No. Eligibility exceptions will not be made for students who are younger than 12 on January 1 of the competition season or older than 18 on September 1 of the competition season. If you are younger than 12 on January 1, you may participate in junior speech events.

No. Students who have received a high school diploma are not eligible for competition.

Yes. Students with special needs or learning disabilities are encouraged to compete. Accommodations for students with special needs or learning disabilities are provided at the discretion of league leadership. Any adaptation of event rules must be approved by a board member in advance of any competition.

Yes. Students with physical limitations are eligible to compete. The American Speech and Debate Association will make accommodations when practical. Accommodations may vary from tournament to tournament. Requests for special arrangements that may affect competition must be made in advance by sending a detailed explanation of the situation to the board of directors.

No. A student who competes in forensics at the collegiate level is ineligible to compete in American Speech and Debate Association tournaments. Taking a college course while in high school on a dual enrollment or concurrent enrollment basis does not make a competitor ineligible for ASDA competition, even if that course includes forensics instruction.

Yes. Any student who meets our eligibility requirements is encouraged to compete.

Yes. Students from any educational background are welcome to compete.

Yes. Students may register for tournaments as individuals. A school team or competition club is not required for participation.