All participating schools must adhere to the following rules:

1. The Nido HUM Spelling Whizz Competition 2025 is an oral competition and will be conducted in multiple rounds.
2. Participants are not allowed to write words down on paper while spelling.
3. Each school must nominate one speller per three-member team in each age group.
4. Once participants have been nominated by the school, no changes can be made. If a participant is absent on the competition day, the remaining members will still be allowed to compete, even if only one member is present.
5. Teams must be dressed in proper school uniforms for the competition.
6. After the Pronouncer gives a team its word, the team will have 40 seconds in total:
   • First 20 seconds: The team may ask for the word’s definition, usage in a sentence, or part of speech.
   • Next 20 seconds: The speller must spell the word.
   • If the speller begins spelling before the 40-second mark, they will be allowed to complete the word, but they will not be allowed to retrace.
7. The Pronouncer can repeat the word, define it, use it in a sentence, or provide the part of speech, but only within the first 20 seconds. A buzzer will indicate when the time segment has ended.
8. All three team members may ask the Pronouncer questions, but only the designated speller may spell the word.
9. The speller must consult with teammates before spelling the word. However, once the speller begins, team members cannot prompt or correct them.
10. The speller must pronounce the word before spelling, spell it, and then pronounce it again once finished.
11. A speller may pause and restart spelling only after obtaining permission from the Pronouncer. If retracing, they may change the sequence of letters only if they have not yet completed spelling the word, and time remains.
12. Once a word has been fully spelt and pronounced, the team cannot retrace or attempt the spelling again.
13. If a word’s pronunciation is unclear, the team may request a new word.
14. In the event of a disruption during a team’s turn, that team will be given a new word and a fresh 40-second time limit.
15. The Judge will announce the start and end of each round.
16. The Jury will consist of one Pronouncer and three Judges, one of whom will serve as the HUM In Education Moderator.
17. The Jury has complete authority over the competition, and their decisions on all matters, including appeals, are final.
18. Appeals, if any, must be submitted to the HUM representative and will be reviewed by the Jury at the end of each round. Official appeal forms will be available with the HUM representative inside the competition hall.
19. Appeals can only be submitted by the school’s designated Spelling Whizz  Coordinator. The Jury will not accept appeals from individuals attempting to challenge another team or participant.
20. Scores will be displayed on the scoreboard.
21. If any participant or team supporter engages in inappropriate behaviour, the moderator has the authority to disqualify the team.
22. Parents and teachers are not allowed on stage during the competition.
23. Teams must remain silent while other teams are being questioned. Comments or remarks directed at other teams are strictly prohibited.
24. The audience must maintain absolute silence. Taunting or calling out during the competition is not allowed.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

The Nido HUM Spelling Whizz Competition 2025 Word List, provided to participating schools, serves only as a reference guide. Words for the competition may be selected both from within and beyond this list. External sources will also be used during the contest.