Inside the 2027-2028 NFHS Policy Topic Writing Process
The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Topic Selection Meeting (TSM) is a cornerstone event in the policy debate community. Each year, it brings together coaches and contributors from across the country to determine the direction of the upcoming debate season. For 2027–2028, thirteen topic papers were submitted, forming the basis for deliberation and eventual selection of five final resolutions.
These papers represent extensive research and intellectual labor.
We also want to give a special shout out to the NDCA members who authored papers this year:
Ian Beier, College Prep School — China
Teja Vepa, Collegiate School — Space Exploration & South Asia
| Topic Paper | Download Paper | Author |
|---|---|---|
| Arms Control | Click Here to Download Paper | Brett Bricker |
| China | Click Here to Download Paper | Ian Beier |
| Foreign Aid | Click Here to Download Paper | David Trigaux, Sitara Mazumdar, & Jay Yoon |
| Latin America | Click Here to Download Paper | Patricia Leon |
| Military Presence | Click Here to Download Paper | Brett Bricker |
| North Africa | Click Here to Download Paper | McAlister Clabaugh & Daniella Choi |
| Presidential War Powers | Click Here to Download Paper | Jake Lee |
| South America | Click Here to Download Paper | Moselle Burke |
| South Asia | Click Here to Download Paper | Teja Vepa |
| Southeast Asia | Click Here to Download Paper | Ryan Franklin |
| Space Exploration | Click Here to Download Paper | Teja Vepa |
| West Africa | Click Here to Download Paper | Megan Hagaman & Dakota Yates |
| Western Balkans | Click Here to Download Paper | Sawyer Partney |
How the Meeting Works
Day 1 — Friday: Topic Area Exploration & Subcommittee
The first day is all about learning the landscape of each topic proposal. Authors begin by giving short, focused elevator pitches outlining their topic areas. From there, coaches rotate through Debatability Roundtables, where every attendee meets with each author to ask questions and evaluate:
The scope of the topic
Its timeliness for the 2027–2028 season
The balance of arguments available on both sides
This is a valuable time for authors to gather feedback and refine their ideas before entering the Marshall Subcommittees.
In the afternoon, the Marshall Subcommittees meet. Here, each author presents and defends their full report in detail. These sessions are facilitated by the Wording Committee co-chairs, who guide discussion and later report outcomes in the general session. This is a crucial stage where wording revisions and topic direction take shape—so if you have input, this is your moment. Once these meetings conclude, a First Vote (Straw Poll) is taken. Topics receiving at least 25% of the vote from those present will advance to Saturday’s working session.
Day 2 — Saturday: Wording of Topics & Group Cross-Examination
Saturday is the longest and most intensive day of the TSM—and arguably the most rewarding. Each author has a dedicated time block to present their refined topic to the full Wording Committee and respond to questions. This session resembles a giant cross-examination, where anyone present can ask about key decisions made during subcommittees.
At the end of each session, a proposed resolution is submitted for consideration.
After all presentations, a Second Vote is taken. To move on to the final day, a topic must now receive support from 33% of those present.
Day 3 — Sunday: Final Voting & Resolutions
On the final day, finalized resolutions are presented to the full delegation. The NDCA will also host a public straw poll on this blog to gather feedback from our wider community.
During the in-person session, delegates representing state and national organizations cast binding votes. Coaches have time to caucus between each of the four rounds of voting, which narrow the field to the top five resolutions for the national ballot.