HOW CAN I COMPETE IN CIPS?

How do I know if I am eligible to participate in CIPS?

Eligibility note for Spoken Word series:

Any Canadian spoken word series may register to have a representative compete in CIPS on its behalf.

In order for spoken word series to be eligible to have a representative, they need to be able to demonstrate a history of programming dating back to 2024 or earlier. This could be through past events, programming, etc. Series representatives need to meet the eligibility requirement for individual participants.

Spoken word series do NOT need to be slam series; however, series that do not include slam programming are strongly encouraged to hold an open slam-style event to qualify a representative to participate in CIPS. Series who cannot demonstrate that a fair, community-based selection process was used to determine their representative may be disqualified at the discretion of Verses Festival of Words organizers.

Eligibility for individual participants:

Individual participants in CIPS need to be able to demonstrate that they live full-time residents in a Canadian town/city/area code. Official residency status or citizenship is not necessarily required, however, individuals without these may be determined ineligible at the discretion of the Verses Festival of Words organizers.

What do I need to compete in CIPS?

If you are competing online:

• A strong internet connection to participate in online live streaming events through Zoom
• A device (phone/tablet/laptop/computer) that has a functioning video camera, audio mic/speakers.
  • Online competitors must be visible onscreen to participate in CIPS, so working video camera is essential.

Availability:

• Competing poets MUST be available for ALL of CIPS dates.

How can I/my local series register for CIPS?

Series registration is now open. To register a series to submit an official representative, fill out this form. Venues have priority registration until Storm Poet registration opens on March 1st.

Storm poet registration opens at 12:00 PM on March 1st and continues until the tournament begins. Storm poet registration for 2025 will be on a first come, first served basis.

Individual poets wishing to guarantee a spot in CIPS, but whose local series will not have qualifiers until after storm poet registration opens, should register as storm poets. If a registered storm poet then qualifies to represent a registered series, they may withdraw their storm poet registration and receive a refund.

Once all 24 spots in the tournament have been claimed, any new registrants will be added to a waitlist.