OVERVIEW

• Each Beauties of America delegate must be a naturally born, genetic female.
• She must be a citizen of the United States of America through either birth or naturalization process. Upon request, each delegate must be prepared to show documentation of citizenship in the event that there is a question to this issue.
• English is the official language of the Beauties of America Pageant.
• Each Beauties of America delegate must be of good moral character having never committed a public act that is not consistent with the highest standards of moral integrity. She must not have appeared nude in print, film or live, or participated in any lewd or provocative public acts or behaviors.
• Each delegate to the Beauties of America national pageant must produce a certified original copy of her birth certificate as part of her official required paperwork submissions to verify age, gender and citizenship.
   

DIVISIONS

• Beauties of America's Teen: Must be at least 13 and no older than 19 by August 1, 2010. Teen delegates must be single and never married for the duration of their participation in Beauties of America and, if selected, for the duration of their reign as Beauties of America's Teen. Beauties of America's Teen may not have given birth to a child prior to or during her reign, or become pregnant during her reign.
• Beauties of America's 20s: Must be at least 20 and no older than 29 by August 1, 2010. She may be single, married, widowed or divorced. She may or may not have children.
• Beauties of America's 30s: Must be at least 30 and no older than 39 by August 1, 2010. She may be single, married, widowed or divorced. She may or may not have children.
• Beauties of America's 40s: Must be at least 40 and no older than 49 by August 1, 2010. She may be single, married, widowed or divorced. She may or may not have children.
• Beauties of America's 50s & Up: Must be at least 50 by August 1, 2010. She may be single, married, widowed or divorced. She may or may not have children.

Age Division Exception: In the rare event that a delegate will celebrate a birthday between August 1, 2010 and the first day of the national pageant that would cause her to move up into the next age division, the delegate must compete in the older age division.

ENTRY FEE/ PAYMENTS

Each Beauties of America national at-large delegate is required to pay an entry fee to enter the Beauties of America national pageant. The fee for the 2010 national pageant is $795. Delegates may pay the entire fee themselves, or may seek sponsors to help defray the cost of competing. Delegates will have the opportunity to provide a list of sponsors to the national office. Sponsors will be recognized in the Beauties of America Pageant official program book at no additional charge.

Payment may be made by certified check, money order, personal check or Pay Pal.

Upon acceptance of a delegate’s application, delegate must make an initial deposit payment of $250 within 30 days of acceptance. After that, each delegate is required to pay the balance of the entry fee no later than July 1, 2010.

A delegate’s at-large state title will be confirmed, and her state crown and sash ordered after payment has been received in full by Beauties of America, LLC. For more information on the at-large title process, please see the “At-Large Delegates” section.

Entry Fee Includes:

• Entry into national pageant
• Official Beauties of America state crown
• Official Beauties of America deluxe embroidered state sash and crown pin
• Delegate handbook and all delegate pageant paperwork and materials
• Opening Night Royalty Gala
• Most meals while at the 2010 Beauties of America Pageant
• Official Beauties of America program book
• Official Beauties of America Gift Bag
• Pageant seminar
• Sponsor gifts and more

Entry Fee Does Not Include:

• Hotel Accommodations
• Travel Expenses
• Opening Number and Competition Wardrobe
• Program Book Advertisements (optional)
• Personal Expenses

DEADLINES

The fee deadline for the Beauties of America pageant is July 1, 2010. Any and all fees must be paid by this deadline..

All required paperwork, program book photo and ad copy must be received by the national office by July 15, 2010.

All deadlines will be strictly adhered to. There will be no exceptions to deadlines under any circumstances. Delegate understands that failure to meet deadlines will result in judges panel being made aware of delinquency. Penalty to delegate’s score due to tardiness will be at the sole discretion of judges panel.

REFUND POLICY

Any and all fees paid to Beauties of America, LLC are non-refundable under any circumstances. This includes any and all fees paid by the delegate or by anyone on behalf of the delegate. If delegate is unable to compete, a portion of delegate’s entry fee may be transferred to the subsequent year. Such decision is at the sole discretion of Beauties of America, LLC, and is only applicable to delegates whose entry fees are paid in full. Partial payments are non-refundable and non-transferable.
 

STATE PAGEANTS

Delegates who reside in a state where a state pageant is held are required to compete in said state pageant unless approval to compete at-large has been agreed upon by the National Director and said State Director.

State pageant delegates agree to look solely to the state pageant director for any and all matters relating to the state pageant. Beauties of America Pageant, LLC is not liable to any state pageant delegate for any and all matters whatsoever in connection with the state pageant.

If selected as a state queen of a state pageant, delegate agrees to attend the Beauties of America national pageant, and to look to the national office for all matters regarding the national pageant.

State pageant winners may not re-compete in the same division in the same state pageant. They may reenter the state pageant once they are eligible to move into another division to compete for that division’s state title.

State pageant winners may reenter the Beauties of America national pageant as an at-large delegate in years following their reign as a state pageant titleholder.

AT-LARGE DELEGATES

All delegates at the Beauties of America national pageant compete on equal terms, regardless of whether a state pageant winner or at-large delegate.

Eligibility

To be eligible for an at-large state title, a delegate must meet at least one of the following criteria:

• Born in the state
• Residency in the state (current or previous)
• Property owned in the state (current or previous)
• Employment in the state (current or previous)
• Attend school in the state (current or previous)

At-large applicants who qualify, under this criteria, for more than one state may list up to three states that they would like to represent on their official application.

At-large applicants will be required to pay an initial deposit of $250 at the time their application is accepted by the national office.

Upon receipt of the initial deposit, the at-large delegate’s title is considered pending.

Once the national office receives the full entry fee, the at-large delegate’s title will be confirmed. The at-large delegate’s state crown and sash will be ordered and national paperwork mailed once the at-large delegate has been moved to confirmed status.

At-large delegates will receive written notice from the national office of their title status as it moves from pending to confirmed.

At-large delegates agree to look only to Beauties of America, LLC with respect to all aspects of the national pageant.

2010 at-large titles begin at the date a delegate's entry fee is paid in full by the National office, and end on October 1, 2010.

In the event that the at-large state title(s) a delegate qualifies for are already awarded, a regional at-large title may be awarded to said delegate. Said delegate must meet the same qualifying criteria as with state at-large titles to be considered for this option.

RETURNING DELEGATES

Former winners of the Beauties of America’s Teen, 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, and 60s & Up national titles may not re-compete in the same division, but may reenter the Beauties of America pageant once their age division status changes.

State pageant winners may not re-compete in the same division in the same state pageant. They may reenter the state pageant once they are eligible to move into another division to compete for that division’s state title.

State pageant winners may reenter the Beauties of America national pageant as an at-large delegate in years following their reign as a state pageant titleholder.

At-large delegates may reenter the Beauties of America pageant from year to year.

Returning at-large delegates from the previous year will have priority selection to represent their same state title, if they chose to re-compete at the national pageant that subsequent year, subject to qualifying criteria.

COMMERCIAL TIE-UPS

Delegates may have a commercial tie-up, modeling contract, agency agreement or other similar contract. However, such contract may not permit or authorize the use of the Beauties of America Pageant name.
 

AREAS OF COMPETITION

The Beauties of America Pageant is a traditional beauty pageant, which also celebrates the achievements of today's modern America woman. Women ages 13 and older are eligible to compete in the Beauties of America Pageant. National titleholders are selected by competing in the areas of Private Interview, Fitness, Evening Gown and Photogenic. Each area of competition is described in further detail below, along with the weight of each area.

Opening Production Number (Not Scored): The Beauties of America Pageant finals include a professionally produced opening number. Delegates wear attire as specified by Beauties of America, LLC based on the theme of the national pageant.

Personal Interview Competition (40%): Beauties of America titleholders must be articulate and possess inner beauty, as well as outer beauty. They must have a sense of confidence and purpose, and be able to communicate effectively, while being able to manage the responsibility of being a Beauties of America titleholder.

• Personal interviews are conducted panel style, and are five (5) minutes in length.
• Delegates wear a suit, pantsuit, cocktail suit or dress for this event.
• Delegates will be asked questions based on the official application that each delegate submits. Delegates will not be asked questions of a controversial nature. However, the interview may include questions about current events and other timely topics.
• Judging Criteria: Personality, communication skills, character, beauty and fashion sense.

Fitness Competition (25%):Beauties of America titleholders must exemplify the physically fit modern American woman. They must exude confidence, enthusiasm and graceful carriage on stage. A separate award will be presented to the delegate in each division who receives the highest overall fitness award.

• Each delegate will supply her own wardrobe, with her own personal style and color choice being considered.
• Each delegate will be judged in fitness based on the required attire for her age division.
  • Teens and 20s: Swimsuit
  • 30s and 40s: Aerobic Wear
  • 50s and & Up: Active Sportswear
• For delegates wearing swimsuit, a one-piece or two-piece is permitted. However, all swimwear must be in good taste. No thongs are allowed. No cover-ups may be worn with swimsuits.
• Delegates may wear sheer hose with their fitness wear attire, if they so choose.
• Judging Criteria: Overall fitness and muscle tone, proportion, beauty of face and figure, poise, eye contact, grace and fashion sense.
   

Evening Gown Competition (25%): Beauties of America titleholders must project grace, style and sophistication. Each delegate selects her own evening gown. Their choice should reflect their own personality and style. The monetary value of the gown is not a consideration for judging. Beauties of America is looking at the woman in the gown, not the gown on the woman.

• Gown must be floor length.
• Teens may wear either gowns with full skirts or fitted gowns.
• Judging Criteria: Overall appearance, beauty, poise, stage presence, fashion sense and delegate’s ability to project comfortable elegance

Photogenic Competition (10%): Beauties of America titleholders must represent the beautiful, modern American woman. A delegate’s ability to project well in a photograph is important to Beauties of America, LLC, as Beauties of America titleholders will appear in major BOA advertising campaigns, be photographed at appearances and more.

• Photogenic is judged from the photo submitted by each delegate.
• Photo must be at least 5x7, but no larger than 8 x 10, and may be color or black and white.
• Photo must be a headshot, taken recently.
• Photo should be of good quality.
• Delegates must bring photo with them to the national pageant. Photos will be returned to delegates.
• Judging Criteria: Beauty, photogenic appeal, photo clarity and quality, warmth and personality projection.

OPTIONAL COMPETITIONS

Beauties of America national titles are awarded based solely on the above outlined areas of competition. However, Beauties of America, LLC offers delegates additional opportunities to qualify for a variety of special awards. These awards are optional awards that have no bearing on the final outcome of the pageant.

Overall Photogenic Award: This award is given to one delegate in the entire pageant whose program book advertisement most intrigues the judges panel. This award is completely separate and unrelated to the scoring given to each delegate in the photogenic area of competition for the main pageant.

This is a special award that each delegate may choose to qualify for by purchasing a half-page advertisement or larger in the national program book. Delegates may purchase the program book advertising themselves or may seek sponsorship to cover the costs. The design of the advertisement and photos that the delegate chooses to include in the advertisement is at the delegate's discretion. However, all photos and advertising layouts must be in good taste.
 

Turn For The Judges People’s Choice Award: This award is given to one delegate in the entire pageant who receives the most votes on www.tftj.com. There is no additional fee or paperwork to qualify for this award. All delegates are eligible for this award.

Pageantry Spirit Award: his award is given to one delegate in the entire pageant who the other delegates feel exhibits the true spirit of pageant competition. This is the delegate who the other delegates vote on as the most congenial, pleasant, helpful and with the most positive attitude throughout the pageant.

Program Appreciation Award: This award is given to one delegate in the entire pageant who purchases the most program book advertisements in the official national program book. Delegates may purchase their own advertisements, or make seek out sponsors to purchase advertisements.

The design of the advertisement pages and photos that the delegate chooses to include in the advertisement pages is at the delegate's discretion. However, all photos and advertising layouts must be in good taste.

Achievement Award: This award is given to one delegate in each division, and is judged by a separate panel of judges. Each delegate will have the opportunity to submit an essay (on the official Achievement Award form) that outlines any academic, professional and/ or personal achievements, or highlights any obstacles that a delegate has overcome, or any contributions that a delegate has made to her community, volunteer efforts, school, workplace or other areas.

Media Awards: This award is given to each delegate who completes a designated number of appearances from the time she receives her state title until the date of the national pageant. Delegates are required to complete a minimum of twenty (20) hours of live appearances as a state titleholder to qualify for this award. Each appearance in a pageant trade magazine, pageant website or newspaper article will be considered the equivalent of one hour of appearances.

Each delegate who wishes to qualify for this award will be required to submit her appearances on an official Media Award form that is included in the delegate's official paperwork.

JUDGES AND SCORING PROCEDURES

Judges:

• National judges' panel will be comprised of at least six qualified judges. This judges panel will evaluate all delegates in all divisions in all competitive areas.
• Beauties of America Pageant, LLC has the sole authority and discretion to select the judges' panel.
• Beauties of America Pageant, LLC will strive to select a judges' panel that is well qualified and professionally and culturally diverse.
• Judges' names will not be released to delegates prior to the start of the national pageant.
• Judges are educated and informed of the Beauties of America Pageant judging procedures, expectations and processes prior to and upon arrival at the national pageant
• Delegates are not permitted to converse with, approach or otherwise interact with any judges during the entire course of the national pageant. Delegates violating this will risk disqualification. Judges are also instructed not to converse with, approach or otherwise interact with delegates during the entire course of the national pageant, other than during scheduled competitive events.
• All decisions of the judges are final.

Scoring Procedures:

• All tabulating at the national pageant will be conducted by a state licensed, Certified Public Accountant selected by Beauties of America, LLC
• Scoring point values vary based on the total weight of each competitive area.
• Scoring point values for each competitive area are as follows:
  • Personal Interview = 1 – 40 points
  • Fitness = 1 – 25 points
  • Evening Gown = 1 – 25 points
  • Photogenic = 1 – 10 points
• All scoring point values are per competitive area, with a maximum potential total score for any delegate being 100 points total per judge.
• For each delegate in each competitive event, the high and low score is discarded.
• The scores will be tabulated, with the high and low scores for each delegate in each competitive event being discarded.
• The delegate in each division with the highest combined score will be named the national queen in that division.
• In the event of a tie, the higher score in the following individual competitive events will determine the placement results. The higher score will prevail in the following order; Interview, Evening Gown, Fitness, Photogenic.
• In the event that this method does not resolve the issue of a tie for a national title, judges will be asked to rank the top three delegates in the division(s) in which the tie is occurring. The ranking and score will be; 1st place = 5 points, 2nd place = 3 points, 3rd place = 1 point.
• In the absence of ties, the prior two procedures will not be used in the scoring process.

Post-Pageant Feedback:

• Delegates will receive comprehensive explanation and sample score sheets in their delegate handbooks prior to the national pageant.
• Following the crowning of the 2010 national queens, each delegate will receive her individual scores, along with any comments from judges within 30 days of the end of the 2010 pageant.
• Delegates will also receive a Placement List, which will list the top three placements in each division in each competitive area within 30 days of the end of the 2010 pageant.
• Delegates will have the right to view and receive only their individual scores, and not those of any other individual in the pageant.

MORALITY AGREEMENT

Delegate is a person of good moral character and will continue to be a person of good moral character. She warrants that she has not committed and will not commit any act inconsistent with the highest standards of public morals and convictions, including but not limited to involvement in nude photography or felony convictions. She has not been a part of any endeavor that will reflect unfavorable on the pageant, its agents, representatives, sponsors and/or licenses. The pageant will exercise it’s right to terminate our agreement, if any of the above restrictions have been violated.

The Delegate hereby releases the Beauties of America Pageant, its officers, directors, agents, employees and its successors, licensees, representatives, and assignees, from any and all claims, or connected with the Pageant and / or use of photographs or other likenesses, biographical material, voice, videotapes, and / or recordings of said Delegate. Said material may be used, reproduced, exhibited, telecast, and published in the manner as Beauties of America Pageant deems advisable.

Delegate hereby further releases Beauties of America Pageant, its officers, directors, agents, employees, partners, ventures or any related persons from any claims, demands, causes of action, expenses and costs for any injuries or demands sustained by Delegate as a result of, or during participation in the Pageant, appearances and activities contemplated herein, including but not limited to traveling to and from the contest and personal appearance sites.

Entrant agrees that the method of judging shall be at the total discretion of the pageant and that the judges’ decision is final.

Each delegate is expected to exhibit good sportsmanship at all times before, during and after the pageant. Delegate will conduct herself in a respectful, professional and courteous manner before, during and after the Beauties of America Pageant. Delegate will not publicly slander or libel in any form, verbal or written, any other Beauties of America Pageant delegate, titleholder, judge, staff member and/ or anyone else connected with Beauties of America Pageant, LLC.

Beauties of America state titleholders are permitted to represent only their Beauties of America titles during the entire course of the national pageant. Delegates may not represent any other titles that they may hold at any time before, during or after the national pageant, while at the pageant host facilities.

Delegate agrees to sign a Morality Agreement and submit original signed copy with their official delegate paperwork to the Beauties of America national office by the paperwork deadline.

Failure to submit a signed Morality Agreement does not discharge a delegate from responsibility to abide by the Morality Agreement.

Failure to comply with any terms of the Morality Agreement may result in immediate disqualification of a delegate and forfeiture of all prizes and awards won.

Delegate agrees that Beauties of America, LLC has the sole discretion to determine the nature of a Morality Agreement violation and to determine any subsequent consequences thereof.

CONDUCT REGARDING BEAUTIES OF AMERICA PAGEANT EVENTS

Each delegate is expected to attend and be on time for all scheduled rehearsals, meals, dinner parties and events – competition or otherwise – during the national pageant. Points will be deducted from a delegate’s total score for any unexcused absence or tardiness. Beauties of America Pageant National Director has the sole authority to excuse an absence or tardiness of a delegate.

BEAUTIES OF AMERICA NATIONAL QUEENS’ CONTRACT

Each Beauties of America delegate agrees that she will sign a contract, as part of her official paperwork, that states she will make a minimum of twelve (12) public appearances throughout her year’s reign, if selected as a Beauties of America national queen. This may include, but is not limited to, television events, radio events, parades, grand openings, charitable events and other public appearances. Queen agrees to provide Beauties of America, LLC, photos of each appearance in a timely manner following each appearance, as well as copies of any other press coverage on each appearance. Queen agrees that these photos may be used on the website and/ or to promote the Beauties of America pageant.

The reign of each Beauties of America national queen will begin at the moment of her crowning and end following the crowning of each queen’s successor.

2010 Beauties of America national queens agree that they will not enter any other pageant, assume any other title appointments or compete for any other titles during their year's reign. Beauties of America national titleholders are expected to make this their main pageant-related priority.

Each Beauties of America national queen may have a commercial tie-up, modeling contract, agency agreement or other similar contract. However, such contract may not permit or authorize the use of the Beauties of America Pageant name.

Beauties of America national queens agree to attend the next year’s national pageant to crown their successors. Queens’ hotel accommodations and meal expenses will be provided by Beauties of America, LLC. Queens are responsible for their own travel arrangements to and from the national pageant.

STATEMENT OF AGREEMENT

Beauties of America delegate agrees to permit Beauties of America, LLC to use her name, likeness, voice or other pertinent information for the purpose of publicity and promotion now and/ or in the future. Delegate understands that her name, likeness, voice or other pertinent information may be used on the Internet, in print advertising, in press releases, and/ or on merchandise related to the Beauties of America Pageant. Delegate agrees to waive any and all compensation for the use of her name, likeness, voice or other pertinent information for the purpose of publicity and promotion.

In the event that a delegate is disqualified or resigns from her title, for any reason, she must return all prizes and awards in condition received. In the event that a national queen is unable to complete her reign for any reason, the first runner-up to that queen would assume the title for the remainder of the reign, along with all prizes and awards.

Delegate, by virtue of participation in the Beauties of America Pageant, agrees to release Beauties of America Pageant, LLC and its members from liability resulting from any of the following;

• Accidents, injury or theft incurred before, during or after the Beauties of America Pageant, or during travel to and from the event.
• Any incident that occurs in connection with any state pageant.
• Failure to perform on behalf of sponsors, photographers, videographers or any others who may provide goods or services to the Beauties of America Pageant.
• Negligence, fraud or theft involving the host hotel and/ or venue.
• Loss, damage or theft of prizes and/ or awards once they are presented to delegate.

OTHER INFORMATION

Hotel: Delegates are required to stay at the host hotel, and are responsible for their own hotel expenses. An exception to this requirement will be made for delegates who live within a radius to the host hotel that it is reasonable to drive to and from the host hotel and venue.

Travel: Delegates are responsible for their own travel arrangements.

Minors: An adult must accompany all delegates under the age of 18 to the national pageant. Beauties of America, LLC will not assume responsibility for minors before, during or after the national pageant.

Photographs: All delegates must provide a photo for the official national program book to the national office. Photo specifications are provided in delegate’s national paperwork.

Attire: Delegates are responsible for their own competition and rehearsal/ special event attire before, during and after the pageant. Specific information on wardrobe requirements can be found under the “Areas of Competition” section of the website.

Directors of Beauties of America state pageants are not eligible to compete in other Beauties of America state pageants or the national pageant while they are actively directing for Beauties of America.

Relatives of Beauties of America Directors, staff members or others affiliated with the Beauties of America Pageant in an official capacity are not permitted to compete in any Beauties of America pageants while such a relationship exists.