Clark County Speech and Debate Tournament
2026 — Las Vegas, NV/US
Varsity Senate Congressional
Event Description:
Varsity Senate Congressional Debate is an individual legislative debate event modeled after the United States Senate. Competitors debate legislation selected by the tournament using parliamentary procedure, alternating between affirmative and negative positions.
Speeches are up to 3 minutes, followed by 1 minute of questioning (cross-examination). Students are expected to demonstrate strong argumentation, use of evidence, clash, refutation, organization, delivery, and professionalism. Competitors should be prepared to debate multiple pieces of legislation and speak several times per session.
Judging emphasizes quality of argumentation, engagement with the chamber, responsiveness to questioning, effective use of evidence, and persuasive delivery, rather than speed or quantity of speeches.
This event is open to Varsity-level competitors only. All participants are expected to follow NSDA Congressional Debate rules, including standards for decorum, ethics, and respectful discourse.