Competitions

SFC NORTH AMERICAN CONFERENCE 2009 COMPETITIONS
1. Photo Essay
2. Dance
3. CLP Flyer
4. Video
5. SFC Pop Idol
6. Battle of the Bands
7. T-Shirt Design
8. Praise Parade

For all inquiries, please contact the competitions committee: competitions@sfcusaconference.net


PHOTO ESSAY

DESCRIPTION:
A photo can speak volumes. The Photo Essay competition gives SFC an opportunity to use their artistic eye to capture God’s work and creation and reveal His glory through still frames.


REQUIREMENTS:
1. All entries must revolve around the theme of “Forward in Christ” (Philippians 3:13-14)
2. This is an individual competition. A group of SFC members cannot submit an entry. Each participant can submit only one (1) entry for each of the following categories:
1. Pro-God (i.e., Parish involvement, Christian Life Programs)
2. Pro-Poor (i.e., serving in a GK activity and/or serving your local community)
3. Pro-Life (i.e., 40 Days For Life, March for Life, Walk for Life)
4. Pro-Mission (i.e., local and/or international)

3. B&W, sepia tone, colored, digital or digitally converted film negative entries will be accepted. All types of watermarks on the photograph or any symbol indicative of the photographer’s identity is not allowed. Non-compliance will result in a three-point deduction from your total score.
4. Each entry must be submitted with the following information

a. Name and area of photographer
b. Title for each photograph
c. Which category each photograph falls under


ENTRIES PER AREA:
1. More than one entry per area/region is allowed.

SUBMISSION:
1. All entries must be submitted to The Competitions Chairman via email (competitions@sfcusaconference.net) by August 1, 2009 by 12:00pm PST. No entries will be accepted after this date.
2. After all photos are posted, members of SFC and appointed judges will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite photos. The top four (4) photos from each category (2 from the U.S., and 2 from Canada) will be chosen and exhibited at the SFC North American Conference.
3. Those who make it to the “semi-finals” will be contacted and asked to print their photos on any brand of photo paper using the following sizes: A4 or 8.5in x 11in.
4. Printed photos that are manually retouched and/or painted over are not allowed. Creative effects done within the camera at the time of exposure (i.e., multiple exposures, flash fill, lighting, filtration, etc.) are allowed. Digital retouching IS TOLERABLE as far as density, contrast adjustments, minor cropping on composition, burning, dodging, and global adjustments. Major manipulation of main images through adding and subtracting objects/people is NOT allowed. Non-compliance will face disqualification.

CRITERIA FOR JUDGING:

POINT DISTRIBUTION
Clarity (30)
Originality (25)
Relevance to Theme (30)
Creativity (15)

* Each category will be judged separately. Each entry will be judged individually. One winner per category will be announced and awarded.


DANCE - “LYRICAL HIP HOP”

DESCRIPTION:
Who is SFC’s Best Dance Crew?? This year’s theme for our dance competition is Lyrical Hip Hop. We challenge our SFC dancers to create a routine that is interpretive and inspiring in nature. How will you use your moves to interpret the lyrics of a song to your audience?

REQUIREMENTS:
1. Each presentation must portray the theme of Conference: “Forward in Christ” (Philippians 3:13-14)
2. Each entry must have a minimum of 10 people and a maximum of 20 people on stage. (NOTE for large groups: in the event of a smaller stage, please be ready to adjust routines the day of, i.e., having some dancers on the floor, etc.)
3. Each presentation cannot exceed 3 minutes. . The time will begin as soon as the music begins to play. One point will be deducted from your total score for each second your presentation goes over the 3-minute time limit.
4. A mix of songs (3 songs maximum) can be used for the performance. Secular songs can be included in your mix of songs, but there is to be no swearing, sexual content and/or implied sexual content in the music.
5. Your presentation will be disqualified if there are sexually implied movements within the choreography, inappropriate/revealing costumes, and/or explicit lyrics in your music.
6. Props and elaborate costumes are encouraged to enhance the performance.

ENTRIES PER REGION:
1. This competition is on a regional level. There can be only one presentation per region.

SUBMISSION DETAILS:
1. All entries (including music for performance) will be submitted to The Competitions Chairman via email: competitions@sfcusaconference.net.
2. The day of the competition, your music will only be accepted if it is on a CD, audio format. Tapes will not be accepted. Your music must be ONE song on the CD only, labeled with your area’s name on the front.
3. The deadline for all entry submissions is August 1, 2009 by 12:00pm PST. No entries will be accepted after this date.

CRITERIA FOR JUDGING:

POINT DISTRIBUTION
Originality/Difficulty/Execution of choreography (25)
Inspirational elements (15)
Relatedness to Theme (30)
Costumes (10)
Crowd reaction (10)
Creativity (10)


CLP FLYER

DESCRIPTION:
This competition will challenge our SFC to explore creative ways to invite other single men and women to a Christian Life Program in their area. With limited space, the content should be eye-catching, inviting, and informative. The winning flyer should be able to be used for any CLP, in any area.

REQUIREMENTS:
1. This is an individual competition. A group of SFC members cannot submit an entry.
2. All entries must include the following:
a. A brief description/explanation of Singles for Christ put in your own words
b. A space designated for the particulars of the CLP (what, when, where, etc.)

ENTRIES PER AREA:
- More than one entry per area/region is allowed.

SUBMISSION DETAILS:
1. All entries will be submitted in PDF format to The Competitions Chairman via email: competitions@sfcusaconference.net no later than August 1, 2009 by 12:00pm PST. No entries will be accepted after this date. There will be one pre-elimination round, and the best 6 flyers will be chosen for display at the 2009 SFC Conference.
2. Those who make it to the final 6 entries must bring the following to the conference:
a. A printed-out version of their flyer to the conference using the following dimensions: 12” x 18”
b. A digital copy of the flyer in PDF format


CRITERIA FOR JUDGING:

POINT DISTRIBUTION
Clarity of Message (20)
Creativity/Originality (30)
Use of Space (15)
Usability for Evangelization Purposes (15)
Description of SFC (20)

VIDEO - “MISSION READY”

DESCRIPTION:
This year’s video competition will have a different focus. As single men and women, we have so many opportunities to go out and spread the Good News of Christ to our communities, neighboring cities and states, and other countries. This year, our SFC will be challenged to create a video that will strike a chord with its audience, inspiring and encouraging them to embrace the call to evangelize.


REQUIREMENTS:
1. This is an individual competition. A group of SFC members cannot submit an entry.
2. The video must revolve around the theme: "Every single man and woman all over the world experiencing Christ”.
3. The video can be no longer than 3:00 minutes in length. One (1) point will be deducted from your total score for each second your presentation goes over the 5-minute time limit.
4. Submitted entries must include the Press-Release Write-up including Movie Title, Director, Actors, and Music Credits.
5. Videos submitted should use the recommended resolution of 1280 x 720 (16x9 HD) and 640 x 480 (4:3 SD) for better quality.

ENTRIES PER AREA:
1. Only one entry per area is allowed.

SUBMISSION DETAILS:
1. All entries are to be posted on youtube.com. Send your link to The Competitions Chairman via email (competitions@sfcusaconference.net). All entries will be gathered and posted onto one Channel to be judged.
2. All entries must be submitted and posted by August 1, 2009 by 12:00pm PST. No entries will be accepted after this date.
3. The top four (4) videos (2 from Canada, and 2 from the U.S.A.) will be shown at the SFC North American Conference.
4. Entries that continue on to the “semi finals” (videos shown at conference) must submit their entries in DVD format and .avi. DVDs must be labeled with Director’s name and area.

CRITERIA FOR JUDGING:

POINT DISTRIBUTION
Creativity/Originality (30)
Relation to Theme (30)
Impact on Audience (20)
Clarity of Message (20)

SFC POP IDOL
DESCRIPTION:
Inspired by the hit TV show American Idol, SFC is bringing back Pop Idol this year. This competition seeks to discover SFC's best singers of North America. Since this year’s theme is about moving forward, all participants are asked to sing a powerful, inspiring song within the genre of R&B/Pop/Soul/Gospel (i.e., “I Believe I Can Fly” by R. Kelly; “Going the Distance” by Michael Bolton; “When You Believe” by Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey). There will be prejudging and only 4 finalists, 2 from the U.S. and 2 from Canada, will be able to take center stage at the conference, during Saturday night’s festivities. If you have what it takes, send your entry and you might be the next SFC POP IDOL.

ENTRIES PER AREA:
1. Each Area is allowed to have more than one entry (1 person/entry).
2. All participants should be active Singles for Christ Members.

REQUIREMENTS:
1. The performance should not exceed 4 MINUTES. One point will be deducted from your total score for each second your presentation goes over the 4-minute time limit.
2. Songs cannot contain any sexually suggestive or vulgar lyrics. Non-compliance is subject to AUTOMATIC DISQUALIFICATION.
3. To avoid song repetition, a “first come, first serve” rule will be applied. In case of duplication, participants involved will be notified immediately by the Competition Committee in order to change their song.
4. If chosen as a finalist:
a. Report to our competitions coordinator one hour before performance. Failure to report can result in point deduction.
b. Submit an MP3 instrumental (no vocals) of the song to be performed within 15 days after being notified as a finalist. No live accompaniment will be allowed.
4. Attire is formal.

SUBMISSION DETAILS:
1. Filled out form with Song Lyrics Attachment, MP3 and Audio/Video Demo are required to be submitted via email to The Competitions Chairman: competitions@sfcusaconference.net. If video file is too big to send as attachment, try yousendit.com.
2. Please submit an Audio/Video Demo. Briefly introduce yourself (name, area, and title of the song). AV Specification (http://help.youtube.com/support/youtube/bin/answer.py?answer=132460&topic=16612&hl=en-US).
Please note: Your AV Demo entries will be posted on youtube for pre-eliminations by combination of best rating and prejudging, so please send your best demo.
3. MP3 Demo can only be accompanied by acoustic guitar or piano only. Acapella can only be used during the first verse up to the chorus for the reason of prejudging voice quality and showmanship.
4. All submitted entries will be final, no alteration or resending entry are allowed.
5. Deadline for entries is on August 1, 2009 12:00PM PST. No Late entries will be accepted.


Form Format
Competition Header
"Entry Form"
Name:
Area and Country:
Chapter Head:
Song Title:
Length of Song:
Song Artist:
Song Lyrics:


CRITERIA FOR JUDGING:

POINT DISTRIBUTION
Voice Quality (30)
Consistency & Vibrancy (10)
Dynamics (10)
Stage Presence (20)
Costume (10)
Audience Impact (10)
Song Selection (10)

SFC BATTLE OF THE BANDS
DESCRIPTION:
The much-anticipated competition, SFC Battle of the Bands, is back! Calling all Music Ministries of SFC, this is your chance to set a name for yourselves to be the best band of North America. The theme is Moving forward in Christ. It’s time for a celebration! All participants are asked to perform festive, groovy “Motown”, soul, jazzy, funk music to get everyone on their feet and dance all night! There will be prejudging and only 4 finalists, 2 from the U.S. and 2 from Canada, will be able to battle it out at the conference, during Saturday night’s festivities.

ENTRIES PER REGION:
1. Open to all active SFC members (engaged SFC members may participate).
2. Each Area may submit more than one entry. After Pre-eliminations, Only 4 finalists will be chosen.

REQUIREMENTS:
1. The number of band members can range from a minimum of 5 to a maximum of 10 members (instrumentalists and singers combined). If there are more than 10 members, the band will be automatically disqualified.
2. Each band will be allowed to play two sets of “Motown”, soul, jazzy, funk music (medleys are accepted) in relevance to the theme of moving forward. Only songs with English lyrics are allowed.
3. Song and Lyrics should be free of any sexually suggestive or vulgar lyrics. Non-compliance will result in AUTOMATIC disqualification.
4. If chosen as finalists:
a. Total playing time must not exceed to 7 minutes. One point will be deducted from your total score for each second your presentation goes over the 7-minute time limit.
b. The “look” of the band, which includes costumes of singers and band members, must be formal, decent and proper. Also, keep in mind that any spiels during the performance are part of the criteria for judging.
c. The band must bring their own instruments (no need to bring your amps). The only instruments provided by the conference team are drums and keyboards.
d. To avoid song repetition, a “first come, first serve” rule will be applied. In case of duplication, band/s involved will be notified immediately by the Competition Committee in order to change their song. The committee should also be notified before any changes in the song line-up that will be made.
e. It is the band’s responsibility to signify their presence one hour before the competitions begin at the conference and to show up at least one hour before their playing time. Bands who will not comply will risk disqualification.

SUMBISSION DETAILS:
1. Filled out form with Song Lyrics Attachment, MP3 and Audio/Video Demo are required to be submitted via email to The Competitions Chairman: competitions@sfcusaconference.net. If video file is too big to send as attachment, try yousendit.com.
2. Please submit an Audio/Video Demo, briefly say a greeting, state your band name. AV Specification (http://help.youtube.com/support/youtube/bin/answer.py?answer=132460&topic=16612&hl=en-US).
Please note: Your AV Demo entries will be posted on youtube for pre-eliminations by combination of best rating and prejudging, so please send your best demo (example: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHUzKxzucjw)
3. MP3 and AV Demo submissions are considered final. No alteration or entry resending allowed.
4. Deadline for entries is on August 1, 2009 12:00PM PST. No Late entries will be accepted.

Form Format:
Competition Header
"Entry Form"
Band Name:
Representing Area and Country:
Chapter Head:
Band leader:
Band members and instruments
Length of 1st Set:
Song Title:
Song Artist:
Song Lyrics:
Length of 2nd Set:
Song Title:
Song Artist:
Song Lyrics:

CRITERIA FOR JUDGING:

POINT DISTRIBUTION
Song Choice/Arrangement (10)
Audience Impact/Rapport (20)
Stage Presence (10)
Band (instrumental arrangement and harmony) (15)
Singers (vocal arrangements &/or quality) (15)
Song Lyrics (10)
Clarity of Lyrics (5)
Band Look (10)
Exciting / Original Spiels (5)

 

T(estify)-SHIRT DESIGN
DESCRIPTION:
This year’s t-shirt design competition will be different from last year’s. No longer will it be a competition between the different shirts of each area. It will now be a shirt that can be worn outside of SFC settings and be used as an evangelization tool to tell people about Christ. Just as St. Francis said “Preach the Gospel, if necessary use words”. This shirt should be able to “advertise” Christ in a creative, eye-catching way. You can look to this website for ideas: www.kerusso.com (click on apparel)

ENTRIES PER REGION:
1. All Active members of Singles For Christ
2. Only one entry per region is allowed. Each Region can have their own prejudging.

REQUIREMENTS:
1. The t-shirt must not reference the conference details (date, venue, etc) at all
2. Be able to creatively advertise our faith
3. Creatively incorporate this year’s theme of "Forward in Christ” within the design of the shirt

SUBMISSION DETAILS:
1. Items to be submitted via email to The Competitions Chairman (competitions@sfcusaconference.net):
a. Two (2) versions of t-shirt logo via .jpg or .bmp
b. A paragraph explaining the design of the t-shirt
2. ALL FINAL ENTRIES FOR EACH REGION MUST BE SENT BY AUGUST 1, 2009 12:00PM PST to QUALIFY FOR THE North American T-SHIRT COMPETITION. FEEL FREE TO CONFIRM ENTRIES BY EMAILING The Competitions Chairman: competitions@sfcusaconference.net

CRITERIA FOR JUDGING:

POINT DISTRIBUTION
Overall Creativity (20)
Originality (20)
Wearability (30)
Creative use of theme (30)


PRAISE PARADE
Banner and Conference T-shirt Included

PURPOSE:
1. For each Region to have an opportunity to welcome their Brothers and Sisters to the 2009 SFC CONFERENCE.
2. To have fun representing your region.

FLOW:
1. Regional Banner and Regional Conference shirt (same design used for t-shirt design competition) will be paraded up to the stage with canned music.
2. Praise Parade performance should be ready to go as soon as the Banner reaches the stage area.
3. This flow will continue on region after region. (The regions will know the order of performance the day of the conference.)
4. The last region to take the stage will be the host region.

REQUIREMENTS:
1. There will be one Regional Banner. It will be up to the region to assign which area will design the regional banner. Must portray the message of the theme "Forward in Christ" (Philippians 3:13-14).
2. Must be the color of your area. (check with your local FTW for details)
3. The Banner must be 3'(w)X6'(h).
4. Poles will be supplied so make sure your banner is properly supported.
5. Maximum of 20 people are allowed to participate
6. Be as creative as possible presenting your regional banner and conference shirt by a 64-count dance/modeling/acting routine.

CHRISTIAN SONGWRITING COMPETITION

DESCRIPTION:
The Christian Songwriting Competition aims to encourage SFCs to compose music for the
purpose of praise and worship use of the CFC community. Examples of music composed by
members of community include "God Is Enough", "We Will Fight" and "Fix My Eyes on Jesus"
among others.

REQUIREMENTS:
1. The composed song must be categorized as praise or worship song. It does not have to conform
to the CFC theme for this year but can be adapted if the composer prefers.
2. The song should be easy to learn and sing, should capture the essence of praise or worship to
God, can easily be taught and played (no too complicated chords). The message should be cohesive
and consistent with the title. Can be Scripture-based.
3. The song should be no longer than 4 minutes in length.
4. If a song is chosen as a finalist, composer/arranger agrees to give Couples For Christ and its
ministries the unlimited rights to use the song and publish the lyrics and chords if necessary.
5. All entries will be pre-judged and the top 3 songs will be chosen. The chosen song's
composers/singers must be registered as a conference delegate and will be asked to perform the
song live during the presentation night.

SUBMISSION DETAILS
1. Complete the form below (you must accept the terms stated on line 7).
2. Submit an MP3 audio recording of the song and a video file (mov, avi, or m4v formats only) showing how the song is being sung and played. Email the files to competitions@sfcusaconference.net. If video file is too big to send as attachment, try yousendit.com.
3. All submitted entries will be final, no alteration or resending entry are allowed.
4. Deadline for entries is on August 1, 2009 12:00PM PST. No Late entries will be accepted.

CRITERIA FOR JUDGING:

POINT DISTRIBUTION
Message and focus (20)
Melody and Rhythmic quality (20)
Playability (20)
Sing-Ability (30) - easy to be sung
Adaptability to community worship (10)

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Christian Songwriting Competition Form
1. Name:
2. Area and country:
3. Chapter Head:
4. Song Title:
5. Length of Song:
6. Song Lyrics with Chords: (attach on separate sheet)
7. I agree to give Couples For Christ unlimited rights to use and publish the song and chords
(Y/N).
Checklist:
* Audio recording of the song (mp3 format, no more than 4 minutes)
* Video recording of the song being sung and played (mov, avi, or m4v format only) Please keep
the file size manageable.