Rules of the Majestic Song Contest

Automatic Qualifiers
In each edition of the song contest a certain number of countries will automatically qualify based on the result they received in the previous edition. The country that won and the 4 other countries in the top 5 are all invited to be an automatic qualifier. If one of these individuals withdraw from the contest then the spot will be given to 6th place and so on until a country accepts the invitiation.

How Many Shows?
An edition consists on multiple shows in particular semi finals and a final. Each semi final will have a minimum of 16 countries and a maximum of 22. When 2 semi finals are happening each will see the qualification of 11 countries. Even though these numbers have been confirmed they may change slightly based on how many countries actually take part. This decision will be discussed and announced by management.

Maximum Entries
The maximum number of participating nations in each edition is 61. If 61 nations take part the edition will see 3 semi finals where 2 semi finals will have 19 and 1 will have 18. 8 from each semi final would qualify meaning the final would consist of 29 nations.

Country Changes
When making a country for this contest we aim to make it representational of real life. In real life countries very rarely change name or flag; to replicate this you are only allowed to change your country once. This includes a flag or country change.

Deadlines
- All entry submissions open 24 hours after the final results have been posted. - The entry submission deadline closes 5 days before the 1st of the next month. - Entries can not be reserved for future editions and must be sent for the edition being prepared only.

Entry Requirements
Only one entry per country will be accepted unless it is announced by a member of management. Each entry must abide by these rules (listed below). - The entry must not have been a Eurovision song. - The song must be longer than 25 seconds so that it can be put in the recap. It is the choice of each participant if they listen to the full entries however all are advised to do so. - Any language is allowed, additionally the song can be instrumental. - An artist can not be sent twice or more in the same edition. - The entry cannot contain any hate speech. - The song can be from any year. - An entry cannot take part more than once, even if sung by another artist. - Remix's and Nightcore songs are able to take part as-long as they have not been sent in any other way. - Cover songs are allowed only if the artist has made the song different as if it is their own song. - If an entry is disqualified due to the individual not voting the song will be able to be resent after 3 to 5 editions. - The songs most viewed video must have less than a 100-million views on YouTube. - The artist is not on the block-list - Entries must have no age restriction as the contest has participants under the age of 18. - If an entry has a cover that is completely unique it is eligible to take part ensuring it is below 100m views and adheres to each of the rules stated above. (Example if Despacito released a Russian opera version; that is eligible to take part) If your entry breaks one of these rules then you will be asked to change your entry. If the edition has already started then your entry will be disqualified.

National Finals
Every nation is welcome to hold a national final to help select their entry. These national finals must be hosted by that country. Voting by members is encouraged however, not mandatory. - The entries must all follow the rules of actual entries. - A maximum of 5 entries can take part in the selection. - If a song has competed in a national final and lost; it can be sent by another country in the same edition.

Artists Block-List
- An artist is able to be sent 3 times to the contest before being placed on the list. - The artist must be sent as the same name before being added. For example if a band takes part 3 times and is placed on the list, an individual member can then be sent as a solo artist or as part of another group. - Each artist will be on the list for 6 editions. Once the 6 editions has finished they are able to be sent 3 times again.

Sideline Contests
Spin-off contests are planned by the management team. A yearly calendar will be created outlining what sideline contests are occurring within that year. Each of the sideline contests follow the same voting strike rules as the contest if the sideline has an element of voting. Participation in the sideline contest is not mandatory if you compete in the song contest however the sideline contests are used to create more fun and reality within the contest.

Themed Edition
As agreed by the management team every 5th edition of the Majestic Song Contest will be a themed edition. The theme of the edition will be a public vote from members of the contest with the idea with the highest number of votes being the theme.

Voting
In each edition everyone is expected to vote, if failing to do so strikes/penalties will be issued (see below). However if an individual is unable to vote and provide a good enough reason as to why they can't no strikes will be issued. Additionally if they provide enough time a stand in voter will be issued to vote on behalf of that country. Votes must not be discussed at any times before the reveal in the official results presentation, if found to be doing so a strike will be issued in the same format of the Failure to Vote system, or a more severe sanction will be issued. Votes must only be discussed between the individual and the voting manager. Votes will be discussed between the management team if it suspected of a block vote and in no other circumstance. In each edition the winner will be the country with the highest amount of points; in the case of a draw in any instance then the country with the most 12 points will be the winner. If they have the same; management will look through the points and see who has the highest amount of points following the points system. Each individual must vote by sending their top 13. This includes the 10 countries receiving points and the 3 reserve countries.

Failure to Vote
The first time you fail to vote, you receive your first strike. If you fail to vote again, you will receive your second strike. A third failure to vote receives the third strike. Strike 1 - They will no longer be a participant in that edition but will return the next edition. Strike 2 - They will be removed from the edition and made to miss the next edition. Strike 3 - They will be permanently removed from the contest. Individuals can work off a strike if they vote perfectly for 3 editions.

Behaviour
A vital part of the Majestic Song Contest is that everybody feels welcome and hopefully; everyone has fun. Any behaviour which is an intentional attack towards another member must be brought to the attention of the management and the appropriate actions will be taken. Anyone that believes they are being treated unfairly for any reason (personally, music taste, or in general) will have support and the issue will be discussed to see how it can be resolved. If you witness this occur please make a member of the management team aware; even if the individual is a member of management. Behaviour strikes will be issued and they will follow the failure to vote principle of; if the individual receives three then they will be permanently banned from the contest. ALL members must speak for themselves and not expect someone to speak on their behalf. Management also ask that if a mistake occurs in terms of planning, results or editing you let us know in a kind manner. This is because mistakes can happen and with the contest being an additional thing in our lives it can be easy to slip up. All individuals with their own national final groups must uphold the behaviour rules of the contest in their group.

Group Chats
Group chats should not be used to promote political ideologies. No sexualised behaviour is to occur in groupchats. No bullying, hate or discrimination to take place.

Hosting
The winner of the previous edition of the contest will be the hosting nation. This means that they must provide management with the necessary information such as the hosts, the arena, the city and the interval/opening acts for each show which is put on the accommodate the next edition of the song contest.

Failure to Provide Information
If they fail to provide the information in the time manner required or choose not to host then 2nd place will be asked to provide that information. This will continue until the edition has a host nation.

Roles
Each member of the management team will complete all duties relevant to their specific role. Additionally, all members of management must complete general duties, which include ensuring all members of Majestic follow the general rules, procedures and ethical standards of honesty, respect and compassion to each other.

Strikes
The failure of a member of management to complete their roles will result in a strike being given. After a third strike, the member will be removed from their role as a member of the management team.

Reason for being given a strike are: 1) Not completing your specific role on as directed on your specific monthly agenda. 2) Not voting in the monthly management meeting (either during the meeting or by giving their vote to the meeting holder prior to the meeting). 3) Removed from management.