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Nationals 2026 Information is Live!

Great news—the National Tournament website and Middle School National Tournament website are now live with initial tournament details! These pages are your hub for tournament information as we prepare for registration to open March 15. Use the tabs at the top of the page to navigate around and learn about different aspects of the event, from judging, to daily schedules, to discounts, and more! Additional details, including school venues for each event, will be added as the event approaches. 

Last Chance 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 Thursday, February 5.

Download February Competition Tools

Fresh practice tools are available to help your team prep for their next rounds of competition!

New Date: Join Us for the 2026 National Tournament Info Session

Join us on February 19 at 6:30 p.m. CT for a one-hour info session about what to expect at the National Tournament, from timelines and processes to venues and logistics. This is especially helpful for middle or high school coaches attending Nationals for the first time, but all coaches are welcome! The session will also be available on our website in February. 

Reminder: Last day to purchase a prepaid student membership is this Friday, February 6!

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: Friday, February 6, 2026
• Last day to use any prepaid memberships for 2025-2026: Tuesday, 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! 

Submit an Application for the 2026 Activating Equity Award

The Activating Equity Award recognizes a group committed to increasing participation and creating conditions of fairness in speech and debate. The recipient receives a $5,000 award, along with national recognition at the National Speech & Debate Tournament in June. Applications must be submitted by Friday, February 28. Learn more »

Connect with the NSDA Team During Office Hours

Our experienced NSDA staff members are here to help you on your coaching journey. Sign up for a personalized 20-minute session to ask questions, explore strategies, or dive deeper into topics that matter to you. 

Expert Tips for Humorous Interp and Original Oratory

In our January Champion Q&A, 2022 Humorous Interpretation national champion and two-time Original Oratory national finalist Mfaz Mohamed Ali shares how she navigates judge feedback while staying true to her unique voice. Check out the recording or share it with students! 

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