Resources

From time to time, the Tasmanian Debating Union offers special training sessions for debaters, coaches and adjudicators. Information regarding upcoming training sessions will be made available on this website.

Alternatively, please do not hesitate to contact the Secretary with any enquiries about future public training sessions, or for quotes on private training or coaching sessions.

Between training session, debaters, coaches and adjudicators all may find the Australia-Asia Debating Guide an instructive resource.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Peitho, and how do I access it?

Peitho is the name given to the TDU's online database, in which information and scores from all debates and statistics about debaters are stored.

Records held in Peitho can be accessed through this website without needing to login to the database. However, logging in allows debaters to access and edit their individual profile, including the option to withhold their name or score from display on the website.

Usernames and passwords for Peitho are issued to active debaters, and access information may be sought from any TDU adjudicator on a debate night, or by contacting the Webmaster.

How do I register my team/school for a TDU competition?

Registration for the schools' competition closes in early-March, although interest can always be expressed for the next season. Information and forms relating to registration can be found in the schools' competition section of this website.

Information on other competitions is provided in their respective section of this website, and significant announcements relating to events, including state team selections, training sessions and other tournaments, are circulated to all members of the TDU mailing list.

If you would like to subscribe to the mailing list, please contact the Secretary with your name, contact information and role.

Something isn't right on my scoresheet. Who should I tell?

Adjudicators endeavour to check their results thoroughly before they announce a winner, or log their information into our database. However, mistakes do happen, and if you notice something wrong on your scoresheet, please contact the Schools' Coordinator.

I am unhappy with the conduct of an adjudicator. How do I make a complaint?

The Tasmanian Debating Union expects adjudicators to uphold standards of fairness and appropriate and respectful conduct at all times. If you are dissatisfied with the conduct of an adjudicator, please contact the Chief Adjudicator who will seek to mediate the matter.

I'm a debater, and I don't want my name displayed on this website! What should I do?

The TDU online database is intended as a tool for raising the profile of debating as a sport, and providing up-to-date and detailed feedback to teams and debaters.

We understand that some debaters may not want their name or their statistics displayed online. If this is the case for you, you may elect to withhold publication of your name, your statistics or both in your Account Settings. Alternatively, you may contact the Webmaster to have your name and personal record withheld. For other privacy information, please note our privacy policy.

How can I become an adjudicator?

Adjudicators are required to undertake training, and to shadow adjudicate debates to the satisfcation of an existing adjudicator before qualifying as an accredited adjudicator. Adjudicators may obtain different levels of accreditation, based on their expertise and experience, including achieving nationally recognised accreditation. Contact the Chief Adjudicator for more information.

Do adjudicators get paid?

The TDU is run by volunteers who believe that critical thinking and the ability to communicate ideas are skills that everybody should learn. Adjudicators receive an honorarium for their service, but the TDU does not have any paid staff.