Loading
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology
JeffersonPolicyDebate
A student-led program built on year-long research, evidence, and argument. Varsity and novice squads competing across the local, state, and national circuits.
- 50+
- Active debaters
- 10+
- Tournaments a year
- 2
- Weekly meetings
The record
Competing
where it
counts
Results are entered by the officer team as they happen — nothing on this page is a placeholder.
Results are being compiled
The officer team is entering the season's results. Follow along on the record page or in the news feed.
Who we are
Policy debate at TJ
Policy Debate has a long history at Thomas Jefferson. The team competes on the local, state, and national circuits, sending debaters to tournaments across the East Coast and beyond.
Novices learn the format from the ground up — drills, lectures, and practice rounds — while the varsity squad works on case construction and prepares for the national circuit. Both squads meet weekly during eighth period.
Novice
The format
What policy debate actually is
Two-on-two, one national resolution for the whole year, and every claim backed by evidence you cut yourself.
- 01
Affirmative & Negative
Each round, one team defends a policy change (Affirmative) while the other argues against it (Negative). Teams switch sides each round.
- 02
Year-Long Resolution
A single national topic is debated all year, letting debaters develop deep expertise in a complex policy area like healthcare, defense, or energy.
- 03
Evidence-Based
Arguments are backed by evidence cut from academic journals, government reports, and news sources, which builds genuine research skills.
- 04
Critical Thinking
Debaters think on their feet, respond to complex arguments, and construct rebuttals in real time under competitive pressure.
The season
September to May, one resolution
The competitive calendar builds from early invitationals through districts and states to the national post-season.
- 01
September – October
Season kickoff invitational tournaments
- 02
November – January
Mid-season regionals (WASDL) and national circuit tournaments
- 03
February – March
VHSL Districts, WASDL Metrofinals, and State Championships
- 04
April – May
TOC, NCFL Nationals, and end-of-season tournaments
Latest
Team news
No announcements yet
Tournament results, recruitment notices, and deadlines will be posted here once officers publish the first update.
Ready to start debating?
Whether you have competed for years or have never given a speech, there is a place for you on TJ Policy. Novices are welcome all year.