Judges Needed for Christian Homeschool Speech and Debate Competition

The Stoa National Invitational Tournament of Champions (NITOC) returns to Union University (UU) and community members are needed to volunteer as judges for this engaging and always entertaining tournament, which will be held May 17 – 23, 2026. The annual homeschool forensics competition, which has previously been hosted by UU three other times, is expected to draw about 600 competitors from across the country along with their families. Student competitors are ages 12 through 18 years old.

“Hosting NITOC has been a huge honor for Union University, and we’re thrilled to welcome participants from all over the country back to campus this year,” said Dan Griffin, Union’s vice president for enrollment management. “NITOC competitors are bright, talented young people. The event is always a positive experience for Union, and we’re looking forward to what we expect will be another great competition.”

To make the event successful, Griffin said about 800 judges from Union and the Jackson community will be needed for the competition.

“One of the amazing privileges of hosting the tournament is our ability to participate through providing community judges,” said Griffin. “You do not have to have previous experience as they provide all the training, and you will get to witness some of the most talented speech and debate students compete for thousands of dollars’ worth of scholarships.”

If you can help out and are interested in becoming a judge for the tournament, you may learn more.

UU hosted the NITOC in 2017, 2021, and 2024.

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