The eligibility criteria for ABP is as follows:
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In order to be considered eligible to debate at the Championship, a debater shall be enrolled in a course of study, leading to a degree, and lasting at least one academic year at the institution which he or she represents and must be attending classes, pursuing research or preparing for examinations or graduation (with the exception of incoming freshmen) at that institution on the last day of term preceding the tournament. Exchange students who fulfill this criterion in their home universities are exempted from the fulfilling the requirement for the university they are on exchange in, and may also represent their exchange universities.
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Competitors shall be recognized by the University debating society or equivalent, or in the absence of such a body, by the University administration and must be able to demonstrate their bona fides if called upon to do so by a member of the host organization.