You are invited to participate in DSA's first ever Congress + Character Congress to be held at Denver School of the Arts on January 20, 2026.

 

Location: Denver School of the Arts (7111 Montview Blvd, Denver, CO 80220)

 

Events: Varsity Character Congress and Congressional Debate

 

Congressional Debate: The docket will be set and posted to Speechwire by Monday, January 5, 2026.

 

Character Congressional Debate: Legislation will be written by DSA students and will focus on issues from various fictional universes. This means you will debate fictional topics as your fictional character. The docket will be available on Speechwire by Monday, January 12, 2026. Students will be provided with a list of characters from a variety of media franchises that they can come dressed up as. Additionally, students can request to add a character not offered on the official list by emailing joseph_karwin@dpsk12.net by January 19, 2026. Students can choose a character for each round or remain the same character for both rounds. Speakers will be evaluated on how well they embody and maintain their selected character in their speeches, questions, and motions. Please remember all costumes should meet school rules and guidelines. There will be awards for best costumes.

 

We would like to stress that DSA is really into character congress, and we'd love you to be too! We highly encourage you to promote this event to your kids as it is some of the most fun they will ever have at a tournament.

 

Entries: You may register on Speechwire. Students must be registered and their character selected by January 19, 2026 at 8:00 a.m. We are capping entries at 10 per event.

 

Judges: Each school is expected to provide 1 judge for each 10 congress entries. Varsity students can judge Character Congress. Judges will need Speechwire accounts and to be entered by name in Speechwire. Judges should be entered by January 19, 2026 at 8:00 a.m.

 

Entry Fees:  Fees are $8.00 per student. Please submit payment at this link (please be sure to include your school name when you pay): https://www.myschoolbucks.com/ver2/stores/catalog/getproduct?requestAction=&clientKey=ZZI5ZQ2XQU04MZG&productGroupKey=&view=&productKey=ZZ5WU0P7VLWZG51&isStorePreview=

If you wish to pay by paper check, please contact joseph_karwin@dpsk12.net.

 

Registration and Schedule: Registration check-in will be held from 4:00 - 4:15pm. All schools must check-in by 4:15pm. Rounds will begin promptly at 4:30pm. Awards are scheduled for 7:45pm.

 

Food: We will provide pizza to all students between the two rounds.

 

 

Rules:

 

·      Each school (administration, teachers, and/or coaches) is responsible for ensuring they have proper parental permission for students to participate in the tournament and to use the designated competition platforms.

 

·      A responsible coach must be available onsite and via cell at all times.

 

·      Competition is open to 9-12 grade students representing the school in which they are officially enrolled and doing so with the permission of their school administration and/or coaches.

 

·      We will use NSDA rules in Congressional Debate.

 

o   Congress will have two 90-minute sessions. 

 

o   There will be a new PO for each session.

 

o   Precedence will start over for each session.

 

o   The docket order is set.

 

o   Direct Questioning will be used.

 

·      All competitors and judges must have a speechwire account to log in.

 

Awards: We will award medals and numerous superior and excellent ribbons during the Awards Ceremony at 7:45pm.

 

Site: The tournament will be held at Denver School of the Arts (7111 Montview Blvd., Denver, CO 80220). Please enter through the main doors. Students will be stationed in the commons area immediately to the right of the main doors.

 

Questions and Concerns: Please feel free to contact Joseph Karwin at DSA (719-660-7466 / joseph_karwin@dpsk12.net)

 

CHSAA Speech and Debate Inclusion Statement

 

The CHSAA Speech and Debate community believes inclusion is vital to our community. We are committed to providing a safe and equitable learning and competitive environment that fosters a mindset of empathy, respect, and belonging for all involved in Speech and Debate, including, but not limited to students, coaches, judges and community members. We honor differences including races and cultures, genders and sexual orientations, abilities and aspirations, identities and affiliations, socioeconomics and worldviews. Embracing our diversity prepares our community to thrive. Individuals found to have violated this policy will be subject to the full range of sanctions, up to and including removal from the tournament premises.

 

National Speech & Debate Association Harassment and Discrimination Policy

 

The National Speech & Debate Association is committed to providing its participants, judges, coaches, and staff the opportunity to pursue excellence in their endeavors. This opportunity can exist only when each member of our community is assured an atmosphere of mutual respect. The NSDA prohibits all forms of harassment and discrimination. Accordingly, all forms of harassment and discrimination, whether written or oral, based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, citizenship, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by any applicable federal, state, or local law are prohibited, whether committed by participants, judges, coaches, or observers. Individuals who are found to have violated this policy will be subject to the full range of sanctions, up to and including removal from the tournament premises.

(vr24)