Check out what's new, Coach!

Nominate Students for the Academic All American Award

The prestigious Academic All American award recognizes high school students for academic and competitive success. It's free and easy to submit a nomination, and the award makes an excellent addition to resumes or scholarship applications. To be eligible, students must have:

• Completed at least 5 semesters of high school
• Demonstrated outstanding character and leadership
• Earned a GPA of 3.7 on a 4.0 scale (or its equivalent)

• Received the degree of Superior Distinction (750 points). Students who meet the points requirement are marked with a yellow box that says AAA? on your Student Roster. 

Start a Student Leadership Program for Next Year

Offering leadership options on your team is a great opportunity for students and can ease your coaching and admin responsibilities, saving you time each week. Upon completion of our free NSDA Learn course you will be able to: 

• Build a student leadership model that fits your team.
• Attract, interview, select, and onboard student leaders.
• Train leaders to run practices and bootcamps independently.

Register for the Last-Chance Qualifier

Registration for the Last-Chance Qualifier closes April 17! 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. 

Hall of Fame Voting Closes This Friday, March 27

The highest honor for any high school speech and debate coach is election to the NSDA Hall of Fame. Hall of Fame voting will take place from now until March 27. Current Hall of Fame members and active coaches with three or more Diamond Awards may vote online to select this year’s inductees. To access the ballot, eligible coaches can log in to their NSDA Account and select NSDA Voting from the left side menu.

Prepare Students for Supplemental Events with Starter Kits

Our starter kits bundle event overviews, strategies, sample videos, and tips from national finalists. With collections for Declamation, Extemp Commentary, Impromptu, Poetry, Prose, and Storytelling, they’re an easy way for students to jump in and start learning independently.

Remember, every member school has the opportunity to send two member students to compete in supplemental events at the National Tournament. Learn more » 

One Week Remains to Use Prepaid Memberships for 2025-2026

As we prepare to transition to a flat fee membership model for next school year, please remember: the last day to use any prepaid memberships for 2025-2026 will be 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 will enable the purchase of $349 flat-rate prepaid school memberships for next school year. Thank you for your patience and support as we transition our systems to accommodate the new membership model!

Get Connected with the Coaches' Network 

Spring coaches' caucus and interest group meetings are almost here! Connect with fellow coaches, exchange ideas, and find support to grow your program. Explore group options and schedules »

Apply for a Policy Topic Fellowship

Are you a high school Policy Debate coach interested in writing a topic paper and attending the annual topic meeting in Salt Lake City, Utah, next summer? Apply for the Policy Topic Fellowship! The NSDA has partnered with the NFHS to offer two Policy Debate topic fellowships with a goal of increased representation in the topic process. Learn more and apply by April 1 »

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