The new membership cycle started August 1! If you haven't yet renewed your annual school membership, be sure to do so by the end of September to continue to receive this newsletter. Questions about speech and debate? Email us at info@speechanddebate.org or call us at (920) 748-6206. We're here to help!
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Learn from National Champions
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Hearing directly from national champions is a great way for students to think about their events differently or pick up new strategies. Encourage interested students to register to attend our first two Champion Q&A sessions of the year to ask their questions directly, or explore past sessions for their events!
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Spread the Word: We're Hiring
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We're hiring a Tournament Solutions Developer! This person is responsible for implementing technical solutions for the NSDA and will work closely with the Lead Developer to execute a comprehensive plan related to IT infrastructure, application development and support, end-user training, and overall IT strategy with a particular focus on the Tabroom.com tournament management system. Please help get the word out to your alumni network!
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Points Eligibility Changes as of August 1
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Simplified Speech Points » Students who compete in NSDA main speech events will receive no less than three Honor Society points per round. The change is designed to simplify the Honor Society and reflect the level of work students put into preparing for competition. This includes:
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- Dramatic Interpretation
- Duo Interpretation
Extemporaneous Speaking
Humorous Interpretation
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In these events, students who receive a rank of 1 will continue to receive six points, a rank of 2 carries five points, and a rank of 3 carries four points. Students who receive a rank of 4 or lower in any round will receive three points for participation.
Middle School Points Alignment » Middle school competitors and their coaches will earn the same number of points for rounds of competition as their high school peers. While point values will not be applied retroactively, this change marks an important step toward creating a more consistent experience for NSDA members across all levels.
Lowered School Requirement for Tournaments » We lowered the minimum school requirement for earning Honor Society points at competitions from four schools to two schools. This change
acknowledges that high-quality competition can take many forms, especially in smaller or under resourced communities. Students are not eligible to earn points for practice rounds against their own teammates.
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$5,000 Team Grant Available This Fall—Apply by October 1
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Keith West dedicated his life to coaching and teaching youth in the ways of argumentation and debate. To honor his life and legacy, his family and friends have established the Keith West Memorial School Grant to provide one $5,000 grant, two $2,500 grants, and five $1,000 grants to teams who have strong potential but a significant lack of financial resources.
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Read the Competition and Rules Leadership Committee Meeting Agenda
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The Competition and Rules Leadership Committee will meet on September 16. The committee will:
- Prioritize member-submitted rule change proposals
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Discuss feedback regarding the 2025-2026 Big Questions topic
- Assess district pilot qualification applications
- Explore future National Tournament security strategies
To increase student voice in organizational decision making, two current students have been added to the committee for 2025-2026!
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Save the Date: Last-Chance Qualifier
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The NSDA Last-Chance Qualifier is back for 2026! This online tournament presented by The Julia Burke Foundation gives NSDA members who don't qualify at districts one more shot at the 2026 National Tournament in Richmond, VA—with no entry fee. Plan to join us April 23-25. Registration opens January 8.
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Have an Impact on Future NSDA Topics
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Your voice matters in shaping NSDA events. Volunteer for the Impromptu or Extemp Commentary prompt writing committees! Help research, draft, and refine topic options, directly impacting student experience at Nationals. Work will be completed asynchronously in October. Learn more or apply by October 1 »
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Access September Resources
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Download September tools to help your teams prepare for new topics or get practice in with sample materials! The following are member resources available for member coaches and students at member schools.
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As part of our Centennial celebration, we created an online timeline of our first 100 years. Videos highlight the early days of the National Tournament, the integration of technology, and impactful leaders.
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Update your mailing preferences | Opt Out of all NSDA communications
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