Check out what's new this week, Coach!
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Our team is spending much of this week working together to strengthen how we serve and support our members. During this time, responses may take a little longer than usual. Thank you for your patience!
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Honoring the 2025-2026 Speaking and Service Award Winners
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Speech and debate is about more than competition. The Honor Society also celebrates students using their skills to better the world around them. The Speaking and Service Award annually recognizes students who go above and beyond in their service to their teams, schools, and communities. Students receive this award when they earn 200 service points in a given year, the maximum number possible in a school year in our Honor Society. The deadline for points entry was July 31. Congratulations to the 2025-2026 recipients!
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Register for Free Online Scrimmages
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There are five more free, online practices this semester with judges and ballots as part of our Springboard Series. These are ideal practice sessions for speech and debate students who want to build their confidence in competing while also receiving constructive feedback from judges across the nation.
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Finding and Printing Member Certificates
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Did you know you can download and print or share member certificates any time from the student or coach roster of your NSDA Account? This video shows you how!
This video is part of our overview of how to use your NSDA Account.
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Read the Competition and Rules Leadership Committee Minutes
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The Competition and Rules Leadership Committee had their first meeting of the year on September 15. The group determined:
- Beginning in 2027-2028, districts will no longer have the option to allow students to use a notecard while speaking in Extemporaneous Speaking. Students at the Middle School National Tournament will continue to be able to use a notecard in 2027 and beyond.
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The CRLC selected the following focus areas for 2026-2027: Middle School Growth Strategy, Assessment of Debate Evidence Rules, and Assessment of Artificial Intelligence in Speech and Debate.
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The NSDA will continue to work to develop a framework for district growth plans, splits, transfers, combinations, and dissolutions that encourages growth while acknowledging the unique challenges some districts face.
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Stream the Speech and Debate Documentary + Fundraise for Your Team
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SPEAK., the documentary that premiered at Sundance, is on Documentary+ and available to rent or buy on Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, and Google Play. The Hollywood Reporter says it "is enough to give you hope for Generation Z." Host a screening as a team fundraiser through ROCO Films with our step-by-step guide.
One night of SPEAK. could fund your next tournament trip!
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Recognize the commitment students have made to themselves, each other, and their communities by hanging the Code of Honor in your classroom or squad room.
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Refresh Your Practices with Skills and Drills
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Check out our roundup of general drills and practice activities for delivery, prep, strategy, memorization, characterization, movement, and more. The collection is sorted by event type and tagged for targeted skills, supplies needed, and number of participants.
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