Slam Rules

HEAT RULES

1. Maximum of 20 contestants per heat.

2. Enter at the venue on the night of the heat (30 minutes before 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 or when the timekeeper feels when your performance has begun (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.

For example: You will loose one point if you exceed two minutes by between one second and 30 seconds. You will loose two points if you exceed two minutes by between 31 seconds and 60 seconds, and so on.

6. Five judges chosen by the MC 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 State Heats will proceed to the State Final (see Addendum to State Heats rules for additions to this rule).

11. Employees of libraries or venues that are hosting heats may not compete.

12. Contestants must sign the addendum prior to performing.

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