Competition guide · 04
Rules
& integrity
The commitments every competitor and family makes: the registration fee, conduct in every round, and the integrity policy that keeps the virtual rounds fair.
01Registration fee
$50
per competitor
- One fee per competitor, no matter how many categories or divisions they enter.
- Non-refundable, including after a withdrawal or a missed round.
- Paid in the portal as part of registration.
- A contribution and a ṣadaqah. The fee goes toward running the competition for every competitor. It is a contribution to this work for the sake of the Qur'an and a form of ṣadaqah, not a source of profit.
- A commitment to take part. It also helps make sure every registration is a competitor who is prepared and plans to compete, because places that go unused cost volunteers, judges and other competitors time and effort.
02Competition Integrity Policy
The screening and preliminary rounds are held online and decide who reaches the Final, so every competitor must be assessed under the same fair conditions. By registering, competitors and their parents or guardians agree to this policy.
Check-in
Before each session, a coordinator verifies your identity and registration, your camera and microphone, the room and the camera position. A warning is read before every session.
Monitoring
Sessions are recorded. Judges, coordinators and designated monitors may watch for signs of help from anyone or anything.
What every competitor does
- Join on time with a device and connection that keep you visible and audible for the whole session.
- Show a valid ID or registration confirmation when asked.
- Briefly show the room and your immediate testing area with the camera when asked.
- Stay alone in the room, with the camera placed so your face is visible.
- Keep phones, notes, a muṣḥaf and other devices out of reach, apart from the device you are using for the session.
- Stay in view until the end of the session unless a coordinator allows a pause.
Not allowed
- Help from another person in any form: in the room, by voice, gesture, message or call.
- Using a phone, tablet, computer, second screen, muṣḥaf, notes or any other aid to read, prompt or search.
- Earpieces, hidden devices or remote prompting.
- Hiding from the camera, turning off or moving the camera or microphone to avoid monitoring, or leaving the view without permission.
- Giving false information at check-in or impersonating another competitor.
May lead to a review
None of these proves anything on its own. Each may lead to a review so the facts can be checked.
- Repeatedly glancing away from the camera or looking down.
- Whispering, or the sound of another person's voice.
- Electronic sounds, notifications or typing.
- Unusual movements that suggest a phone, muṣḥaf, notes or another person's help.
- Refusing or failing to complete check-in or the room requirements.
How concerns are handled
- 01
Noted, not confronted
Judges and coordinators never interrupt a recitation to accuse anyone. They note the concern and the time, and the session continues whenever possible.
- 02
An independent review
A committee of three, none of whom judged the session or have a personal or family connection to the competitor, reviews the recording, notes, setup and any written explanation.
- 03
A fair standard
The committee considers every reasonable explanation. Suspicion, a single glance or a technical fault is not enough on its own.
Possible outcomes
| Finding | What it means | Result |
|---|---|---|
| No violation | A technical issue or a reasonable explanation accounts for what was observed. | No penalty. Where possible, a retake may be offered at the competition's discretion. |
| Violation, including suspected cheating | The review finds the policy was broken, even if intent cannot be proven, and the integrity of the assessment cannot be confirmed. | Disqualification from the current round. |
| Confirmed intentional cheating | Clear evidence the competitor deliberately received prohibited help. | Disqualification from the current round and suspension from the competition for up to two years. |
Disqualification does not require proof of intentional cheating.
Decision and notice
The competition leader makes the final decision. The competitor or guardian is told in writing, with the reason, within 7 days of the round, from the official competition email.
Decisions are final
There are no appeals. Once the competition has made and sent its decision, the case is closed and the decision stands.
Confidentiality
Recordings, reports and decisions are shared only with those reviewing the case. Names are never published or discussed publicly, and every case is handled the same way whatever the competitor's school, family or ranking.
The statement you accept at registration
"I have read the Competition Integrity Policy. I understand that suspected cheating or any violation of it may result in disqualification, and that confirmed intentional cheating may also result in suspension for up to two years."
03Conduct and registration
- Accurate details
- Register with the competitor's full legal name exactly as it appears on their ID, an email address you check, and clear documents. Errors can delay verification or lead to disqualification.
- Respect
- Competitors, families and guests are expected to dress modestly and treat judges, volunteers and one another with respect at every round.
- Recordings
- Rounds may be recorded and livestreamed, and photos from the Final may appear on our website and social media.
- Results
- Judges are expected to remain impartial, and all competition outcomes are final.
- Changes
- Category and contact changes are made in the portal before the deadline shown there. Later changes are not guaranteed.
04Withdrawals and no-shows
Finalists who cannot attend should withdraw in the portal within 7 days of the results, so the next highest scorer can take the place. A finalist who withdraws later without medical documentation, or who does not attend, cannot compete the following year.
The registration fee is not refunded after a withdrawal.