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Join Us for the 2026 National Tournament Info Session

Every winter, we host a one-hour info session about what to expect at the National Tournament. We cover timelines, processes, venues, logistics, and more. This is especially helpful for middle or high coaches attending Nationals for the first time, but all coaches are welcome! 

Join us live on February 5 at 6:30 p.m. CT or check out the recording on our site later in February. 

Prepaid Membership Timeline for 2025-2026

As we prepare to transition to a flat fee membership model for next school year, please review the adjusted timeline for prepaid membership purchases and use. 

• Last day to purchase prepaid student memberships for 2025-2026: February 6, 2026
• Last day to use any prepaid memberships for 2025-2026: March 31, 2026

In early April, any existing prepaid memberships will be converted to account credits for future application to membership expenses or National Tournament entry fees. At the same time, we plan to enable the purchase of $349 flat-rate prepaid school memberships for next school year for programs that have room in their existing budgets. 

Thank you for your patience and support as we transition our systems to accommodate the new membership model! For more information, review this slide deck. 

Register for the Last-Chance Qualifier 

Registration for the Last-Chance Qualifier is open now! This free, online tournament is an opportunity for students who did not qualify through their district tournament to have a chance to attend the 2026 National Tournament. The Last-Chance Qualifier will be held April 23-25, 2026. 

Spend More Time on What Matters with Start Here

Starting a new semester doesn't have to be stressful. Our Start Here series gives you ready-to-teach lessons so you can save hours of prep time and focus more of your energy where it matters most: helping students grow as communicators! Whether you’re leading a speech and debate class for the very first time, gearing up for your first semester coaching a team, or simply wanting to refresh your existing approach with new activities and instructional methods, Start Here has your back.

Each collection is built by expert educators and features a mix of teaching strategies designed to maximize student engagement, from games and group work to reflections and guided practice. All 14 lesson collections are included with your NSDA membership and feature a mix of instructional methods to engage students.

Take the next steps in guiding your students on their pathway to success with Start Here!

Encourage Students to Submit Legislation for the National Congress

Any middle or high school student who is an NSDA member can submit legislation for consideration in the 2026 National Tournament Docket. This is a great project for advanced Congress students to work on while you teach novices! Students whose legislation is selected for the Nationals Docket will be featured in Rostrum, receive an award after the tournament, and earn a $100 scholarship. Submissions are due February 5.

Run for the Competition and Rules Leadership Committee

In April 2026, four new members of the Competition and Rules Leadership Committee (CRLC) will be elected from these regions:

• 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)

Coaches from these regions are encouraged to apply or nominate a candidate for this election! Candidates must be a member coach of record at an active member school and have at least five years of coaching experience. Serving on the CRLC is a great way to impact the rules and strategic direction of Association work related to interscholastic programming. Learn more and apply by January 23.

Champion Q&A: Mfaz Mohamed Ali

Your students are invited to join the 2022 Humorous Interpretation champion and two-time Original Oratory finalist Mfaz Mohamed Ali for a Q&A on Monday, January 19 at 7:00 p.m. CT.

Submit your questions when you register or bring them when you attend live!

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