These Rules & Regulations apply to all United States Karaoke Association (USKA) sanctioned events, including local qualifiers, regional tournaments, state championships, and national finals.

Participation in any USKA event constitutes acceptance of these rules.

Eligibility

• 1.1. All participants must meet the age requirements for their competitions.
• 1.2. Participants must be registered through the official USKA website: uskakaraoke.com.
• 1.3. Singers may compete only in competitions for which they are eligible.
• 1.4. False registration information may result in disqualification.
• 1.5. USKA reserves the right to verify identity and eligibility at any time.

Registration & Entry

• 2.1. All entries must be submitted before the posted deadline.
• 2.2. Registration fees are non-refundable unless otherwise stated.
• 2.3. Each participant may enter only the divisions and genres permitted for that event.
• 2.4. Late entries are accepted only at USKA’s discretion.
• 2.5. Event organizers may limit entries based on capacity.

Song Selection & Genre Compliance

• 3.1. All song selections must comply with the genre requirements of the division entered.
• 3.2. Genre classification is based on:
  • Original release
  • Chart history
  • Industry recognition
  • Widely accepted classification
• 3.3. Artist catalog alone does not determine genre placement.
• 3.4. USKA reserves final authority on genre classification.
• 3.5. Songs must be approved prior to performance when required.
• 3.6. Songs containing excessive profanity, hate speech, or offensive content may be denied.

Performance Guidelines

• 4.1. Maximum song length is determined by event rules (typically 4 minutes unless stated otherwise).
• 4.2. Performances must use approved karaoke or backing tracks.
• 4.3. Live instruments are not permitted unless approved.
• 4.4. Lyrics may not be altered.
• 4.5. Performers must begin promptly when called.
• 4.6. Failure to perform when called may result in forfeiture.

Equipment & Technical Standards

• 5.1. All sound systems and microphones are provided by USKA or approved partners.
• 5.2. Personal microphones are not permitted unless authorized.
• 5.3. Audio effects, pitch correction, or enhancement software is prohibited.
• 5.4. Technical issues will be handled at the discretion of event staff.
• 5.5. No performance will be restarted unless approved by officials.

Judging & Scoring

• 6.1. All events follow the USKA/IKF scoring system.
• 6.2. Scoring is based on:

  Technical (50%)

  • Pitch Accuracy
  • Rhythm & Timing
  • Vocal Control
  • Articulation
  • Tone Quality

  Artistic (50%)

  • Interpretation
  • Stage Presence
  • Creativity
  • Musicality
  • Emotional Impact
• 6.3. Judges’ decisions are final.
• 6.4. Score sheets are confidential unless otherwise stated.
• 6.5. Attempts to influence judges will result in disqualification.

Advancement & Rankings

• 7.1. Advancement rules vary by event format.
• 7.2. Placement and rankings are determined by official scores.
• 7.3. Ties will be resolved using USKA tie-breaking procedures.
• 7.4. Rankings may be used for qualification into higher-level events.
• 7.5. USKA reserves the right to adjust brackets when necessary.

Conduct & Sportsmanship

• 8.1. All participants are expected to conduct themselves professionally.
• 8.2. Unsportsmanlike behavior includes:
  • Harassment
  • Disruption
  • Intimidation
  • Verbal abuse
  • Tampering with equipment
• 8.3. Alcohol or substance impairment affecting performance is prohibited.
• 8.4. Violations may result in:
  • Score reduction
  • Disqualification
  • Suspension
  • Event ban

Attire & Presentation

• 9.1. Attire must be appropriate for a public, family-friendly environment.
• 9.2. Offensive or inappropriate clothing is prohibited.
• 9.3. Costumes and props are permitted unless restricted by event rules.
• 9.4. Attire must not interfere with performance or equipment.

Media, Recording & Promotion Rights

• 10.1. All participants grant USKA the right to:
  • Photograph
  • Record
  • Broadcast
  • Distribute performances
• 10.2. Media may be used for promotional purposes without compensation.
• 10.3. Participants may share personal recordings unless restricted.
• 10.4. Commercial use by participants requires approval.

Protests & Appeals

• 11.1. Protests must be submitted in writing to info@uskakaraoke.com.
• 11.2. Only procedural errors may be appealed.
• 11.3. Judging opinions are not subject to appeal.
• 11.4. All appeal decisions are final.

Disqualification & Penalties

• 12.1. Grounds for disqualification include:
  • Rule violations
  • Misrepresentation
  • Cheating
  • Disruptive conduct
  • Technical manipulation
• 12.2. Disqualified participants forfeit fees and prizes.
• 12.3. Repeat violations may result in long-term suspension.

Prizes & Awards

• 13.1. Prizes are awarded as advertised.
• 13.2. Taxes and fees are the responsibility of recipients.
• 13.3. Prizes may not be substituted unless stated.
• 13.4. Failure to appear for awards may result in forfeiture.

Liability & Release

• 14.1. Participants assume all personal risk.
• 14.2. USKA is not responsible for:
  • Personal injury
  • Property loss
  • Equipment damage
• 14.3. Participation constitutes a waiver of liability.

Event Modifications & Force Majeure

• 15.1. USKA reserves the right to modify schedules, formats, and venues.
• 15.2. Events may be postponed or canceled due to circumstances beyond control.
• 15.3. Refunds in such cases are at USKA’s discretion.

Rule Amendments

• 16.1. USKA may update these rules at any time.
• 16.2. Updated rules take effect immediately upon publication.
• 16.3. It is the participant’s responsibility to remain informed.

Governing Authority

• 17.1. These rules are governed by the United States Karaoke Association.
• 17.2. All interpretations rest solely with USKA officials.
• 17.3. Decisions by USKA leadership are final.