Debate Team

Bishop Amat Memorial High School offers students the opportunity to participate in competitive speech and debate. The Debate Team is open to all students and competes throughout the school year in a variety of local and national tournaments.

Debate Formats

Students on the Bishop Amat Debate Team can participate in the following formats:

• Public Forum Debate – A team event with two students per side, focused on current events and public policy.

• Lincoln-Douglas Debate – A one-on-one debate format centered on philosophical and ethical issues.

• World Schools Debate (new for the 2025–2026 school year) – A team format with three to five students per side, combining prepared and impromptu topics with a global focus.

Tournaments and Events

The team attends several local and regional competitions, including:

• Jack Howe Memorial – CSU Long Beach

• Peninsula Invitational – Palos Verdes Peninsula High School

• Cal Invitational – UC Berkeley (online)

• NSDA (National Speech & Debate Association) Qualifiers

• National Catholic Forensic League (NCFL) Qualifiers (beginning 2025–2026)

• Additional tournaments may be added throughout the season

The tournament schedule runs through both semesters, with qualifying events for nationals held in the Spring.

Skills Developed

Participation on the high school debate team helps students strengthen important academic and communication skills such as:

• Research and writing

• Public speaking and persuasion

• Rhetoric and argumentation

• Team collaboration

• Critical thinking and reasoning under time constraints

• Strategic planning and analysis

Recognition

Students may earn recognition through the National Speech and Debate Association (NSDA) for their participation and performance. Bishop Amat also offers the opportunity for students to earn a Varsity Letter in debate, based on established team criteria.