The Calvin Coolidge Presidential Foundation is proud to support the Brooklyn Debate League, or BDL, in offering an online scrimmage series this fall. Inspired by the legacy and values of President Coolidge, both non-profit, non-partisan organizations are dedicated to increasing students’ access to civil, substantive debate.
Each scrimmage is open to students currently enrolled in 9th-12th grades and to 8th grade students, who may register for the Novice division. Registration and tabulation of these tournaments is under the direction of Brooklyn Debate League leadership. Contact the BDL for questions regarding the competition, and contact either the Coolidge Foundation or the Brooklyn Debate League for questions related to the topic or style of the debates. For all scrimmages, the resolution will be Resolved: The United States federal government should abolish its Department of Education. The Foundation has prepared a research brief on this topic to aid in your preparation.
Fall 2025 Calendar for Online Scrimmages
| Date | Time (ET) | Style | # of Rounds | Registration Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday, October 16 | 3:40-5:00 PM | 1v1 | 1 | Click here |
| Friday, October 17 | 6:15-8:15 PM | 1v1 | 2 | Click here |
| Thursday, October 23 | 3:40-5:00 PM | 1v1 | 1 | Click here |
| Friday, October 24 | 6:15-8:15 PM | 1v1 | 2 | Click here |
| Thursday, November 6 | 3:40-5:00 PM | 2v2 | 1 | Click here |
| Friday, November 7 | 6:15-8:15 PM | 2v2 | 2 | Click here |
| Thursday, November 13 | 3:40-5:00 PM | 2v2 | 1 | Click here |
| Thursday, November 20 | 3:40-5:00 PM | 1v1 | 1 | Click here |
| Friday, November 21 | 6:15-8:15 PM | 1v1 | 2 | Click here |
| Thursday, December 4 | 3:40-5:00 PM | 1v1 | 1 | Click here |