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About the program
What is TJ Policy Debate?
Policy Debate has been part of extracurricular life at Thomas Jefferson for decades. Today the team competes across the local, state, and national circuits.
The program
How the team works
Policy is a two person event. Partners debate a single national resolution for the entire school year, arguing the affirmative in some rounds and the negative in others, which means every debater has to understand the topic from both directions.
Preparation happens during our weekly eighth period meetings during Friday 8A and Wednesday 8B, where we conduct drills, speeches, practice rounds, and independent research. This is time where partners build and update their own files between tournaments.
Officers coordinate tournament entries, run the novice curriculum, and manage the team’s finances and logistics.
What we care about
Our Values
Research first
Every argument is supported by evidence cut from journals, government reporting, and the trade press. Debaters build files they can defend under cross-examination.
Student-led
Captains and teaching coordinators run practices, write the novice lesson plans, and coach rounds. The officer team is elected at the end of every season.
Open to beginners
Policy debate is open to all TJ students no matter what skill level you may be at. Fundamentals, drills, and lectures run all year, and novices compete at their own level from the first tournament.
Meetings
Where to find us
Varsity squad
Wednesday B BlockAdvanced case work and practice rounds
Activity page on IonNovice squad
Friday A BlockFundamentals, drills, lectures, and an introduction to the format
Activity page on Ion
Calendar
Season Schedule
September – October
Season kickoff invitational tournaments
November – January
Mid-season regionals (WASDL) and national circuit tournaments
February – March
VHSL Districts, WASDL Metrofinals, and State Championships
April – May
TOC, NCFL Nationals, and end-of-season tournaments
Exact dates change each year. Signed-in members see the live tournament calendar and register directly in the team portal.
Get in touch
Questions about the team?
Officers answer questions from prospective members, current debaters, and parents. Reach the team at tjhsstpolicy1@gmail.com.