Debate requires students to argue both for and against a “resolution,” or overall topic for the year. Learning to argue both sides of a topic where thinking people can disagree with integrity teaches students how to listen well, think on their feet, and argue graciously.
NCFCA 2026-2027 Debate Events
Team Policy Debate
Two debaters propose a specific plan for reform within a resolution while two debaters oppose the plan or resolution. This event explores a clash of morally defensible public policy stances, simulating argumentation in a legislative body.
Resolved: The United States Federal Government should significantly reform its foreign policy toward the Republic of Turkey (Türkiye).
Lincoln-Douglas Value Debate
One debater affirms the resolution while another opposes or negates it. Named after the famous debates between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas, this event explores a philosophical clash of competing but morally defensible values.
Resolved: It is just for a criminal justice system to value retribution over rehabilitation.