Recognition

Students earn recognition points for speaking in interscholastic contests, classroom presentations, and community engagements.

NJFL Membership Benefits

The NJFL provides students recognition for presenting both in interscholastic contests as well as in classroom contexts. Our tools empower educators to provide the best experiences possible.

Competition Events

Competition event patterns for the 2012 National Tournament have been determined. We have balanced events based on previous years' participation.

Why Speech and Debate?

Education of young adolescents through speech and debate activities provides an opportunity to apply their developing thinking and social awareness through communication. Fostering these skills at a younger age solidifies stronger roots by which students can flourish in high school and beyond.

About the National Junior Forensic League (NJFL)

We support debate and speech activities for young adolescents in grades 6-8. The NJFL is a program of the National Forensic League, and is modeled after the NFL high school honorary society, recognizing student participation in public speaking. Learn more about membership benefits >>

Jan 26 2012

2012 NJFL National Tournament

The NJFL National Tournament will be held June 12-15, 2012 in Indianapolis, Indiana, with the high school NFL tournament. Schools should arrive by midday on the 12th, and depart on June 16. We are developing judging standards for whenever high school students judge middle school students, and have several other enhancements. Visit the "National Tournament" menu above to discover more. Note: we have changed patterning for speech events.

Aug 29 2011

Policy Topic Limitations

We will NOT use limitations for the National Tournament; instead, we will require disclosure of affirmative cases. More details will be available in February. Read more: Policy Topic Limitations

Current Debate Topics

2011-2012 Policy Debate
Resolved: The United States federal government should substantially increase its exploration and/or development of space beyond the Earth’s mesosphere.

Jan/Feb. Lincoln-Douglas Debate
Resolved: It is morally permissible for victims to use deadly force as a deliberate response to repeated domestic violence.

January Public Forum Debate
Resolved: The costs of a college education outweigh the benefits.

February Public Forum Debate
Resolved: Birthright citizenship should be abolished in the United States.