Weekly Coach Newsletter — September 22, 2026
If you haven't yet renewed your annual school membership, be sure to do so by the end of September to continue receiving 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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New Resource: Promoting Student Health and Well-being
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This free course explains the basics of student health and well-being in speech and debate, including healthy relationships with competition, safeguarding student health, and safe travel. This is especially helpful for new teachers and coaches who work outside the school. It explains things you may not initially consider like:
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Handling student health information and medication
- Identifying nearby hospitals when traveling to tournaments
- Creating a safety planning checklist
- Helping students regulate their stress
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And more
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Know an NSDA Alum with a Career Worth Sharing?
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Do you know an NSDA alum with a cool career? We'd love to hear about it for a resource in progress for students. Reply to this email with the alum's name, role, and experience.
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Mental Health Resources for Students
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Especially at the start of the year, students may experience high anxiety around competition. This Mental Health Strategies resource, created by NSDA students on the Student Leadership Council, features habits to regulate your nervous system, cope with anxiety before, during, and after rounds, as well as advice from national champions and experienced competitors about how they deal with stress. Share it with your students! Hosting a tournament? You can print the resource pamphlet to have on hand for students.
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Our High School Coach of the Year Kathleen Walker is doling out advice! Her new column in Rostrum will answer your coaching questions. Fast facts about Kathleen:
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She leads a large rural team and seeks to provide opportunities for her students beyond their town.
- She's created a positive culture and helps get great press for her team.
- She excels in connecting with the community so that students have more opportunities without additional costs.
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She coached the 2026 Humorous Interp champion!
- She is a mom with a young family, balancing family and coaching alongside her co-coach and husband Erik.
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Have a question for her or about coaching in general? Ask Kathleen!
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Team Funding Applications Close in 10 Days
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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 Fall Board of Directors Meeting Agenda
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Sign Up for Free Online Scrimmages
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Is your team interested in some low stakes practice this semester? There are ten more free, online scrimmages 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. Learn more or register »
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