We promote high school and middle school speech and debate activities as a means to develop a student’s essential life skills and values.

Our vision is that every child in the United States will be empowered to become an effective communicator, ethical individual, critical thinker, and leader in a democratic society.

We are a 501(c)3 not-for-profit created to recognize high school students in speech and debate. We are the oldest and largest interscholastic forensic organization. This year, more than 112,000 high school and middle school students, representing more than 2,800 high schools and nearly 100 middle schools, are building their communication, leadership, cognitive, and presentational skills as members. Since 1925, more than 1.3 million students have found their voice in the NFL.

Click here to learn more about our vibrant history.

Adopted September 23, 2007

As a member of the National Forensic League, I pledge to uphold the highest standards of integrity, humility, respect, leadership and service in the pursuit of excellence.

Integrity: An NFL member obeys the highest ethical standards and adheres to the rules of the League. NFL members recognize that integrity is central to earning the trust, respect, and support of one's peers. Integrity encompasses the highest regard for honesty, civility, justice, and fairness.

Humility: An NFL member does not regard him or herself more highly than others. Regardless of a person's level of success, he or she always looks beyond oneself to appreciate the inherent value of others.

Respect: An NFL member respects individual differences and fosters diversity. He or she promotes tolerance, inclusion, and empowerment for people from a variety of backgrounds.

Leadership: An NFL member influences others to take positive action toward productive change. NFL members commit to thoughtful and responsible leadership which promotes the other core values in the NFL Code of Honor.

Service: An NFL member exercises the talents he or she has been given to provide service to his or her peers, community, and the League. At all times an NFL member is prepared to work constructively to improve the lives of others.

To obtain the NFL Code of Honor for classroom use or educational purposes, please download a PDF copy suitable for printing.

The NFL's Annual Report reviews changes in the league over the past year and provides information about its fiscal health. The document covers the year’s award winners, partnership projects, member services, finances, and more. Coaches and contributors receive a hard copy of the annual report by mail. A downloadable pdf of the annual report is available online.

to download a copy of the 2010 Annual Report.