First Annual Civic Education Debate Tournament Congressional Debate

America 250, Indiana University Bloomington

Saturday, October 10, 2026 · Ballantine Hall, IU Bloomington

Schedule

A full day of debate built around three sessions, with breaks, lunch, and time to meet the people who keep our republic running. Check-in opens at 8:00 a.m.; the day runs to 6:00 p.m., with awards from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m.

Tentative schedule

The structure below — registration, three sessions, lunch, a forum, and awards — is set. Exact minutes may shift as registration numbers are confirmed. Watch the event page for the final schedule and room assignments.

The day at a glance

Tentative day-of schedule (Congressional Debate)
TimeWhat’s happening
8:00 – 8:30 a.m.Registration & check-in. All competitors, judges, and observers check in and pick up materials. Every adult entering the building must bring a government-issued photo ID; we are required to inspect each one at check-in. Photographs and/or video will be taken at this event. By taking part in this event, you grant the event organizers full rights to use the images resulting from the photography/video filming, and any reproductions or adaptations of the images for fundraising, publicity or other purposes to help achieve the group’s aims. This might include (but is not limited to), the right to use them in their printed and online publicity, social media, press releases and funding applications. If you do not wish to be photographed, please inform an event organizer.
8:30 – 9:00 a.m.Welcome & orientation for students, families, and judges, with a video greeting from Chancellor David A. Reingold (competitors in BH 013; judges in BH 003).
9:00 – 10:30 a.m.Session 1. Choose a Presiding Officer, set the agenda, and debate.
10:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.Session 2. Students move to a newly mixed chamber.
12:15 – 1:45 p.m.Lunch. Provided for participants; you are also welcome to bring your own food and snacks.
1:45 – 3:15 p.m.Session 3.
3:15 – 3:45 p.m.Break. Walk to Woodburn Hall 100 for the Founding Documents Forum.
3:45 – 4:45 p.m.Founding Documents Forum. In Woodburn Hall 100. Interim Executive Dean Caroline Chick Jarrold introduces Honorary Chief Judge Dawn Johnsen for short remarks and an open Q&A.
5:00 – 6:00 p.m.Awards ceremony in Woodburn Hall 100. Trophies, medallions, and ribbons for top finishers (the number of places awarded depends on each division’s entries), a commemorative keepsake for every participant, and team sweepstakes.

What each session looks like

Every session follows the same shape (full detail on the Format & Rules page):

  1. Choose a Presiding Officer (about 3–5 minutes). Because chambers are re-formed each session, a new Presiding Officer is chosen each time.
  2. Confirm the agenda — which bill(s) to debate.
  3. Debate — alternating speeches, each followed by a short questioning period.
  4. Vote on the legislation, then move to the next bill or close.

Students are placed with a different mix of debaters in each session. Over the day most students give several speeches, plus questioning, and several have the chance to preside.

Devices

Under ISSDA debate rules, competitors may use laptops, tablets, and printed notes during sessions, including internet research, but may not communicate with coaches or anyone outside the chamber. Judges use a device to submit ballots at live.speechwire.com. Full policy on the Format & Rules page.

What to bring

What to wear

Business attire is encouraged but not required, and judges are instructed not to factor wardrobe into their rankings. Many students enjoy dressing up; if that is not an option for you, that is completely fine. Comfortable and respectful is perfect.

For families and observers

Parents, educators, and civic leaders are warmly invited to observe and judge. No debate experience is needed to judge — the Judge Guide tells you everything. Sessions are open to observers; please enter and exit between speeches.

Next: learn the Format & Rules, then head to the Student Guide to prepare.