The American Forensic Association is an American organisation which promotes and supports competitive debating and public speaking in high schools and colleges in the United States.

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American Forensic Association

Abbreviation	AFA
Formation	December 10, 1949
Type	Public Speaking
Purpose	To seek greater understanding of the history and practice of reasoned discourse as a sound basis for public involvement.
Region served	United States
Official language	English
President	Heidi Hamilton, Emporia State University
Website	www.americanforensicsassoc.org/

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• Cross Examination Debate Association
• National Parliamentary Debate Association
• American Debate Association
• International Debate Education Association

The association publishes several scholarly journals including:

• Argumentation and Advocacy ^[1]
• The Journal of the American Forensic Association ^[2]
• The AFA Newsletter

The association holds two collegiate national tournaments annually. The tournaments brings students from across the nation to compete for national championships in both individual events and debate. Students reach the tournaments through a rigorous at-large and district qualification system verified by organizational officers. Since their inception, the tournaments have served hundreds of colleges and universities and thousands of students. The tournaments include:

• National Speech Tournament (commonly known as AFA-NST) ^[3]
• National Debate Tournament (commonly known as AFA-NDT) ^[4]

• Competitive debate in the United States