All entrants enter and participate in the McDonald’s Sydney Eisteddfod according to these General Conditions and any other conditions specific to categories and individual events.

For the purposes of the following ‘Eisteddfod’ is Sydney Eisteddfod, which is the organising body responsible for the McDonald’s Sydney Eisteddfod. ‘Official’ is a representative authorised by the Eisteddfod. ‘Event’ is a competition event identified by a program number. ‘Session’ is the time period in which one or more events are timetabled. ‘EST’ is the ‘Estimated Starting Time’ for an event within a session. ‘Category’ is a grouping of like events.

1.  Events are open to all comers, subject to stipulated individual event conditions.

2.  Entries must be received at the office of the Eisteddfod no later than March 13, 2012 on the Entry Form printed in the Syllabus (which may be photocopied) or on the form submitted electronically through our website. Forms must be properly completed and accompanied by full fees including program cost or will not be processed. Responsibility for correct entry rests with the entrant. The Eisteddfod cannot be responsible for entries lost in the mail, delivered incorrectly, or lost through failed electronic transmission by fax or email. An ENTRY ACKNOWLEDGEMENT RECEIPT will be emailed to the email address(es) provided on the entry form, confirming the events entered and fees paid. Entrants must call the Eisteddfod if they haven't received this email within 10 days of lodgement. Entrants are advised to check the details carefully and notify the Eisteddfod immediately of any errors, including spelling of names, etc. Corrections cannot be made after final timetabling.

3.  Entry Fees are not refundable except when an event is cancelled. Entry Fees cannot be transferred to another event should entrants change their mind after final timetabling.

4.  Late Entries received after March 13 will be subject to additional (late) fees of $25 per event for solos/duos and $40 per event for trios-groups. Late entries are only accepted subject to our final timetabling capacity and program deadlines without obligation. We reserve the right to print ‘late entries’ on a separate listing as an insert in the Program and add further extra names to the Event Listing sent to venues.

5.  A person is only permitted to enter ONCE in the SAME event, except where otherwise allowed. A school can enter more than one group in the same event provided individuals appear once only. Non-playing and non-singing conductors excepted. School events can only be entered with bonafide students of the school. Schools which enter more than one group in an event must supply a list of names in each group WHEN THEY REGISTER ON THE DAY OF THE PERFORMANCE, otherwise only the first group programmed may be eligible for a prize.

6.  A separate entry form stating the name of BOTH entrants must be completed for duos and a GROUP NAME must be given for THREE OR MORE in an event, except for Dance events 478-487.

7.  No person may enter under a name other than his or her own legal name. Entries are NOT TRANSFERABLE from one person to another in solo/duo or trio events. Prize cheques are payable in the name of the entrant. Cheques for groups not identified as a school or registered entity will be made out to the person named as submitting the entry.

8.  A pink ‘Appearance Advice’ will be posted to all entrants (to the address supplied on the entry form) after final timetabling, giving the date, session time, place for your events and your entrant number. This document MUST BE PRODUCED for identification and when claiming adjudication reports, prizes (unless presented on stage) and any original materials. Please call the Eisteddfod if this Advice hasn’t arrived by May 21.

9.  The Eisteddfod reserves the right to amend or refuse any entry, to disqualify or deny participation, to alter or reduce the prizes as published, or to amend, cancel or combine any event.

10.  A fee of $30 will be charged if a cheque is dishonoured, a credit card is refused by the bank due to incorrect numbers listed, or a replacement prize cheque is requested.

AGE LIMITS

11.  Entrants must only perform in events applicable to their age unless an event has no age specified. Age is determined as at DECEMBER 31, 2012. Event restrictions like ‘16 and under’ mean only those born in 1996 or after may take part. Event titled 'Any Age' IS OPEN TO EVERYONE and can be entered by persons of any age.

12.  At events where an age limit is specified, every entrant (including group members) must have proof of age available on the spot if requested by an Official (e.g. copy of birth certificate, etc) or risk disqualification. A group member in contempt of age requirements will render the whole group liable to disqualification.

13.  Age limits do not apply to non-playing and non-singing conductors.

PERFORMANCE

14.  Entrants are expected to be prepared for their event at the time of performance. Volunteer event staff and adjudicators are not permitted to advise, or interpret or vary any rules, conditions, or any aspect of the conduct of the Festival and the Eisteddfod will not accept responsibility for any effect arising from such unauthorised comment.

15.  Entrants (or a representative) must register with the Session Manager backstage (or as directed) AT LEAST 15 MINUTES before the start of the session or EST time (Estimated Starting Time) as advertised. Please allow time for transport delays or parking. No registration can be accepted once the Session Manager has declared the session open.

16.  Entrants must appear in strict numerical order except in circumstances approved in advance by the Eisteddfod. The order of performance in Finals is at the discretion of the Eisteddfod. All entrants must be ready to perform when called. Latecomers, or those who miss their turn, may only perform at the end of the event or division for 'comments only', not for any placing, subject to time and at the adjudicator’s discretion.

17.  A copy of ‘Own Choice’ material must be provided for the Adjudicator (unless the event states otherwise) and should be given to the Session Manager when registering on the day of performance. Photocopies will not be returned. The onus of choosing the right material rests with the entrant. Suitability, quality of choice and degree of difficulty are taken into consideration by the adjudicator.

18.  Published or unpublished work is allowed unless a ‘Test’ is specified. No personal transposition of music is to be permitted except in folk song, junior vocal and contemporary singing.

19.  A different item is required for each event unless repeats are specifically allowed. Items performed in a heat must be repeated in the final unless otherwise stipulated. An entrant found repeating an item other than where allowed will be disqualified.

20.  Groups who become Finalists must consist of the same individuals as in the heat without augmentation.

21.  Accompaniment in vocal and instrumental events must be acoustic piano except where otherwise stated, or the original has obligato instruments. In ‘Test’ marked ‘unaccompanied’ there can only be a key note or chord at the start.

ADJUDICATION

22.  Official accompanists, if appointed, are not obliged to play poorly presented, difficult or illegible music at sight. A prior rehearsal is always advisable.

23.  Recorded accompaniment, where permitted, must be on CD.

24.  No entrant may rehearse in competition venues during the period of the Eisteddfod except in official rehearsals arranged by the Eisteddfod.

25.  No teacher and no parent (unless an accompanist or conductor) will be allowed on stage or in the wings at any time, except one teacher in a supervisory capacity with groups.

26.  Prompting is not permitted, except by the adjudicator only in junior speech & drama events if deemed necessary. Any entrant who suffers memory lapse, or otherwise stops in performance will forfeit the competition unless remaining on stage and completing the performance within the time limit, which includes continuing unaccompanied. In case of CD accompaniment failure during performance the entrant should stop singing or dancing, leave the stage immediately and wait for instruction from the Session Manager. After the sound technician has programmed the back-up CD the entrant may recommence performance without penalty.

27.  Performances must be kept within specified time limits. If a performance goes under the minimum or over the maximum time the entrant is disqualified for a prize, and receives 'comments only'. Except for announcement of the item title, time is determined from the first note, dance step, action or word spoken to the last note, dance step, action or word spoken. Bows with music are timed. If separate times are noted for ‘A’ and ‘B’ test items, the clock will stop for each. If a ‘Total Performance Time’ is indicated, the clock will not stop between any selections or movements. The Timekeeper’s record is final.

28.  PROPRIETY: Entrants should be aware that their standard of dress is as important as their performance. Personal presentation appropriate to a stage appearance may be taken into consideration. The use of explicit language and gestures is prohibited, and entrants should avoid items of an overtly sexual or undignified nature.

29.  BAD BEHAVIOUR: Any entrant who is found to be acting in an abusive or destructive manner; or is disrespectful to the Officials, Eisteddfod Volunteers or other entrants, may be disqualified or eliminated from further competition for that year. This rule also applies to any member of an entrant’s support group (including parents & teachers).

30.  The adjudicator’s decision in accordance with the rules is final.                                                                                          

31.  If fewer than five entrants register on the day of performance, or if a satisfactory standard is not achieved, the decision to award prizes or not will be at the discretion of the adjudicator. Prizes cannot be divided and none extra to those listed in the event program can be awarded (e.g. tied positions are not permissible). Should the Eisteddfod or the adjudicator decide not to give a prize such decision shall be final and binding.

32.  Any person who is related to, or been taught or coached privately by an appointed adjudicator during the six months preceding the opening date of the Eisteddfod is barred from participation under that adjudicator.

33.  Communication with an adjudicator is strictly prohibited. If it is established that an entrant, or person associated with an entrant, has made personal contact with the adjudicator before or during a session that entrant will be disqualified.

34.  A substitute adjudicator may be used for an announced adjudicator. Any event may be divided for program purposes and any event time or date may be altered if necessary.

35.  An adjudication report, if written, will be available free of charge upon production of the pink 'Appearance Advice' at the close of the event, or may be posted if a stamped self-addressed envelope is sent in with the event and entrant numbers clearly identified to an address matching our records.

36.  Any Protest on the basis of age or ‘vocals on CD’ will be determined on the spot by the Session Manager by inspecting proof of age or checking the submitted CD (Note: Rule 38 below).

37.  Any Protest of a technical nature other than in rule 36 must be referred to the Eisteddfod for settlement and its decision accepted without further question. Such Protests must be in writing accompanied by a deposit of $50 and lodged at the registered office of the Eisteddfod no later than 4pm on the first working day after the event affected. If the Protest is upheld the deposit will be refunded (see rule 38 below).

38.  A Protest can only be lodged by an entrant, teacher or parent affected in solo events or in the case of groups, by the group’s representative as named on the entry form for the event or by the principal of a school or academy, or a conductor.

39.  Entrants perform at their own risk. Entrants agree they are of good health and fitness and physically able to participate in an event. No liability will be accepted for any injury sustained whilst carrying out that performance.

40.  The use of private recorders, videos or cameras is not allowed. Laptops, iPads, mobile phones, pagers, alarms and personal headsets must be switched off in competition venues.

41.  The Eisteddfod will not be liable for personal items lost or stolen. Valuables should not be brought into competition venues and any school bags, handbags, instruments or other items should be under the supervision of someone nominated by the entrant at all times. Unidentified lost property will be held for two months then disposed of.

42.  The Eisteddfod will not be liable for any copyright infringement relating to the submission of photocopies. Entrants should be aware of the rules of copyright.

43.  Any rights that should be obtained in respect of CDs for performance are the responsibility of the performer. The Eisteddfod holds a licence issued by APRA for the live performance of published music.

44.  A high standard of decorum is expected from all participants and patrons. Behaviour, which is contrary to the spirit of the event, will result in the offender(s) being asked to leave. Offending entrants will be disqualified.

45.  Any individual or group found responsible for defacing or damaging a venue or equipment will be disqualified and the Eisteddfod may take steps to recover from them any costs of repair. Supervisors with groups must remain with their groups at all times and will be held accountable for the actions of their groups.

46.  The directions of Eisteddfod Officials must be followed. Disqualification may also result in a future bar.

47.  The Eisteddfod reserves the right to record, film, broadcast, telecast, videotape or photograph any entrant, item or event in the Eisteddfod without notification and any such photograph, recording or broadcast may be used at the Eisteddfod’s discretion for publicity or promotional purposes, but shall not necessarily constitute an endorsement of any participants, and no remuneration or compensation whatsoever shall be attributable to any participants so featured.

48.  The Eisteddfod, at its sole discretion, may promote or publicise the profile of any entrant and their participation and publish names and suburbs in competition results, including photos via electronic and printed media at our discretion.

49.  Personal details provided by an entrant on the entry form are for the Eisteddfod identification use only and are not released to third parties except at the Eisteddfod’s discretion after consultation with the entrant to known organisations when an opportunity may be beneficial to an entrant.

50.  Failure to comply with any of the foregoing rules and conditions may cause withholding of prizes, disqualification, and a future bar. The decision of the Eisteddfod in all questions or disputes arising out of or not provided for, by these rules and regulations will be final. All entries are received according to this condition and in the spirit of friendly competition upon which the Eisteddfod is based, and no dispute shall become the subject of any appeal at law.

51.  TICKET SALES: Tickets are non-refundable. All patrons (including children) must hold a valid ticket for the ‘Principal Dates’. At general sessions all children 4 years and over will be required to have a valid ticket.