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2026 NSDA National Tournament Judge Grant

    National Tournament Judge Grant

    The National Speech & Debate Tournament is the premier event for middle and high school speech and debate—and the largest interscholastic competition in the world. The strength of this tournament depends not only on the talent of its competitors but also on the quality, experience, and diverse perspectives of its judge pool. While many outstanding coaches attend each year with their teams, we recognize that some qualified individuals may wish to participate as judges, but are not attending the tournament with a school.

    To enhance our judge pool, we are offering a limited number of judge grants to assist with travel costs for individuals not previously planning to attend the National Tournament. Please note the following details:

    • Grants may only partially cover costs.
    • Recipients must be independent at the tournament. This grant is not to be used for school judges.
    • Recipients are not eligible to receive this grant in consecutive years. If you received a grant last year, you are not eligible to receive a grant this year. 

    Logistics and Frequently Asked Questions

    Logistics and Frequently Asked Questions
    a

    Do I need prior experience judging at Nationals?

    Not necessarily—though previous experience will be viewed favorably.
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    How much funding will I receive?

    The range for grants range from $120 to $1500.
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    How will I receive the funds?

     A check will be mailed to the address you provide.
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    I am an active coach of a team, but none of my students are coming to the National Tournament. Am I eligible to apply?

    Yes
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    I have an assistant coach who could attend the National Tournament and judge for our school if they received a grant. Should I encourage them to apply?

    No. Recipients must be independent judges at the tournament. This grant is not to be used for judges to attend and judge for a school.
    a

    I received the grant last year—am I eligible to receive it again this year?

    No. Recipients are not eligible to receive this grant in consecutive years.
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    I’m a college senior, two years removed from high school, but currently competing in college. Can I apply?

    Yes, if you are listed as an active coach on an NSDA member school’s roster.

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    Is the grant considered taxable income?

    Yes. Grant recipients must complete an IRS W-9 form and will receive a 1099-NEC for the 2025 tax year. These funds must be reported on your personal tax return. You may deduct allowable business travel expenses related to your NSDA judging assignment—be sure to save your receipts and consult IRS guidelines or a tax professional.
    a

    What are the eligibility requirements to judge at Nationals?

    Judges must be at least two years removed from high school competition, listed as a coach on an official NSDA roster, and have successfully completed Levels 1 and 2 of the NSDA Judge Accreditation. All recipients are expected to show proof of a background check conducted in the twelve months or undergo a background check at the NSDA’s expense.
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    What criteria will be used to assess grant applications?

    Applicants will be judged using a rubric that evaluates judging experience, knowledge of speech and debate, coaching track record, availability, judge pool needs, and overall quality of the application.
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    What does the grant cover?

    The grant is intended to assist with the cost of travel, lodging, etc. Judges who are selected will be responsible for organizing their own travel to the tournament, transportation to tournament sites, lodging, and food.

    Please note: This grant is intended for judges who are not already planning to attend the National Tournament.
    a

    What if I’m awarded a grant but can’t attend or fulfill my judging commitment?

    If you cannot attend or fulfill your judging commitment, you will be required to repay the full amount of the grant. We strongly recommend booking refundable travel in case your plans change unexpectedly.
    a

    When is the National Tournament?

    Competition runs from Monday, June 15, through Friday, June 19. Priority will be given to applicants who are available for the entirety of the competition.
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    Who is the ideal candidate for this grant?

    Recipients should have a strong reputation for excellence in judging, a proven track record of providing effective and constructive feedback, and a deep commitment to educational judging. Applicants must be eligible to judge at the National Tournament and not already committed to judging for a school. Recipients are expected to serve exclusively in a judging capacity while onsite and must refrain from providing coaching or instruction to any students during the tournament.

    Nomination Process

    • Nomination form opens April 1, 2026.
    • A team of NSDA staff members will use a rubric to vet each applicant.
    • Applicants will be notified of funding decisions. 
    • Recipients must accept funding within one week of receiving their offer. 
    • The NSDA will send funds to recipients.  

    Note: Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until all available funds are awarded. Recipients may not receive checks until late May. However, no grants will be awarded after May 30, 2026.

    2026 National Tournament Judge Grant Application

    The application is now closed.