Purpose

The Ronald Reagan Great Communicator Debate Series is designed to develop proactive informed, educated, and conscientious citizens and leaders by creating and hosting a national series of high school debates. This nonpartisan debate series will culminate in a National Championship, hosted on-site at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, and will showcase the talents of top ranked high school debaters from diverse regions across the country.

The National Championship itself will promote civic engagement, highlight the legacy of President Reagan as both "The Great Communicator" and a legendary presidential debater, and spotlight several of the nation's most promising high school communicators. Engaging in civil discourse around the principles of government is a hallmark of American democracy, and the Reagan Library has frequently served as a venue for civic and political leaders to examine pressing national and world issues since its inception. National qualifiers will compete to earn the title of the "Ronald Reagan Great Communicator National Champion".

Eligibility

Any student, in grades 9-12, during the 2014-2015 school year, who lives within the United States and is enrolled in an accredited U.S. high school, home school, or home study program is eligible to compete in the Ronald Reagan Great Communicator Debate Series.

Topic

“The United States primary system is an ineffective method for selecting the best possible candidates for president.”

Entries

Entries will be accepted from around the United States.  Entries will be on a first come, first serve basis, up to 8 per school until we reach the entry limit of 100. No unaffiliated entries will be accepted.

Qualifying for Nationals

The top two winners of the online competition will be automatically qualified for Nationals held at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, CA. Each winner will receive a flight and hotel room for themselves and one chaperone each to attend the Nationals. Further details will be given to the winners.

Registration Fee

$20.00 per debater as well as 1 judge for every 2 debaters or fraction thereof. Judges must be over the age of 18 and must be out of high school for at least two years in order to be eligible to judge.

Schedule

Introductory meeting: 9am CST (http://speechanddebate.adobeconnect.com/lobby/) 

Round 1: 9:15 CST

Round 2: 10:15 CST

Round 3: 11:15 CST

Round 4: 12:30 CST

Quarters: 1:30 CST

Semis: 2:30 CST

Finals: 3:30 CST

**We will expedite rounds throughout the day. Please pay attention to your email or wait in the lobby area. 

Format