Getting started

Do I need any debate experience?

None at all. The College division is Novice, the rules are simplified, free training resources are provided, and an adult Convention Clerk handles the procedural details on the day. This event has never been run before — every delegate is a first-timer.

Who can participate?

The College (Novice) division is primarily intended for Indiana University Bloomington students, and is open to other college students on a case-by-case basis. (Middle and high school students compete in other divisions of the tournament.)

How much does it cost?

Entry fees are waived through the generous support of The Walter Center for Career Achievement, and food and beverages are complimentary courtesy of community partners. Participants provide their own transportation.

How do I register?

Through SpeechWire.com, opening August 10 and closing September 10 at 5 p.m. College students may register individually or with a group; questions about registration can go to [email protected].

What is Constitutional Convention Debate, in one sentence?

Students serve as delegates to a modern constitutional convention, giving short speeches for and against proposed amendments, questioning one another, offering perfecting amendments, and voting under a two-thirds adoption rule. See the Overview.

What the day is like

How long is the day?

The day runs 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with awards from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. The convention meets in two extended sessions (9:00–12:00 and 12:45–3:45), each with a built-in recess, plus lunch. See the Schedule.

How much will I speak?

A lot — that’s by design. Across two long sessions, most delegates give several speeches, ask and answer many questions, and may move amendments or preside.

What should I bring and wear?

Your prepared notes for both sides of every proposal, a pocket Constitution if you have one, and something to write with. Competitors use pen and paper only during sessions. Business attire is encouraged but not required, and judges will not factor wardrobe into rankings — comfortable and respectful is perfect. Full list on the Schedule page.

Is lunch provided?

Yes — complimentary food and beverages are provided, and you’re welcome to bring your own food and snacks too. If you have dietary needs, please note them at registration; we will try to accommodate dietary restrictions.

I get nervous speaking. Is that okay?

Completely okay, and common. Every delegate in this event is doing it for the very first time, judges score against a novice standard, and a calm two-minute speech is a success. The Delegate Guide has tips.

Fairness and viewpoints

What will the proposals be about?

Questions the framers argued about and Americans still argue about: the structure of government, the powers of the branches, and rights of conscience and privacy. The Sample Proposals page shows the style; the exact October docket comes later.

Will I be pushed toward a political viewpoint?

No. Delegates prepare and may be asked to argue both sides of every proposal — they don’t choose a side and aren’t advocating their own. Judges score the quality of reasoning, never the position. The two-thirds rule rewards persuading people who disagree with you, not outvoting them.

How is judging kept fair?

Judges are instructed to reward clear reasoning, solid evidence, responsiveness, and courtesy — and not whether they personally agree (see the Judge Guide). Multiple independent judges score each session.

Scoring and awards

How are winners decided?

Each speech is scored 1–6 (6 is best), and judges rank the delegates each session (1st is best). Rankings combine across both sessions to decide placements, with points as tiebreakers. Details on the Format & Rules page.

What can I win?

Top finishers are recognized with premium awards. Every participant receives a commemorative keepsake; no one leaves empty-handed.

Does presiding help or hurt?

It helps. The Convention President is scored for running a fair, smooth convention, so volunteering to lead counts toward awards just like speaking. So does a well-crafted perfecting amendment.

Access and logistics

I need an accommodation. What should I do?

Please let us know as soon as possible so that we can do our best to meet your needs. Email Professor Candy Brown at [email protected] or text 812-269-2710. See the Accessibility page for what’s available.

Where do we park?

Free car parking (including ADA-accessible spaces) is available in the nearby Sycamore surface lot and the Atwater garage; free bus parking at the Stadium. Directions and room assignments will be posted by early October on the event page.

Can family and friends watch?

Yes. Sessions are open to observers (after showing a government-issued photo ID at check-in); please enter and exit between speeches. Observers are also warmly invited to judge — see the Judge Guide.

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Still have a question? Check the Format & Rules for the mechanics, the Glossary for any unfamiliar word, or email Professor Candy Brown at [email protected] or text 812-269-2710.