STARFLEET IC2013 Model Contest Rules

ELIGIBILITY

1. The IC2013 Model Contest is open only to members of STARFLEET. Any current member of STARFLEET is eligible to enter any number of models in the IC2013 Model Contest. A member may also serve as a "proxy" to enter models for a fellow member who is not attending the convention. All entries except chapter/group entries must be the sole work of the individual whose name is on the entry blank.
2. CADETS. Cadet division categories are limited to members 17 years and younger. Cadet members may, at their own discretion, enter any or all of their models in senior divisions; however models entered in senior divisions will not be eligible for cadet award consideration.
3. The Chief Judge will exclude/remove from competition any entry considered by Contest officials to be inappropriate or offensive to generally acknowledged standards of taste and acceptability. A. The following are prohibited in competition and may not be placed on display at any STARFLEET event: No depiction of nudity, sexuality, lewd content, or overt violence. Such depictions will be automatically disqualified. This is a family oriented event.
4. Modelers entering pieces that exceed three feet in either width or length, or that require special power support or special placement, must notify the IC2013 Model Contest Chairman at least one month in advance of the Convention. The limited space for the Contest requires pre-planning for such entries. Failure to provide advanced notification for such models could result in their being unable to compete or inadequate special support.
5. Exhibitors are encouraged to leave their models in the display room until the awards banquet is over and the attendees have had the maximum opportunity to view them.
6. There will be a $3 entry fee per person/proxy, with as many models entered as the person wants to enter. Eg: 1 $3 entry fee will cover John Doe entering his 5 models, but if John is entering a model for himself and another for Jane Doe two $3 entry fees must be paid.
7. The last day to submit an entry form is July 20th 2013, so the Model Contest Staff will have time to set up a floor plan to accommodate all the models submitted.

CONTEST DEFINITIONS AND JUDGING

1. JUDGING. Models will be judged for skill in construction, finish, realism, scope of effort, and accuracy. Additional criteria are considered for special. Models are judged as three-dimensional objects and are examined in all aspects. Entries will be handled, by judges both for proper table placement and for judging, as required. Models in the Contest Room may be covered by cases while on general public display, but such cases must be removed from models for judging. Judges will not remove cases from models unless the modeler has given explicit, written, approval in advance. Models in cases will not be judged. The following is an exception to this rule. In instances where removal of a case could cause damage, and in the judgment of the respective Head Judge the case would not impede effective judging, the case may be left on for judging. This arrangement must be made prior to judging and noted in writing on the entry form by the Head Judge. The Head Judge will have the final and exclusive authority to allow or deny this exemption.
2. COMPOSITION. The use of plastic is encouraged; however, the use of other modeling materials is allowed as the builder sees fit. Judging standards of finish, attention to detail, and authenticity will be the same, regardless of the materials used.
3. SCRATCH-BUILT models may incorporate parts from other kits, but these should be generally unrelated to their original identity, except for minor parts such as wheels, guns, etc. Models determined to be scratch-built must be entered in the proper scratch-built category.
4. CONVERSION category entries must represent a version different from that provided by the basic kit. The conversion must contain significant structural modifications to the basic kit involving extensive changes in contour or configuration. In addition to the normal judging criteria common to the entire contest, judges of the Conversion Category will give special consideration to the complexity of the conversion. A conversion accomplished with primarily commercial aftermarket parts will be at a disadvantage, therefore, against a conversion accomplished primarily by the builder’s craftsmanship - assuming both are finished to similar standards. Simple conversions may be entered in regular categories. More extensive conversions, however, must be entered in the appropriate conversion category. The builder must detail the conversion changes made to the base kit on the entry sheet or accompanying documentation. Judges have the ultimate authority to determine a model’s category placement, and such decisions by judges will be final.
5. JUDGES. A Chief Judge must be chosen and (s)he must brief all judges before the contest judging. Only Judges fully registered at the Convention are eligible to join judging teams. Junior members may not serve as voting judges, but may be assigned to judging teams as participating observers. Judges may not judge a category in which they are entered. Judging teams will be composed of multiple judges, preferably representing different regions. Strict impartiality will be observed, and violators will be removed from judges' lists.
6. ALL JUDGES' DECISIONS ARE FINAL. Contest registrars will help determine proper entry categories for models during registration, but final category placement is at the discretion of contest judges. Judges may split categories during final judging.
7. The STARFLEET IC2013 Model Contest Committee is solely responsible for the creation, modification, addition and deletion of all Rules and Categories for the IC2013 Model Contest.
8. No liability for loss or damage to contest entries is assumed by SFI, Int., the convention hotel, or the contest judges.
9. The Chief Judge reserves the right to waive any rule if circumstances warrant.

CATEGORIES

1. USS Enterprise
   Any Era Enterprise
2. STARFLEET Ships
   Any spacecraft that has been used by STARFLEET, in any book, movie, or comic.
3. Romulan Ships
   Any spacecraft that has been used by the Romulans, in any book, movie, or comic.
4. Klingon Ships
   Any spacecraft that has been used by Klingon, in any book, movie, or comic.
5. Classic/Futuristic Aircraft
   As described, any classical, current, or experimental aircraft.
6. Anything Trek
   Any form of spaceship not covered above, including space stations, probes, shuttles, etc., relating to space exploration or travel in Star Trek.

AWARDS

1. No awards associated with placement in the contest will have any intrinsic monetary value beyond the cost of their materials and production. Monetary awards, certificates and scholarships tied to placement in the contest are expressly prohibited.
2. First, and second, place awards will be given in each category. Individual contestants are eligible for only one award per category entered, i.e. no “sweeps.”.
3. Additionally there will be one award given for Best in Show, and Best Scratch-Built. In total 28 awards will be awarded.