We’re here to support, not compete.
You know what your debaters need—but you don’t always have the time, staffing, or budget to give it to them. Most coaches are managing full teaching loads, growing teams, and the endless logistics of tournament life. At the same time, families often want more individualized attention than one coach can realistically provide, and when they don’t get it, that pressure can fall on you or your administration. Some of your most promising students are juggling AP classes, sports, theater, and leadership roles—don’t lose them to other activities just because debate can’t fit their schedule. We’re here to help you retain those students and improve the experience for everyone. Debate Matters exists to fill in the gaps—on your terms.
Debate Matters is a team-friendly platform designed to amplify what you’re already doing, not undermine it. We work with programs across the country to provide students with private or semi-private instruction, enrichment classes, and event-specific prep—without disrupting your team culture or structures.
How We Can Help
Overflow Instruction
Offload case drills, rebuttal redos, theory work, or event prep to experienced instructors so you can focus on the bigger picture.
Supplemental Coaching
Offer students additional support between practices, over breaks, or during the tournament grind—without burning out.
New Coach Support
We can help orient and train new hires, guide student leaders, or act as a sounding board for curriculum planning and pedagogy.
Event-Specific Help
For events outside your wheelhouse—Congress, Big Questions, WSDC—we’ll pair your students with instructors who specialize in those formats.
Partner with Us: School-Based Collaborations
Looking to expand your team offerings? We partner with schools and districts to provide sustained coaching support—after school, on weekends, or over the summer. Whether you need curriculum design, ongoing instruction, or a fully outsourced middle school pipeline, we can build something that fits your structure and budget.
Evolving Debate Concepts
“What even is a set col Kritik?”
If your debaters are referencing arguments you’ve never heard of—or ones you haven’t touched in a decade—we’ve got you covered. Debate evolves fast, and it’s impossible to keep up with every new framework, Kritik, or theory trend while running a full team. Contact us and we’ll match you with an instructor who can run a crash course for you and your team. No pressure, no posturing—just clear, up-to-date explanation from someone who lives in that part of the debate map.
Summer & In-Season Collaboration Opportunities
Running a summer camp or team workshop? We can provide experienced instructors to co-teach, lead electives, or run specialized tracks—whatever fits your structure. We also supplement what your debaters are already learning at camp, reinforcing key lessons or filling in gaps after they return.
For students who are too busy for camp or can’t commit to multi-week programs, we offer the flexibility to keep improving—without blocking off their entire summer. Weekly sessions, short-term intensives, and custom coaching plans let them stay sharp on their own terms.
If you’d like, we can work with you directly to personalize a student’s summer instruction around the specific areas you want them to focus on—so your team comes back stronger in the fall.
Refer Instructors, Stay Involved
Have graduating seniors or alumni who would make great instructors? Refer them to us. We’ll handle the admin, logistics, and client management—and you’ll help them stay connected to the debate world while earning flexible income. Want to work with us directly? We also contract with active coaches to help in areas that aren’t competing with your team responsibilities.