Frequently Asked Questions

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All debaters not in contact with the franchise organizations in their countries may use the form at www.debatebp.com to share their details and interests with us. Afterwards, one of two things may be in follow-up:

a. If there is a TDI franchise in your country, your details will be sent to the franchise organization in your country for processing.

b. If no TDI franchise exists in your country, your details will be assessed to determine if you are a fit to compete as an ad-hoc national team from an unfranchised country. If successful, you will be invited to pay and make provisions to travel for TDI.this item.

Teams will be accepted on a rolling, pay-to-play basis from unfranchised countries. A maximum of four teams from any one unfranchised country will be officially accepted to compete at TDI.

For countries with TDI franchises, participation is subject to approval by the local TDI franchise organization. Depending on the country, that may mean joining qualifiers, trials, or other programs as they see fit.

For countries without TDI franchises, participation is subject to approval by the TDI central organization. Depending on the team's background, eligibility, promptness of payment, and other factors, a team may be accepted on an ad hoc basis.

All registration form entries are write-ins for individuals. You do not need a teammate to begin the process. If you sign in without a prospective teammate and someone else from your country or region of similar background signs up as well, we may connect you two together with your permission to move forward with your attendance.

TDI is not affiliated with these other world championship programs. No special treatment will be given to those accepted to other similarly nation-based debate teams. While individuals may have additional experience from competing in these teams, actual BP competition attendance is more important.

A maximum age of 18 years is set for TDI.

Simultaneously, debaters must not be enrolled or attend classes at a post-secondary institution (e.g., university). When in doubt, please consult with TDI by e-mail.

Notetaking in general is optional for all debaters. Any notes to be used during TDI must be made by hand on ink and paper. 

No electronic devices are allowed during the competition. This includes but is not limited to: mobile phones, tablets, electronic dictionaries, and laptop computers.

For individuals living in franchised countries, please refer to your local TDI organizations.

For individuals living in unfranchised countries, you must hold a passport or identity card that proves your citizenship in your country or region. You do not need to live in the country or region to compete in TDI, but the organizers reserve the right to inspect passports or identity cards physically in Malaysia. Failure to produce a satisfactory proof of identity may lead to disqualification from the competition.

The list of competing teams will be finalized on July 20, 2024. Before this, the roster competing at TDI will accept teams on a rolling, pay-to-play basis.