The Detroit News Battle of the Bands official rules and requirements

1. All federal, state, local and municipal laws and regulations apply. Void where prohibited. The contest is open to full-time high school students who have not exceeded the 12th grade. Bands must be comprised of high school students with one exception allowed. All band members must be 13-18 as of May 2008.
2. Compose and perform your best music. Original material only will be accepted. Lyrics must be suitable for all audiences and for reprint in The Detroit News . You must upload 1-3 songs not exceeding 15 minutes in length.
3. To be considered for performance in the Battle of The Bands, follow the instructions on how to upload your songs, band information and pictures (if you have them). All entries must be received by March 22.
4. Judging will be by the public.
5. By entering the contest, each winner consents to allow the use of his/her name and/or photograph for advertising this or similar promotions without further compensation.
6. Employees of The Detroit News, Detroit Media Partnership the contest sponsors, advertising agencies and members of the employee's immediate families are not eligible to participate.
7. The sponsors are not responsible for late, illegible, misdirected, or incomplete entries.
8. Sponsors and co-sponsors are not liable for incorrect directions or misinformation provided as a result of printing errors or presented in print or verbally by employees of The Detroit News.
9. The prize winner is solely responsible for all taxes levied or assessed on the prize. The winner will be required to show identification and if necessary, proof of age. No substitution of prizes is offered, no transfer of the prize to a third party is permitted and non-cash prizes may not be redeemed for cash value.
10. The Detroit News reserves the right to substitute any prize(s) of like value in the event that described prize(s), or any portion thereof, are unavailable for any reason whatsoever.
11. By entering, winners release The Detroit News and affiliated companies and sponsors from any responsibility or liability in connection with any injuries, losses, or damages of any kind, including death, caused by or resulting from the acceptance, possession or usage of any prize awarded hereunder.
12. Prizes not redeemable for cash.
13. Winners will be notified by telephone or email on or before May 16, 2008.