1. Springboard is a festival for amateur performers. For this purpose, an amateur is defined as one who is in full-time or higher education or is over the age of 22 and does not derive fees from performance or teaching of the subject of the class for which the entry is made. Professionals may only participate as accompanists or conductors or where otherwise specifically stated.
2. All entries must be made by Monday 16 January 2012 either online (see online entries) or by post on the official entry form which can be downloaded from the website (see entry form). Both types of entry require payment by cheque, sent to the relevant Section Secretary. Cheques should be made payable to Springboard Ltd. Entry fees are not refundable.
3. Late entries will only be accepted at the discretion of the Section Secretary after consultation with the Festival Office. A late fee of £5 per performer per class may be charged after the closing date.
4. Age Limits. The age of the performer is taken as on 31 December 2011.
5. Marks. The maximum number of marks which may be given for any one performance in a class is 100. Where there are two or more test pieces for any particular class 100 will continue to be the maximum, and if marks are allotted for separate pieces they will be adjusted as necessary.
6. Adjudicators may stop any performance at their discretion. THEIR DECISION IN ALL CASES SHALL BE FINAL. At least 80 marks must be obtained to win the award of a medal, cup or certificate, and 85 marks for a major award.
7. The order of performing will be printed in the programme available online. Performers should be present at the beginning of their class and perform in the listed order. Performers who arrive late for any reason may be able to perform at the end of a class, subject to permission. A different performer cannot be substituted for an existing entrant.
8. Time limits. Failure to observe the time limits may lead to disqualification.
9. Communication with the Adjudicator by performers, teachers, parents or guardians or any other interested party, before, during or after the performance is prohibited.
10. No recording, photography or filming can take place during any Festival Performance by members of the public. There will be an official Festival Photographer present at some classes.
11. Complaints procedure. Anyone wishing to lodge a complaint should write to the Festival Administrator as soon as possible with full details enclosing £10. The complaint will be investigated by the Board of Trustees and their decision will be final. If the complaint is considered to be frivolous or unfounded the deposit may be forfeited.
12. Cups and trophies shall remain the property of Springboard Ltd. They should be returned, clean and in good condition, to the Festival Administrator (or as requested) by Friday 10 February 2013. Cup holders will be held financially responsible for the safe return of trophies and bases. If you wish to have your name inscribed on your cup, you are responsible for the cost.
13. Certificates are free if collected by the performers on the day. There will be a charge of £5 for any certificate sent by post.
14. Copies of own choice pieces must be available for the Adjudicator. See Music Rules for the Code of Practice on photocopies.
15. Animals, with the exception of guide dogs, cannot be admitted into any performance venue.
16. The Board of Trustees reserve the right to refuse any entry and shall have the power to make any other regulations or to interpret or qualify any of the other Rules as occasion may arise.
17. Any breach of the Rules may result in disqualification.

Speech and Drama rules can be found here
Music rules can be found here