NSDA Last-Chance Qualifier 2025
Thurs–Sat, April 24th-26th (4/24-4/26)
The NSDA Last-Chance Qualifier is an opportunity for students who did not qualify through their district tournament to have a chance to attend the 2025 National Tournament in Des Moines. It is held online over the span of 3 days via NSDA Campus virtual competition rooms.
Students compete for the honor of representing New Mexico at the NSDA National Championship in mid-June (the largest academic competition in the world!). There is no double-entry at this tournament.
Students interested can read more info on NSDA’s website: NSDA Last-Chance Qualifier (4/24-4-26).
All students considering registering are encouraged to read more about the various ways to qualify for Nationals by visiting https://www.aaspeechanddebate.org/nationals.
Specific event information, schedule, and the tournament invitation are available via the Tabroom.com link:
Registration is due no later than Weds, 4/9, at 4:00pm.
Schedule Considerations
Debate rounds start Thurs 4/24 after school. Speech rounds start Fri 4/25 after school. Rounds continue for all events on Saturday, 4/26.
There is no school on Fri, 4/25
There is a Harper Memorial Track Meet this weekend
Tournament conflicts with UKTOC this year — students attending the TOC will not be eligible to compete here
Students are asked to register to formally compete ONLY if they have serious competitive intention and availability to attend Nationals this summer (June 15th-20th). If students know that they absolutely CANNOT attend Nationals, we ask them to leave entries open for others. However, bear in mind that with good communication, many folks are willing to help accommodate schedules to allow for student attendance at this tournament given the excitement and prestige of this achievement!
Entry Rules and Considerations
Only students in grades 9 through 12 are eligible to compete and must have already been theoretically eligible to compete at Districts
Students may not be registered for the NSDA Last-Chance Qualifier if they are a qualifier in any event at their district tournament.
Students who qualify at their district tournament may vacate their qualification slot and then register for the Last-Chance Qualifier, but they will not have their district event as a backup if they do not qualify at the Last-Chance Qualifier.
Students may register for the Last-Chance Qualifier if they have earned a spot on their district’s World Schools team as long as they are willing to vacate their WS spot in case of qualification.