21 Century Debate Institution

"Skills" Debate Championship (2023)
2023-04-29 17:00 - 21:00 (America/Kentucky/Louisville) | California
21st Century “Skills” Debate Championship (Grades 4-9th)

We are hosting a “skills” debate event… to learn more, please read the information below…
Date: Saturday, April 29, 2023 (Sunday, April 30th in Korea).
Time (US, Eastern): Saturday, 5:00-9:00 PM.
Time (US, Pacific): Saturday, 2:00-6:00 PM.
Time (Korea/Asia): Sunday, 6:00-10:00 AM.
Location: Online (using Zoom – same information as before).
ORIENTATION VIDEOS (ALL) = See “Schedule” Below.
RESULTS: [HERE]
DETAILS (PDF): This event requires no experience, we develop skills and gain a little recognition for excellent results. We are scheduling four full debates along with the crossfire event. Participate as a debater, judge, and/or observer. We need judges of all experience levels, including beginners. This event is low-cost and open to everyone. Anyone in grades 4th-9th can compete. Volunteerism is encouraged (letters for service hours) are available.

This event adds the following changes… An extra speech = Voting Issues (after the crossfire!). The ballots will be changed slightly to reflect these changes.
Topic: “On-Balance, boycotting the ‘Fast Fashion’ industry would be desirable“.
[Event Guidelines] [Research Page] [Evidence Packet] [Sample Outlines]* (*Done!)
“21st Century Skills” Debate: Each debater chooses their own partner, or has a partner assigned at the event. No prior experience in public speaking or debate is required. This event is open to the public, so anyone may participate. Each speaker from each team (two students per team) will present one argument. After two minutes of preparation time, each speaker will refute one of the opposing team’s arguments. After another two minutes of prep time, each speaker will defend their argument (a rejoinder speech). A three-minute “crossfire,” will occur after the rejoinder speeches. Then there will be a final two minutes of preparation time, followed by a “voting issues” speech lasting one minute per person. This will end the debate. After the debate, judges will provide feedback (but not disclose the winning team).
Divisions: Grades 4-6th, and 6-9th (Grade 6 students can choose the division they prefer). Grade 3 students are welcome – with prior permission.
Schedule (Eastern Time): We will be using a ‘fixed’ schedule for these debates (punctuality is very important).
4:45 pm to 5:00 pm: Orientation Videos: [For Everyone (10 min)] [For Judges (20 min)] & [Skills Ballot]
5:10 pm to 6:00 pm: Round 1 (Posting = 4:30 pm) [Click Here]
6:10 pm to 7:00 pm: Round 2 (Posting = 5:30 pm) [Click Here]
7:10 pm to 8:00 pm: Round 3 (Posting = 7:00 pm) [Click Here]
8:10 pm to 9:00 pm: Round 4 (Posting = 8:00 pm) [Click Here]
Crossfire Only Debates = Between debate rounds, please visit the breakout room in Zoom for “Crossfires.”
[Crossfire Judging (8 min)] & [Crossfire Ballot]
PRIZES: We will have a prize (trophies and medallions) for the top teams, top speakers, and top crossfire debaters.
For more information, please contact the tournament organizer:
Bill Eddy aka “Coach Bill”
billeddy@21stcenturydebate.org
COST: $10.00 per competitor (judges & observers = no cost).

Wyatt Debate League (April 22, 2023)
2023-04-22 07:30 - 16:00 | California
“Wilson Wyatt Debate League” Online Debate Event (Grades 6*-12th)

They are hosting a “public forum” debate event… to learn more, please read the information provided below…
Date: Saturday, April 22, 2022.
Time (Eastern): Saturday, 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM.
Location: In-person (at Trinity High School) and Online (using NSDA Classroom).
Invitation: PDF

DETAILS (PDF): This event does not require experience, yet it is important to understand the skills and expectations.

IMPORTANT: This event uses the Public Forum Debate format.
NSDA Campus (Testing is REQUIRED!): HERE
PF Debate “How to” (Video): HERE
PF Debate Explained (PDF): HERE
PF Debate “Topic Lecture” Video (Debate Track): HERE
PF Debate “Demonstration” Video (DebateUS): HERE

The U.S. Federal Government should ban the collection of personal data through biometric recognition technology.
[Research] [Evidence] [Register]
DIVISIONS: Grades 6*-12th.
*We can take mature 4th graders and older – please ask permission if you’re not yet in grade 5.
Novice = In your first year of debate (this includes all formats), or fewer than 3 debates the previous year.
JV and Varsity are up to the debaters and their coach to decide!
SCHEDULE (Eastern Time):
Round 1: 08:00 AM
Round 2: 09:00 AM
Round 3: 10:00 AM
Round 4: 11:00 AM
Lunch: 12:00 PM
Semis: 01:00 PM
Awards: 02:15 PM
Finals: 02:45 PM

PRIZES: We/They will have a prize (medallions) for the top teams, and the top speakers.
COST: $5.00 per person (+Judging $50 per judge divided among each of the participants – one judge is required for every 4 debaters).
Note: Last time they charged us $0.00 per person and we had enough parents to cover the judging requirement.
For more information, please contact the tournament organizer:
Bill Eddy aka “Coach Bill” (billeddy@21stcenturydebate.org).

"Future Leader" Debates (Winter 2023)
2023-02-25 17:00 - 20:30 | Zoom Meeting, 172 Streamwood, Irvine, CA, 92620, United States
“21st Century Skills” Online Debate Event (Grades 4-9th)

We are hosting a “skills” debate event… to learn more, please read the information provided below…
Date: Saturday, February 25, 2022 (Sunday, Feb. 26th in Korea).
Time (Eastern): Saturday, 5pm-8:30pm.
Time (Pacific): Saturday, 2pm-5:30pm.
Time (Korea/Asia): Sunday, 7am-10:15am.
Location: Online (using Zoom) – To be announced later (same information as last time).
RESULTS (Feb 26th, 3am ET): Here.
DETAILS (PDF): This event requires no experience, we can develop skills, gain a little recognition for excellent results. We are scheduling three full debates along with the crossfire event. Participate as a debater, judge, and/or observer. We need judges of all experience levels, including beginners. This event is free and open to everyone. It should be considered a low-stress, enjoyable way to build up our confidence and our speaking/debating skills. Anyone in grades 4-9th, can compete. Parents are welcome! Volunteerism is encouraged (letters of appreciation & service hours) are available for any volunteers.

SIGNIFICANT CHANGES: This event adds the following changes… 1.) Please cite your sources, 2.) Prep Time: 2 minutes (instead of three), and 3.) Extra Speech: Defending your argument (Rejoinder). The ballots will be changed slightly to reflect these changes. Also… these changes were always intended for the second half of the school year (FYI).
Topic: “On-Balance, ‘Artificial Intelligence’ is desirable“. [Research]
“21st Century Skills” Debate: Each debater may choose their own partner, or have a partner assigned to them on the day of the event. No prior experience in public speaking or debate is required. This event is open to the public, so anyone may participate. Each speaker from each team (two students per team) will present one argument. After two minutes of preparation time, each speaker will refute one of the opposing team’s arguments. After another two minutes or prep time, each speaker will defend their argument (a rejoinder speech). Finally, there is a three-minute “crossfire,” which will end the debate. After the debate ends, judge(s) will give feedback.
Divisions: Grades 4-6th, and 6-9th (Grade 6 students can choose the division they prefer).
Schedule (Eastern Time): We will be using a ‘fixed’ schedule for these debates (punctuality is important).
5:00pm to 5:15pm: Orientation and Judge/Student Training
5:15pm to 6:10pm: Round 1
6:20pm to 7:15pm: Round 2
7:20pm to 8:15pm: Round 3
8:30pm = End of the Event

PRIZES: We will have a prize (medallions) for top teams, top speakers, and crossfire debating.
For more information, please contact the tournament organizer:
Bill Eddy aka “Coach Bill”
billeddy@21stcenturydebate.org
COST: $0.00 per person (free).

Wilson Wyatt Debate League (Feb 11, 2023)
2023-02-11 07:30 - 17:00 | California
“Wilson Wyatt Debate League” Online Debate Event (Grades 6*-12th)

They are hosting a “public forum” debate event… to learn more, please read the information provided below…
Date: Saturday, February 11, 2022.
Time (Eastern): Saturday, 7:15am-5pm.
Location: In-person (at Trinity High School) and Online (using NSDA Classroom).
Invitation: DOC
Results (Wyatt Debate League): Here.

[1st] First Place (JVPF): Aaron G. & Aarav T.
[1st] First Place (Speaker): Aaron G.
[2nd] Second Place (Speaker): Aarav T.
[5th] Marino & Saturday, 3-2 (229.25)
[7th] Top Ten (Speaker): Alyssa M.
[7th] Dhar & Vaish, 3-2 (207.27)
[8th] Top Ten (Speaker): Athena S.
[8th] Cornea, Rana/Rana, 3-2 (201.0)

DETAILS (PDF): This event does not require experience, yet it is important to understand the skills and expectations.

IMPORTANT: This event uses the Public Forum Debate format.
PF Debate “How to” (Video): HERE
PF Debate Explained (It has been updated): PDF
PF Debate “Topic Lecture” Video (Debate Track: Right to Work): HERE
PF Debate “Demonstration” Video (DebateUS: Right to Work): HERE

Debate topic: In the United States, right-to-work laws do more harm than good. [Research]
DIVISIONS: Grades 6*-12th.
*We can take mature 4th graders and older – please ask permission if you’re not yet grade 5.
Novice = In your first year of debate (this includes all formats), or fewer than 3 debates the previous year.
JV and Varsity are up to the debaters and their coach to decide!
SCHEDULE (Eastern Time):
Round 1: 08:00 AM
Round 2: 09:30 AM
Round 3: 11:00 AM
Lunch: 12:00 PM
Round 4: 01:00 PM
Round 5: 02:15 PM
Semis: 03:30 PM
Awards: 04:30 PM
Finals: [After Awards]

PRIZES: We will have a prize (medallions) for top teams, and top speakers.
COST: $5.00 per person (+Judging $50 per judge divided among each of the participants – one judge is required for every 4 debaters).
For more information, please contact the tournament organizer:
Bill Eddy aka “Coach Bill” (billeddy@21stcenturydebate.org).

Snow Globe Debates (December 2022)
2022-12-17 17:00 - 20:00 | Zoom Meeting, 172 Streamwood, Irvine, CA, 92620, United States
“21st Century Skills” Online Debate Event (Grades 4-8)

We are hosting a “skills” debate event… to learn more, please read the information provided below…
Date: Saturday, December 17, 2022 (Sunday, Dec 18th in Korea).
Time (Eastern): Saturday, 5pm-8pm.
Time (Pacific): Saturday, 2pm-5pm.
Time (Korea/Asia): Sunday, 7am-10am.
Location: Online (using Zoom) – To be announced later (same information as last time).
Results for the “Snow Globe” Debate Event (Dec 17th): Click Here.
BALLOTS (for Judges):
1. Full Debate Ballot: 21st Century Debate.
2. “Crossfire” Debate Ballot: Crossfire Only!

DETAILS (PDF): This event requires no experience, we are doing this for fun and a little bit of recognition for excellent skills. We are hoping for 3 full debates and lots of crossfires. People can participate as debaters, judges, and/or observers. We need judges of all experience levels, including beginners. This event is free to everyone and should be considered a low-stress, enjoyable way to compete and build our skills. Anyone in grades 4-8, can compete. Parents are welcome! Volunteerism is encouraged (letters of appreciation & service hours) are available for any volunteers.
Debate topic: “Colonizing the Moon would be desirable“. [Research]
“21st Century Skills” Debate: Each debater may choose their own partner, or have a partner assigned to them on the day of the event. No prior experience in public speaking or debate is required. Each speaker from each team (two students per team) will present one argument. After three minutes of preparation time, each speaker will refute one of the opposing team’s arguments. Finally, a three-minute “crossfire” will end the debate. The full debate format (with judging instructions): PDF.
Divisions: Grades 4-6th, and 6-8th (Grade 6 students can choose the division they prefer).
PRIZES: We will have a prize (medallions) for top teams, top speakers, and crossfire debating.
For more information, please contact the tournament organizer: Bill Eddy aka “Coach Bill” (billeddy@21stcenturydebate.org).
COST: $0.00 per person (free).

Great Pumpkin Debates (Fall 2022)
2022-10-29 19:00 - 21:00 | Zoom Meeting, 172 Streamwood, Irvine, CA, 92620, United States
“21st Century Skills” Online Debate Event (Grades 4-8)
We hosted a “skills debate” event… to learn more, please click here for more details:
RESULTS: HERE. or XLS (Posted: 2:48 PM PST)
Date: Saturday, October 29, 2022 (Sunday, Oct 30th in Korea).
Time (Eastern): Saturday, 5pm-7pm, 7pm-9pm, or both!
Time (Pacific): Saturday, 2pm-4pm, 4pm-6pm, or both!
Time (Korea/Asia): Sunday, 6am-8am*, 8am-10am, or both!
Description: PDF. Online form for judging the Skills Debate(s): SKILLS DEBATE BALLOT
Description: PDF. Online form for judging the Costume Contest: COSTUME CONTEST BALLOT
Online form for judging the “Crossfire Only!” Debate(s): CROSSFIRES ONLY BALLOT

This event requires no experience, we are doing it for fun. We need judges of all experience levels, including beginners. Students can attend as an observer, a judge, or as a debater. This event is limited to people who have joined the community. Membership is free, the cost of the event is free, and it should be considered a low-stress, highly fun way to celebrate Halloween. Anyone grade 4-8, can attend and can join the costume event.
At this event students will debate the following topic: “High-Speed Rail in the U.S. is desirable“. [Research]
This is “21st Century Skillz” Debate: Each debater may choose their own partner, or have a partner assigned to them on the day of the event. No prior experience in public speaking or debate is required. Each speaker from each team (two students per team) will present one argument. After five minutes of preparation time, each speaker will refute one of the opposing team’s arguments. Finally, a three minute “crossfire” will end the debate. The full debate format (with judging instructions): PDF.
Divisions: Grades 4-6th, and 6-8th (Grade 6 students can choose, which division they prefer).
IMPORTANT: We would like to have debaters/judges wearing costumes (costumes are optional).
PRIZES: We will have a prize (medallions) for some of the students to enjoy.
For more information, please contact the tournament organizer: Bill Eddy (billeddy@21stcenturydebate.org).
COST: $0.00 per person (free).
