If speech continues after time has elapsed, the Speaker will intervene.

A participant may take a moment upon arriving at the podium to arrange their notes or to initialize a personal time piece. In general, the time keeper should begin the stopwatch once the first word is spoken.

Timing specifications

Impromptu Time elapsed
One bell
Impromptu participant 1:00
.
Debate If POI Permitted
One bell
Warning
One bell
Time Elapsed
Two bells
Prime Minister 1:00 6:00 7:00
Leader of the Opposition 1:00 6:00 7:00
Member of the Government 1:00 4:00 5:00
Member of the Opposition 1:00 4:00 5:00
Opposition summation (LO) 1:00 2:00
Government summation (PM) 1:00 2:00
.
Cross Examination Debate Warning
One bell
Time Elapsed
Two bells
Prime Minister 4:00 5:00
Leader of the Opposition questions the PM
Leader of the Opposition
1:00
4:00
2:00
5:00
Member of the Government questions the LO
Member of the Government
1:00
4:00
2:00
5:00
Member of the Opposition questions the MG
Member of the Opposition
1:00
4:00
2:00
5:00
Prime Minister questions the MO 1:00 2:00
Opposition summation (LO) 1:00 2:00
Government summation (PM) 1:00 2:00
.
Mini-Debate Marathon Warning
One bell
Time Elapsed
Two bells
Prime Minister 1:00 2:00
Leader of the Opposition 2:00 3:00
Prime Minister 1:00
.
Floor participation (while Adjudicator is out) Time Elapsed
One bell
Comments and observations 1:00
.
Adjudication verdict Warning
One bell
Time Elapsed
Two bells
Adjudicator 6:00 7:00