To support development of South Australian poets, our events are aligned with Spoken Word SA’s rules.
All entrants agree to abide by the following rules and regulations.
- Maximum of 15 contestants per heat. The first 10 are guaranteed. If we exceed 15 the last five are drawn randomly.
- Enter at the venue on the day/night of the event 15 minutes before the event commences to sign-up or register earlier be negotiation with Part of Things.
- Random draw for performance order.
- ONE POEM ONLY. ABSOLUTE two-minute limit. Time starts at your first word or when the timekeeper feels 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 going over time and an extra point every 30 seconds beyond that. For example: At 2:01 minutes, you will lose a point. At 2:31 minutes, you will lose another point.
- Five judges chosen by the host at random from the audience.
- 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.
- Poems must be the original work of the performer. No plagiarism folks. One or two recognisable pop culture references are okay.
- No musical accompaniment. No props. No costumes. Personal poem transcripts ARE permitted (ie – you are allowed to read your poem from paper, mobile phone or another screen).
- In the case of a tie the MC will conduct a “slam off” tie-breaker performance. Contestants must be prepared with a second poem to allow for this eventuality.
- First and Second places will receive prizes.
- Entrants must sign a copy of the rules prior to performing.
- The judges’ and Organiser’s decisions regarding winners are final and cannot be contested. No correspondence or discussion will be entered into in this regard.
Part of Things 