Saturday, October 10, 2026 · Ballantine Hall, IU Bloomington
Schedule
A full day of debate built around three sessions, with breaks, lunch, and time to meet the people who keep our republic running. Check-in opens at 8:00 a.m.; the day runs to 6:00 p.m., with awards from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m.
The structure below — registration, three sessions, lunch, a forum, and awards — is set. Exact minutes may shift as registration numbers are confirmed. Watch the event page for the final schedule and room assignments.
The day at a glance
| Time | What’s happening |
|---|---|
| 8:00 – 8:30 a.m. | Registration & check-in. All competitors, judges, and observers check in and pick up materials. Every adult entering the building must bring a government-issued photo ID; we are required to inspect each one at check-in. |
| 8:30 – 9:00 a.m. | Welcome & orientation for students, families, and judges. |
| 9:00 – 9:15 a.m. | Passing period — visit restrooms, find your chamber, settle in. |
| 9:15 – 10:45 a.m. | Session 1. Choose a Presiding Officer, set the agenda, and debate. |
| 10:45 – 11:00 a.m. | Passing period. |
| 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Session 2. Students move to a newly mixed chamber. |
| 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. | Lunch. Provided for participants; you are also welcome to bring your own food and snacks. |
| 1:30 – 1:45 p.m. | Passing period. |
| 1:45 – 3:15 p.m. | Session 3. |
| 3:15 – 3:30 p.m. | Passing period. |
| 3:30 – 4:45 p.m. | Founding Documents Forum. While later rounds of other events continue, Congress students gather for short remarks and an open Q&A with invited legislators, educators, and civic leaders, plus a primary-source showcase. |
| 4:45 – 5:00 p.m. | Passing period. |
| 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. | Awards ceremony. Premium awards for top debaters and a commemorative keepsake for every participant, plus team sweepstakes. |
What each session looks like
Every session follows the same shape (full detail on the Format & Rules page):
- Choose a Presiding Officer (about 3–5 minutes). Because chambers are re-formed each session, a new Presiding Officer is chosen each time.
- Confirm the agenda — which bill(s) to debate.
- Debate — alternating speeches, each followed by a short questioning period.
- Vote on the legislation, then move to the next bill or close.
Students are placed with a different mix of debaters in each session. Over the day most students give several speeches, plus questioning, and several have the chance to preside.
To keep the focus on each student’s own thinking, competitors use pen and paper only during sessions — no phones, laptops, tablets, or smartwatches, and no internet during debate. Judges may use a device to take notes and submit ballots. Full policy on the Format & Rules page.
What to bring
- Your prepared materials: printed or handwritten notes and evidence for both sides of every docket bill (see the Student Guide).
- Something to write with and on: a notebook or legal pad for “flowing” (tracking the debate) and drafting speeches on the spot.
- A water bottle and a light layer — room temperatures vary.
- Optional: a printed copy of the docket and these resources, and your own food or snacks.
What to wear
Business attire is encouraged but not required, and judges are instructed not to factor wardrobe into their rankings. Many students enjoy dressing up; if that is not an option for you, that is completely fine. Comfortable and respectful is perfect.
Parents, educators, and civic leaders are warmly invited to observe and judge. No debate experience is needed to judge — the Judge Guide tells you everything. Sessions are open to observers; please enter and exit between speeches.
Next: learn the Format & Rules, then head to the Student Guide to prepare.