COAI Competition Rules

  1. GENERAL
     
    1. National Competition Chairman
       
      1. The Director of Conventions will appoint an International Competition Chairman to serve as the Chief Judge at COAI annual conventions.
      2. The chairman will be responsible for maintaining current competition rules, criteria for selection of judges, and criteria for judging of categories by means of a standing competition committee. He/she will conduct a judges¹ seminar prior to the start of competition.
      3. The chairman is the chief advisor to the convention host alley regarding requirements and procedures for conducting the competition. He/she will maintain a Manual for Hosting a COAI Annual Convention Competition. The chairman will also coordinate procuring competition awards.
      4. If the chairman is unable to attend the convention, the Director of Conventions will appoint a qualified COAI member to act as the competition chairman/chief judge for that convention.
         
    2. Awards
       
      1. First, Second and Third Place awards for categories listed in these rules will be presented by COAI. In the event of a tie for any award, a duplicate award will be sent to the winner as soon as possible by COAI.
      2. Each person entering competition will receive a Certificate of Participation from COAI.
      3. Each person placing in the TOP TEN within a competition will receive a TOP TEN Certificate and a TOP TEN Patch with a date strip. Subsequent TOP TEN winners will receive a date strip.
      4. A minimum of one clown must be registered to allow competition in any category. When there are five or less competitors, the first place winner must have earned a minimum of 90 percent on their score. Likewise, the second place winner must have earned a minimum of 83 percent. The third place winner must have a minimum of 75 percent. If a competitor scores 74 percent or less, they will receive a certificate of participation. Top Ten competitors will be acknowledged with a minimum of 55 percent on their score.
         
  2. JUDGING
     
    1. Selection
       
      1. The COAI Competition Chairman-/Chief Judge will select all judges.
      2. Five judges will be utilized for all competitive events.
      3. One judge will be a qualified COAI officer, and four selected from qualified members at large.
      4. All judges must be COAI members in good standing and must have been certified as a COAI judge by the COAI Competition Chairman. To qualify as a COAI judge, members must:
         
        1. Have been a clown for at least five consecutive years prior to the convention.
        2. Have extensive experience in clowning through public performances, education, teaching the art of clowning or competition. Competition experience should include placing within the top three in regional and/or international competitions, not necessarily COAI competitions.
        3. Have judging experience in local and/or regional conventions/seminars.
        4. Attend a judging seminar conducted at a COAI annual convention, an ISCA judging seminar or any other judging seminar certified by the Competition Director on or after May 1990.
           
      5. Members desiring to be certified as a COAI judge must send a résumé to the COAI Competition Chairman at least six months prior to a convention.
         
    2. Judging procedures.
       
      1. Judging will be in designated areas, which will be announced by the hosting alley.
      2. Each judge will complete and sign the appropriate score sheet. A copy of the score sheets will be returned to the contestants prior to tend of the convention.
      3. The decision of the judges will be final. The Chief Judge has the right to disqualify participants in any category for infractions of any competition rule or the Clown Code of Ethics.
      4. Contestants may not speak to any judge unless in response to a question from a judge. Judges may not talk to other judges during the competition. Unresolved questions regarding rules and procedures will be directed to the Chief Judge.
         
  3. COMPETITION CATEGORIES AND SPECIFIC RULES
     
    1. Professional conduct
       
      1. Each clown is expected to conduct him/herself according to the Clowns of America International Code of Ethics and The Seven Clown Commandments at all times.
      2. Any clown whose conduct is deemed inappropriate or unfavorable in the competition may be disqualified by the judges.
         
    2. Eligibility
       
      1. All clowns in good standing with COAI are eligible to participate in the competition, except for members and associate members of the host alley.
      2. All contestants must be fully registered with the convention.
      3. Contestants must show their current COAI membership card at competition registration. A current membership list will be at the competition registration desk. If a contestant joins COAI for the first time at the convention, he/she must have a certificate from a COAI officer that he/she is a new member.
         
    3. Makeup/Costume Competition
       
      1. Five types of clowns will be judged in makeup/costume competition: Classic Whiteface, Comedy Whiteface, Auguste, Tramp, and Character. Members who are 55 years and older may compete separately in a Seniors Division. Clowns classed as Novelty clowns cannot compete in makeup/costume competition. A Novelty clown is one whose costume is primarily designed for a parade or as a sight gag.
      2. Contestants must have applied their own makeup without anyone else¹s assistance.
      3. Registration
        1. Contestants must register for their appropriate category no later than 12 hours or midnight (which ever comes first) prior to the date/time of makeup/costume competition. Contestants must list their COAI number and city/state at registration.
        2. The host alley will assign convention registration numbers to contestants, which will be used as the clown¹s number for competition.
        3. A clown may enter only one makeup category. A first place winner is prohibited from entering that category for three consecutive years, but may enter any other makeup category.
           
      4. Competition procedures.
        1. All identification tags, badges, or patches that give the contestant¹s name, clown name, and/or alley/club must be removed or concealed. Failure to do so will result in a five (5) point penalty per judge.
        2. A contestant may carry a prop(s) if it is part of his/her character (what the public normally sees with the clown), but the prop(s) may not be demonstrated in any way during the judging of the contestant. Failure to comply will result in a five (5) point penalty per judge.
        3. At a time designated by the host alley, contestants must assemble and line up in numerical order in designated areas. Any contestant that arrives after the designated time will be disqualified.
        4. All contestants in a makeup category will be paraded in front of the judges and then be judged individually.
        5. Each contestant will be called into a judging area in front of the judges and told to turn around slowly, and then asked to strike a pose. At no time will a judge touch a contestant, but the contestant may be asked questions. After judging, the contestant will be excused from the judging area.
        6. If a contestant leaves the holding area after the parade and does not return when his/her number is called for the individual judging, that contestant will be disqualified.
        7. During the time contestants are in the holding area, individual judging area or in the audience, they must conduct themselves in an orderly manner at all times. Performing in these areas is prohibited.
           
      5. Contestants will be judged on the following (total 200 points):
        1. Makeup design
        2. Makeup application
        3. Costume design
        4. Costume accessories (shoes, gloves, ties, hats, collars, vests)
        5. Wig
           
    4. Skit Competition
       
      1. Skit competition is divided into two (2) categories: "Individual Skit" (limited to one person on stage), and "Group Skit" (two or more persons on stage). If a member or members of the audience are needed for the skit, the skit will be considered a group skit.
      2. All identification, tags, badges, or patches which give the contestant¹s name and/or alley/club name must be removed or concealed. Failure to do so will result in a two (2) point penalty per judge.
      3. Skits must be suitable for all ages and in keeping with clowning. They must be kept clean and decent in both word and suggestion. Skits should not be able to cause injury to any person, performer, or member of the audience. Violation of these principles can cause disqualification.
      4. It is up to the contestant to determine the allowed use of smoke and/or pyrotechnics with the host alley prior to the convention.
      5. Competition procedures.
        1. Time. Contestants may have up to one (1) minute to set up props/scenery on stage, and one (1) minute to remove all props/scenery from the stage after their performance. It is the contestant¹s responsibility to set up the skit. Stage hands will be available to assist. Any skit set-up time or breakdown time that exceeds this limit will automatically be penalized five points for every 15 seconds over the time limit. Contestants in single skit competition will have a maximum of three (3) minutes to perform their skit. Contestants in group competition will have a maximum of five (5) minutes to perform their skit. Any skit that exceeds the limit will automatically be penalized one (1) point per judge per second. Time starts from the completion of the Master of Ceremony¹s introduction of the skit and a contestant¹s entrance onto the stage, or the start of background music and/or sound effect, which ever comes first.
        2. Facilities
          1. If the competition cannot be held in a theater setting, a portable stage 12¹x18¹x3¹ should be made available. Specific sizes may vary based on local facilities.
          2. Contestants must supply their music and/or sound effects on cassette or compact disk properly cued. An adequate sound system and operator will be provided by the host alley. The operator, however, will not be allowed to start, stop, start the tape or compact disk. Once the tape or compact disk is started, no other cuing will be allowed.
          3. Stage hands will be available to help contestants with props and scenery. Some tables and chairs will be provided by the host alley for contestants to use.
          4. Contestants using pies, water, confetti, etc., must clean up the stage during one (1) minute take-down time. If something falls or is thrown into the audience, it must be cleaned up after the competition by the contestant(s) unless otherwise directed by the host alley skit competition committee. Failure to do so will result in a ten (10) point penalty.
             
        3. Registration
          1. Contestant(s) must register for skit competition no later than 12 hours or midnight (which ever comes first) prior to the beginning of skit competition. All contestants¹ names, COAI numbers and city and state will be required on the registration. Contestant(s) must also indicate what facilities-/equipment are needed from the host alley at the time of registration. A member can only register for one skit per category.
          2. Within one (1) hour after the close of registration a computer-generated number will be assigned to each contestant/group which will be their order of performance. This list will be posted at or near the registration area.
          3. At the time of registration, contestant(s) will be given written information regarding the stage facilities, sound and lighting facilities and available props. The host alley may decide to hold a meeting to provide this information. 
             
        4. Performance procedures
          1. Skits will be performed in the sequential order established after close of registration. Contestants and all members of groups are responsible to be in the holding area at least 15 minutes before their performance. Contestants will be disqualified if not in the area when prior contestant(s) take the stage.
          2. A Master of Ceremonies will introduce the skit in accordance with directions given by the contestant/group. MC should not make any remarks during the competition which may influence the judges.
          3. A contestant in Individual Skit competition may not have any assistance from anyone off stage during the skit other than a sound technician starting a music-/sound effects tape.
          4. A member or members of a group skit may leave and reenter the stage as long as there is at least one clown on stage at all times.
             
        5. Contestants/groups will be judged on the following for a total of 200 points:
          1. Definite beginning, middle, end
          2. Pace and timing
          3. Characterizations and clown character involvement
          4. Quality and use of props
          5. Facial and body movements
          6. Costume/makeup
          7. Originality
          8. Professional behavior on stage
          9. Audience reaction.
          10. Overall effectiveness of presentation.
             
    5. Paradeabililty
       
      1. This competition is designed to judge a clown¹s or a group¹s ability to perform, entertain or bring laughter during a parade. Contestants may use a sight gag, an object or prop, using signs or vocal expression. Parade gimmicks may be carried, pushed, pulled or driven, and do not require a setup or tear-down time. Objects used are those that can be "reloaded" on the move.
      2. Clowns wearing novelty type costumes must participate in this competition instead of makeup/costume competition.
      3. All identification tags, badges, or patches that give the contestants¹ name and/or alley/club name must be removed or concealed. Failure to do so will result in a five (5) point penalty per judge.
      4. Competition procedures
        1. Registration
          1. Contestant(s) must register for paradeability competition no later than 12 hours or midnight, which ever comes first, prior to the beginning of the competitor. All contestants¹ names, COAI number, convention registration number and city and state will be required on the registration. Two separate categories, individual clown and group, will be judged. A member can register in only one category.
          2. Within one (1) hour after the close of registration, a random number will be assigned to each contestant /group, which will be their order of performance. This list will be posted at or near the registration area.
             
        2. Parade procedures
          1. A simulated, roped-off parade route will be provided, at least 40¹ long and 20¹ wide. Appropriate parade music may be playing.
          2. At a time designated by the host alley, contestants must assemble and line up in numerical order in designated assembly area.
          3. One by one, each contestant/group will travel down the "parade route" and must demonstrate their parade prop or entertain at least twice within a one (1) minute time frame. A one-point penalty per second per judge will be awarded for failure to cross the finish line of the parade in a one-minute time frame. All makeup categories will be grouped together.
             
        3. Judges will be placed along the "parade route" and will judge on the following (total of 200 points):
          1. Act and/or prop appropriate to type of crowd.
          2. Originality
          3. Quality and practicality
          4. Costume-make up
          5. Audience/crowd appeal
             
    6. Balloon Sculpture Competition
       
      1. There are three categories in the Balloon Sculpture Competition:
        1. Single Balloon Sculpture -- A sculpture using only one 145, 245, 260 or 360 balloon or similar balloon, without the use of an adhesive.
        2. Multiple Balloon Sculpture -- A sculpture using any combination of balloons the same or varying sizes without the aid of an adhesive.
        3. Balloon Arrangement -- A sculpture and/or arrangement using a combination of balloons the same or varying sizes with or without any other object(s). Adhesives may be used.
           
      2. Registration: Contestants must register for each category at least 12 hours or midnight, which ever comes first, prior to the beginning of the competition. Contestants may enter all three categories.
         
      3. Competition procedures:
        1. Contestants must be in the competition area when competition begins. Contestants entering late will be disqualified.
        2. Contestants must furnish their own supplies.
        3. Balloons may not be inflated before competition begins. Contestants may use inflating devices.
        4. Only one (1) sculpture arrangement may be submitted for judging per category.
        5. Contestants will have fifteen minutes in the Single, and 30 minutes in the and Multiple Balloon and Arrangement categories.
        6. Sculptures that have won First Place may not be reentered by that contestant for three consecutive years.
           
      4. Sculptures will be judged on the following criteria (total 200 points):
        1. Appearance
        2. Uniformity
        3. Originality
        4. Use of type of balloon
        5. Use of color

        Judges will not enter the competition area until all contestants have completed their sculptures and have departed the area or began working in another category. Depending on space availability, COAI members may watch the contestants build their sculptures.
         

  4. COMPETITION JUDGING CRITERIA 

    The following are the criteria that COAI judges will use when judging makeup and costumes in COAI competition. The makeup and costume competition categories are Classic Whiteface, Comedy Whiteface, Auguste, Tramp/Hobo, Character, and Seniors Division. The overall appearance of the clown, not just the color of the face alone, establishes the appropriate classification.

    Whiteface Clowns
     

    1. Character: Also commonly called the Pierrott clown. An elegant clown, artistic, colorful, bright and cheery. Its performance is highly artistic and skillful, but done with a comedic or dramatic flair.
    2. Makeup: All exposed flesh will be covered with white makeup. Minimal lining color(s) and/or glitter will be used to express the features of the eyes, nose, and mouth. A white skull cap would be worn in lieu of a colored wig. The European Whiteface generally does not wear a comedy nose, false eyelashes, or large ears.
    3. Costume: Considered the "most beautiful" of all clowns, it would be outfitted with the traditional one or two-piece jumpsuit of white or colored material to fit the character of the Classic Pierrott. The styles may vary, but are generally roomy and well-fitted and may have a detachable collar. The tunic or blouse can be straight, flared, short, medium or long with the long sleeves. Buttons, pompons, piping and ruffles should be of a contrasting color. The pants can be straight, flared, ruffled or pantalooned. A clown hat should fit the clown¹s character/personality (short or tall cone hat, short cup or flat hat, or the typical Pagliacci hat). Gloves should cover the hands and wrists and should be white or colored to fit the wardrobe. Ballet or dancing slippers would be worn in lieu of large comedy shoes.

    Straight Whiteface
     

    1. Character: The aristocrat of all clowns. An elegant clown, artistic, colorful, bright and cheery. In a setting with other clowns, the Straight Whiteface would be in charge. Its performance is highly artistic and skillful, but done with a comedic or dramatic flair. When performing with the Auguste and/or Tramp, this clown will remain in charge, setting up the routine, throwing rather than taking the pie, slap or kick. Although more comical than the European Whiteface, this clown is a bit more reserved than the impish and gregarious Auguste.
    2. Makeup: All exposed flesh will be covered with white makeup. Minimal lining color(s) and/or glitter will be used to express the features of the eyes, nose and mouth. Varying styles and colors of clown wigs are used in lieu of only the skullcap. The color of the wig is generally chosen to accent another color in the costume.
    3. Costume: The costume will fit well. Satins, sequins, rhinestones and theatrical fabrics (shiny, flash, beaded, etc.) can be used. A one or two-piece jumper worn with a ruff is the most common Whiteface costume. However, a two-piece suit or tuxedo style is also acceptable. The costume, including the accessories, should be color coordinated. Shoes can be large or small but should be simple. Gloves would always be worn.

    Comedy Whiteface
     

    1. Character: As the Straight Whiteface is the more ³traditional² clown, the Grotesque Whiteface, also known as the Comedy Whiteface, is today the most common Whiteface clown. When performing with the Auguste and/or Tramp, this clown will usually take charge, setting up the routine, throwing rather than taking the pie, slap, or kick. Although more comical than the Straight Whiteface, this clown is usually a bit more reserved than the impish and gregarious Auguste.
    2. Makeup: As in the Straight Whiteface, all exposed flesh of the face, neck and ears will be covered in white makeup. The coloring and design of the facial features are what differentiate it from the Classic design. Whereas the Straight design is purposely kept simple, the (Comedy) Grotesque Whiteface design may include large false eyelashes, a larger mouth design, a clown nose and other features on the face. Some of these features may be outlined in black; glitter and sparkles are also common. Varying styles and colors of clown wigs are used in lieu of only the skull cap. The color of the wig is generally chosen to accent another color in the costume.
    3. Although the traditional jump suit can be worn, the (Comedy) Grotesque Whiteface is equally acceptable in brightly colored shirts and pants, suits and large comedy shoes that complement the costume. Costumes will be more ³glitzy² and color coordinated than the Auguste costume. White or colored gloves should be worn. The female clown costuming does not vary much between the Auguste and the Whiteface; the tradition of color coordination, sparkles, glitter, ruffles and ribbon remain. Even when using cotton fabrics, the total look will be pretty and elegant.

    Auguste
     

    1. Character: The most comical of all clowns. He/she is impish, gregarious and thrives on slapstick. His/her actions are big, clumsy and awkward. He/she does not have much in common with the Whiteface except for the makeup and costume. His/her personality is that of a rabble rouser. When appearing with a Whiteface, the Auguste is the brunt of the joke. However, with the Tramp he becomes the instigator in control of the situation.
    2. Makeup: The Auguste has a highly colorful makeup with a base color of flesh tone (pink, tan, reddish brown) on the face and neck. The eye and muzzle areas are usually covered in white to produce a wide-eyed expression and to accentuate the mouth design. Designs in and around the eye area and mouth design are generally black or red, but other lining colors, in moderation, are acceptable. A red shadowing around the muzzle area is generally outlined in black (or occasionally red). This clown will normally wear a large comedy nose appropriate to the size of the clown¹s face. The Auguste will always wear a wig, but can choose from the many varied styles and colors that will accentuate the costume and flesh tones of the Auguste.
    3. Costume: The Auguste clown has the widest variety of costume designs to choose from, except it would not wear the "traditional" jumpsuit of the Whiteface clown. The Auguste clown could wear a jacket or coat, short, medium or long, with or without tails, or go without. The pants could be short, long or oversize. It can choose from a wide selection of colorful plaids, stripes, polka dots, and checks, as well as solid colors. Commonly called "the tailor¹s nightmare," the colors and patterns should complement the overall clown¹s appearance, whether or not they are coordinated or matched. Theatrical fabrics or sequins are inappropriate on the Auguste costume. He/she is usually a notorious prankster and may need a lot of pockets to carry gags and tricks. The costume can be complemented with outlandish accessories like large or small ties, vests, colorful socks, large or comical collars, suspenders and many styles and colors of comedy clown shoes. These and one of the many hat possibilities, like skimmers, Irish derbies, bowlers, top hats, stovepipes, mad hatters and crushable in various bright colors, will enhance the Auguste clown character. White or colored gloves are also worn. Although the classic European Auguste is used in skits, it is not appropriate for COAI competitions. Costuming does not vary much between the Auguste and the Whiteface female clown regarding style, but the Whiteface tradition of color coordination, sparkles, glitter, ruffles and ribbon remain. Even when using cotton fabrics, the total look would be pretty and elegant. The Auguste female clown may wear mismatched colors and be totally uncoordinated, but may also prefer to be a pretty clown. This is acceptable. However, the female Auguste must never wear sequins and glitter or use theatrical fabrics. These belong only to the Whiteface beauties. Large comedy shoes should be worn. The female Auguste may choose to be a bumbling, stumbling or slapstick personality, much the same as the male Auguste clown.

    Tramp/Hobo
     

    1. There are some variations in this clown category. The classic Tramp epitomized by Emmett Kelly and Otto Griebling of circus fame is the forlorn and downtrodden character who has nothing and knows he will never have anything. By nature he probably will be a loner, which is reflected in his determination to be silent, generally not talking to anyone but his peers. His downcast mannerisms and shuffling, burdensome movements reflect his hard life. The vagabond, elegant or happy Tramp is the businessman, scholar or playboy who, being fed up with his life, walked out of society for the wanderlust of travel. He is the king of the road, happy with what he has, and does not expect much. His character may take on some of the characteristics of the Auguste. This type of character was portrayed by Red Skelton in his Freddie the Freeloader character. Considered the only true American clown, some believe that this character developed from the days of the depression in the 30¹s when men "rode the rails" looking for work. Other historical references indicate the Tramp makeup goes back to vaudeville and minstrel shows of the 1800¹s and early 1900¹s. Regardless of the type of Tramp/Hobo, he is the one who is the brunt of the joke and will be on the receiving end of the pie, slap or kick from the Whiteface or Auguste. Both variations of tramps will be judged together. In addition, the "bag lady" would be considered the female version of a Tramp/Hobo.
    2. Makeup: The makeup represents the soot deposited on the face from the coal and wood-burning trains their originators rode. The eye and mouth areas were wiped clean of soot in order to see and eat. White makeup is used in the eye and mouth areas to exaggerate this cleaning process. The upper face is a blend of flesh tones to reflect the outdoor look. The beard line of the male is black or a shade of dark gray to reflect the soot and beard, feathered into the upper cheeks and down under the chin. A ruddy nose is used. A little red shading in the cheeks can help create the sunburned look. The difference between the types of Tramp characters is generally depicted by the shape of the eyebrows and mouth, either down or up to reflect sadness or happiness.
    3. Costume: Usually a dark suit, tuxedo, tails or just shirt and pants made to look old and worn for the male and an old worn-out dress and/or coat for the bag lady. These could be well patched with rags or other materials, with uneven stitching or held together with whatever available. A dark, battered hat, tattered shoes and socks, worn shirt and tie will exaggerate the character. Gloves are generally old and worn. In keeping with the unemployed status of the Tramp, this character would not wear expensive watches, rings, or new belt, shoes or socks.

    Character Clowns

    A Character clown is one who portrays an identifiable character and/or occupation, i.e., fireman, nurse, doctor, cowboy, hockey player, policeman, sailor, small child, etc. Contestants must remember that this is a clown competition; therefore, realistic impersonations or clown impersonations of famous personalities, i.e., Charlie Chaplin, W.C. Fields, Col. Sanders, etc., are not considered "clowns." Representations of animals or cartoon characters, i.e., dogs, cats, smurfs, etc., are also not considered Character clowns. Rules regarding costumes mentioned above would not necessarily be used in judging this category. The judges will grade the contestant on how well the costume helps to identify the character. When judging this category, judges will evaluate the contestant¹s makeup according to the appropriate makeup guidelines.

    Seniors Division

    Contestants who are 55 years of age or older may elect to be judged in the Seniors Division rather than other makeup and costume categories. All types of clowns will be judged in this category, using the criteria set for the various types of clowns. A Senior may enter only one category.

    Novelty Clowns

    A Novelty clown is one whose costume is primarily designed for a parade as a sight gag. Members who want to compete with these types of costumes must enter the paradeability competition.