American Debate League Fall and Winter HS Classic

Location:

Dual format—events have been held in person (e.g. Brooklyn, NY) and virtually in recent years

Cost:

Varies ($30 to $65 per participant, depending on year and division)

Contest Date:

Typical Fall Classic in early November; Winter Classic in December (e.g. November 5 and December 17 in 2016)

Application Deadlines:

Registration generally closes a few days prior to the tournament (e.g. Oct 19 for Fall Classic, Oct 22 fee deadline)

Eligibility:

Open to high school students (grades 9–12)

The American Debate League Fall and Winter High School Classics are competitive public forum and policy debate tournaments designed to develop students into stronger thinkers, speakers, and leaders. Participants engage in structured rounds where they build arguments, rebut opposing views, and present persuasive cases across current-event topics. The league emphasizes accessibility and skill development for novice and experienced debaters alike.

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Please note: This information is compiled from publicly available sources and may change from year to year. Dates, locations, fees, and other details are subject to updates—please verify all information directly on the official competition website before applying.