Rules
Ruling principles for 08-Open
The board of IPMS Stockholm appointed us, the undersigned, to develop a proposal for rules for the new competition Modellexpo 08-Open:
- Anders Isaksson
- Olle Lindau
- Ulf Lundberg
- Rickard Malmborg
- Anders Svennevik
To simplify the work and to increase understanding for the new competition rules we agreed on a set of fundamental principles on which the rules have been based.
Ruling principles
The rules for a modelling contest consists of three mutually independent fundamentals:
- Classification rules and determination of admissible models.
- Judgement criteria and awarding of points.
- Awarding of prizes.
We have primarily concerned ourselves with the classification rules and determination of admissible models since we consider that the rules must be able to handle modern models; we also want to open the possibility for models in other materials than plastic.
Our principles
The principles are presented in no particular order:
- We evaluate the models based on the visible results.
- The properties of the model determine its classification.
- 08-Open shall be open to all modellers.
- All models are evaluated. The results are made public.
- Like competes with like.
- The rules must be scalable.
- The classes must be of manageable size.
- The rules must be able to handle any future evolution of the model market.
Comments
The goal is that the basic rules can handle the majority of models, excepting a few categories where special properties may be rewarded, such as theme collections, dioramas or scratch-built models.
1. We evaluate the models based on the visible results.
We do not evaluate the amount or difficulty of work, nor the quality of the kit.
2. The properties of the model determine its classification.
We will not consider the building method. Modern model kits contain photoetched and resin details and it is practically impossible to determine what is admissible based on this.
A consequence is that classes must be broken down along more criteria than previously in order to be manageable. Some categories will contain more models than before, so we must be prepared to split them further. We have given subdivision guidelines that can be applied case by case.
3. 08-Open shall be open to all modellers.
08-Open shall be a contest open to all modellers and all kinds of models.
We have considered the possibility of a “master class”, requiring qualification through prior results. Such a class could have its own classification and evaluation system. For the moment we have not proceeded with this idea as we do not feel there is sufficient basis for further subdivision of existing classes.
4. All models are evaluated. The results are made public.
All models are evaluated according to the given criteria. The results are recorded and made public. We consider it a strength that all models are uniformly evaluated: experience has shown that models that at a first glance don’t look very special may improve on further scrutiny. All results shall be made public.
5. Like competes with like.
Within a class one shall compete with comparable objects.
Historically helicopters and artillery pieces have sometimes had to compete with aeroplanes and armoured vehicles, respectively, which has not been good. We have introduced some new categories: Helicopters, Artillery pieces, Formula cars, Submarines, Vignettes, and Scratch-builds.
The scratch-build category has been created for those who want to create their own models, build vacuum form models, or perform vary extensive conversions.
6. The rules must be scalable.
We have added guidelines for additional subdivision of classes.
A limiting factor of these rules is the number of judges—if the number of models should increase much there will be problems. By requiring pre-registration we have advance notice so that we can take precautions. We also actively educate judges within the society.
7. The classes must be of manageable size.
Our goal is that a class shall comprise approximately 20 models. We have made it possible for the competition committee to subdivide classes. We aim for like to compete with like, while avoiding classes with only a single object.
8. The rules must be able to handle any future evolution of the model market.
We no longer require that the models be made of plastic.
The model should be the result of the modeller’s efforts and be possible to evaluate according to the given criteria. An exeption from this principle is made in category Fabriksbyggda ( Factorybuilt) (Z) where the modeller can entered improved “die-cast” models.
Other points
Re-entry
We allow re-entering models that already have won prizes to a larger extent than previously. A model that has won a prize can participate on a later occasion in a different class. E g, the same tank model could in successive years participate in the armour, theme collection, vignette, and diorama classes, since they are judged according to different criteria or since there are multiple objects in the class.
Class size
The classes are fixed. This means that with some small probability a “narrow” class may have only a single object. In this case the model is still evaluated, but automatically wins the class.
Evaluation and awarding
Evaluation and point awarding is made according to previous rules at IPMS Open. This means that evaluation is done by modellers and each class is evaluated by two judges.
The following criteria are evaluated:
- Overall impression.
- Building skills.
- Detailing.
- Painting and finish.
For dioramas idea and composition are evaluated as well.
For theme collections idea, building, and presentation are evaluated.
For the factorybuilt category overall impression and detailing are evaluated as well.
Each class has one winner (class winner). In addition to this Honorary mentions and Special honorary mentions are awarded. The point limits for these are decided by the Head judge and the collective of judges.
