TCFL Novice Debate Tournament

Saturday, November 1st, 2025

William S. Hart High School

24825 N. Newhall Ave.

Newhall, CA 91321

Novice Debater

A student who is in their first year of competition in high school speech and debate. If it is a team event, all students must be novices. If a student has competed in any speech and debate activity in high school, they are no longer a novice.

World Schools Debate

TCFL will continue to offer World Schools Debate at our Novice Debate tournament. In addition, registration for WSD (and ONLY WSD) will be open to non-TCFL member schools. Hybrid teams WILL be allowed. For TCFL members, the entry fee for WSD will be $40 (the same for all team entries), and for non-TCFL members, the entry fee for WSD will be $50.

Tentative Schedule

08:00am - 08:30am - Registration (Coaches & Judges)

08:30am - 9:30am - Judge Orientation

09:30am - 11:30am - Round 1

11:30am - 01:30pm - Round 2

01:30pm - 02:00pm - Lunch Break

02:00pm - 04:00pm - Round 3 (Hi-Low Power Match within brackets)

04:00pm - 06:00pm - Round 4 (Hi-Low Power Match within brackets)

Awards to follow immediately after last round in Cafeteria!

Debate Topics

2025-2026 Policy Debate Topic: "Resolved: The United States federal government should significantly increase its exploration and/or development of the Arctic."

November/December Lincoln Douglas Debate Topic: "Resolved: The United States ought to rewild substantial tracts of land."

November/December Public Forum Debate Topic: "Resolved: The United States federal government should require technology companies to provide lawful access to encrypted communications."

Parli topics announced 20 minutes before round.

World Schools Debate: Round 1 & 2 Prepared Motion: "This House would ban the use of artificial intelligence in policing and surveillance.” (teams debate both sides); Rounds 3 & 4 Impromptu Motions

Judges

Each school is obligated to provide one qualified judge per every 2 Policy, Parli, PF, and WSD teams,* and one qualified judge per every 4 LD entries.* Varsity students can judge. If your judging quota is not met, your entries may be dropped. Judges should have pens, flow pads, and laptops.

* or fraction thereof

Entry Fees

$20 per LD, $40 per team. (Pay TCFL Dues with first entry) Make checks payable to Tri-County Forensic League. $40 per WSD for TCFL member schools, $50 per WSD entry for non-TCFL members.

Entry Deadline

Entries must be registered no later than Friday, October 24, 2025, by 11:55pm. Register at Tabroom.com. E-mail Brandon Batham at brandonbatham@gmail.com for any questions. Entries will only be accepted by coaches on contact sheet. PLEASE NOTE: IF YOU DON'T SEE YOUR SCHOOL LISTED ON THE ENTRIES PAGE, YOU'RE NOT ENTERED.

Because of the differences that exist in human perception, a subjective quality is present in the scoring of Speech and Debate rounds. Even with rules and evaluation criteria for guidance, judges will not evaluate the same performance in an identical manner. While we do everything possible to maintain consistency in scoring, winning results are not guaranteed.

Upon entering, you agree to the following:
In consideration for my participation in events sponsored or run by TCFL, I hereby expressly and irrevocably grant TCFL and its assigns, successors, licensees, affiliates, and designees (collectively the “Association”) the irrevocable, perpetual, worldwide right, license, and permission to use my name, image, likeness, voice, appearance, biographical information, statements, performance, and/or testimonials (collectively, the “Appearance”) in all forms and media including composite or modified representations for all purposes, including advertising, promotion, trade, or any commercial or non-commercial purpose throughout the world in perpetuity. The foregoing right and license extends to my Appearance in any video or audio recordings, photos, and any other media, how known or later developed, that are created in connection with any Association events and/or activities in which I participate, whether in person or virtually. I waive the right to inspect or approve versions of my Appearance used for publication or the written copy that may be used in connection with the Appearance or such publication.