Competition Rules

Midwest Clown Association

Competition Rules

(Approved Changes 05/12/07)

The Competition Rules were revised at the Spring Meeting. Most of the Changes are in enlarged print. This is for your

convenience to help direct you to a significant change. The Rules will also be available at the Roundup in the Program Book.

Good Luck and Happy Competing!

I) General Rules:

A) MCA Competition Chairman

1) The Chief Joey will appoint a Competition Chairman to serve at MCA conventions.

2) The Competition Chairman will be responsible for adhering to all rules and guidelines for competition and judges.

3) The MCA Competition Chairman will be responsible for obtaining judges for each competition at the convention.

B) Eligibility:

1) The Host Alley, its members, and associate members are eligible to participate in the competition.

2) Members of the Midwest Clown Hall of Fame may compete in any category.

3) To enter competition you must be a member of an Alley or Club that is located in, or that is based within the Midwest and/or live within the seven state region.

4) A contestant must have a fully paid registration.

5) You must be at least sixteen (16) years of age by the start date of the Round-Up.

(i) Except: Junior Joey Make-up, Alley Skits, Group Skits, and Paradeability competitions.

6) Competitors may only enter once per category per Midwest Round-Up.

7) No motorized vehicles will be allowed, except those used for health reasons.

C) Position:

1) A number will be assigned to each participant.

(i) This may be their registration number or a previously drawn sequence number.

(ii) This applies to Make-up, Skit Competition, and Paradeability.

D) Awards:

1) Awards may be presented at the Banquet.

2) In the event of a tie for any award, a duplicate award will be sent as soon as possible.

3) Awards will be given to First (1^st), Second (2^nd) and Third (3^rd) place in all categories of competition, provided the qualifications

for such awards have been met.

(i) In the event of a tie, a duplicate award(s) will be presented when there are five (5) or more competitors in any category.

4) Awards will be given to First (1^st), Second (2^nd) and Third (3^rd) place in all categories except in the cases listed below:

(i) If the competition category has less than five (5) entries, then awards would be presented on the following basis:

(a) The top competitor would have to fall into one of the following categories and the rest of the competitors would be placed behind that position.

(1) Based on 500 points possible

(2) 401-500 points to receive first (1^st) place (or top score)

(3) 326-400 points to receive second (2^nd) place (or top score)

(4) 250-325 points to receive third (3^rd) place (or next score)

(5) This would be used for the highest scoring person and each person there after would receive the next award.

(b) Example: The top scoring person could receive a second place with scoring and the next person would receive third place.

No one would receive a first (1^st) place.

5) All competing Junior Joeys will receive a Participation Award.

E) Professional Conduct:

1) The following will be made available to all participants at the beginning of each Midwest Round-Up, as well as on the official Midwest Clown Association website throughout the year:

(i) The written/oral judging criteria used for the competitions

(ii) The Clown Code of Ethics (See Appendix A)

(iii) The Clown Creed 2000 (See Appendix B)

2) (Each individual must conduct themselves accordingly. Any clown whose conduct is not in accordance with these criteria as deemed by

the majority of the acting judges shall be disqualified from ALL Competitions.

F) Results:

1) After the Awards Presentation, all results will be posted by category, listing all participants, starting with the top score, using competition

and/or registration numbers.

II) Judging:

A) Five (5) judges will be utilized in competition.

B) Each judge will complete a score sheet (provided by the Competition Committee Chairperson) for each participant appropriate to that competition.

C) Each judge will identifiably mark (sign, initial or other) their completed score sheets.

D) All score sheets will be turned into the Competition Committee Chairperson (or designee) for tallying.

E) A two (2) part carbonless form will be used as the score sheet, with the original (top sheet) kept by the Competition Committee Chairperson (or designee) for two (2) weeks after the conclusion of the FOLLOWING Midwest Round-Up (i.e. about 54 weeks); and the copy going to the

participant at the end of the awards Banquet.

F) No one except the Competition Committee Chairperson (or chosen designee) may speak to a judge during the competition, unless answering

a direct question by the head judge.

G) All judging will be within designated areas.

H) The decision of the judges will be final on all scores.

I) The judges reserve the right to disqualify participants in competition for infractions of these rules.

J) A Head Judge for each competition should be decided by the Competition Committee Chairperson before each competition.

K) All judges will have a minimum of five (5) years of extensive clowning experience, through public performances, education, teaching the

art of clowning and/or clowning.

L) Judges should have competed, and placed, in the top ten in either a Midwest Clown Association Round-Up, or

an International Competition provided by one of the following organizations:

1) Clowns of America International

2) International Shrine Clown Association

3) World Clown Association

M) Judges must have attended one of the available classes in Judging and have a minimum of four (4) hours in training before they can judge.

1) If qualified judges are not available, then it will be the duty of the Competition Committee Chairperson and the Midwest Clown

Association Officers to assist in approving judges.

N) A Judging Qualification Book will be maintained.

1) This book will contain the resumes of all clowns who have applied to become judges.

III) Categories for Competition and Specific Rules:

A) Eligibility

1) Any eligible clowns wishing to compete must register for competition at the registration desk a minimum of four (4) hours prior to the start of the competition.

(i) If the competition start time is before 12:00pm (noon) the registration will close at 10:00pm the night before.

(ii) Registration cut off times for each competition must be posted at the registration desk or at the competition sign up location.

(iii) No unregistered clown will be allowed to compete.

B) Make-up Competition:

1) Judging will be consistent with procedures under II – Judging.

2) Six (5) categories will be used for judging:

(i) Whiteface

(ii) Auguste

(iii) Tramp/Hobo

(iv) Character/Novelty

(v) Junior Joey

3) Only self applied make-up will be allowed in competition.

4) Wardrobe must be suitable for the clown’s character type and for clowning in general.

5) A clown should display his/her basic qualities or carriage from the time s/he enter the judging area until s/he exits.

(i) Example: A sad tramp should be sad, not smiling.

6) Clowns must conduct themselves in an orderly, professional manner at all times.

7) Clowns will be grouped and presented according to category called for judging.

(i) The clowns will be paraded in front of the judges (in a line) before being individually judged.

8) A clown may enter only one make-up competition.

9) No conversation with the judges is allowed during the competition unless asked a question by the Head Judge.

10) Clowns must line up according to their assigned competition numbers and/or with their registration numbers as requested by the Competition Chairperson All identification tags, badges, or identifying patches must be removed or concealed.

(i) Failure to do so will result in a deduction of five (5) points by each judge.

(ii) Identification badges are those tags, badges, or patches which give your name, clown name, alley name or organization.

11) No performing in the audience area during a competition.

(i) Example: Making balloons.

12) Each clown will:

(i) Be called by the emcee into the judging area by his assigned number.

(ii) Proceed to box number one, usually a mark on the staging about fifteen (15) feet from the judges.

(iii) Face the judges, then do quarter turns as instructed until s/he is again facing the judges.

(iv) When instructed, the clown will strike a pose.

(v) When the judges are finished, the clown will be instructed to leave the area by the emcee and the next clown will be called in for judging.

13) A single prop that can easily be carried, will be allowed for all categories.

(i) Participants will not be penalized for not carrying a prop.

14) Music and/or other items off stage will not be allowed.

15) Clowns will be judged on 20 points for each of the following categories:

(i) Make-up Design

(ii) Make-up Application

(iii) Costume

(iv) Accessories

(v) Total Look

16) See Appendix C for a sample score sheet.

17) A copy of the score sheets will be available to the competitor after the awards banquet.

C) Rules for Specific Make-Up Types:

1) White Face

(i) Make-up

(a) All exposed flesh, from the bottom of the neck up is covered with white make-up. Other facial decoration may be in various colors

if the clown chooses. Wigs are of unlimited styles and colors.

(ii) Wardrobe

(a) This is the elegant clown. Styles vary but are coordinated in color and material. Well fitting costumes exemplified by glittery or flashy materials.

(iii) Character

(a) Decent in manners, performances are artistic in nature. In the hierarchy of clowning, s/he is the top. S/he instigates and sets up the

routines, s/he is in command of the situation that s/he is in.

2) Auguste

(i) Make-up

(a) All exposed flesh from the bottom of the neck up is covered with make-up. Base colors are flesh tones. The eye, nose, and mouth

areas are usually of an exaggerated proportion. Wigs are of unlimited styles and colors.

(ii) Wardrobe

(a) The Auguste Clown has the widest variety of costume designs to choose from. The colors and patterns should complement the overall clown’s appearance whether of not they are coordinated and match. The costume can be complimented with outlandish accessories.

(iii) Character

(a) The Auguste Clown is the most slapstick of all clowns. In the hierarchy of clowns, the Auguste Clown is the second rung. When with the White Face, the Auguste Clown is the brunt of the joke or routine. However, with the Tramp Clown, s/he becomes the instigator in

control of the situation.

3) Tramp or Hobo

(i) Make-up

(a) Base can range from the flesh tones of the Auguste to an almost white. Black, brown or gray is applied to the neck and extended to the beard line. Mouth area is outlined in white although the eye area is up to the taste of the individual. Make-up usually reflects the

character of the clown whether happy or sad.

(ii) Wardrobe

(a) The Tramp Character reflects a shabby individual with a normally ripped, torn or patched costume. The Hobo character is usually

dressier with patches.

(iii) Character

(a) As Stated, a Tramp Clown could be happy or sad. But in the hierarchy, the Tramp Clown is at the bottom. Known as the fall guy, the Tramp Clown is the butt of all jokes and routines that s/he is in. The Tramp Clown is the clown who gets the pies, water, etc.

4) Character / Novelty

(i) Make-up

(a) Can be a take-off on any other clown types, no masks are allowed. Must portray the character as nearly as possible. Make-up is clown like.

(ii) Wardrobe

(a) Must portray the character so as to be easily understood.

(1) Example: A sailor must look like a sailor.

(iii) Character

(a) MUST BE APPARENT

(b) If the judges cannot easily understand the character or novelty character being portrayed, they will severely mark down your score as appropriate.

5) Junior Joey

(i) Eligibility

(a) Open to clowns who have not had their 16^th birthday by the start of the Midwest Round-Up that year.

(b) Junior Joey competition will conform to all of the regular rules of the Midwest Clown Association Competition Rules in force at

the time of the competition with the following additions:

(1) The Junior Joey’s will be placed in an area where they put on their own make-up and costume. Only Junior Joeys, Chairperson(s)

and Competition Committee Members are allowed in the room. (A parent or guardian may be in the room for observation purposes only.) A member of the Competition Committee must be present at all times while the Junior Joeys are putting on their make-up.

They will have at least one hour to put on their make-up. An official starting time and ending time will be announced and posted.

Water and a full length mirror should be provided. Junior Joeys may ask questions but not receive physical assistance in the

application of their make-up from anyone present. (Note: this does not mean that someone in the room can’t button them up or

zip them but it does mean that no one can help them put on their make-up, etc.)

(2) All of the different types of make-up will be judged at the same time in one Junior Joey category. White Face, Auguste, Tramp/Hobo, Character/Novelty

(3) Awards will be given to First, Second and Third Place in the Junior Joey Competition.

(4) Each Participant will receive an Award of Participation.

(5) The Junior Joeys will not be eligible for the Midwest Clown Association Hall of Fame requirements.

(6) First place winners in Junior Joey Make-Up Competition can not compete the following year

with the same category of make-up and the same costume. They are encouraged to compete

the following year as a different category of clown so as to experience and learn about as many aspects and facets of the art of clowning as possible.

D) Skit Competition

1) Judging will be consistent with procedures under II – Judging.

2) Skit competition will be divided into two categories:

(i) Individual Skit

(a) Limited to one clown on stage

(b) If members of the audience are used on stage, they will be counted as members of the skit, making it a group skit.

(ii) Group Skit

(a) Two or more persons on stage.

(b) Junior Joeys may participate, but with at least a one adult to one Junior Joey ratio.

(iii) Awards

(a) Awards will be presented to the top three places in each category.

(iv) Positions

(a) Drawing for competition positions will be held at an announced meeting, held prior to the competition.

(b) Each individual skit competitor will draw his/her own number.

(d) All individuals for individual skit competition and at least one member of each group must be present at the meeting to enter skit competition.

(v) All skits will have a maximum time limit of five (5) minutes.

(a) Any individual or group skit that exceeds the five (5) minute limit will automatically be penalized one point per judge per second.

(b) Time starts either when the clown sets foot on the stage or the music/sound effects starts whichever occurs first.

(vi) All skits will be limited to three (3) minutes set up before and three (3) minutes tear down time after the skit.

(a) This set up time and tear down time is in addition to the five (5) minute skit presentation time.

(vii) Skits should be suitable for all ages and in keeping with clowning.

(a) Example: Clean and decent

(viii) Skits are to be presented in the sequential order established at the competition meeting.

(a) Failure to do so will result in disqualification.

(ix) All clowns on stage must be actively involved in the skit.

(x) All clowns on stage must be suited to their role in the skit according to their basic clown type.

(xi) A prop crew will be supplied to assist the competitors with set up and tear down but only to do minimal clean up work.

(xii) Performers using pies, etc. that end up on the judges or audience will result in being penalized five (5) points per judge unless

circumstances are beyond the clown’s control.

(a) These circumstances to be determined by a majority of the judges.

(b) Water, confetti, etc. must be cleaned up on the stage during tear down time.

(c) If something lands in the audience, clean up must be arranged by the appropriate skit member(s) immediately following the conclusion

of the days’ competition. Failure to do so will result in penalization of five (5) points per judge.

(xiii) Make-up must be self applied or it will disqualify the whole skit; single and/or group.

(xiv) Any skit that causes injury to any spectator will be automatically disqualified.

(xv) The size of the stage is to be a minimum of twelve (12) feet by eighteen (18) feet and sixteen (16) inches off the above the main floor.

(a) Recommend the stage be higher, if available, so the audience will be better able to see the action.

(xvi) Competitors will supply their own sound tracks if needed on cassette tape or compact disc (CD) in audio wave format.

(a) Sound equipment and a technician will be provided.

(xvii) The use of pyrotechnics has been outlawed at the Midwest Round-up. Definition as follows:

(a) Pyrotechnics are items containing black powder, flash powder, flash cotton, flash paper, or other items that will produce an

explosion or flash flame.

(b) Items which must be avoided are items that in their use may potentially cause personal injury, damage to property, or automatic

fire systems to go off.

(c) Candles or matches in small quantities are not considered pyrotechnics for these competitions, providing approval is obtained by the Convention Group from the host alley and the Hotel. Quantity of matches to be approved by the Committee Chairperson.

(xviii) Contestants must register for each category by 10:00pm the day before the competition if the

competition starts in the AM, and four (4) hours before the start of the competition when the

competition starts in the PM.

(xix) First (1^st) Place winner in Individual skit will not be allowed to enter the same category the following year.

(xx) Skits will be judged on the following:

(a) Definite start, middle, and definite blow off (beginning, middle and end).

(b) Audience Reaction

(d) Professional behavior

(e) Make-up and Costumes

(f) How well the clown types are suited to their roles in the skit.

(g) Each clowns’ active involvement in the skit (Group Skit Only)

(h) The suitability of the skit to the audience.

E) Alley Competition: The Traveling Trophy

1) All paid voting Alleys may compete in the Midwest Clown Association Alley Skit Competition for the Traveling trophy

2) Junior Joeys may participate, but with at least a one adult to one Junior Joey ratio.

3) This competition was initiated to provide alleys and clubs an opportunity to parade their talents, encourage team work, and have fun.

4) The competition will usually be held on Wednesday or Thursday evening of the fall Round-Up.

5) Alley members may wear their colors proudly and encourage their performing members.

6) Rules:

(i) Each Alley must have a minimum of four (4) on stage participants. Junior Joeys are encouraged to participate, but with at least a one adult

to one Junior Joey ratio.

(ii) One judged entry per alley.

(iii) Alley skits will be judged on:

(a) Humor

(b) Entertainment

(c) Audience Reaction

(d) Involvement - Interaction of all participants.

(e) Alley skits will be limited to five (5) minutes

(f) An Alley may sign up to compete if an alley member is there to pick a number prior to the start of competition.

(g) Nothing may be thrown from the stage.

(h) Five (5) judges will be used.

(iv)Performers need to abide by the general make-up rules in section III, B.

F) Paradeability

1) General

(i) This competition is designed to judge a clown’s ability in make-up, costume, and props to perform, entertain and/or bring laughter

to a parade.

(a) Clowns entering this competition can use a sight gag, on object, or a prop.

(b) Parade gimmicks can be carried, pushed, pulled or driven and can not require set-up or tear down time.

2) Rules

(i) Clowns must meet eligibility requirements as listed under General Rules of Competition.

(ii) Each entry will be limited to a single clown event (One clown only) for Single Paradeability.

(iii) The competitor will perform or demonstrate the parade prop or act at least twice, within a defined space with a time limit of two (2) minutes.

(iv) Judging will be consistent with procedures under II – Judging.

(v) Scoring will be from 1 to 25 points on the following criterion:

(a) Appearance of Make-up and Costume, appropriateness to the prop, act or gimmick.

(b) Is the parade gimmick original?

(d) Is the parade gimmick well made and professional in appearance?

(e) Will the clown be able to do this parade gimmick repeatedly along a two (2) mile parade?

3) Junior Joey Paradeability Competition

(i) Junior Joey Paradeability Competition will use the same rules and guidelines as regular Single Paradeability.

(ii) The Junior Joey Paradeability Competition may be conducted concurrently with Single Paradeability and Group paradeability.

4) Group Paradeability Competition

(i) Group Paradeability Competition will use the same rules and guidelines as regular Single Paradeability, with the exception of 2(ii) limiting

the entry to one clown.

(ii) A Group Paradeability entry must consist of two or more clowns.

(iii) Junior Joeys may participate, but with at least a one adult to one Junior Joey ratio.

(iv) The Group Paradeability Competition may be conducted concurrently with Single Paradeability and Junior Joey paradeability.

G) Balloon Sculpture Competition Rules

1) Categories:

(i) Single Balloon:

(a) Only one (1) balloon can be used in the final judged entry.

(b) The Balloon must be any commercially available balloon.

(ii) Multiple Balloons:

(a) More than one balloon must be used in the final judged entry.

(b) The Balloons must be a commercially available balloon.

(d) Two or more balloons must be used.

(iii) Combination Balloons:

(a) More than one balloon must be used in the final judged entry.

(b) More than one type, size or style of balloon must be used.

2) Registration

(i) Contestants may enter one or more categories.

(ii) Contestants must register for each category by 10:00pm the day before the competition if the

competition starts in the AM, and four (4) hours before the start of the competition when the

competition starts in the PM.

3) Rules:

(i) Any fully registered clown at the convention (Round-up) may enter.

(ii) Entrant is to furnish his/her own balloons.

(iii) Balloons may not be inflated or pre-cut ahead of the starting time.

(iv) A Pump may be used to inflate balloons.

(v) Tape and adhesives may be used in the combination category only.

(a) In the combination category, the use of foreign materials is allowed as long as it is attached to the balloons.

(vi) Artwork must be self applied by the entrant, only during actual competition.

(vii) Time limits:

(a) Single Balloon – Ten (10) minutes

(b) Multiple Balloons – Twenty (20) minutes

(viii) Numbers will be assigned to each entrant for each category that they enter.

(a) Registration numbers may be used, if desired, by the Competition Chairperson.

(ix) Judges cannot be present during the balloon sculpturing

(a) Someone should be designated to watch the sculpturing to make sure the rules are followed.

(b) Usually the Competition Chairperson is the designated individual.

(x) Only Judges are allowed in the room during judging.

(xi) Spectators may watch the competition at the option of the Competition Chairperson if space is available, but they must not

interfere in any way with entrants or they will be asked to leave.

(xii) After balloons have been placed on the judging table, ONLY the Head Judge may touch them.

(xiii) If any balloons, after the allowed time period, leak or break, they will be judged as is.

(xiv) First (1^st) Place winners will not be allowed to enter the same category the following year.

(xv) No reference pictures and/or instructional materials are allowed during competition.

4) Judging Categories for Balloons:

(i) Judging will be consistent with procedures under II – Judging.

(ii) Uniformity

(a) Proportions, length of arms, legs, etc.

(iii)Creativity

(iv) Appearance

(a) Does it resemble the character or object being portrayed?

(v) The decision of the judges will be final on all scoring issues.

(a) Awards will be given to the top three (3) places in each category.

(vi) Scoring:

(a) Uniformity 0-25 points

(b) Creativity 0-25 points

H) Face Painting Rules

1) There are two (2) categories in the Face Painting Competition

(i) Tattoo or Cheek Art

(a) The design should be small enough to fit on the cheek or hand.

(b) No embellishments such as glitter, jewels, or feathers should be used.

(ii) Full Face Art

(a) The design needs to cover the 75% or more of the face.

(b) No embellishments such as glitter, jewels, or feathers should be used.

(iii) Creative face-painting (Anything goes)

(a) May be either full or partial face.

(b) May include embellishments such as glitter, jewels, or feathers.

2) Only face paints approved by the FDA for skin uses are acceptable.

3) Contestants using Trademarked Designs will be disqualified.

4) Registration

(i) Contestants may enter one or more categories.

(ii) Contestants must register for each category by 11:00pm the day before the competition if the competition starts in the AM, and

four (4) hours before the start of the competition when the competition starts in the PM.

5) Judging will be consistent with procedures under II – Judging.

6) Competition Procedures:

(i) Contestants must be in the competition area when competition begins.

(a) Contestants entering late will be disqualified.

(ii) Contestants must furnish their own supplies.

(iii) Contestants must supply their own models.

(iv) Only one (1) design may be submitted for judging per category.

(v) Contestants will have 10 minutes in the Cheek Art Competition.

(vi) Contestants will have 15 minutes in the Full Face Competition.

(vii) Contestants will have 15 minutes in the Creative Face Painting Competition.

(viii) First (1^st) place contestants can not enter same category the following year.

7) Designs will be judged on the following criteria (total 200 points)

(i) Application

(a) Does the pattern flow?

(b) Do the colors compliment the design?

(ii) Technique

(a) Are the colors clear?

(b) Are the colors even?

(d) Are the lines even?

(e) Does the design have symmetry?

(iii) Creativity

(a)