Victoria Shield
The Victoria Shield is a knock-out impromptu debating competition, open to anyone in the Wellington region. It is usually held in September, with all debates taking place on one night.
The actual Victoria Shield was donated by the Victoria University of Wellington Debating Society in 2000 to replace the Management Cup. The Management Cup was presented by Mr Don Harden, a past President of The Wellington Speaking Union, who, before moving to Australia was very active in local speaking events.
Past winners of the competition can be found here.
Rules of the Victoria Shield
a. Each team shall consist of two speakers.
b. For each debate two subjects chosen by the Chief Adjudicator, shall be placed in an envelope.
c. A coin shall be tossed by the Chairman and the team winning the toss may choose to select either the subject or the side of the debate. The team with the choice of subject shall then be given the envelope containing the two subjects and shall have one minute to determine which of the two subjects shall be debated. Thereafter the other team shall have one minute to decide whether it shall affirm or negate the subject chosen.
d. From the time when sides are determined, the Affirmative shall have three minutes preparation before their Leader opens their case.
e. Speaking times shall be six minutes for each speaker, with three minutes reply by each Leader, the Affirmative Leader having the final reply.
f. There shall be one warning bell at four minutes during the main speeches and at two minutes during the Leaders’ replies. There shall be two bells to signal expiration of time for all speeches.
g. Interjections from teams and audience shall be permitted, excpet during the Leaders’ replies.
h. The contest shall proceed on a knockout basis.