Revised 2024

These rules are also contained in the following schedules:

Dance Rules (PDF)
Vocal and Instrumental Rules (PDF)
Speech and Drama Rules (PDF)
Schools Performance Rules (PDF)

Performers are asked to study the following rules carefully as they will be strictly enforced. This applies particularly to the submission of entry forms which will be rejected if they do not comply.

1. In these rules and conditions the word “Committee” shall mean “The Management Committee of the    Lismore Musical Festival Society”.
2. The decision of the Committee in all questions arising, shall be final. All entries are deemed to be made subject to these conditions.
3. The Committee reserves the right to determine the Status of any performer and the application and interpretation of these rules.
4. In the event of insufficient or large entries, the Committee reserves the right to combine or divide sections accordingly. In any section where insufficient entries are received the Committee may exercise its discretion with regard to the retention or the alteration of any section for that year.
5. The Committee reserves the right to amend the program at any time by varying the order of the performers or sections at any session.
6. All performances are intended for amateurs. Teachers may not perform.
7. All performers perform entirely at their own risk.
8. AGE: For all entries the performers age for entry is at 31st May 2024.
9. The Committee reserves the right in age performances to call upon any performer to produce at his/her own expense, PROOF OF AGE and to withhold any prize/money until such proof shall have been furnished.
10. The Committee reserves the right to refuse any entry, and, in particular, those from performers who have been pupils of an adjudicator, within a period of 12 months prior to the closing of entries. These performers are not eligible to compete in any section judged by that adjudicator.
11. Performers will be regarded as being CONVERSANT WITH THE RULES of the performances of the Society affecting their positions as performers. The PLEA OF LACK OF KNOWLEDGE WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED AS A BONA FIDE REASON FOR THE INFRINGEMENT OF THE RULE. In the event of a protest being lodged the performers so infringing shall be liable to disqualification or may otherwise be dealt with by the Committee.
12. Entries in all sections must be lodged online by the date advertised for the closing of entries. No entry will be accepted without its full entry fee.
14. In all sections where two or more combine to compete e.g. duos, duets, trios, the name of each performer must be given at the time of entry. Non-compliance with this rule will render the entry liable to rejection.
15. In sections where there are two (2) or more entrants performing in combination, NO performer may compete more than once in any capacity. No performer shall be allowed to render the same item in more than one (1) section.
16. Performers MUST perform in OWN age sections and not outside their own age group, unless specifically indicated in the schedule as open to all ages (unrestricted).
17. It is not necessary to name OWN CHOICE items on the entry forms.
18. In OWN CHOICE sections, copies of pieces for use of the Adjudicator must be handed to the Speech and Drama table secretary immediately prior to the commencement of the SESSION (morning, afternoon or night) in which the item is to be heard.
19. In OWN SELECTION performances, marks will be awarded for quality of choice. Very lengthy selections will not improve the performer’s chance of success and teachers are advised to take note of this.
22. Time Limits. Vocal/Instrumental and Speech and Drama Performers please read Schedules for time limits
24. CHAMPIONSHIP: Performers must enter and perform in their corresponding AGE, or acceptable qualifying section/s as indicated in the schedule before the Championship is held.
26. The Adjudicator’s decision shall be final and he/she has the power to withhold or divide prizes according to merit. He/she shall also be entitled to recommend the awarding of a second place if he/she thinks the rendition has not sufficient merit to carry a first prize, but he/she shall intimate his/her decision when making the adjudication.
27. In many cases only part of a song, recitation or instrumental item may be heard by the Adjudicator and the bell does not necessarily signify disapproval or rejection. The Adjudicator’s objective will be to hear all items at the session in which they are set down.
29. If through unforeseen circumstance an Adjudicator is unable to perform his/her duty, the Committee reserves the right to appoint a substitute
30. Performers must assemble in the space provided by the committee and must be ready to render their items in the order in which their names appear
in the program. Any delay on their part causing disruption of the business of the session will render them liable to disqualification.
31. No teacher will be allowed on stage with a performer unless as an accompanist FOR THAT ITEM. Prompting from the audience or side of stage is strictly forbidden and is liable to result in disqualification of that performer.
40. Usage of venues or equipment PRIOR to the Eisteddfod is not the responsibility of the Lismore Musical Festival Society. All rehearsals should be privately arranged by and paid for by the performer with the appropriate authority.
41. No use of the stage for practice is permitted at any venue during the performances.
42. During the actual performances all enquiries of, or representations to, the Adjudicator must be made in writing either through the Secretary or a Committee member.
43. UNAUTHORISED communication with the Adjudicator during the performance is STRICTLY FORBIDDEN. Failure to comply will mean immediate disqualification.
44. PROTESTS: If any, shall be lodged with the Secretary in writing, within one hour
after completion of section in respect of which the protest is entered and must be
accompanied by $50.00 which shall be forfeited if the protest is deemed to be
frivolous or unfounded.