Introducing the NOF SPAR Cup Series
This fall, National Online Forensics is launching something brand new for fans of quick thinking and sharp argument: an entire tournament series devoted exclusively to SPAR. Whether you're an elementary student trying debate for the first time or a college competitor looking to sharpen your skills, the NOF SPAR Series has a place for you.
Each event in the series features just one round per tournament day, keeping things low-pressure and easy to schedule. Rounds take place at 4:30 PM Pacific, and all competition happens online. There are no elimination rounds. Instead, competitors earn points toward overall standings, with only their top three performances counting toward awards.
Three Months, Three Series
The series begins in September with the Monday Cup, featuring rounds on the first four Mondays of the month. In October, we move to the Tuesday Cup, and in November, the action continues with the Wednesday Cup.
Monday Cup Schedule: September 1, 8, 15, 22
Tuesday Cup Schedule: October 7, 14, 21, 28
Wednesday Cup Schedule: November 5, 12, 19, 26
Only the top three round results will count toward the series rankings. At this time, there is no final round, though we may add final rounds to future tournaments.
Divisions and Details
SPAR is the only event offered, and it will be available in four divisions: elementary, middle school, high school, and college. Students may only enter one division.
The entry fee is $15 per competitor, with a $25 fee per school and a $25 uncovered judge fee for any missing judge slots. Schools must provide one judge for every five entries. Additional fees apply for missed ballots, last-minute changes, and no-shows.
Awards are based on preliminary rankings using a drop-high-rank system and include Gold, Silver, Bronze, and Honors placements. Physical awards will be shipped to coaches after the tournaments.
How to Get Started
Register for each tournament at forensicstournament.net. The deadline to register is 8:00 PM Pacific the Tuesday before each tournament date. All events will be run over video conference, and full rules can be found in the NOF Handbook.
We’re excited to offer this new format as a way to keep students engaged and growing throughout the fall. Whether you're new to SPAR or a returning competitor, we hope you'll join us for one, two, or all three cups this season.