GENERAL: The INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION FOR ACCORDION SOLOISTS 2004 (COUPE MONDIALE) is open to accordionists of all nationalities who comply with the rules. Competition is offered for accordionists in any of the six categories listed below:

1) Coupe Mondiale
2) Junior Coupe Mondiale
3) International Piano Accordion Competition
4) Virtuoso Entertainment Music Competition
5) Junior Virtuoso Entertainment Music Competition
6) International Chamber Music Competition

a. Candidates must be entered through the CIA voting member organization(s) in their respective countries. If a candidate is from a country where there is no CIA voting member organization, prospective candidates are requested to apply directly to the CIA, subject to acceptance, until such time as a voting member entity is established in that country.

b. All entries are subject to acceptance by the CIA Executive Committee. In the case of non-acceptance, the applicant and/or the sponsoring member association will be advised in writing of the reason(s) the entry was refused.

c. When registering at the event, the candidate must present to the organizers an official birth certificate and valid passport(s) or identity card, bearing his or her name, age and nationality. The organizers will determine the candidate's nationality based upon his or her passport(s).

d. No applicant may be refused entry for religious, political or racial reasons. Non-payment of fees by the entrant and/or the sponsoring member organization may constitute reason for non-acceptance of an entry. Suitable ability and compliance with the rules of the competition are required for final acceptance.

e. Candidates must read the CIA Coupe Mondiale Guidelines and Modus Operandi to familiarize themselves with operational procedures for the Coupe Mondiale, including Section 6 outlining the Duties of the Candidates.

The candidate:

a) Contestants may use only one composition per composer per round. For example: A candidate competing in the Coupe Mondiale is required to play the music by J. S. Bach in Round I as part of the Test Section; therefore the candidate may also play one composition by J. S. Bach in Round III as part of their Choice Program if so desired.

Exception: This rule does not apply to the Senior and Junior Virtuoso Entertainment sections. A candidate may play more than one piece by each composer if desired, however they must continue to observe the rule that music should be of a different style and character.

b) It is forbidden to perform any piece more than once throughout the competition irrespective of section or category or test piece chosen or imposed.

c) Entry form must include opus numbers and any other identification such as catalogue numbers and individual movements for each selection performed.

d) Entry form must list whether the compositions are published.

e) Entry form must list full name of composer and the arranger if applicable.

f) Candidate must give the playing-time for each selection.

g) Candidate must send a photograph in passport size together with the entry form to the secretariat or e-mail the picture as per directions on the on-line entry form.

i) The candidate's signature on the entry form is a statement saying that the candidate has read the rules and understands and accepts them. On the on-line entry form, the candidate will be required to check a box declaring that they understand and accept the conditions and requirements for that particular category.

j) First Place winners in a category may not enter that same category in subsequent years.

Note to candidates: Completing the entry form on line or by other means, indicates that the candidate understands the competition guidelines; please ensure your program meets the competition guidelines concerning minimum and maximum time limits. Mark penalties for any failure to follow the maximum or minimum playing time for each class will be imposed as follows:

The amount of any Playing Time Mark Penalty shall be:

• Less than two minutes under the minimum playing time or less than two minutes over the maximum playing time - no mark penalty.
• More than two minutes under the minimum playing time or more than two minutes over the maximum playing shall have a 1 point penalty for each minute or part thereof.

Example: The candidate has a playing time of 23:30 minutes in a category with a 20 minute maximum playing time limit.

• 20.01 minutes to 22:00 minutes - no penalty
• 22:01 minutes to 23:00 minutes is 1 point penalty
• 23:01 minutes to 24:00 minutes is 1 point penalty

Therefore this candidate would have a 2 point penalty deducted.

All participants must announce his/her arrival and departure date and times with the entry or registration form. Participants requiring a visa should request an official invitation to obtain a visa when entering the competition.