Welcome to the Massachusetts
Speech & Debate League!
The MSDL serves high school students (grades 9-12) in Massachusetts.
You can find out more about our league by exploring information in the menu bar, above.
If you are looking for information about Middle School speech (grades 6-8), please visit their website: mmssl.weebly.com
Speech & Debate League!
The MSDL serves high school students (grades 9-12) in Massachusetts.
You can find out more about our league by exploring information in the menu bar, above.
If you are looking for information about Middle School speech (grades 6-8), please visit their website: mmssl.weebly.com
Congratulations to MSDL Members who qualified for NCFL Nationals 2025!
2024-2025 Participation Agreement and Invoice
Dues must be paid before a team may participate in any MSDL tournaments.
Download the invoice here (or find it under the "Joining" Tab).
Dues must be paid before a team may participate in any MSDL tournaments.
Download the invoice here (or find it under the "Joining" Tab).
Extemp at State Finals
Preliminary questions will be drawn from International, National and Economic news. The final round will focus on issues affecting Massachusetts.
Preliminary questions will be drawn from International, National and Economic news. The final round will focus on issues affecting Massachusetts.
Schools interested in hosting a tournament next year should complete the 2025-2026 MSDL Tournament Sanctioning Form - here.
Deadline: Sunday, April 27, 2025. We plan to set the 2025-2026 calendar at the Annual Meeting on Saturday, May 3.
Deadline: Sunday, April 27, 2025. We plan to set the 2025-2026 calendar at the Annual Meeting on Saturday, May 3.
March 2025 MSDL Newsletter
The newsletter (linked below) contains information for coaches interested in running for an MSDL board position as well as a list of dates for upcoming tournaments and board meeting.
The newsletter (linked below) contains information for coaches interested in running for an MSDL board position as well as a list of dates for upcoming tournaments and board meeting.
Community Standards
The Massachusetts Speech and Debate League (MSDL) affirms and upholds the following values and standards and expects those who take part in our tournaments to do the same:
The Massachusetts Speech and Debate League (MSDL) affirms and upholds the following values and standards and expects those who take part in our tournaments to do the same:
Inclusivity and Equity
We, the MSDL community, welcome people associating with any intersection(s) of identity and uphold that all members of our community deserve respect. We are made stronger by embracing the differences of our members.
Dignity and Safety
We believe that the welfare and dignity of our community members must be protected and preserved. In practice, this means that all community members (coaches, students, judges, and observers) will be mindful of the impact and consequences of their words and actions. We share responsibility to act with the intention to protect the well-being of others, even when engaging with conflicting ideas and opinions.
Integrity and Honesty
All members of our MSDL community must conduct themselves honorably, and must scrupulously compete within the rules of our events while promoting our community standards.
Collegiality and Fun
We aim to support each other and create camaraderie even while being serious about competition.
We, the MSDL community, welcome people associating with any intersection(s) of identity and uphold that all members of our community deserve respect. We are made stronger by embracing the differences of our members.
Dignity and Safety
We believe that the welfare and dignity of our community members must be protected and preserved. In practice, this means that all community members (coaches, students, judges, and observers) will be mindful of the impact and consequences of their words and actions. We share responsibility to act with the intention to protect the well-being of others, even when engaging with conflicting ideas and opinions.
Integrity and Honesty
All members of our MSDL community must conduct themselves honorably, and must scrupulously compete within the rules of our events while promoting our community standards.
Collegiality and Fun
We aim to support each other and create camaraderie even while being serious about competition.
Judge Training videos - Speech.
Notes from Speech Judge Training on 10-22-22
Missed the judge training? Watch our videos!
How to use Tabroom.com and electronic Balloting: Watch this video
Judging a Speech Tournament: The basics Watch this video
Note: You may need to download the videos in order to watch them.
Debate judge instructional videos: See our debate judge resource page: here.
Notes from Speech Judge Training on 10-22-22
Missed the judge training? Watch our videos!
How to use Tabroom.com and electronic Balloting: Watch this video
Judging a Speech Tournament: The basics Watch this video
Note: You may need to download the videos in order to watch them.
Debate judge instructional videos: See our debate judge resource page: here.
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AN IMPORTANT NOTE TO ALL COMPETITORS AND JUDGES
One of the most common complaints we hear from competitors is that either a judge or another student is using their phone during a round, often while performances are in progress. Some report that students are whispering or gesturing to one another while a student is performing in the room. It is important that all MSDL STUDENTS AND JUDGES wait until a round is over before texting! This certainly should never happen while a student is performing! Students should also be sure not to engage in any behavior that a speaker would find distracting, including gesturing, whispering or texting. Thank you for your help in making sure all of our students feel their presentations are valued by all members of their audiences. |
