Rules & Requirements

The mission of the Florida Critter and Trainer Contest is to provide a fun space for healthy competition, a platform for education, and a spotlight to bring increased visibility of all Critter/Pet play modalities.

We hope that through investment and development of this contest that we can help foster more understanding of the various headspace types present in our diverse community.

Preprequisites for Applicants

  1. Must be a human who identifies as any critter/pet modality, or as a handler or trainer for those who do.
  2. Must be at least 21 years of age as of the date of the contest, and be able to provide photo ID to verify.
  3. Must be a resident of the State of Florida, or live within 50 miles of the state border and be able to travel and attend events across Florida.
  4. Must not have any outstanding warrants for arrest. All previous felony convictions within the last 7 years must be disclosed to the producers at time of application.
  5. Must have or be willing to create an account with and use Telegram for contest networking.

Contest Participation Rules

  1. Each applicant shall fill out the personal information and answer the questions truthfully and to the best of their abilities. Falsified information will result in disqualification from competing. Contestant applications should be submitted no later than 11:59 pm on 31 December 2024.
  2. Due to time and resource constraints, there is a limit of 4 contestants per title line. In the event there are more than 4 applicants for any title line, The scores from interviews will be used to determine those that qualify for open slots in the next stage of the contest. Contestants of flexible headspace (critters who can take on the role of handler/trainer or vice versus) may switch to the corresponding other title line if spots remain available. 
  3. Once application has been approved, each applicant must pay an application fee of $25 by 11:59 pm on January 15th, 2025. We understand that financial limitations can be seen as a gateway preventing qualified individuals from otherwise representing community. Holding a title and the expectations thereof can become a financial burden. We invite all applicants to consider how they intend to address or mitigate this.
  4. Each applicant must submit 3 pictures. First image must be current and the applicant’s full face must be visible. This image will not be made public and is only to help judges identify contestants during the contest.  The Remaining 2 images will be used for promotion of the contest and should reflect how applicants wish to be seen by the community. Images submitted must not show nudity or sexual content. Due to existing nudity laws, unfortunately this requirement will disproportionately impact those with feminine presenting bodies. As such please keep all nipples covered in provided material. Images must be submitted at time of application submission.
  5. Contestants must bring one raffle/auction basket worth a minimum of $75 and a maximum of $150 to the contestant meeting. Inventory list and total value of basket should be submitted to contest staff/producers no later than 2 weeks before contest. Failure to bring a basket will result in a 10 point reduction from overall score. Exceptions may be made in circumstances beyond the contestant’s control, and at the discretion of Florida Critter Contest’s producers. Any additional baskets brought by contestants will be considered donations to the organization, and will not result in any additional points for the contestant. 
  6. Late submissions or fee payments may be subject to a 10 point penalty to contestant’s interview points, or complete rejection at the discretion of the Florida Critter Contest board.
  7. All Contestants, judges, and staff will be issued identification badges at the start of the contest. These badges must be worn and be visible at all times during the contest.
  8. Contestants shall not attempt to sway the judges or those acting as their representative with gifts, meals, favors, or any other kind of items or acts that could be considered bribery. 
  9. Contestants are encouraged to get to know the judges, but should not find themselves in a one-on-one situation (do not have private meetings without objective observers present) or engage in romantic or sexual activities with any of the judges between the announcement of judges and the end of the contest. Doing so is grounds for disqualification. Any private electronic communications between judges and contestants that occur after announcement of judges must be disclosed to all judges and producers. This includes: social media direct messages, text messages, telegram conversations, and email).
  10. Conflicts of interest between contestants and judges must be announced to the producers/board as soon as known. This includes but is not limited to: pre-existing romantic or sexual relationships, lifestyle dynamics, employment or business relationships.
  11. Den Critters/Parents will act as advocates and messengers between Contestants and the Judges and producers, and ensure contestants are on time and prepared for each section of the contest. Contestants should reach out to their Den Parent if they need to follow up with a judge. Contestants should not privately contact judges for any reason.
  12. Based on limited available space, each contestant will be allowed one dedicated contest handler in the back-stage area to assist with wardrobe changes and prep.
  13. Each contestant may have up to 2 assistants on stage for “Show Us Your Headspace” portion of the contest. On-stage assistants will only be allowed into backstage area for queuing just prior to the scene. please plan accordingly.
  14. Should a contestant require an interpreter, they may opt to bring their own, or ask producers to source one. Contestant’s interpreter does not count as the contestant’s handler, and does not count towards stage assistance unless actively participating in “Show Us Your Headspace” portion of the contest.
  15. Any legacy regalia will be the property of the contest producers and their parent organization. Costs to replace or repair legacy regalia during the title year will be the title holder’s responsibility. The title holder should treat the legacy regalia with respect and care. Should it require cleaning or conditioning, contestants are encouraged to have a bootblack tend to it, with caution. The producers will receive the regalia from contestant at the start of the following title contest event to be cleaned, inspected, and conditioned. 
  16. In addition to these rules and requirements, all contestants must agree to the Terms & Conditions, Privacy Policy, Photography & Media Release, Release of Liability, Code of Conduct, and Diversity & Inclusion Policy. If any contestants, past or present, are found to have violated any of these, they may be disqualified or have their title revoked.