Barkley Forum for High Schools Tournament
Catalog organization: Emory University Barkley Forum
Compiled by: ExtracurricularHub Editorial Team — editorial policy
Last updated
Researched Aug 22, 2026
What Is Barkley Forum for High Schools Tournament?
BFHS is Emory's long-running national in-person speech and debate tournament, founded in 1956 and usually held on the last weekend of January. Emory reports more than 1,000 students, educators, administrators, and college coaches from 35 states and says it receives hundreds more applications than available space. Competition includes Policy, Public Forum, Lincoln-Douglas, Congressional Debate, and eight speech events: Dramatic and Humorous Interpretation, Extemporaneous Speaking, Original Oratory, Duo Interpretation, Informative, Impromptu, and Program Oral Interpretation.
The official Tabroom event lists the 2027 tournament for January 22-24 at Emory University. The portal is not open yet and no invitation is posted. Emory says registration generally opens in mid-October; Tabroom currently shows technical dates beginning October 7 and closing January 15, but explicitly warns that entrants must use the invitation/notices for official policies.
Barkley Forum for High Schools Tournament Key Facts: Cost, Deadline, and Eligibility
| Cost | $50 |
|---|---|
| Format | In person |
| Eligibility | Grades 9–12 |
| Listing last updated | August 30, 2026 |
Program details shown here reflect the current catalog record.
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How to Apply to Barkley Forum for High Schools Tournament
Open the application for Barkley Forum for High Schools Tournament