National Speech & Debate Association

09/17/2026

The Keith West Memorial Fund School Grants were put in place for teams that have limited resources but are striving to make a big impact in their school and student body.

Learn more and apply for a grant today - https://bit.ly/3yjzUT0.

Applications close October 1.

09/01/2026

We're excited to announce that Tabroom.com will soon be celebrating 1 million users! 🎉

The first edition of Tabroom was created more than 20-years ago. Today, the tournament management system hosts speech and debate competitions across the world!

From public pairings, to judging tools, online ballots, and results, the platform has changed a lot over the years, including being hosted by the NSDA!

We have some fun games, trivia, and prizes planned this month to celebrate this huge milestone!

Ask your tabroom questions in the comments, you'll get the chance to have them answered and even win a prize!

08/31/2026

We are saddened to share that Jana Riggins has passed away.

In addition to being a dedicated teacher and coach for 50 years, Jana served as the director of the University Interscholastic League (UIL) for 30 years. Her passion for speech and debate, commitment to helping others and unparalleled work ethic made her an invaluable pillar of the Texas speech and debate community, with an impact that extended far beyond the state.

Her contributions have left a lasting impact, and her legacy will live on through the countless students, teachers and colleagues she inspired.

View Jana Kay Riggins's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

08/21/2026

Congratulations to the new members of the 2026-27 USA Debate Team and Development Team!

We can’t wait to cheer on these talented debaters.

08/14/2026

Keith West dedicated his life to coaching and teaching youth in the ways of argumentation and debate. To honor his life and legacy, Keith’s family and friends have established the Keith West Memorial Fund School Grant to provide one $5,000, two $2,500 grants, and five $1,000 grants to support speech and debate teams who have strong potential but lack financial resources. Applications are open! Find out more and apply here ➡️ https://bit.ly/3yjzUT0

07/25/2026

5TH IN THE WORLD! 🇺🇸 🌍
What an incredible week for Team USA at the World Schools Debating Championships.
Competing in the largest World Schools Debating Championships in history, with 73 nations represented, Team USA finished 5th in the world after an impressive run to the Quarterfinals.
Team USA also earned an incredible five speaker awards:

⭐ 1st: Aayush Appan
⭐ 2nd: Anthony Babu
⭐ 11th: Aaron Tian
⭐ 14th: Divya Beeram
⭐ 16th: Ishaan Quazi

For the second year in a row, Team USA is home to the top speaker in the world! 🏆
We're so proud of the way these students represented the United States on the world stage.
Join us in congratulating Team USA on an extraordinary achievement!

07/17/2026

2-0 and just getting started! 🎉 🇺🇸
Team USA has officially kicked off competition at the World Schools Debating Championship in Nairobi with an undefeated first day.

From practicing with teams from around the world to learning firsthand about Kenya's Special Economic Zones from Hon. Eric Simiyu Wafukho, our students are embracing every opportunity to learn, compete, and connect through debate.

We're proud to watch them represent Team USA on the world stage.
Follow along this week and join us in cheering on Team USA as they continue their journey in Nairobi!

07/13/2026

Missing Richmond already? 🦅

Relive the memories of the 2026 National Speech & Debate Tournament with custom apparel. If you missed the merch table or want one more keepsake, it's not too late to order!

⏰ Hurry! The online store is only available for a limited time, so don't wait. ➡️ https://bit.ly/4fcNvwH

07/07/2026

Last year, we spearheaded a bold vision for the future of speech and debate.

This year, we’re continuing the momentum.

The National Speech & Debate Initiative is focused on strengthening and expanding speech and debate opportunities for students and communities across the country as we begin our organization’s next 100 years.

Learn more about the initiative on our website now!
➡️ https://www.speechanddebate.org/nsdi/