Welcome to the Connecticut Middle School Debate League
What is CTMSDL Parliamentary Debate?
The CTMSDL’s format is modeled on the Middle School Public Debate Program (MSPDP) format begun in 2002 in Southern California. Motions to be debated are released weeks ahead of scrimmages and tournaments. Debaters prepare both Proposition (for the motion) and Opposition (against the motion) cases ahead of competitions.
Each team is composed of three students. On competition days, teams subsequently debate on both the Prop and Opp sides of the motion. High School debaters serve as judges whenever possible.
CTMSDL Scrimmages & Tournaments
The CTMSDL holds one scrimmage (October) and three tournaments (December, January and April) each school year.
No awards are given at scrimmages. The day includes a demonstration debate, a skills-building workshop, and two rounds of debate on a previously released motion. CTMSDL Tournaments have two divisions: novice and open. There are three competitive rounds. There is a fourth public championship round between the top two open division teams. At the end of the day, trophies are awarded to the top 3 teams and speakers.
The Connecticut Middle School Debate League hosts competitive interscholastic Parliamentary Debate tournaments for middle school students throughout Connecticut during the academic year.
Participation is open to Middle School debate teams from all types of schools in Connecticut. Students in grades 5, 6, 7, and 8 grades may compete. The CTMSDL is an approved activity of the CT Student Activities Conference of the Connecticut Association of Schools. Since its establishment in 2014, the CTMSDL has grown rapidly. During the 2023-24 school year, the league had 19 member schools and 308 debaters attended our largest tournament in December, 2023.
Calendar of CTMSDL Events
Find dates, times and locations for all our events including scrimmages, tournaments, and coaches’ meetings.
CTMSDL Official Materials
Find our handbook, judges’ instructions, format, by-laws and more on this page.
People of CTMSDL
Find out more about our board of directors, participating schools, and sponsors.
Why Debate?
“To succeed in debate, you also have to be a creative thinker. You have to spot the gaps that other people don’t see—and then fill in those gaps.”
– Arne Duncan, Former U.S. Secretary of Education
According to the English-Speaking Union, participation in debate is linked to academic success and enhanced critical thinking and communication skills. Debate also boosts students’ confidence and ability to speak about difficult topics in a nuanced, sensitive manner.