Getting Started
Choosing Your User Type

Choosing Your User Type

When you first access iRankHub, you'll need to select the user type that best describes your role. This determines which features you'll have access to and how your account will be configured.

User Type Overview

iRankHub supports four distinct user types, each with specific capabilities and access levels:

👨‍🎓 Student

Who should choose this: Individual participants in debate tournaments

What you can do:

  • Participate in tournaments and debates
  • Track your personal performance and rankings
  • Receive feedback from judges
  • Join teams created by your school
  • Access learning resources and debate materials
  • View tournament schedules and results

Registration requirements:

  • Valid email address or phone number
  • School affiliation (can be added later)
  • Basic personal information

🏫 School Administrator

Who should choose this: Teachers, coaches, or administrators managing a school's debate program

What you can do:

  • Register and manage student accounts
  • Create and manage debate teams
  • Accept tournament invitations for your school
  • Process tournament payments and fees
  • View school-wide performance analytics
  • Manage student assignments and team rosters

Registration requirements:

  • School email address (preferred)
  • School verification documents
  • Official role confirmation
  • Contact information

⚖️ Volunteer/Judge

Who should choose this: Individuals who will judge debates and provide feedback

What you can do:

  • Accept judging assignments
  • Use advanced judging tools (timer, scoring, notes)
  • Collaborate with other judges in real-time
  • Record debates (when permitted)
  • Provide structured feedback to students
  • Track your judging history and performance

Registration requirements:

  • Valid email address
  • Identification documents (National ID/Passport)
  • High school education verification
  • Safeguarding certificate (required for youth tournaments)

🔧 Administrator

Who should choose this: Tournament organizers and system administrators

What you can do:

  • Create and configure tournaments
  • Manage all user accounts and schools
  • Oversee tournament operations
  • Generate comprehensive reports
  • Configure system settings and leagues
  • Monitor platform performance

Registration requirements:

  • Admin invitation or approval required
  • Verification of administrative role
  • Contact information and credentials

Note: Administrator accounts require special approval and cannot be self-registered. Contact info@debaterwanda.org if you need administrative access.

How to Select Your User Type

On the Welcome Screen

  1. Access iRankHub at irankhub.debaterwanda.org (opens in a new tab)
  2. Review the user type options displayed on the welcome screen
  3. Click/tap your appropriate user type button
  4. Proceed to registration or sign in if you already have an account

User Type Selection Interface

The selection screen shows:

  • Clear descriptions of each user type
  • Visual icons for easy identification
  • Key features available to each type
  • Registration requirements overview

Switching User Types

If You Choose Wrong Initially

  • During registration: Use the "Back" button to return to user type selection
  • After registration: Contact support to change your account type
  • Multiple roles: You may need separate accounts for different roles

Multiple Account Scenarios

Some users may need multiple accounts:

School Administrator + Judge: If you both manage a school program AND judge tournaments, you'll need separate accounts to avoid conflicts of interest.

Student + Volunteer: Students who also want to judge tournaments (for different age groups) need separate accounts.

Common Questions

"I'm not sure which type applies to me"

If you're a student who wants to participate in debates → Choose Student

If you represent a school and manage students → Choose School Administrator

If you want to judge debates but don't manage a school → Choose Volunteer/Judge

If you organize tournaments → You need Administrator access (contact support)

"What if my role changes?"

Contact our support team at info@debaterwanda.org to:

  • Change your account type
  • Add additional permissions
  • Create additional accounts if needed

"Can I have multiple accounts?"

Yes, but with limitations:

  • Different email addresses required for each account
  • Avoid conflicts of interest (e.g., don't judge your own school's students)
  • Notify support if you need multiple roles for transparency

Next Steps by User Type

After selecting your user type, follow the appropriate registration guide:

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Important: Choose carefully, as changing user types later requires contacting support and may involve verification processes.