Alternative District Qualification Method Application

The National Speech & Debate Association is piloting a one-year program for the 2025-2026 season that allows up to 25% of districts to test alternative methods for qualifying students to the National Tournament.

To be considered for this pilot, district chairs must submit a detailed application outlining their proposed alternative qualification system by September 15, 2025. These applications will go through a review process by the national office, with selections capped at 25% of districts. Approved districts will be notified by October 1, 2025.

Learn more about the pilot alternative qualification process.

Chair Name

First Last

District

Describe your district’s proposed alternative qualification method in detail, including but not limited to: eligibility standards, fees, and how you will order alternates.

Explain why current NSDA qualification rules do not serve the schools and students in your district. How does the proposed alternative serve them better?

Please describe the methods you used to solicit feedback from the coaches in your district about this proposed method.

Attach a copy of the feedback you received from coaches in your district.

Max. file size: 195 MB.

What challenges or drawbacks will using this method create in your district, and how will you attempt to overcome them?

How does your proposed qualification method impact the overall opportunity for different types of schools and students to participate? Take into account past Nationals attendance, whether schools have ever had the opportunity to participate in the National Tournament, and schools which already have auto-qualifiers.

I have surveyed my District Committee members and 2/3 or more of them approve of this alternative qualification method.(Required)

Yes

I have surveyed my district's schools and 2/3 or more of them approve of this alternative qualification method.(Required)

Yes

Phone

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