1. Theory
Casey Parsons

2. What is theory?
You might have noticed that there’s not really a policy rule book
Theory is a question of what the rules of debate should be
It’s structured exactly like a T shell:
Interpretation – what you think the rule should be
Violation – why they violate the rule
Standards – internal links
Voters – impacts

3. What theory do I read? Counterplan theory is by far the most common
This can include:
Conditionality Bad
PICs bad
Multiple CPs bad
Agent CPs bad
Etc

4. How do I go for theory? Ideally you don’t
Theory is the most last ditch effort in debate
If you think theory is your best option for the round, either the other team actually did something really bad or you can’t possibly win on anything else
If you’re going for theory, you’re fighting a really uphill battle. Most judges really don’t want to vote on theory
I made a helpful flow chart on the next slide

5. Yes – they did not put ink on the page
Can you possibly win any other argument?
Did the other team actually do something that should be against the rules?
Did the other team completely drop your theory argument?
Fine, go for theory
For the love of God… do NOT go for theory
Yes – they did not put ink on the page No
Yes – They deserve to lose No
No – we’re pretty screwed
Yes