1. Poems must be original work that was composed by the speaker.
2. Performers have 3 minutes to perform their work. Poems written in parts (i.e. eight haiku about winter) are allowed if they are performed as one piece and fit within the allocated time.
3. No costumes (a costume is anything you wouldn’t normally wear), props (is considered something you bring on stage that could be seen to enhance your performance) or instruments (you can beat box, sing, slap your legs or chest but you can’t us a guitar or harmonica or kazoo, for example).
4. No nudity.
5. No group performances.
6. Sign-up is first-come-first-serve.
   Sign-up deadline February 2nd.
7. In the event of a tie, the slam master will devise a tie-breaking lightning round where poets will have to perform on the spot. (ie: freestyle compliment battle, haiku off).
8. Time Penalty: After three minutes (or whatever the allotted time may be) and a ten second grace period, your overall score will be penalized. Time penalties are half a point for every ten second you go over. For example: if your performance is 3:09:29, you are in the clear. If it is 3:10:01, 0.5 points will be subtracted from your score. If it is 3:42:05, then you will have 2.0 points deducted, etc.

Rules for Judges

1. Judges must consider all criteria laid out in the rubric.
2. All judges must simultaneously present their scores.

Rules for all those in attendance

1. Discriminatory language is not accepted. Anyone who makes offensive comments based on ethnicity, sex and gender, or sexual orientation will be asked to leave immediately.
2. Talking / carrying on a loud conversation during a poets piece may prompt a slam master to ask you to leave.