General Information

SOUTHERN BELL FORUM PHILOSOPHY: 

We regard our tournament as a non-profit affair. Our only hope is that we can host a national-caliber tournament that can operate with a moderate loss. We are certain that our many hospitality offerings and quality awards will assure you that we are not profit-oriented. We plan to run the tournament the weekend of January 8 - 10, 2027 regardless of weather conditions at the time.   

ENTRY FEES:  

The entry fee will be $250. Make all checks payable simply to: Montgomery Bell Academy. To ensure an entry slot for your team, the registration form must arrive by Friday, December 12. A series of anonymous donors are committed to ensuring that all individuals and schools are able to attend this event. If attending would require an exceptional personal sacrifice for an invited student, please let us know. We will work with you to ensure all invited students are able to attend. 

REGISTRATION: 

Registration will occur on Friday, January 8 at the tournament hotel (to be announced in a subsequent communication). Registration will occur from 8:30-10:00PM. IN AN EMERGENCY SITUATION ONLY, IF YOU CANNOT REGISTER DURING THE ABOVE HOURS, PLEASE CALL US AT (214) 490-3260 and we will ensure that you get registered first thing Saturday, January 3. 

THE TOURNAMENT:  

There will be ten rounds of competition on Saturday and Sunday. Draw will be held 30 minutes before the beginning of each round. A cross - examination period will be utilized for every round, using the OLD NFL format which featured a 3-minute open cross-examination period. There will be four sections in each round with four competitors in each section. We will stagger draw by 15 minutes. In our format, each competitor meets every other competitor exactly one time over the course of the first five rounds and exactly once in the second five rounds. We will run a closed tab room. Ballots will be released following the Awards Assembly. To receive your trophy and ballots, you MUST be present for the Awards Assembly. Please make your reservations and travel plans accordingly for leaving on Monday, January 5. 

JUDGING:  

We value judges not only for their expertise, but for their ability to offer thoughtful encouragement and constructive feedback. We are making a concerted effort to encourage our alumni to come back and judge.  The competitors enjoy having former competitors as judges because you uniquely understand their experience.  In addition, it’s a chance to reconnect, reminisce, and celebrate the legacy of this unique event. Ideally, former competitors can network annually while helping to ensure the legacy of the MBA Extemp Round Robin. Whether you’re deeply involved in forensics year-round or this is your annual return to the activity, we are grateful for any time you can give. To accommodate varying availability, we offer two main options:

1. Volunteer - We primarily rely on our volunteers—whether you’ve judged with us for several years or are returning as a former competitor. Volunteering helps sustain the tournament’s mission. Your presence not only supports current competitors—it models the generosity and excellence that define this community.  In other words, without you, it can’t happen. You choose when you’re available. Whether you’re in Nashville for the weekend or just able to drive in for a round or two, we’ll only schedule you during the times you select. If you’re willing to judge but need partial expense coverage, check the relevant box in the form. We’ll reach out as hired judge needs arise and work with you and the competitor to cover some costs. Depending on December logistics, we may be able to comp a few hotel rooms.

2. Contract - We offer $100/day for Saturday or Sunday, or $200 for the full weekend. Contract judges will be scheduled as needed across rounds.

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