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March 2017 | A publication of the National Speech & Debate Association
Dear District Chair
Happy spring! Please make note of upcoming deadlines for district results and the National Tournament. Pay special attention to the instructions for judge nominations, which are due from all district chairs by May 1. As always, thank you for all you do!
UPCOMING DEADLINES 
National Congress Legislation – Due April 1 » District chairs are encouraged to submit legislation from their district for the National Congress by SaturdayApril 1. Chairs must UPLOAD up to two items of legislation, preferably one bill and one resolution, via the Points Application. All legislation must be submitted as Word documents. Districts that hold their Congress tournament after April 1 must seek input of coaches and students BEFORE the deadline in order to submit legislation.
Big Questions Qualifier Event Applications – Due April 1 » Your district is eligible to send one student to compete in the Big Questions Capstone Event at Nationals. Applications to host an event are due Saturday, April 1. For requirements, click here. This is a great way for more students from your district to attend the tournament! Please note that starting April 15, at-large invitations will also be sent to individual students who have performed well in Big Questions throughout the season and who did not qualify at their district tournament.
District Student of the Year – Due April 15 » Be sure to report your District Student of the Year winner here by April 15. One student from each nominating district will be entered into consideration for the William Woods Tate, Jr., National Student of the Year Award. Six finalists will interview with an esteemed panel of educators during the National Speech & Debate Tournament. The National Student of the Year is announced during the Awards Assembly at the National Tournament.
Judge Nominations – Due May 1 » Each district chair must recommend a minimum of six highly qualified judges to be used at the National Tournament semifinal and final rounds. Please nominate experienced individuals from diverse backgrounds, diverse schools, and diverse ideologies. All nominated judges must be available for the entirety of the tournament. The chair is required to notify these judges of their selection and remind them to attend all assigned rounds at the National Tournament. Judges who do not appear will forfeit their judge bond. Please complete the online form by or before May 1. Log in to the Points Application and select "Judge Nominations" from the left side menu.
District Ads – Due May 1 » District chairs, help recognize your competitors as they perform in Birmingham this summer! Submit your district ad for the 2017 Tournament Book by May 1. Half and full page ads are available. Pricing and dimensions are included in the form!
World Schools Debate Qualifiers – Due May 1 » Each district chair may enter up to two teams of three to five students to the National Tournament. Districts that do not provide a full-time judge for each team will not be permitted to enter. Please complete one form per team. The deadline is May 1 to retain guaranteed entry. Note: After your completed form is received and processed by national office staff, and when your district audit is complete, all students will appear on their school's National Tournament registration page. If you have already registered a team but have updates to your entry, please email the changes to Lisa Vossekuil at info@speechanddebate.org instead of completing a new form.
New Coach Reception Invitations » Please invite new coaches attending the National Tournament to join us at the New Coach Reception! The reception will take place on Sunday, June 18, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in Birmingham Ballroom 11 at the Sheraton Hotel. They'll have a chance to speak one-on-one with the organization’s Board of Directors and senior staff, including Executive Director J. Scott Wunn. Encourage them to attend, ask questions, become oriented to the tournament in a more personal manner, and enjoy the company of other new coaches.
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