​AUGUST 2026

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Thu, Aug. 13 – Kickoff Session: Intro to Policy Debate & Resolution Briefing

Meet your coach and teammates while learning the basics of policy debate and this season's national resolution.

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Fri, Aug. 20 – Case Structure & Argument Foundations

Learn how to build clear, persuasive arguments using the fundamentals of debate case construction.

 

Thu, Aug. 27 – Research Skills & Evidence Building

Discover how to find credible sources, evaluate evidence, and organize research for competition.

 

SEPTEMBER 2026

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Fri, Sept. 3 – Affirmative Case Development

Begin building your affirmative case with strong claims, evidence, and strategic organization.

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Thu, Sept. 10 – Negative Strategies Overview (Disadvantages & Counterplans)

Learn the essentials of disadvantages, counterplans, and effective negative strategy.

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Fri, Sept. 17 – Cross-Examination Skills

Develop questioning techniques that expose weaknesses and strengthen your position.

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Thu, Sept. 24 – Flowing & Note-Taking Techniques

Master the note-taking system competitive debaters use to track every argument.

 

OCTOBER 2026

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Fri, Oct. 1 – Constructing Strong Rebuttals
Learn how to prioritize arguments and deliver organized, persuasive rebuttals.

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Thu, Oct. 8 – Evidence Quality & Source Evaluation
Understand what makes evidence credible and how judges evaluate supporting sources.

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Fri, Oct. 15 – Debate Delivery & Speaker Style
Improve confidence, organization, clarity, and persuasive speaking skills.
 

Thu, Oct. 22 – Practice Round #1 (Structured Debate)
Apply what you've learned in your first guided practice debate with coach feedback.

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Sat, Oct. 24 – Optional Intensive: Evidence Cutting & Case Lab Workshop
Spend extra time strengthening research skills, preparing evidence, and refining your case strategy.

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Fri, Oct. 29 – Strategy Refinement Workshop
Fine-tune your cases and overall strategy based on feedback from recent practice rounds.

 

NOVEMBER 2026

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Thu, Nov. 5 – Advanced Negative Strategies
Expand your defensive toolkit with more advanced negative arguments and responses.

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Fri, Nov. 12 – Affirmative Case Expansion
Strengthen your affirmative strategy by adding depth, flexibility, and stronger evidence.

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Thu, Nov. 19 – Impact Calculus & Argument Weighing
Learn how to compare impacts and explain why your arguments matter most.

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Fri, Nov. 26 – Thanksgiving Week Skills Lab (Virtual Scrimmages)
Stay sharp during the holiday with fun virtual practice rounds and coaching.

 

DECEMBER 2026

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Thu, Dec. 3 – Practice Debate Round #2
Build confidence through another full practice debate with individualized coaching.

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Fri, Dec. 10 – Rebuttal Drills & Clash Development
Practice responding effectively to opposing arguments under competitive conditions.

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Thu, Dec. 17 – Midseason Evaluation & Coaching Feedback
Review your progress, celebrate growth, and establish goals for the second half of the season.

 

JANUARY 2027

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Fri, Jan. 7 – Resolution Deep Dive: National Health Insurance
Explore the season's topic through policy analysis, research, and strategic discussion.

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Thu, Jan. 14 – Advanced Case Writing Workshop
Refine your cases with stronger organization, evidence integration, and strategic depth.

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Fri, Jan. 21 – Practice Debate Round #3
Compete in another structured debate while applying advanced techniques.

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Sat, Jan. 23 – Optional Intensive: Midseason Scrimmage Tournament Simulation
Experience a realistic tournament environment with multiple rounds and detailed coaching.

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Thu, Jan. 28 – Feedback & Performance Coaching
Receive personalized coaching to improve strategy, delivery, and competitive performance.

 

FEBRUARY 2027

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Fri, Feb. 4 – Counterplan Development Strategies
Learn how to create and defend effective counterplans in competitive debate.

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Thu, Feb. 11 – Disadvantages (DAs) Deep Dive
Explore advanced disadvantage construction, impact analysis, and strategic execution.

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Fri, Feb. 18 – Crossfire Mastery & Questioning Techniques
Develop confident questioning skills that challenge opponents and reinforce your arguments.

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Thu, Feb. 25 – Practice Debate Round #4
Continue sharpening your competitive skills through guided live debate practice.

 

MARCH 2027

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Fri, Mar. 4 – Advanced Rebuttal Structuring
Master advanced techniques for organizing and delivering persuasive rebuttals.

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Thu, Mar. 11 – Policy Impacts: Healthcare Systems Analysis
Examine real-world policy impacts and strengthen analytical reasoning on the resolution.

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Fri, Mar. 18 – Tournament Preparation Workshop
Review tournament expectations, strategy, and best practices before competition.

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Sat, Mar. 20 – Optional Intensive: Competitive Scrimmage Day
Compete in multiple practice rounds designed to simulate tournament conditions.

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Thu, Mar. 25 – Mock Tournament Round #1
Participate in a formal tournament-style debate with judging and detailed feedback.

 

APRIL 2027

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Fri, Apr. 1 – Mock Tournament Round #2

Continue tournament preparation through additional competitive debate rounds.

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Thu, Apr. 8 – Judge Adaptation & Strategy Refinement

Learn how to adapt your style for different judges and competitive situations.

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Fri, Apr. 15 – Advanced Flowing & Speed Drills

Improve flowing accuracy, organization, and speaking efficiency.

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Thu, Apr. 22 – State-Level Competition Preparation

Finalize strategies and prepare mentally for championship-level competition.

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Fri, Apr. 29 – Final Practice Debate Series

Complete the season's final practice debates before championship events.

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MAY 2027

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Thu, May 6 – Championship Preparation Workshop

Review key strategies, logistics, and final preparations for the championship.

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Fri, May 13 – Final Skills Polishing & Strategy Review

Fine-tune speaking, evidence, and teamwork before competition.

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Thu, May 20 – State Championship Simulation Round

Participate in a full championship-style practice to build confidence and readiness.

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Fri, May 27 – Final Showcase Debate (Season Conclusion)

Celebrate your growth by showcasing your skills in the season's final debate.
 

Sat, May 28 – South Carolina Debate League Championship & Awards Ceremony

Compete with teams from across South Carolina and celebrate the accomplishments of the 2026–2027 season with awards and recognition.