1.              Respect for human life must be the dominant theme of each entry.(  Respect is defined as: high or special regard; esteem; honor;  admiration; veneration) and for the purposes of the competition can   apply to any stage of life from conception to natural death., e.g. childhood, youth, father- or motherhood, family, old age,etc.

2.              Insensitive, offensive or inappropriate material is not acceptable  and will be excluded by the judges whose decision is final.

3.              The competition will be judged on the basis of creative lyrics and music of each entry. It is not a talent quest in the sense of showmanship.

4.               The entrant must be the originator of at least one of the two major components of the composition: lyrics or melody. In other words, the writer need not be the singer, and group compositions shall be acceptable.

5.               The contest offers 2 Categories:

1. Open: with no age limit and no residential restrictions:

 2. College and Tertiary Students and under 21 years.

Entrants must be under 21 years. No residential restrictions.

6.               Entry fee is $25 per song for either individuals or groups. Entrants must submit words (lyrics) and payment with their entry form together with a CD of their presentation, which will be judged for inclusion or elimination as finalists.

7.               Up to Six finalists shall be chosen in each Category subject to judges discretion, and advised by mail or email as soon as possible after October 29th.

8.              Finalists must make their own arrangements for travel and accommodation to attend the Finals.

9.              Multiple entries shall be permitted.

10.           If selected as a finalist, the entrant, with permission of owners of any copyrights involved, may perform with another singer or other musicians than those who performed in the submitted CD. 

11.           Entries must be original, commercially unreleased compositions.

12.           Finalists will provide own accompaniment. Use of backing tracks is acceptable.

13.           Time limits for stage assembly by finalists may apply.

14.           All entrants will retain their own copyright(s). However each person or group entering the competition by doing so gives Voice For life Bay of Plenty Charitable Trust permission to film or record their performance at any time during the competition and to use it at no cost together with the winners name and photograph for promotional purposes on any media that Voice For Life Bay of Plenty Charitable Trust may choose for a period of one (1) year from the date of the Final.

15.           Entries must be received by October 29th 2011, by post, parcel or registered mail addressed to Voice for Life Songwriting Contest, P.O.Box 16339, Bethlehem, Tauranga 3147, together with Entry Fee, $25 per song.

16.           The judges decisions shall be final. Neither the judges nor Voice For Life Bay of Plenty Charitable Trust will enter into or engage in any correspondence, discussion or debate about the organisation or the outcome of the contest.