Dec. 20, 2023

Greetings to all NCFL member schools of the Portland diocese,

The Portland Diocese is pleased to host the NCFL Congressional Debate Qualifying Tournament in conjunction with the virtual Maine State Championship Tournament on January 20, 2024. Entries from NCFL member schools to any of the chambers at the State Tournament are eligible to qualify for nationals so long as they are also registered for the Portland NCFL National Qualifying Tournament by the start of competition January 20, 2024.

How to enter to qualify

To enter to qualify for the National Catholic Forensic League 2023 Grand National Tournament, you must complete the following:

1. Membership to the National Catholic Forensic League.
2. Register for and compete in Congressional Debate at the Maine State Championship Speech and Debate Tournament.
3. Register in Student Congress for the Portland NCFL National Qualifying Tournament no later than the start of competition at the State Championship. Registration will be via Tabroom.

There are no entry limits.

Judges will be provided via the State Tournament registration process and policy.

Qualifier determinations

This year we are able at this time to send  four qualifiers to the 2023 Grand National Tournament. The four qualifiers will be determined as following:

• If there are three chambers, (two Houses and a Senate) the top scorer from each house  chamber and the top two scorers from the Senate.
• If there are four chambers, the top  scorer from the Senate and the three highest ranking scorers from the three chambers.
• If there is only a house and a Senate: the top two scorers from each chamber

Alternates will be selected from the pool of students with the highest scores.

Competitors in Student Congress who do not qualify are welcome to enter the Portland NCFL National Speech and Debate Qualifying Tournament on February 3, 2024,  in a different event.

Entry fees

Each entry for Student Congress is $7.00. This fee is in addition to any fees invoiced by the Maine Forensic Association for the State Tournament and will be added on to the MFA invoice.

Contact D’Arcy Robinson at darcyfrobinson@gmail.com with any questions.

Looking forward to a smooth and stimulating NCFL Congress.
D’Arcy F. Robinson, Portland Diocese Director