Coach,

By the end of this weekend, every district will have completed its national qualifying tournaments. Thank you for your leadership and dedication—your efforts have made it possible for thousands of students to participate in Nationals!

LAST CALL for 2026 Nationals Extemp Questions

Students, coaches, alumni, and Extemp enthusiasts are invited to submit questions for consideration at the 2026 National Tournament! Community contributions help ensure a relevant and engaging set of questions for the competition. The submission form closes April 20.

Join Us for the Last Listen and Lead of the Year

Don’t miss Listen and Lead #5 on May 4 at 7:00 p.m. CT. Register today! Our final session will be a discussion on how district leaders can support their teams at Nationals, along with identifying the changes they want to see in their districts next year and how to approach the upcoming season with those priorities in mind.

Vote for the Competition and Rules Leadership Committee (CRLC)

Elections for the Competition and Rules Leadership Committee, which serves as a standing committee impacting decisions related to NSDA competitions and rules, will continue until April 22, 2026. Thank you to the individuals who have expressed an interest in serving! If your district is in one of the following regions, visit the election website to read up on your slate of candidates. One advisor per active NSDA school in these regions is eligible to vote. Results will be announced April 30, 2026.

• Texas Region (all TX)

• Southeast Region (FL, GA, KY, NC, SC, VA)

• Mountain/Southwest Region (AZ, CO, HI, NM, NV, UT)

• Southern Midwest Region (AL, AR, LA, MO, MS, OK, TN)

You’re Invited! Join us for the District Leader Luncheon on Sunday, June 14

Registration day at the National Tournament is an exciting day, often full of travel and visiting with old and new friends. We would like to invite you to also plan to attend the District Leader Luncheon on Sunday, June 14 at 12:30 p.m. ET in the Capital Ballroom at the Richmond Marriott in Downtown Richmond (by the convention center that will hold other Sunday events). The luncheon is a great opportunity to connect with other regional leaders, thank current leaders for their service, and celebrate those districts and leaders who have enjoyed exceptional years. In order to best accommodate food needs, we ask that you please RSVP by May 22. 

District Spotlight: On to Richmond!

by Chase Williams, Chair of the Taiwan District

“We spend most of the year as competitors, focused on our own teams and tournaments, but Nationals gives us a unique opportunity to come together as one unified district team. It’s a time to set aside rivalries, celebrate each other’s accomplishments, and recognize the collective strength of our community. Watching our students build meaningful connections across schools, form new friendships, and collaborate with peers from different backgrounds is incredibly powerful. Even more inspiring is seeing them use their voices to advocate for the causes they care deeply about, demonstrating confidence, empathy, and leadership on a larger stage. That spirit of unity, growth, and purpose is truly what Nationals is all about."

Questions? We're here to help! Email info@speechanddebate.org or call (920) 748-6206.