Abiding by Competition Rules and Regulations

Like all organised activities involving a challenge, rivalry or competition, rules and regulations are put in place to ensure the outcome is achieved fairly. Winning a competition, whether online, through a publication or simply taking part will require strict understanding of the rules and regulations.

Always Read the Rules Before Entering a Competition

Unfortunately, many people loose out on winnings and prizes from competitions because they avoid or simply forget to read through the rules and regulations of the competition they have entered. It is vital that compers fully understand the terms, conditions, rules and regulations of the competition before entering, as this will ensure that the prize or winnings is won fairly and without dispute.

This is particularly important for two reasons. One, if you fully understand the rules and regulations you will easily be able to avoid breaking them, which can in turn stop you from receiving the prize or winnings. The second reason is so that the comper can disagree and question the competition organiser if they feel they have not broken any rule or regulations stated.

Consequences of Breaking the Rules and Regulations

The consequences of breaking a competition rule or regulation can significantly vary depending on the competition, the rule or regulation and the severity of the action carried out by the comper. The comper may simply be disqualified from the competition or even blacklisted from online and other competitions. In extremely severe cases that may involve considerable amounts of money the authorities may be called upon.

Types of Competition Rules

All competitions, whether online, in a publication or on TV have a set of rules and regulations to keep the legalities fair and so that neither the comper nor the competition organiser can be unfairly treated.

Online competitions often ask you to complete a registration form in order to enter the competition. Many people often feel they don’t want to relay their personal details so provide false details. In some cases the competition organiser may withhold a prize or winnings from the comper if false details have been given. This is not always the case but it is a rule that some competition organisers ask the comper to truthfully abide. Always check the form for terms and conditions before completing and entering the competition.

Publications and various promoters organising competitions often state on the terms and conditions of the competition that the winner or winners names can be published and used to promote the competition or further organised competitions. Again, be sure to read the fine print because rules such as these are legally binding and if you enter a competition with this type of rule you will have no grounds for dispute. Many companies use competitions to entice customers and promote services, so if you do not want your name mentioned be sure to read the terms and conditions before entering.

It is always a good idea to make a copy of the rules and regulations of a competition, that way the comper is able to refer to them if the competition organiser acts unfairly or a dispute is declared.