10 - Honor Code

All participants, observers, judges, coaches, and other guests attend the 2026 National Speech and Debate Season Opener at the invitation of the University of Kentucky, and must abide by all applicable rules in the tournament invitation and procedures, as well as those set by the University of Kentucky. Furthermore, coaches should review any honor codes and school or program policies with all participants prior to the tournament.

Participants—including coaches, competitors, and judges—certify that all entries, forms, disclaimers, and other materials submitted for the National Speech and Debate Season Opener are accurate and complete. Submission of any National Speech and Debate Season Opener-related materials grants permission to distribute and verify the information contained therein among National Speech and Debate Season Opener administrators, tournament staff, and/or UK Debate staff.

Honor Code

The National Speech and Debate Season Opener Honor Code conveys the significance and importance of competitive integrity to all members of our community, in the interest of maintaining the highest standards of conduct. Participants must act with dignity and respect, and refrain from undermining the integrity of speech and debate as an institution. Participants should neither seek, nor encourage others to seek unfair assistance or advantage in competition. All participants, including observers, are expected to act in good faith and preserve the competitive integrity of the National Speech and Debate Season Opener.

Pledge

As a participant in the National Speech and Debate Season Opener, I pledge not to lie, cheat, steal or otherwise undermine the fairness of the tournament. I understand that competitive integrity and fairness is important to all tournament participants, and I promise to uphold the highest standards of honesty and integrity in competition.