Citron Debate + Async Speech Series 1
2026 — Online, NY/US
Welcome
Welcome to the Citron Online Debate + Async Speech Series Tournament
Thank you for joining the Citron Online District! Our monthly Debate Series tournaments welcome competitors from across the United States and around the world. All competition is conducted live online via Zoom and asynchronously on Tabroom and our website, allowing students to compete from home without travel or a weekend commitment.
Our mission is to provide a high-quality debate experience that is accessible, efficient, educational, and welcoming to competitors of all experience levels.
Tournament Check-In
Mandatory Tournament Meeting: 6:15 PM Eastern Time
Tournament Zoom:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82719822951?pwd=mbyhRjs9QwaLbklYtn6X3RebBaxAAM.1
Entry Fees & Judge Requirements
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Entry Fee: $10 per entry.
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Judge Requirement: One qualified judge is required for every two (2) entries or fraction thereof.
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Schools unable to meet their judging obligation may purchase a judge buyout through the tournament registration.
Events Offered
Lincoln-Douglas Debate
The current NSDA November/December Lincoln-Douglas resolution will be used. Novice and Open/Varsity divisions will be offered whenever entry numbers permit.
The LD November/December topic is Resolved: De-extinction is unethical.
Public Forum Debate
The current NSDA Public Forum resolution will be used. Novice and Open/Varsity divisions will be offered whenever entry numbers permit.
The PF November/December topic is Resolved: European members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization should ratify the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.
Big Questions Debate
The current NSDA Big Questions annual resolution will be used.
The BQ Topic is Resolved: Technological progress has surpassed humanity's ability to use it ethically.
Extemporaneous Debate
The specific topic will be released via a Tabroom blast at 5:30 PM Eastern Time on the day of the tournament.
All events will be conducted under the current National Speech & Debate Association (NSDA) rules. Competitors are encouraged to monitor both this Tabroom page and the official NSDA topic releases to ensure they are preparing the most current resolutions and event materials.
**NEW** ASYNC SPEECH RECORDER
Students need to submit performances through the Citron Async Speech Recorder Beta via the following link: https://citrononline.org/speech-submit-beta
Please pay careful attention to detail. You need to make sure your submission matches your Tabroom registration information. Pay special attention to selecting the correct Tournament.
Why Citron Uses This Model
Citron's asynchronous format differs from many existing tournaments by requiring a new performance for every round rather than allowing the same recording to be reused throughout the season. We believe this better reflects the educational and competitive standards of traditional tournaments by encouraging continual preparation, authentic competition, and meaningful growth while preserving the integrity of Speech and Debate.
Dramatic Interpretation &Humorous Interpretation
Competitors may perform either a Dramatic Interpretation or Humorous Interpretation selection. All current NSDA rules governing Interpretation events apply.
Program Oral Interpretation
Program Oral Interpretation follows all current NSDA rules, including manuscript and source requirements.
Original Oratory
Original Oratory will be conducted under all current NSDA rules.
Informative Speaking
Informative Speaking will be conducted under all current NSDA rules.
Radio Broadcasting
Three rounds of competition.
Competitors will present a five-minute live radio broadcast with cameras turned off to simulate a traditional radio environment. Broadcasts exceeding the five-minute time limit by more than five seconds may receive significant penalties.
Each broadcast should include:
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Station introduction and call letters
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International news
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National news
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Local or regional news appropriate to the competitor's location
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Commercial
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Weather
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Sports
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Closing
News stories should generally be drawn from events occurring within the previous 48 hours.
Tournament Schedule
Lincoln-Douglas, Public Forum & Big Questions
6:30 PM ET — Round 1
7:30 PM ET — Round 2
Extemporaneous Debate
5:30 PM ET — Topic Release
6:30 PM ET — Round 1
7:00 PM ET — Round 2
7:30 PM ET — Round 3
8:00 PM ET — Round 4
8:30 PM ET — Semifinals
9:00 PM ET — Finals
Tournament Policies
Nuisance Fees
To help tournaments run smoothly and remain on schedule, Citron assesses a $20 nuisance fee per infraction for:
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Late registrations
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Competitors who fail to attend without prior notice
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Failure to provide required judges
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Failure to satisfy judging obligations through either a provided judge or an approved judge buyout
Nuisance fees will not be assessed when competitors are withdrawn at least eight (8) hours before the tournament begins.
These policies help ensure a fair, efficient, and enjoyable tournament by minimizing last-minute disruptions and allowing tournament staff to prepare accurate pairings and judging assignments.
Judge Applications
Interested in judging for Citron?
Please email admin@citrononline.org with:
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A summary of your Speech and Debate experience
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The events you are qualified to judge
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A sample Reason for Decision (RFD)
Applicants must have graduated from high school and possess prior competitive Speech and Debate experience.
Important Resources
Before competing, please review:
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NSDA High School Unified Manual (Official Event Rules)
Stay Connected
Instagram: @nsdacitron
Facebook: NSDA Citron League
We are excited to announce our partnership with Ascend Speech and Debate! Summer 2027 Ascend Camp Auction: open to everyone!
Bid on one of 9 donated Ascend Speech & Debate seats (Online, Florida, California). Every winning bid supports Citron. Bid here
Not bidding? New Ascend families save $100 with code CITRON100 at ascendspeech.org/ascend-store.
Citron receives a commission when CITRON100 is used on a qualifying enrollment.
Tournament Payments
Tournament entry fees and judge buyouts may be paid online at: