RULES

I. ELIGIBILITY

1. GRYFFON Expo 2007 is open to everyone. There is no limit as to the number of entries by a particular modeler. All entries must be the sole work of the individual whose name appears on the entry form. Commercially available models that do not require additional work by the modeler are not eligible.

2. JUNIORS. Junior categories are limited to modelers 17 years and younger. 

3. TEST SHOTS or pre-production examples of kits not yet commercially available may not be entered in competition but can be displayed.

4. THE CHIEF JUDGE can exclude/remove from the competition, any entry considered  to be inappropriate or offensive to generally acknowledged standards of taste and acceptability. He can also exclude/remove a judge or category Head Judge for unethical behavior.

5. EXHIBITORS are encouraged to leave their models in the display room until after the awards presentation  is over and the attendees have had the maximum opportunity to view them.

II. CONTEST DEFINITIONS AND JUDGING

1. JUDGING. Models and Dioramas will be judged for skill in construction, finish, realism, and accuracy.  Models and Dioramas are judged as three-dimensional objects and are examined in all aspects. Entries will NOT be handled by judges except for proper table placement when participants cannot be found.  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. 

2. PLASTIC DEFINITION. Plastic is "any thermoplastic or thermosetting polymer, resin, or other materials which can be formed by heat, pressure, or vacuum forming". This includes, but is not necessarily limited to, polystyrene, ABS plastic, celluloid, polyethylene, vinyl, epoxy and polyester resins, fiberglass, acetates, acrylics, nylon, other synthetic and monofilament fibers, and other plastic modeling compounds. Neoprene rubber is also defined as a plastic for this contest. Glazes and body putties (e.g., Tamiya Putty or Epoxy Putty) are not plastics; however, when used for filling seams, improving contours, creating unusual surfaces (e.g. "zimmerit" on armor), etc., they will be considered as plastic.

3. COMPOSITION. The use of plastic as set forth, above, 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. 

4. 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.

5. CONVERSION category entries must represent a version different from that provide by the basic kit. The conversion must contain significant structural modifications to the basic kit involving extensive changes in contour or configuration. These changes must be the work of the entrant. In addition to the normal judging criteria common to the entire contest, judges  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.

6. FIGURES Class entries will not be classified as dioramas by the inclusion of accessories supplied in the figure kit.

7. MISSILES. When the missile's transport vehicle or launcher is the predominant portion of the system (e.g., SCUD, Patriot), the model will be entered in the appropriate Armor category. 

8. JETS. Jet Aircraft categories include manned, rocket-powered aircraft such as the Me-163,  etc.

9. BASES AND DIORAMAS. Bases are allowed and encouraged in all categories but will not be considered in the judging. A base may simulate the natural surface on which the subject would be found. A single figure may be included for proportional purposes along with a single piece of equipment. Aircraft and vehicles may rest on simulated ground or paving, and aircraft that requires  beaching gear or dollies may be so equipped. Ships may be displayed in water (no dry-docks). Bases are encouraged for the overall display quality and  must be of a size proportionate to the model. The Head Judge can exclude oversize bases. The addition of any other figures or equipment outside, or not attached to the model (e.g., buildings) will make the model a Diorama, which must then be entered in the proper Diorama category. Dioramas are judged on the technical merit of their construction and on the strength of the theme or story they present.

10. JUDGES. The Chief Judge will brief all Head Judges and Judges before the contest judging. We will choose Judges from the list of voluntaries.  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. When possible, judging teams will be composed of an odd number of judges, preferably representing different regions. Strict impartiality will be observed, and violators will be removed from judges lists for future competitions.  Specially designated judging teams will monitor the contest room prior to judging to ensure models are in the proper categories for judging. They will also advise the modelers to move their models to their appropriate categories.

11. 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 Head judges after advising the modeler and the Chief Judge.  Judges may also combine or split categories during final judging.

12. CATEGORIES may be added or split depending on participation.

13. NO LIABILITY for loss or damage to contest entries is assumed by Hobby Gryffon, Gryffon Expo organizers, the Comission Scolaire des Trois Lacs, or the contest judges.

14. THE CHIEF JUDGE may waive any rule if circumstances warrant.

III. AWARDS

1. FIRST, second, and third place awards will be given in each category. Honorable Mentions may be awarded.

For a printable version of the rules, click here. Adobe Acrobat Reader  is required.