CHSSA is the statewide governing organization for speech and debate in California. Each spring, students compete in speech, debate, and congress events at a league and area level with top qualifiers advancing to the prestigious annual State Championship. This in‑person event draws thousands of competitors from across the state to Culver City to showcase persuasive speaking, interpretation, and analytical skills across formats like Policy, Lincoln‑Douglas, Public Forum, Original Oratory, Duo and other events. Judges are required at specific ratios per entries, and schools must provide adjudicators or forfeit judge deposits. The competition emphasizes skill development, critical thinking, and civic engagement through performance and adjudicated rounds.