Details of CMFA's Rules can be found below and is also available to view and print as a pdf document by clicking on the link below.

CMFA Rules (pdf file)

1. All entries to be forwarded to the Hon Secretaries to arrive not later than that shown on the syllabus. Fees must accompany entries.
   
   
2. Choirs are expected to provide their own accompanists otherwise they must furnish the official accompanist with a printed copy of their music in the key specified in the syllabus.
    
3.  Competitors shall be admitted free to all competitions during the sessions in which they compete.
    
4. Competitors may obtain particulars of their marks free of charge at the conclusion of the appropriate session.
    
5. No person will be allowed to sing in more than one choir competing in the same class.
    
6. Upper and lower age limits as shown in the syllabus for each class will be strictly adhered to. All competitors must be within the ages stated for the class in which they compete.
    
7. Prizes will be awarded in each competition as follows, subject to the Adjudicator's decision that the necessary standard has been attained.
   

   Number of Competitors	Number of Prizes
   One, two or three	One
   Four or five	Two
   Six or more	Three

   A certificate will be awarded to the first prize winner in each class. Additional prizes will be provided by the committee at the request of the adjudicator.
    
8. The order of competitions in the programme will be strictly adhered to unless under exceptional circumstances.
    
9. Test pieces may be heard in whole or in part at the decision of the adjudicator.
    
10. The committee refuses the right to refuse entry.
     
11. Protests will not be received against the award of the adjudicator as to merit. Any protest against the infringement of the conditions of a competitor must be in writing and accompanied by a fee of £10.00 which will be returned if the protest is upheld by the committee, whose decision will be final.
     
12. Carrickfergus Festival Championship Cups will be presented on the final night of Speech and Drama week and on the final night of Music week and may be retained by the winners until recalled to the festival.
     
13. CMFA will, on request, engrave Festival Championship Winners Cups.
     
14. All vocal competitors under the age of 15 and Class 91 Folk Song 13 - 17 years are required to use the services of the Official Accompanist. Instrumental competitors under 12 years and those in The Rosebowl Classes 96 - 101 are required to use the services of the Official Accompanist. Other competitors may provide their own accompanist but this must be stipulated on the entry form.
     
15. The decision of the committee in all matters arising out of or not provided for in these regulations shall be final.
     
16. Competitors are notified that test pieces set in this syllabus must not be used for those classes where "own choice" is indicated. The same own choice piece cannot be used in more than one class.
     
17. Competitors not performing the correct test piece as stipulated in the syllabus will receive an adjudication, but not a mark.
    
    

    NOTE. Communications to the Honorary Secretary which require a reply must be accompanied by a stamped addressed envelope.