| General Information | Entry Fees | Videotaping |
| Age Groups | Scoring | Awards: Regional Competitions |
| Divisions | Time Limits | Awards: National Competitions |
| Categories | Penalties & Deductions | Scholarships |
Penalties and deductions are determined by the judges or Rising Star staff.
| Action | Penalty/Deduction |
| Changes at the door | $10.00 per change |
| 3 or more Gym/acro tricks in technical categories | Ten (10) points |
| Lead Vocals on tape/CD in "Vocal" or "Song & Dance" categories | Ten (10) points |
| Tap-like sounds on tape/CD of any act entered in "Tap" category | Ten (10) points |
| Improper category entry | Ten (10) points |
| Late arrival (all acts are to be ready to perform one (1) hour before scheduled -- if we pass your act, you are considered late) | Ten (10) points |
| Intentional littering of the stage (we have to clean stage) | Ten (10) points |
| Prop hooked to electrical device | Twenty (20) points |
| Prop set up time over 3 minutes | Five (5) points |
| More than 2 tricks in technical dance category | Ten (10) points |
| Unauthorized videotaping or digital camera | Potential disqualification |
| Run-Off (any act is not completed for any reason, it has the option to re-perform, but will not be re-scored) |
Lowest score in its category (no higher than Silver Second Place) and disqualification for top awards. Participant has the option to re-perform, but will not be re-scored. |