Welcome to the City of Warrnambool Eisteddfod 2024

REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS & RULES

It is a requirement that each individual performer, group or school, sanction the recording of performance by official photographers and videographers (unless there is a specific reason - for instance, legal condition - for exclusion) 

Please be aware publicity shots may be taken during the Eisteddfod. Please advise the Convenors if there is a specific reason - for instance, legal condition - for exclusion of a particular performer.

The 'Recording of Performance Release' form available on our website is to be handed in at registration. 

NOTE: Recorded performances and photography will only be used for advertising the Eisteddfod and will remain the copyright of City of Warrnambool Eisteddfod Society Inc.

 A copy of this document and discipline/section rules or requirements is available on our website - www.warrnambooleisteddfod.org.au

1.    AGE LIMIT OF COMPETITOR.

a.      ALL AGE LIMIT SECTIONS MUST STATE DATE OF BIRTH.

b.      Age limit means the age of the competitor on January 1^st unless otherwise stated in the special conditions accompanying each Section.

c.      Competitors must perform in their own age group or section marked OPEN. The Committee reserves the right to reschedule, divide or combine with other age groups when necessary.

THIS RULE COVERS ALL SECTIONS.

2.    CLOSING DATE FOR ENTRIES.

As listed in the rules at the beginning of each Discipline.

a.      NO LATE ENTRIES WILL BE ACCEPTED. 

b.      ON-LINE ENTRIES are to be through www.stardom.com.au

c.      Daily Running Sheets will be available on-line through the STARDOM system for most Disciplines once they have been finalised.

d.      The Committee reserves the right to refuse any entry.

e.      The Committee reserves the right to alter the timetable if circumstances require.

f.       No entry will be recorded unless accompanied by full fees payable on-line through STARDOM or by EFT/cheque. THERE WILL BE NO REFUND FOR NON APPEARANCE IN ANY SECTION.

g.      Entries in group items are not valid unless the name of each competitor is noted. Orchestras, choirs, dance teams and debate teams are exempted. NO SUBSTITUTES CAN BE MADE.

3.    RULES FOR COMPETITORS

a.      Competitors must report to the Registrar AT LEAST 30 MINUTES BEFORE THE COMMENCEMENT OF EACH SECTION (Dance, Speech & Drama and Debating excepted) and must furnish a copy of the item to be performed for the Adjudicator.  Dance, Speech & Drama and Debating competitors please check your Discipline Rules for registering information including time restraints.

b.      NAMES OF COMPETITORS IN GROUPS. The number of competitors appearing in each item must be handed to Stage Manager at the time of registration. This is to comply with Occupational Health and Safety requirements.

c.      Competitors must perform different compositions when competing in more than one section. No competitor may present the same item more than once in any section. Any competitor may join another partner(s) for the same prize in duo or trio sections but must present a different item, unless otherwise stated in the special conditions accompanying each Section. Vocalists may sing in several choirs for the same prize.

d.      Competitors must compete as listed in the official program (no substitutions). If not present when called, disqualification may occur at the discretion of the registrars.

e.      Competitors in all sections must adhere to ALL the conditions laid down by the Committee. THE DECISION OF THE COMMITTEE SHALL BE FINAL in all questions and disputes arising out of or not provided for in these conditions.

f.       Novice Sections are for competitors who have never won a first prize at any previous competition prior to 2022.  PLEASE NOTE: IN THE INSTRUMENTAL SECTION OF MUSIC the definition of novice is under 2 years experience or up to preliminary grade AMEB.   Dance Entrants - please read the Rules Specific for Dancing

g.      Prompting (or demonstrating) during a performance of any item is strictly prohibited. This includes assistance from any singing or dancing teacher. Failure to comply may result in disqualification. Special needs competitors may be assisted by an Integration Aide as deemed necessary by the listed teacher/coach.

h.      Time limits, where specified, will be strictly adhered to.

i.        Rehearsals are not allowed on the stage during the Eisteddfod.

j.        Choirs: one conductor may conduct any number of sections or choirs.

k.      All competitors must have NAME, DATE OF BIRTH, ADDRESS, & CONTACT PHONE NUMBER entered on their entry forms.

l.        Duo, Trio and Troupes: one group on stage and two groups in marshalling area allowed unless specified in Section rules.

m.     Special needs will be taken into consideration. 

Teachers are advised that competitors who come from the following backgrounds can enter the competition at no cost. Their entrance fee shall be paid via a Grant supplied by the Warrnambool City Council.

An eligible student is one who:

a) has a physical or intellectual disability;    b) is a care-giver to a parent or sibling or extended family member;    c) belongs to a family which has a history of domestic violence or trauma;    d) has a parent who suffers from addictive substances;                 

e) has a parent or guardian who is unemployed;      f) has a parent or guardian who is a refugee or asylum seeker;    g) belongs to a family where English is the second language spoken at home;       h) has a single parent or guardian;                               

i) has a parent or guardian who is a Commonwealth Health Care card holder or is a pensioner;         j) has Koori or Pacific Islander heritage;   k) suffers from economic hardship

We ask only that you directly inform us of the number of students from your school whose entry fees shall be paid from the Council grant. We require no proof, and no names, simply your honesty. Please contact the Secretary or Convenor in this instance.

4.    ADJUDICATOR

a.      The adjudicator’s decision on the suitability of any item is final.

b.      Communication with the adjudicator, either by competitors or interested parties, is ABSOLUTELY PROHIBITED. The Committee reserves the right to disqualify any competitor who breaches this condition.

c.      ALL MUSIC for the Music section must be presented in good order. ALL BARS ARE TO BE NUMBERED.  It is ESSENTIAL that MUSIC NOTATION is provided so the adjudicator can follow the music that is played or sung.

d.      A detailed critique will be provided for each competitor in each section and may be obtained at the registration table as soon as possible after the relevant section is completed.

e.      The adjudicator reserves the right to withhold any prize where insufficient merit has been displayed.

f.       The Committee reserves the right to appoint a substitute adjudicator.

5.    ACCOMPANIST: SENIOR VOCAL, JUNIOR/INTERMEDIATE VOCAL, INSTRUMENTAL

a.      All vocal music must be presented in good order to the Accompanist ONE MONTH PRIOR to the performance. Manuscript copy will not be accepted. A request for an official accompanist must be noted on entry. A late request may be refused.

b.      Accompanist fee is included in entry fee. If you require the official accompanist it must be noted on ENTRY.

6. COMMITTEE POLICY

a.    The Committee reserves the right in any age limit competition to withhold any prize money until a competitor has furnished (at his/her own expense) a birth certificate or copy thereof.

b.    PROTESTS must be made in writing and presented to the Secretary/Convenor within 15 minutes of the Adjudicator’s decision, accompanied by a fee of $10 for a group or $5 for a soloist. This fee will be forfeited if the protest is deemed to be frivolous.

c.    TIES: In the event of a tie prize money will be divided between place-getters and full aggregate points will be awarded to all place-getters. If a trophy dance is tied both competitors will receive a trophy, however the second trophy will be sent to the competitor after the eisteddfod is ended.

d.    PHOTOCOPIES: The Committee takes no responsibility for any copyright infringements relating to the submission of photocopied music. Entrants submit photocopies at their own risk. All photocopied sheets including Speech & Drama will be destroyed after the performance.

e.    ANY recording (videography or photography) of performances by members of the audience or competitors is strictly prohibited. Offenders may be asked to leave the venue.

Performances are copyright. Only official photography is permitted.

Please be aware publicity shots may be taken during the Eisteddfod. Please advise the Convenors if there is a specific reason - for instance, legal condition - for exclusion of a particular performer.

f.     STAGE EFFECTS: No lighted candles, sparklers or naked flames are permitted. The Committee provides stage lighting and audio amplification.

g.    MUSIC & EQUIPMENT: The Committee will not accept responsibility for music and any equipment used in competition.

h.    PERPETUAL TROPHIES are to be held by the winner(s) for a period of 11 calendar months and must be returned to the Secretary 1 MONTH prior to the commencement of the competition. Any change of address of a winner must be notified to the Secretary, or Convenor of the Discipline.

i.      INSURANCE: The Committee requires ALL COMPETITORS to be responsible for insuring themselves and support staff against personal injury arising out of participation in the competitions.

j.      The Stage Manager, a Committee member or the Adjudicator has the right to stop any item if a competitor has suffered an injury, or is at risk of doing so.  Items so stopped may be performed and adjudicated normally, at an appropriate time, provided they can be done safely.

k.    Performers, parents, guardians and teachers are expected to behave in a mature and socially acceptable manner. Offenders will be asked to leave the venue.

l.      No official First Aid attendants available for all sections.