Rules of the Majestic Song Contest

Qualifiers
In each edition of the song contest countries will be placed into semi final rounds in which they will compete to qualify for the final. The number of qualifiers will depend on the number of participating countries in the edition, but also how many countries are assigned and participating in each semi final. Each edition will have an estimate of 25 to 30 nations in the final.

Automatic Qualifiers
In addition to the countries that have qualified through the semi final round; automatic qualifiers are also in the final based on the result they received in the previous edition. The winning country, as well as the countries that placed 2nd to 6th are invited to automatically qualify. If one of these nations withdraw from the contest or refuse an automatic qualification position then the automatic qualifier spot will be awarded to the country that placed 7th. This process will continue until a country accepts the invitation to be an automatic qualifier.

How Many Shows?
Each edition of the contest consists of multiple shows/events. These are the semi finals and the grand final. A minimum of two semi finals will take place each edition, with the grand final being the last show of the edition. The number of countries assigned to semi finals is not officially confirmed as it discussed and agreed on by the management team each edition dependent on the number of countries participating in the edition.

Maximum Entries
There is no official ruling on the number of maximum entries per edition as each edition is discussed in depth by the management team. If they believe they have reached a maximum limit of entries/countries in the edition they will close the entry collection process. The management team aim to cap each edition at 70 countries, but each edition may change dependent on the situation or nature of events from the entry collection.

Country Changes
When an individual makes a country for the contest we aim to make it representational of real life. In real life; countries rarely change their name or flag. To replicate this a country is only allowed to change country once. This rule came into affect during 2021 meaning some individuals already changed their country multiple times.

Deadlines
- Entry submissions for a new edition will open a minimum of 24 hours following the final results from the edition prior. This is to ensure the winning nation has a certain amount of time to celebrate their victory before the planning process for the new edition begins. - Entries can not be reserved for future editions and must be sent for the edition currently occurring.

Entry Requirements
A maximum of one song per each country will be accepted unless announced differently by members of the management team. Each entry taking part must abide by the rules listed below. - Songs that competed in any franchise of Eurovision is not able to take part. (Eurovision Song Contest, American Song Contest or Junior Eurovision Song Contest). - Any song intended on competing in a Eurovision franchise is not able to participate. (If a song won a national final, withdrew from the contest or didn't take part on stage after being announced) - The song can be in any language. - Instrumental songs can participate. - An artist can not be sent twice or more times in the same edition. - The song can be from any year. - The song cannot contain any hate speech. - A song cannot take part more than once; even if sung by another artist. - Remix's and Nightcore songs can take part as-long as they have not been sent in any other way. - If an entry is disqualified due to the individual not voting; the song will be eligible to be sent again after 3 editions. - The songs most viewed video must have less than 100-million views on YouTube. If a song is accepted but passes 100-million after being selected it is still eligible to participate. - The artist must not be on the block-list (See below section). - Any National Final Selection song from the Eurovision franchise is eligible to take part. If your entry does not fit in line with all of the rules listed you will be asked to change your entry. If the edition has already begun, then your entry will be disqualified.

Artist Block-List
The artist block-list is an idea that was implemented to stop the overuse of artists. - An artist is able to participate in 3 editions before they will be placed on the block-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.

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 whole selection. - If a song has competed in a national final and lost; it can be sent by another country in the same edition.

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.

Back-Up Voting
Each individual that is unable to vote and provides a valid reason is able to receive a back-up voter. Back-Up voters are secured each edition and if not used; will be included in a jury called "Rest of the World Jury".

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 removed from the edition and made to miss the next five editions. 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. Every member is able to voice their opinions, but must do so in a nice way.

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. Points or preferences towards entries during voting periods is not allowed.

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. In each edition individuals are encouraged to have a mascot, but this is not mandatory.

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.

Management Specific
Management operate on a three times asked, strike system. Meaning if they are asked to complete an aspect of their role three times but fail to do so then they will receive a management stike.

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.