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NSDA Judge Pool Diversity Initiative

    Attracting judges with diverse perspectives and experiences at the National Tournament remains a high priority and a continued area of focus. We are proud of our growth in this area, but realize that there is much work to be done. Our students must understand the inevitable reality that they will engage in diverse spaces, and participation at the National Tournament should be a space for such engagement to happen. We seek to afford all students the opportunity to see images of themselves in national elimination rounds and affirm that they could one day be elimination round judges. We will work to do better because our students deserve it!                                                    
    In our efforts to increase the diversity of judges at the National Tournament, the NSDA is proud to introduce a Judge Pool Diversity Initiative for the 2023 National Tournament. We have allotted funds to help incentivize judges who add to the representational diversity of our pool to judge at the National Tournament. This money will help cover travel, lodging, meals, and compensation for approved applicants. These funds will be reserved for judges who are not traveling to the tournament to cover the judging obligation of a school.
    Group of people working together in a classroom setting

    Logistics & Frequently Asked Questions 

    How much funding will I receive and what does it cover?
    The amount you receive is dependent upon your committed stay and requested amount with a maxiumum of $2,000.
    This funding will be provided in advance, via a mailed check, upon your commitment to attend and completion of necessary paperwork. Funds may be used in any way necessary to guarantee the judge is able to fulfill their commitment. Approved applicants will use the stipend to arrange their own transportation to Phoenix, ground transportation, hotel, and meals.
    I am already judging for a school at the tournament. Can I still apply?

    No, funds are reserved for judges to come to Phoenix who would not otherwise be judging at the National Tournament. However, if you are already attending the tournament and know you plan to leave prior to Friday, please email us at dei@speechanddebate.org to discuss whether a smaller stipend to stay an extra day would be feasible.

    When is the National Tournament?

    Competition begins on Monday, June 12th and runs through Friday, June 16th. The full schedule can be found here.

    What type of applicants are you seeking?
    • All National Tournament judges must be at least 2 years removed from competition at the high school level.
    • All judges must complete an NSDA judge training course prior to attending the National Tournament. 
    • We are seeking applicants that increase the respresentational diversity and experience levels of our judging panels. All applicants will be asked to complete a demographics questionnaire, and all applicants will be asked to demonstrate their speech and debate background or experience in performing arts.
    What if I am awarded money and later find out that I cannot attend or fulfill the entirety of my paid commitment?

    In the case of cancellation, you will be responsible for repaying to the NSDA the awarded amount in full. Should you have concerns about potentially repaying grant funds resulting from your inability to attend the tournament, we recommend that you make refundable travel reservations. 

    Will this money be considered taxable income?

    Yes. On award, you will be required to provide a completed form IRS W-9 and will receive a form 1099-NEC for 2023. You will need to report the funds received as income on your personal tax return. You can follow IRS business travel expense guidelines and deduct all allowable expenses for the duration of your NSDA work assignment at the National Tournament. Save your receipts!

    Application

    We appreciate your interest. Applications for 2023 are closed. Please consider applying to join us in 2024!
    All applications for 2023 will be reviewed. Factors including (but not limited to) geography will be considered as part of the selection process.
    For more information, please contact .