Pro Con Debate Challenge

We invite schools that are interested in debate but unable to travel for the in-person Varsity State Tournament to enter the 3rd Annual Pro Con Debate Challenge!

This year, we have a goal that 30 schools that do not normally participate in debate participate in the event!

Here's how it works:

Students will choose a topic. The topics for this year's event are as follows:

Resolved: The United States federal government should significantly increase its exploration and/or development of the Arctic. (Policy Debate Topic)

Resolved: The use of economic sanctions by the United States is immoral. (LD potential topic)

Resolved: The United States Military ought to abide by the principle of non-intervention. (LD potential topic)

Resolved: The United States Federal Government should ban corporate acquisition of single-family residences. (PF potential topic)

Resolved: State governments in the United States should eliminate exclusive single-family zoning. (PF potential topic)

More topics to be announced in late January 2026!

Students will write a 3-5 minute speech in support of the topic they chose as well as a 3-5 minute speech in opposition to the same topic. The speeches do not have to argue against each other. They are just speeches advocating for or against the topic.

Students will then record themselves delivering the speech. The speech transcripts may be read. Movement within the camera frame is optional. Each student should submit one video that is a continuous shot where the student pauses briefly between the two speeches. The time limit is 10 minutes with a 30 second grace period.

A coach from the representing school will then enter the student and submit their video as part of their entry.

At least three qualified judges will provide feedback on the speeches. Students that rank at the top of their preliminary rounds will qualify for elimination rounds with the goal of crowning a state champion.

What coaches need to know:

Each entry costs $20. However, if finances are a barrier for entry, please contact Katie Cole to discuss fee waivers.

Each school is allowed up to 4 entries.

Entries may collaborate on their speech documents. This means that multiple entries may delivery the same speech.

Each school must provide one judge. The judge should be available between March 16th and March 21st to judge rounds. Usually there is about a 36-48 hour window to judge with the exception of the final round. A specific schedule for judging will be communicated once the tournament is closer.

Entries are due by 8PM on Sunday, March 15, 2026.

Students may NOT enter the live Varsity State Debate tournament and the Pro Con Debate Challenge.

Click here to see a Google folder full of resources!

If you have any questions about Pro Con Debate Challenge, please reach out to Brian Rohman at bmrohma@ilstu.edu.