Debate Topics

Congressional Debate: We will debate the following items from the TFA Fall 2026 Docket:

Prelims: Items 27, 28, and 30

Item 27: A Bill to Implement AI-Assisted Detection Systems in High Schools to Identify and Prevent Mental Health Crises
Item 28: A Bill to Require Gun Licensing to Reduce Violence
Item 30: A Bill to Remove Tax Exemptions from Megachurches to Increase Federal Revenue Transparency

Final: Items 5, 6, and 24

Item 5: The Conservation of Ocean Reefs for Aquatic Life (CORAL) Act
Item 6: A Resolution to Amend the Constitution to Regulate Executive Orders
Item 24: A Bill to Establish Free Trade with Myanmar

World Schools Debate: The prepared motion will be released by October 1, 2026.

Round 1: Prepared Motion

Round 2: Prepared Motion (Teams will debate both sides of the prepared motion.)

Round 3:Impromptu Motion

Final: Impromptu Motion

Times: Speaking and preparation times will be shortened for middle school students:

First Proposition: 5 minutes

First Opposition: 5 minutes

Second Proposition: 5 minutes

Second Opposition: 5 minutes

Third Proposition: 5 minutes

Third Opposition: 5 minutes

Opposition Reply: 3 minutes

Proposition Reply: 3 minutes

Teams will receive 30 minutes to prepare for impromptu rounds. However, teams do not receive prep time during a world schools debate round.

Rules: NSDA rules will be used.

In world schools debate, students may not use electronic storage or retrieval devices. If a team uses electronic devices during a debate round or during an impromptu preparation period, they will automatically receive a loss for that round. (Please note: A mobile phone in airplane mode can be used for timing only.)

During the preparation time for the impromptu rounds, students can have a dictionary and a one-volume encyclopedia or almanac. They cannot access the internet, text messages, or any previously-prepared materials, including speeches and flows from previous rounds. Additionally, they cannot consult anyone (coaches included) outside their 3-5 person team.