Rules and Regulations
比賽規則及章程

• Venue: Sky Music Studio, Kwun Tong (觀塘 Sky Music Studio)
• Admission: Due to venue limitations, each participant can only be accompanied by one adult (parent or guardian). Participants and accompanying adults may only enter during their designated time slot.
• Competition Dates: 7–8 November 2026. Date and time will be notified via Email or WhatsApp on 29 October 2026.
• Check-in: Please arrive 15 minutes early to the competition venue. Latecomers will not be granted makeup slots.

Adjudication & Categories

• The competition is specialized into Piano, Strings, Brass, Woodwind, Harp, and Vocal categories to provide focused adjudication. (Note: Drum Kit competition will not be offered in this edition).

Bad Weather Arrangements

• If Typhoon Signal No. 8 (or above) or the Black Rainstorm Warning is hoisted or in force 2 hours before the scheduled competition time, the live competition for that session will be cancelled.
• The organizer will announce rescheduling arrangements or transfer the affected contestants to the "Online Competition" category.

Sickness & Absence Policy

• Medical Exemption: Contestants who are unable to attend the Live Competition due to sickness must present a valid medical certificate on the day of the competition (via WhatsApp/Email).
• Arrangement: Verified medical cases will be allowed to transfer to the "Online Competition" category. No refund will be provided.
• General Absence: Absentees without a valid medical certificate will be disqualified. No make-up quota or refund.

Accompaniment Arrangements

• With the exception of Piano classes, accompaniment is allowed in the Live Competition (either a pianist or MP3 backing track).
• If you plan to arrange accompaniment, you must notify the organizer via WhatsApp before the registration deadline (21 October 2026).
• If using an MP3 backing track, please send the audio file via Email or WhatsApp on or before 29 October 2026.

Equipment & Venue Rules

• The organizer provides a piano only. Participants must bring all other instruments (e.g., violin, flute, music stand) and tools.
• Instrument Rental: Harps are available for rent. Please contact us via WhatsApp on or before the registration deadline to reserve. (Note: Drum Kit rental is not available as Drum Kit competition is not arranged).

• Video Requirements: Participants must shoot a video in accordance with the repertoire requirements and time limit of their competition class. The video must clearly show the participant's face and instrument.
• Equipment: There is no limitation on the tools used for shooting (mobile phones or cameras are acceptable).
• Performance: Memorization is not mandatory. There are no restrictions on accompaniment.
• Venue & Quality: The shooting location is not limited, but participants should ensure good video and audio quality.
• No Editing: The organizer will not accept edited or spliced videos. The performance must be recorded in one take.
• Registration Deadline: The application deadline is 21 October 2026. (Please also keep in mind the May 5th deadline reminder for preliminary music sheet submissions/preparations from previous guidelines).
• Submission Deadline: Participants must submit their competition video by 11:59 p.m. on 8 November 2026.
• Results: Results will be announced on or before 18 November 2026 by email.

Methods for Submitting Competition Videos
The organizer accepts direct video file transfers via WhatsApp. You may also submit via YouTube or Google Drive links.

1. Method 1 (WhatsApp File): Send the video file directly to WhatsApp (9261 9309).
2. Method 2 (Link): Upload video to YouTube/Google Drive and send the link via WhatsApp or Email (music@iyacc.org).
3. Note: You must indicate the Participant’s English Full Name, Competition Class, and Reference Number when submitting.

Adjudication and Scoring Criteria

• Adjudication: Each instrument and class will be judged separately.
• Judging Criteria: Technical Proficiency, Musical Interpretation, Stage Presentation.
• Feedback: In addition to marks, all participants will receive a Comment Sheet.
• Marks: Champion (96-100), 1st Runner-up (91-95), 2nd Runner-up (86-90), Gold (81-85), Silver (76-80), Bronze (71-75), Merit (40-70).
• Trophy Delivery: Trophies will be sent by SF Express (Cash on Delivery).

1. Individual Awards

• Ranks: Each group will have Champion, 1st Runner-up, 2nd Runner-up, Gold, Silver, Bronze, Merit, and Participation Certificates.
• Trophies: Winners of Champion, 1st Runner-up, 2nd Runner-up, Gold, Silver, Bronze, AND Merit awards will each receive a fine trophy.
• Certificates: All contestants will receive a participation certificate.

2. Teacher & Group Awards

• Best Instructor Award: The teacher of the Champion in each group will be awarded the "Best Instructor Award" commemorative certificate (sent via SF Express, receiver pays).
• Education Promotion Awards (Group/Teacher):
  • Recommend 10 or more students: Awarded the "Education Promotion Trophy".
  • Recommend 15 or more students: Awarded the "Education Promotion Crystal Award".
• Registration Requirement: To be eligible for teacher awards, contestants MUST provide the name of their school/organization or instructor and contact phone number during registration. If left blank, certificates cannot be issued or re-issued.

• Digital Submission: For adjudication purposes, contestants must submit a copy of their music score. Do NOT mail physical scores.
• Upload Requirement: Please scan your sheet music into a PDF file and email it to music@iyacc.org on or before 21 October 2026.
• File Naming: Please name the file: Contestant Name_Instrument_Grade.pdf (e.g., ChanTaiMan_Piano_Grade1.pdf).

General Terms: Organized by International Youth Arts & Cultural Centre 國際青少年文藝培訓中心 (https://www.iyacc.org/). The organizer reserves the right to change rules, regulations, and arrangements (including date/venue) without prior notice. Registration fees are non-refundable under any circumstances. All personal information collected will be kept confidential.