The Ronald Reagan Debate

Debate Resources

Rules & Eligibility

Regional Competition Rules

Competitors are allowed to compete in one Geographic Regional Competition and/or the Nationwide Online Regional Competition.
Only students enrolled in grades 9-12 are allowed to compete. Middle School students are not eligible to compete.
Each student at in-person qualifying competitions must be under the immediate supervision of an adult who may be their coach, parent, or other adult approved by the high school administration. Students competing online must have a supervising adult judging and/or otherwise immediately available.
Competitors located in other regions of the world are welcome to compete, but the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute is only able to cover transportation expenses for travel originating within the 50 states.
A contestant who does not appear at the scheduled time to speak will forfeit.
After competing in the final round of debate at the regional level, one winner from each region qualify for the National Championship. Each finalist will receive a flight and hotel room for themselves and one chaperone.

National Championship

If a contestant is unable to participate in the National Championship, it will be up to the discretion of the regional partner and the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute to determine an alternate participant for the National Championship.
Each student at the National Championship must be under the immediate supervision of an adult who may be his/her coach, parent, or other adult approved by the high school administration and acceptable to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute.

Helpful Documents

Download the debate topic resource packet
Take a look at a typical regional debate schedule
Download the judge’s ballot

Debate Structure

*Debaters may use prep time throughout the round at their discretion

Video Guides For Students & Judges

1/3Judge Training Video

The Ronald Reagan Debate Series Resource videos are meant to provide helpful tips and insightful commentary on the debate series. This judge training video in the series serves to show both adult judges and student competitors what they should be looking for throughout the debate.

2/3Debate Overview

The Ronald Reagan Debate Series Resource videos are meant to provide helpful tips and insightful commentary on the debate series. This first video in the series serves as an overview and focuses on the competition rules, structure, schedule, and perks.

3/3How To Communicate

The Ronald Reagan Debate Series Resource videos are meant to provide helpful tips and insightful commentary on the debate series. This video in the series provides an overview of how the Ronald Reagan Debate Series is different form other typical debates. It highlights how President Reagan's speaking techniques can be integrated into and strengthen student's arguments.