STAR

A judging panel will select finalists to publicly demonstrate their projects at the USPA exhibit booth during the week of the PIA Symposium in Cincinnati. Each finalist will have 20 minutes to provide an in-person presentation or may prepare a recorded video presentation no longer than 10 minutes. Among the judging criteria are:

• Innovation: How unique or new is the concept? Is this a new way to solve something or just another version of something that is already in the market?
• Functionality: Does the submission work as described? Is the product free of bugs with all parts complete?
• Usefulness: Does the innovation solve a practical problem experienced by a good number in the skydiving community?
• Impact: Could this solution be widely usable/adoptable by the greater community?

The judges will announce the winner and special mentions at the end of the competition day in the exhibit hall.

• Products that have been in market (generally available for sale or use) for more than six months are not eligible for submission. However, if significant improvements and/or enhancements that are truly unique and innovative have been made to the original product, then the new model will be eligible for submission.
• At least two different product photographs must accompany each entry. Entries may include up to five photos. Photos must be submitted in a .jpg format and be less than 10MB. All photos must be submitted via a URL on the online submission form or in a followup email to it@uspa.org.
• All entry forms are the property of USPA.
• An entry is qualified for judging when all required sections of the online entry form are completed.
• Incomplete entries will be disqualified. The competition is not responsible for follow-up of incomplete entries. If you are unsure if your entry is complete, email it@uspa.org.
• To evaluate an entry, the judges may ask for additional information, including a request to provide a product sample.
• The competition reserves the exclusive right to set, modify and interpret all conditions regarding this competition without claim for damage or recourse of any kind.
• Each submission selected as a finalist grants USPA, Merit and their affiliates permission, without compensation, to use its name and photograph/likeness and/or entry in promoting this or similar awards programs in the future.
• Materials must meet competition standards for appropriate product presentation and taste and may be disqualified at any time if they are deemed inappropriate. Any attempt by an entrant to deliberately damage the submission form or undermine the legitimate operation of the Call for Entries may be in violation of criminal and civil laws. Should such an attempt be made, all entries submitted by such person will be disqualified. The competition reserves the right to seek damages from any such person fully permitted by law.
• In the event a virus, unauthorized human intervention, tampering or other causes beyond the reasonable control of the competition corrupts or impairs the administration, security, fairness or proper operation of the competition, the competition reserves the right in its sole discretion to suspend, modify or terminate the competition. Should the competition be terminated prior to the stated closing date, the competition reserves the right to announce finalists based on the nominations received before the termination date.
• The competition reserves the right to rescind any awards granted to finalists or award winners who have misrepresented their product or entry in this competition.