Successful parliamentary debaters are conversant in the foundations of civilization and timeless controversies. Parliamentary debate's format produces a level playing field. Massive backfiles and access to electronic databases are unnecessary to be competitive in this activity. This serves to level the playing field for small schools and community colleges alike. Like basketball, parliamentary debate requires very little money and equipment for participation.
Parliamentary debate is inexpensive.
As directors we're always looking to cut costs. Without the need for massive photocopying, research assistants, debate booklets, and other costs associated with written evidence debate, parliamentary debate's costs are limited to entry fees, pens, and flow pads. There is opportunity for international competition. With students from over 40 countries competing in the Worlds championships at Princeton University in 1995, Parliamentary debate provides a vehicle for students to compete at an international level. This type of unique educational opportunity even extends to competition with our neighbors to the north in Canada where parliamentary debate has thrived for decades.