General GS Rules

Rule vary from one competition to another, but some stay the same.  These are the “general rules” that should be followed at all Grand Slam events

Punctuality

  • All bartenders are required to register for the competition at the time requested by the event organisers.
  • All bartenders are required to attend the competition briefings. Failure to do so may result in you missing vital information about the event.
  • All competitors must be on time for the registration, briefing and Prize Giving. Any late arrivals will be penalised.

 

Registration & Payment

  • To register for a Grand Slam competition, go to the competition page dedicated to the event on the WFA website and click register.  You will receive and email when you place is confirmed.
  • Participation fee for Grand Slam events vary and must be paid for you to be able to compete.
  • All competing bartenders as well as their supporters must be at least 18 years of age.

 

Cocktails

  • Every Grand Slam event will require you to make a cocktail.  Ensure you learn the recipe for set drinks.
  • If you must make your own creation then make sure you see the guidelines set out by each event and follow the rules.

 

Sponsors

  • Probably the most important part of the competition is the Sponsor.  Make sure you Respect the brand, before, during and after the event.
  • If you are interested in buying / using the product in your bar be sure to speak to the sponsors about stocking it.

 

Stage

  • There shall be NO practicing on stage before your round.  The stage is for the competition only, not for warming up.
  • Every bartender is required to wear a competition T-shirt or t-shirt/shirt representing their brand or sponsor
  • Each bartender will have a set time limit.  Once the time is up, you stop.
  • Do not wear/show logos from a competing brand or sponsor on (or off) stage.
  • If you are bar-backing, then you are part of the show too.  Make sure are wearing a competition t-shirt or one representing the brand/sponsor/venue and remember to smile and cheer!
  • ONLY two bar backs are allowed on stage at any time for each competitor WITHOUT EXCEPTION! No one else will be allowed on stage during the competition.
  • If you music fails during your performance the DJ will try and rectify it.  If he/she is unable to do so the DJ will play other music.  It is YOUR responsibility to make sure you music works before you start.
  • Any acts that display low integrity, poor taste or disrespect for the competition, sponsors or the host facility are subject to disqualification from the competition.
  • No fire allowed

WFA gradings will be awarded. Bartenders who will finish 4th, 5th or 6th will earn a purple grade and those finishing in 3rd, 2nd and 1st will receive a black grade. Detailed information about all of the WFA grades and awards can be found here.

 

 

Station Setup

  • Time for setting up the bar on the stage in the qualifying and final round is maximum 4 minutes for each participant. You will be timed and penalised a miscellaneous (-4 points) deduction for every 10 seconds if you go over this time.
  • When you have finished your round you must remove your items from the bar as quickly as possible.  Anyone seen to be taking too much time or disrespecting this rule will incur a miscellaneous penalty.
  • All bottles used in the working flair must be set in at least half full. Bottles will be checked by the judges!
  • All bottles used in the exhibition flair must be set in at least 15ml (1/2oz) of liquid. Bottles will be checked by the judges!
  • No bottles in exhibition flair are allowed to have syrup!
  • YOU MUST FLAIR & POUR with the sponsor bottles!
  • Some competitions will allow you to use any bottles for your routine.  These bottles must have the labels removed and replaced with the competition or Grand Slam stickers.
  • Only insulation/electrical tape can be used on your bottles. NO EXCEPTIONS.
  • Only 4 strips of tape will be allowed on your bottles.
  • No empty bottles can be included in the competition bar set up.
  • A metal pour spout is required on the working flair bottles. Tapping (this means hitting in the pour spout to make it shorter) in pour spouts is NOT allowed! Organizers are not providing participants with pour spouts.
  • Any free flowing pour spout can be used on all exhibition flair bottles. Pour spouts can taped (using electrical tape only) in place, as long as they are not restricting the flow of liquid.
  • All ingredients for the bartenders own cocktail (including garnishes) must be provided by the competitors themselves.
  • There will be no bar tending tools provided at most Grand Slam competitions.  Bring it yoursel

Other

All rules and guidelines are subject to change at the discretion of the competition organisers.
Any violation of these rules may result in penalty or even disqualification from the competition.