The Powell High School Speech and Debate team is preparing to hold its second annual tournament, set for Jan. 22-23. In order for the tourney to be successful, it requires more than 100 volunteer judges.

But, like many other events since the pandemic touched American shores, this tournament is being held virtually, which creates something of a silver lining, although at first blush it might not seem that way.

The upside is judges don’t have to be at the performance location. They can be anywhere there is a good internet connection, log in to view students’ work and then mark the ballots.

It is a fairly simple process, according to Nicole Maier Reitz, the head coach for the team.

The app for the tournament is called Tabroom, and training sessions will be held for volunteers who want the training.

Judges who are not comfortable working wirelessly may come to the high school, view the contests — although socially distanced — and get assistance with the app and marking their ballots.

Maier Reitz said this is the second tournament held at Powell High School, and some of the judges who marked ballots last year are returning. She also noted parents of former speech and debate team members make excellent judges, as do other teachers and coaches. This year those judges may be in far-flung locations; some of her friends from Arizona and Colorado have agreed to serve, Reitz said.

The schedule for judging can be almost as flexible as the locale. Most divisions take about an hour, although Reitz said there are a few that take longer. And judges can sign up for one or more divisions, allowing them to find their own time committment comfort level.

There is a signup sheet for event preferences and times that can be sent to prospective judges electronically.

“So they can do the training online, see the contestants on the computer and mark their ballots online,” Reitz said. “It looks pretty much the same online as in person, but it sounds intimidating.”

For those who prefer to go old school, they can simply show up at the high school, log in and see the competitions; judges will be spaced throughout the cafeteria or the auditorium.

“We’re happy to have our volunteers,” Reitz said.

Anyone who is interested in serving as a judge, whether experienced or new at speech and debate, is welcome to email Reitz at nlmaierreitz@pcsd1.org, call her at the school, 307-764-6136, or arrange a visit to discuss the tournament and volunteer opportunities.