Community Rules & Code of Conduct

Debategle is a platform for serious, structured debate. We believe the best debates happen when participants argue with intellectual honesty and treat each other with respect — even while holding radically different views.

🤝 Respect Your Opponent

You may strongly disagree with someone's views — that's the entire point. Disagree with their arguments, not with them as a person. Treat every opponent with basic human dignity, even if you find their position repugnant.

🚫 Zero Tolerance for Hate Speech

Slurs, dehumanizing language, and hate speech targeting race, religion, gender, sexuality, ethnicity, or disability are strictly prohibited. There is no grey area here. First offense results in an automatic strike; repeated offenses result in a permanent ban.

💬 No Personal Attacks (Ad Hominem)

Attack the argument, not the person. Saying "your point is wrong because X" is debate. Saying "you're an idiot" is a rule violation. The AI judge will specifically penalize fallacious reasoning, including ad hominem attacks.

⏱️ Respect the Format

The structured turn system exists for a reason — it prevents shouting matches and ensures both sides are heard. Do not attempt to circumvent turn locks or flood your turns with off-topic content to waste time.

📋 Argue in Good Faith

Engage seriously with your opponent's actual position (no strawmanning). Don't deliberately misrepresent facts. Don't concede a point and then act like you didn't. The AI judge evaluates intellectual honesty.

🔞 No Inappropriate Content

Sexual content, graphic violence, or any NSFW material has no place in a debate. Violations result in an immediate permanent ban with no appeals process.

🏳️ Forfeiting

You may forfeit a debate at any time by clicking 'Forfeit'. Your opponent wins automatically. Rage-quitting (disconnecting without forfeiting) results in the same outcome — and repeated disconnects flag your account for review.

🚩 Use the Report Button

If your opponent violates these rules, use the report button. Include specific details. False reports intended to harass opponents are themselves a violation. Our moderation team reviews all reports.

⚡ Automated Strike System

An automated moderation system monitors all debate messages in real time. The following escalation applies:

1.Strike 1 — Warning. Your message is blocked and you are notified.
2.Strike 2 — Second warning. Your message is blocked. Opponent is notified of a violation.
3.Strike 3 — Automatic forfeit. You lose the debate and receive a 24-hour matchmaking ban.
4.Severe violations (hate speech, slurs, NSFW) — Immediate 3-strike forfeit on first offense.

Appeals

If you believe a ban or moderation action was applied in error, you may contest it via the report system. Premium members receive priority human review within 24 hours. Free members are reviewed within 72 hours.

These rules apply to all users regardless of rank, seniority, or political position. Enforcement is applied equally.