Judge Training

Getting Started!

Judge Training and Background Checks

All judges must pass a background check and receive judge training to judge at tournaments. Judge training can be done virtually with the resources on this page.

Each parent who travels to the tournaments must complete a background check.

It’s easy to get started. Follow these steps:

1. Complete an Asheville City School Background Check

Please click Secure Volunteer and select Chaperone when filling out the form. You will receive a confirmation email once you have passed the background check. Please email that confirmation to Coach Williams at katie.williams@acsgmail.net. You will receive a SecureVolunteer VERIFIED card from Asheville City Schools in the regular mail after you pass the background check.

2. Create a Tabroom Account

Tabroom is the web-based management software for all speech and debate tournaments. This is where you create your “Judge Profile” and manage all your ballots. Create the account now so it’s ready to go.

3. Get Trained

NSDA Official Judge Training Course–Every new judge needs to take this course!

New Judges

The idea of judging students in Speech and Debate can sound intimidating. But once you get trained and attend your first tournament, the rest is easy and fun!

NSDA Judge Certification Course

Every new judge needs to take at least Level I (Parts 1-4) of this course!
Set up your Tabroom account before taking this course. Note the email address used for your Tabroom account. Your judge certification will be linked to your Tabroom account.
Levels II is also very helpful at providing more detail on judging specific events