Debate Events

LINCOLN-DOUGLAS DEBATE
  1. The resolution is a proposition of value, not policy. Debaters are to develop argumentation on the resolution in its entirety, based on conflicting underlying principles and values to support their positions. To that end, they are not responsible for practical applications. No plan or counterplan shall be offered by either debater. 
  2. In making the decision, the judges should ask the following questions: 
    1. Which debater was more persuasive? 
    2. Did the debater support his or her position appropriately, using logical argumentation throughout and evidence when necessary? 
    3. Which debater communicated more effectively? Speed, word choice, and delivery all count. 
  3. Since this is a debate, clash is necessary. It may be direct clash or clash by opposing principles. Thus, the debate does not have to match point for point. 
  4. Good judges make decisions only on what was debated by the contestants. If the judges consider an argument to be flawed, but the opponent does not refute it, the original argument must stand. If, however, there is a clash, then the judges decide which argument is more persuasive. 
  5. Judges may not discuss the progress of the debate either with each other or with the debaters. 
  6. The judges should distance themselves from the content of the debate. Personal values of the judges should not influence the decision. 
​Lincoln Douglas Debate Ballot
POLICY DEBATE
  • ​Each team, comprised of 2 debaters each representing the same member school, shall be prepared to debate both sides of the proposition selected by the NCFL. The proposition normally selected by the NCFL shall be the proposition selected by the National Federation Debate Topic Selection Committee (NFDTSC) at its annual meeting. Announcement of the topic shall be made to all member Leagues and Independent School members by the Permanent Tournament Director who shall serve as the NCFL representative to the NFDTSC. The problem area selected by the NFDTSC shall define the context of the debates at the Tournament.
  • Debaters may use visual aids if they contribute to the presentation.
​Policy Debate Ballot
PUBLIC FORUM DEBATE
  • Public Forum Debate is a team event that advocates or rejects a position posed by the resolution. Each team shall be comprised of two debaters, each representing the same member school. The focus of the debate is a clash of ideas in a persuasive manner that can be understood by a “lay” judge. Good debaters should display logic and analysis. They should use evidence when needed. They should win their case and refute that of their opponents. They should communicate effectively, using the fundamentals of good speaking. There are no burdens on either side. 
  • Order and time limits of the debate: 
    1. First Pro Constructive: 4 minutes 
    2. First Con Constructive: 4 minutes 
    3. Crossfire: 3 minutes (Note: the Con asks the first question; thereafter, either debater can ask questions). 
    4. Second Pro: 4 minutes 
    5. Second Con: 4 minutes 
    6. Crossfire: 3 minutes (Note: the Pro asks the first question; thereafter, either debater can ask questions). 
    7. First Pro Summary: 3 minutes 
    8. First Con Summary: 3 minutes 
    9. Grand Crossfire: 3 minutes (Note: one member of the Pro team asks the first question; thereafter, any debater may ask questions). 
    10. Second Pro Final Focus: 2 minutes 
    11. Second Con Final Focus: 2 minutes 
    12. Prep Time: 3 minutes/team 
  • In making the decision, the judges should ask the following questions: 
    • Which team is more persuasive? 
    • Did the debaters back up their assertions with logical thinking and evidence when needed?
    • Were the debaters fair in their interpretation of the resolution and one another’s statements? 
    • Were the arguments intelligent? Did the debaters try to use many weak arguments instead of a few solid ones? 
    • Did the debaters speak in such a way that their ideas were understandable? 
    • Were the debaters courteous and professional? 
  • Judges may not discuss the debate either with each other or with the debaters. 
  • The judges should distance themselves from the content of the debate. Personal values should not influence the decision. 
Public Forum Debate Ballot
STUDENT CONGRESS
Student Congress will consist of three preliminary sessions, and a Semi-Final and Final Session. 
  • The goal for the size of preliminary chambers will be 18 members. If there are 216 entries or less, as of 1 week prior to the Grand National Tournament, there will be 12 preliminary chambers. If there are more than 216 entries prior to the Grand National Tournament, then there will be an additional chamber added for every 18 entries above 216, or fraction thereof. Five members will advance from each Chamber to the Semi-Finals. Selection will be as defined in the NCFL Student Congress Manual. 
  • The qualifiers for Semi-Finals will be distributed into approximately equal chambers of 16 to 20 students. There will be four Scorers and a Parliamentarian for each Semi-Final Chamber. Six to eight members will advance from each Semi-Final Chamber to the Grand Final Session of 24 students. Selection will be as defined in the NCFL Student Congress Manual. 
  • There will be four Scorers and a Parliamentarian for the Grand Final Session. Selection to determine the National Champion will be as defined in the NCFL Student Congress Manual. 
  • The chambers will hold three preliminary sessions, meeting for a total of 7.5 hours, preceded by a 30 minute caucus and committee session to set the Preliminary Agenda. Semi-Finals and Grand Finals will consist of two two-hour sessions, with Presiding Officers elected for each. 
  • The bills and resolutions that will be debated by the chambers are placed in a packet by the NCFL Clerk of Congress. The Clerk of Congress attempts to select legislation that encourages educational debate on a wide range of subjects. Each diocese entering students is encouraged to submit legislation, and may submit up to two items. Submission of legislation for the tournament must be done using the templates found on the NCFL website; legislation that does not utilize the templates will not be accepted. A committee established by the NCFL National Tournament Director and the Clerk of the Congress shall select four pieces of submitted legislation for each of the Preliminary sessions, and five pieces of legislation for each of the Elimination sessions. Submitting legislation, and its selection by the committee, does not confer authorship, sponsorship, or other special rights on any student representing the diocese during competition. 
Congress Manual (Student Congress) - Current Version: Fall 2025 (for use at NCFL2026)
Parliamentarian Duties (Student Congress) - Current Version: 2015
Bill Template for Download (Student Congress) - Current Version: 2015
Resolution Template for Download (Student Congress) - Current Version: 2015
Amendment Template for Download (Student Congress) - Current Version: 2015
NCFL 2026 | Washington, D.C. | May 23-24, 2026
​NCFLnationals.org