For Debaters

2025-2026 Resources

Policy Debate Topic

Resolved: The United States federal government should significantly increase its exploration and/or development of the Arctic.

For Novice Policy:

During the 2025-2026 Season, Novice debaters (those in their first year of debate) will be limited to a set of core files. More core files will become available as the year goes on, but for the first 2 tournaments, Novices have access to: 

• Environment & Biodiversity Case (Aff & Neg Answers)

• Energy Disadvantage (Neg Off-Case & Aff Answers) 

• Renewable Energy Counterplan (Neg Off-Case & Aff Answers)

For Varsity Policy:

Starting at our December tournament, Varsity Policy Debate will move to Open Evidence. Students may run any files that they want! Core files are still available below.

• Fisheries Aff/Neg

• Icebreakers Aff/Neg

• Rare Earth Minerals Aff/Neg

• Environment Disadvantage

• Putin Disadvantage 

• Russia Relations Disadvantage

• Arctic Council Counterplan

• Alaska Counterplan

• Capitalism Kritik

• Topicality File

• T- Minerals

Tournament and Event Schedule

Note- Some dates and locations are subject to change. All changes will be reflected in this document. All coaches and debaters will be made aware of changes in advance.