The CBA Forensic Society is comprised of 9th through 12th graders that compete in 11 different categories at an average of 14 tournaments a year. The team belongs to three different competitive leagues: The National Forensic League (NFL), The National Catholic Forensic League (NCFL), and the New York State Forensic League (NYSFL).

As members of the NFL, students earn points in a nationally recognized system appropriate for inclusion on college applications. At the present time, we have 20 NFL members with awards levels from Degree of Merit to Degree of Outstanding Distinction. We also have three students on course for Academic All-American.

As members of the NCFL, students have qualified and attended their National Tournament in Chicago & New York City. Future sites include Alexandria, VA, Pittsburgh and Boston. Last year, Anthony Marrone as a junior, placed in the top 16 in Extemporaneous Speaking.

As members of the NYSFL, the students compete in the State Finals tournament held in Albany. Annually, we have 10 to 12 students qualify to compete in this state-wide event.

CBA is the only school in the county that has an active organization (Baker High in Baldwinsville has a team but competes only once or twice a year, CNS tried to start a team two years ago but lost its funding). In order to compete, CBA routinely travels to Rochester, Buffalo or Albany for competitions.

Forensic Categories

Original Oratory
The student writes, memorizes and delivers an originally composed speech of no more than ten minutes duration. There is a limit of 150 words quoted and no visual aids are allowed. There is no restriction on topic but generally the speeches are in the ™persuasiveš style.

Oral Interpretation
The student chooses one prose selection from short stories, novels, or essays to be read from the book or manuscript. In alternating rounds, the student must also prepare a poem or poems which may be lyric, narrative, or dramatic and also must be read. Maximum time - 10 minutes.

Dramatic Interpretation
A memorized selection from a short story, novel, play, or essay. No props, costumes, or excessive stage movement is allowed. Maximum time - 10 minutes.

Humorous Interpretation
A memorized selection from a short story, novel, play or essay. No props, costumes, or excessive stage movements are allowed. Subject matter should be humorous if not comedic, however stand-up comedy routines are not allowed. Maximum time - 10 minutes. This is not a separate category in the NCFL.

Duo Dramatic Interpretation
A two person reading from a single published play, fictional or non-fictional work, or a poem. Subject matter may be serious or humorous. Each performer may present only one character. Minimum gestures allowed. Eye or other physical contact between performers forbidden. No props or costumes allowed. Maximum time - 10 minutes.

Declamation
A memorized speech previously delivered by another author. The purpose is to recreate the message (not the original speaker). This category is only open to 9th and 10th graders (or younger). Maximum time - 10 minutes.

Introductions are allowed for all the above categories and will be included in the time limitations.

Student Congress
The purpose of Student Congress is to provide students with an opportunity to compose, analyze and debate congressional legislation in a formalized setting in which they can learn and apply parliamentary procedure and appropriate etiquette. Students are judged on how well they demonstrate mastery of these skills and function as effective legislators. It combines both aspects from both debate and speech competitions in a unique blend.

Extemporaneous Speaking
One half-hour before the contestant speaks, he/she will draw 3 topics and choose one. Subjects will be taken from major news magazines on topics of domestic or international current events. One note card with no more than 50 words is generally permitted, however every tournament may differ in allowing notes. This category is often divided into Junior Varsity (pre-11th grade) and Varsity (experienced). Maximum time - seven minutes.

Lincoln-Douglas Debate
A one-on-one debate requiring the student to explain in a persuasive manner the most important values and criteria for judgment about the resolution under debate. One student defends the resolution; one attacks. Students must be prepared for either position. Resolutions change every two months. The order and speaker times are as follows:

Affirmative Constructive - 6 minutes
Negative Cross-examination - 3 minutes
Negative Constructive - 7 minutes
Affirmative Cross-examination - 3 minutes
Affirmative Rebuttal - 4 minutes
Negative Rebuttal - 6 minutes
Affirmative Rebuttal - 3 minutes
Speakers have 3 minutes of preparation time during the debate available at their discretion.

• Use of speeches written by students in previous years are generally prohibited for use in any category.
• Copies of speeches, readings, plays etc.. must be brought to all tournaments. In many cases, the original source (the actual book, novel, libretto etc.) must also be available should the judges ask to review it.
• In order to qualify for National, Regional and State tournaments, speakers must win bids (points) in local and qualifying tournaments. In order to go to National Catholic Finals in Rocheter over Memorial Day weekend, speakers must be deemed either 1st or 2nd their category in the Diocese of Syracuse (which includes Syracuse, Utica, Rome, Clinton).
• Judges are always needed. If a parent is willing to become a certified judge (this means that they have judges a minimum of 6 rounds in sanctioned tournaments), please join us.

Awards - School of the Arts Rochester, November 17, 2001

Awaiting Results - Sauquoit Valley Forensic Tournament, November 10, 2001

After Awards - Sauquoit Valley Forensic Tournament, November 10