Code of conduct

Expectations of everyone

1. Don't attack, bully, harass, intimidate, insult, discriminate against or take advantage of anyone.
2. Use appropriate language.
3. Don't undermine the authority of adjudicators, coaches, teachers or parents.

Expectations of debaters

1. Debate in accordance with the rules.
2. Be fair to the other team and sensitive to their feelings.
3. Be a good sport, whether you win or lose.

Expectations of adjudicators and officials

1. Be fair in making decisions.
2. Be sensitive to people's feelings.
3. Be positive more than negative.

Expectations of audience members

1. Listen respectfully while debaters and adjudicators are speaking.
2. Be sensitive to debaters' and adjudicators' feelings.
3. Allow adjudicators and coaches to provide debaters with feedback.

Instant exclusion offences

Any participant in the Schools Competition or other TDU activities may be required to immediately leave the venue if they engage in any of the following behaviour:

• Any form of physical violence.
• Bullying, harassment or personal attacks.
• Conduct that discriminates against or victimises a person or group because of a protected attribute (e.g. race, sexuality, gender, disability, politics or religion).

Scope

All participants in the Schools Competition and other TDU activities (including debaters, adjudicators, audience members and officials) are expected to comply with this code. Failure to do so may result in prohibition from future attendance at or participation in TDU events (including but not limited to the Schools Competition), or the application of other sanctions, at the discretion of the TDU Executive.

Responsibility of adjudicators

It is the responsibility of the adjudicator (or the chair of a panel of adjudicators) to control a debating room. This includes calling out or preventing inappropriate behaviour, and bringing issues to the attention of the TDU Executive.

The TDU's policy is pro-reporting and pro-enforcement. Adjudicators are expected to call out and deal with inappropriate behaviour in every case. Adjudicators are also expected to report any issues that arise under this code to the TDU Executive as soon as practicable.

Adjudicators are empowered to expel an individual from the room, postpone, cancel or declare the result of a debate, or otherwise take any lawful action to deal with breaches of this code.

The ultimate responsibility of the adjudicator is to provide a safe environment for debates to take place.

Complaints about breaches

Complaints or concerns should be submitted through our online complaints form.

All reports are taken seriously, treated confidentially and will receive a response (unless made anonymously).