RESOLUTIONS

In June 2025, PHSSL adopted the policy of collecting resolutions from coaches and students for possible use at the PHSSL State Tournament in parliamentary debate and extemporaneous debate.  Instructions for writing and formatting resolutions can be found here.  Resolutions will be collected on the PHSSL website from September 1 through February 25.  All interested parties are invited to submit resolutions, but with no guarantee that they will be used.

EVIDENCE

All debaters: please read this document regarding evidence!  You may see this in other places under the title “Debate Evidence Guide.”

Policy Coach John Hollihan at Pittsburgh Central Catholic designed this document below to help all debaters cut cards so that evidence is readily available within rounds, avoids challenges, and keeps the tournament moving forward. Each debater is responsible for following this format for their cards at States. If they don’t, they leave themselves open to many of the issues listed in the document above, which could lead to them losing rounds they could have won at States.

SPECIFIC INFORMATION ABOUT THE VARIOUS DEBATE TYPES

Parliamentary Debate – This linked video was created a few years ago by students from Shady Side Academy and Upper St. Clair High School. It contains information about “how to” do parliamentary debate as well as a sample debate.  

Parliamentary Debate – In January 2026 coaches and students met to discuss recent changes and trends in parliamentary debate.  Interested individuals can view that meeting here.