Mississippi State Cowbell Classic
2025 — Mississippi State, MS/US
Public Forum Debate
Event Description:
Topic: Jan NSDA Topic
PUBLIC FORUM DEBATE (VARSITY AND NOVICE DIVISIONS)
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The debate will follow the 4-4-3-4-4-3-3-3-3-2-2 format.
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Each team will have 3 minutes of prep time to use as they wish.
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Five preliminary rounds will determine breaks to elimination rounds. We expect that Rounds 4 and 5 will be power-matched based on earlier preliminary record, but reserve the right to pair rounds as needed to ensure fairness and competitiveness.
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We ask that NO DISCLOSURES be given during the rounds. Judges may elect to give brief (5 minutes or less) oral feedback without disclosing the winner at the end of the round, but as a general rule most feedback should be provided via the ballot.
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A novice debater is a competitor in their first year of high-school competition in ANY event. If a student competed in middle school, but never competed against high-school competitors, they may be considered novice during their first high school season. For a team to enter the novice division, both speakers must be in their novice year.
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Internet-connected laptop computers and tablet devices may be used by debaters, but may not be used to receive information for competitive advantage from non-competitors (coaches, assistant coaches, teammates, other students, etc.) inside or outside of the room in which the competition occurs. WiFi normally is readily available, but we make no assurance that interruptions will not occur. Consequently, debaters are encouraged to have essential files printed in hard copy and/or stored on their devices.