Heat Rules

1. Maximum of 20 contestants per heat.
2. Enter at the venue on the night of the heat.
3. Contestants must reside in the state in which they are competing.
4. Random draw for performance order.
5. ABSOLUTE two minute limit. Time starts at your first word (no additional time for introductions). Points will be deducted from the final score for exceeding the time limit — one point for every 30 seconds over time.
6. Five judges chosen at random from the audience.
7. Judges hold up score cards using a 1 – 10 scale, with 10 being the highest. Of the five scores for each poet, only the middle three scores are counted.
8. Poem must be the original work of the performer written within the last 12 months
9. No musical accompaniment. No Props
10. Two performers with the highest scores in each heat will proceed to the state final to be held at the state library or participating organisation at a date to be confirmed.
11. Employees of libraries or host venues may not enter.
12. You may enter more than one heat in your state.

For more information on the Australian Poetry Slam 07:
Vanessa Bond (02) 9273 1566 or slu35@sl.nsw.gov.au