Smith's Tavern Contest Rules

SMITH’S TAVERN SECOND ANNUAL POET LAUREATE CONTEST

WHEN
Sunday, April 17, 2011 at NOON sharp

WHERE
Smith’s Tavern, 112 Maple Avenue, Voorheesville, NY 12186; Tel: 518-765-4163

CASH PRIZES
Poet Laureate - $100
Second Place - $50
Honorable Mention - $25
(Names to be inscribed on Laureate trophy displayed in Smith’s Tavern)

TERMS
Open to the first 25 poets who register by emailing starting noon March 21st. E-mail must be from registering poet only. Applicants will be notified of acceptance by March 28.

THREE ROUNDS
Each poet will read three poems (one per round) of 25, 35, 45 (or fewer) lines respectively, the title of the poem not being counted.
Poets will read the title of the poem followed by the body without introductory remarks, and only once.
Poets must bring five hardcopies of each poem to the contest to be handed in to Laureate Coordinator, Michael Burke, at time of registration.
The poems for all three rounds must have lines visibly and neatly numbered in the margin for easy identification, and name at top, before they will be accepted.

DAY’S SCHEDULE
Starting Time: Noon sharp (The tavern will be open at 11:15 with all poets expected by 11:30).
Reading order: Poets will be randomly assigned positions beforehand by round; sheets with the assigned positions will be distributed to poets at time of registration.
Two opening rounds—followed by a 40-minute break—then the Final Round
There will be a brief (30-second) break between readers to allow the next reader to settle in
Prizes will be awarded immediately following the scoring of the final round

JUDGING BASED ON FOUR CRITERIA (1-5 POINTS FOR EACH POEM IN EACH ROUND)
1. PRESENTATION—Poem is clear and understandable with good rhythm and flow; conveys awareness
2. MECHANICS—Uses metaphor and imagery well; exhibits concision and wholeness; has good sound
3. DEPTH OF FEELING—Is unique, creative, passionate, inspirational, fresh, and thoughtful
4. OVERALL IMPACT—Is engaging, interesting, stimulating, captivating, compelling

ALTERNATES
There will be no alternates allowed should any of the registered poets fail to show.

TIES
In the event of a tie, the judges’ scores with the lowest total score for each tied poet will be dropped. This will be done until the tie is broken. More on that the day of the event.

LAUREATE AS JUDGE
The Laureate for each year will be invited to serve as a judge for the following year’s contest but acceptance of the invitation is optional.