Monday, July 20, 2026

Ōtautahi - Christchurch Poetry Slam - THE RULES - 2026

 

Ōtautahi Poetry Slam - THE RULES - update 2026

Sign-up is on the night only - places are limited so get there early. 
 
Please note: to be in the Grand Slam, poets must enter the Preliminary round and make it into the top 10.

Update to The Rules: Please note the additional rule governing the use of material generated by artificial intelligence.
 
Rules for NZ Poetry Slam
  • 3 minutes or less with no minimum time (10 second grace period before points deduction).
  • Time starts when poet speaks, however while poets can have time to settle and adjust microphone etc, this time is not limitless; ideally a poet should start before 10 seconds.
  • Original (i.e. your own) poems only. This means written by YOU, not generative artificial intelligence or other people.
  • The use of poems generated either in part, or wholly by A.I. is grounds for disqualification of that poem. Monitoring will be used.
  • No props no music no costumes (i.e. clothing related to the content of your poem).
  • In the case of a tie, a slam-off will be required.
  • Random draw, for performance order.
 
Judging and scoring:
  • 5 Audience Judges (chosen by MC and/or organiser) display score cards 0-10 (Decimal points allowed).
  • Top and bottom scores drop off and the remaining 3 scores is the total.
  • If a Poet goes over the grace period, the MC or Timekeeper will ask scorer to mark down points after the judges score… (Half a point penalty for every 10 seconds over time).
  • After 4 minutes the MC can shut down the poet.
  • 'Sacrificial Poet' (non-competing) to start the night, to help calibrate scores.
  • Slams are equally about writing, performance and audience response.
  • Slammers should have at least 3 poems, as there will be three rounds for the NZ Poetry Slam.
As always, remember: the point is the poetry not the points!
 

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