NCFCA 101

Learn whether our league is right for your family and how to get started.

Content Outline

Commitment: Time & Money

Watch the 2-minute video above to hear about affiliation from alumni competitors.

Video Transcript

If our mission, values, and beliefs fit with your family, the next thing to consider is whether the time, money, and participation requirements will work.

The commitment to participate in NCFCA is similar to travel sports, except that parents don’t watch from the sidelines–they work as hard as the competitors. The tournaments you choose to attend are up to you, but each one is a big commitment.

Time & Participation Requirements

  • Tournaments are generally three full days in length (some are even longer).
  • Getting there may require travel time.
  • You are committing to attend and participate through the whole event.
  • Parents are expected to serve from start to finish (see the policy).

Financial Costs to Consider

  • Affiliation Fees
    • Required for participation at events
    • NCFCA offers two Affiliation Types 
      • Qualifying Affiliation - $160 (Required for most tournaments)
      • Non-Qualifying Affiliation - $30 (Practice Events and Juniors Only)
  • Tournament Registration Fees
    • Each tournament requires a Student Entry Fee and Event Fees
    • Example costs for one student competing in debate plus 2 speech events:
      • For a Practice Event: $50
      • For a Regional Qualifier: $110 
      • For a National Open: $125
  • Travel Expenses
    • Travel to tournaments (often necessary)
    • Overnight accommodations for the duration of the tournament (often necessary)
    • Meals (bring your own or pre-purchase ahead of the tournament)
  • Student Attire
  • Educational Materials
    • Any classroom or curricular materials you choose to use for your family or club
    • NCFCA materials are available in the NCFCA Shop
    • Please note that NCFCA is not prescriptive about what educational materials families use to prepare students for competition
  • Other Odds and Ends
    • Consider the costs for typical study materials
    • Policy debaters, in particular, should consider printing costs for their case briefs (example)
    • Most Team Policy debaters organize their briefs in a rolling file box (example)

For more details, please see: Tournament Types and Commitment Overview

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