NHSEB Divisional Playoff matches are single-elimination competitions conducted online via Zoom video conference, using cases from the 2025–2026 Regional Case Set. Each match features two teams, three judges, and a moderator, and follows the standard National High School Ethics Bowl format: structured presentations, commentary, responses, and a judges’ question-and-answer period. Winners are determined by a majority of judges’ votes and advance to the National Championship.
Teams may gather in the same physical location and may either join from individual devices or participate together using a single laptop or classroom streaming system. In all cases, teams must be clearly visible and audible to the moderator, judges, and opposing team, and able to see and hear all other participants. Coaches and observers may not communicate with students during matches, and all student conferral must occur only during designated periods. Aside from limited adaptations for online competition, Divisional Playoff matches follow the same rules and scoring standards as the NHSEB National Championship, as outlined by the National High School Ethics Bowl and administered in partnership with the Parr Center for Ethics.
