General Rules

1. There is no entry fee however contestants are required to pay admission to the fair.
2. Contestants may enter one fiddle class, one solo step dance class, a group step dance, a duet fiddle and the showcase.
3. All judges' decisions are final.  Judges will not be required to explain standings.
4. Numbers will be drawn to determine the order of performance.
5. Proof of age may be requested.
6. Open Fiddle and Open Step Dance classes are reserved for contestants with advanced skills.  The Committee reserves the right to monitor eligibility.
7. In the case of a tie, contestants may be asked to perform their entire performance again.
8. ​Should an accident beyond the performer's control occur (i.e. broken string or broken tap), contestants will be able to start the entire performance again at the judges' discretion.
9. Marks will be available to contestants after awards to their class have been presented.
10. The Metcalfe Agricultural Society reserves the right to record/photograph for media use and offer for sale any portion or all of the contest or program to be used for promotional material.

Showcase Rules

1. The SHOWCASE is intended for those with little experience on stage or those who wish to demonstrate their abilities for an audience without the element of competition. 
2. Any type of performance is acceptable, as long as it includes fiddling and/or step dancing.  It can be a solo fiddler or step dancer, a novelty act, a group performance, or anything in between.
3. This class is NOT judged.  No prizes will be awarded.

Fiddle Rules

1. Contestants in the 9 & under class are required to play one fiddle tune of their choice.
2. The Duet Fiddle class is open to all contestants.  Any combination of two fiddlers, no age limit.  Must play in harmony a waltz and a tune of choice, in that order.
3. Contestants in all other classes are required to play a waltz, jig and reel or breakdown in that order.
4. A house pianist will be available however contestants may choose to use their own accompanist (piano or guitar).
5. Judging will be based on:  degree of difficulty, tone, timing, tempo, intonation, bowing and feeling for tune(s).
6. Competitors for youngest fiddler award will have to play a recognizable fiddle tune.

Step Dance Rules

1. Contestants in 9 & under, 12 & under, 19-49, and 50 & over must dance one of a clog, jig or reel.
2. Contestants in 15 & under, 18 & under, and Open must dance a clog, jig and reel in that order without stopping.
3. Group entries consist of TWO or more dancers and can perform any routine, not necessarily a clog, jig, and reel.  No dancer may compete in more than one group.
4. Contestants will be evaluated on timing, sound, execution/precision, quality/variety of steps and showmanship.  Group contestants will also be judged on choreography and precision of movement.
5. A house fiddler is available however contestants may choose to use their own fiddler.  Pre-recorded music is not permitted.
6. Competitors for the youngest dancer award will have to independently execute formulated steps.​