Out of the Snow and back into competition

Due to weather-related cancellations, we lost two full tournaments’ worth of competition. That loss is not just about missing rounds. It also means fewer opportunities for students to place their events in front of new judges and fresh evaluative perspectives. That exposure is critical for growth, especially as we move toward a shifted NSDA District Tournament and ultimately the State Championship.

This asynchronous tournament is designed to recover what was lost: meaningful competition and substantive feedback.

Because the primary purpose is access and development, there will be no entry fees and no awards. Instead, schools are expected to contribute to the competitive ecosystem by supplying judges.

• One judge is required for every 6 IE entries
• One judge is required for every 2 debate entries
  Failure to meet judging obligations will result in dropped entries.

Format and Procedures

• Preliminary rounds will be judged asynchronously over a two-day window.
• Students must record a video of themselves performing their event and upload it to YouTube using a link that allows viewing access.
• Judges will evaluate entries and submit ballots during the asynchronous judging window.

After prelims conclude, the tournament will advance to outrounds.

• The number of outrounds will be determined by total entry counts.
• Schools are expected to continue providing judges, even if their competitors have been eliminated.
• All ballots must include a minimum of 40 words of written feedback to ensure the experience is instructional and worthwhile.

Schools are free to print their own certificates for students who advance or place.

Finally, a reminder that NSDA rules permit only one asynchronous competition per day. Students entered in this tournament may not compete in other tournaments during the same weekend.

This tournament exists to restore opportunity, feedback, and competitive momentum—not trophies.

It should also be noted that this is not a state-qualifying tournament. Participation in this event does not impact qualification status in any capacity. Its sole purpose is to provide students with additional opportunities for performance, evaluation, and written feedback as they continue refining their events in preparation for district and state-level competition.