Perth Poetry Slam Rules

Perth Poetry Slam contestants agree to abide by the following rules:

• Maximum of 20 entrants per heat.
• Contestants must be at The Blue Room at least 30 minutes before the heat commences. Please REGISTER HERE.
• Random draw for performance order.
• ABSOLUTE TWO MINUTE LIMIT. Time starts at your first word or when the timekeeper feels the performance has begun (no additional time allowed for introductions). Points will be deducted from the final score for exceeding the time limit - one point for every 30 seconds over time (eg: at 2:01 minutes you will lose a point. At 2:31 minutes you will lose another point).
• Performers must be prepared to perform two different poems in the heat.
• In the case of a tie a “slam off” will be used at the discretion of the slam organisers.
• Five judges will be chosen by the MC at random from the audience.
• Immdiately following each performer, the judges hold up their scores, using a 1-10 scale - with 10 being the highest. Of the five scores for each poet, only the middle three scores are counted. The decision of the judges is final.
• Poem must be the original work of the performer, not performed in previous Perth Poetry Slams. This is to encourage fresh pieces. And to avoid  plagarism - although pop culture references are fine!
• No musical accompaniment. No props. No costumes. (ie; clothing related to the content of your poem)
• The THREE performers with the highest scores in each Heat will proceed to the FINAL on 23rd of February at the Blue Room.
• Contestants must sign a copy of the rules prior to performing.

Please contact us if you have any queries about these rules. Go to the Contact Page - or phone Allan Boyd on 0402 573 580.