RULES AND PRACTICES

Please note: The Centralian Eisteddfod Council reserve the right to withdraw or merge some sections depending on the number of entries received.

1. GENERAL
   1. Open sections are open to all comers.
   2. All other sections are open to amateurs only.
   3. A professional accompanist, conductor or producer is permitted. If a Piano is required, please state on your entry registration.
   4. A house curtain is not available for any performance.
2. ENTRIES
   1. All sections are “own choice” items unless specified.
   2. The Eisteddfod Council will advise the manner and deadline for the uploading of music files and submission of sheet music and literary documents.  This will occur well in advance of the commencement of the event.
   3. One piece shall be performed except where specified. A piece may constitute more than one movement so long as it is performed within the specified time limit.
   4. Participants may not perform the same item in more than one section.  A slight variation does not constitute a new item.
   5. Participants may enter once only in each solo section.
   6. In all sections other than solo sections participants may perform more than once if in a variety of combinations.
   7. Music and Speech Sections. Sheet Music and Written Work submitted must comply with copyright laws (see Rule 3.1 to 3.5) and must meet the following requirements:

• Vocal – Words and melody line for each part to be performed.
• Instrumental – Part(s) to be performed.
• Rock Band – Chord charts only required
• Reading and Recital – sections to be performed

Any Unusual Instrument & Talent Quest– no written music or words are required to be submitted, but it is the responsibility of the competitor(s) to comply with copyright laws. (See Rule 3.1 to 3.5)

1. Notification of withdrawal is appreciated. A refund of the entry fee may be appropriate if notice is given a month prior to the start of the particular section of the Eisteddfod.
2. For sections specifying “learning 18 months or less” participants should not have any previous experience with any other instrument(s). 

3. COPYRIGHT: MUSIC
   1. The Centralian Eisteddfod holds a License issued by APRA/AMCOS.
   2. Participants performing with sheet music must comply with copyright guidelines set by APRA/AMCOS.
   3. The Centralian Eisteddfod will not be liable for any copyright infringement relating to the submission of photocopies.  Entrants should be aware of the APRA/AMCOS rules of copyright. www.apraamcos.com.au
   4. Participants must submit one of the following at the registration desk:

• The original sheet music
• An AMCOS licensed copy (schools only)
• A photocopy or transcription or arrangement accompanied by authorising documentation from the music publisher.
• Unpublished works should be submitted with a letter of “Approval to Perform” from the composer but is unnecessary if the composer is also the performer.

1. An APRA/AMCOS Copyright Declaration Form is required to accompany any music submitted, and can be found on our website www.centralianeisteddfod.org
2. If using an AMCOS copy please ensure the stamp and names are clearly visible on it.
3. Originals and licensed copies that have been handed in to the adjudicator will be available to participants after their section has concluded.   The Centralian Eisteddfod Council will take every care to keep these items safe but accepts no responsibility for loss. Please label all music and books clearly with your name.

REGISTRATION RESPONSIBILITIES

1. All participants must confirm their attendance at the registration desk 30min prior to commencement of the relevant section.
2. We adhere to advertised session times whenever possible.
3. We do not advise times for each section.
4. All backing tracks/sheet music/literary work MUST be submitted prior to the event.  The Centralian Eisteddfod Council will advise the date and manner.

SUBSTITUTIONS

1. No substitutions will be permitted in solo sections. Only those named on the entry form will be allowed to take part.
2. DTQ sections are permitted substitutes.

POWER TO AMEND

1. The Council may cancel any section if there are insufficient entries.
2. When there is only one entry in a section, the entrant may be advanced to the age section above providing this promotion is no more than three years.
3. The Council reserves the right to divide large sections into two or more sections.
4. If a participant is entered in an age group below their age (Rule 8) the Council will adjust the entry accordingly.
5. If a participant is entered in an age group above their age the Council will not adjust the entry.

GROUP SECTIONS

1. A group shall consist of 5 people or more.
2. A vocal group may have a maximum of 12 members.
3. A choir shall consist of 12 members or more.
4. Groups shall enter the age section of the oldest member.

AGE SECTIONS

1. All participants shall state their age on the entry form and be prepared to produce evidence of age.
2. The age of a participant is as of June 30 in the Competition year.
3. “Primary” is defined as students attending primary school Transition to year 6.
4. “Secondary to year 10” is defined as students attending secondary school and are in Year 10 or below.
5. “Secondary” & “Secondary to Year 12” is defined as students attending High School in Year 12 or below.
6. Conductors and support persons for dance abilities sections are exempt from age limits.

ADJUDICATION

1. The objective is to hear/see all items in full but time constraints may mean only part of an item is heard.
2. A bell may be used to signify the adjudicator is ready for the performance to commence or may be used to signify the item has exceeded the time limit. In no way does the ringing of the bell signify disapproval or rejection.
3. The Council reserves the right to appoint a substitute adjudicator where necessary.
4. The adjudicator’s decision is final.
5. The adjudicator has the right to withhold any prize.
6. Communication with the adjudicator before or during the competition is strictly prohibited.
7. Costumes and/or movement are permitted but will not be considered in adjudication unless otherwise stated.

ORDER OF COMPETITION

1. The order of appearance of participants is at the discretion of the Council.
2. Participants shall perform in the order set down in the official program.

ASSISTANCE TO PARTICIPANTS

1. No teacher or parent shall be permitted on stage with a participant except as an accompanist, support person for dance abilities, or a conductor.
2. Except in the case of plays, no prompting or assistance of any kind shall be given except by the adjudicator.
3. Teachers and parents who need to assist participants back stage are required to wear identification badges, clearly identifying the participant(s).

TUNING

1. Only fine-tuning will be permitted in front of the adjudicator.

ACCOMPANIMENT

1. Accompaniment is permitted for all sections except Band sections.
2. If a Piano is required, please advise on your registration entry.
3. Instrumental and/or vocal parts may not be duplicated by the same instrument and/or voice in the accompaniment.
4. Digital music provided as accompaniment must be received prior to the 1^st of May.  Instructions will be available on our website for how to submit musical accompaniments.

REPEATS

1. Repeats are not mandatory in any musical piece performed.

TIME LIMITS:

1. All sections have TIME LIMITS. These are specified on pages 16, 24, 25 and 29.

TIES

1. While the Centralian Eisteddfod encourages a winner to be declared in each section, in the event of a tie, a prize will be awarded to each winner.

PHOTO/VIDEO

1. No flash photography
2. Video and photography are restricted to:

• Your child or a group your child is in
• Your student entries
• Entries made by your organization

Eisteddfod Council may ask you to produce proof of identification if you are observed recording performances or taking photos.

FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH ANY OF THE RULES MAY RESULT IN DISQUALIFICATION OR EXPULSION

REMEMBER – THE CENTRALIAN EISTEDDFOD IS THE FRIENDLY EISTEDDFOD!