2013 Contest Rules
Click here for International Ms Leather Contest
Click here for International Ms Bootblack Contest
International Ms Leather Contest
I. Mission
Each year during the International Ms Leather weekend, a contestant is chosen to represent the women’s leather community both locally and internationally on behalf of the International Ms Leather Contest. She will be chosen for her expression, dedication and personality. She will act as a mentor, a role model and a spokesperson during her title year. The titleholder must be intelligent and articulate, capable of communication and outreach both to leather and non-leather communities worldwide.
II. Contestant Requirements
- The International Ms Leather Contest is open to persons regardless of sexual orientation, race, religious/spiritual beliefs or political affiliation.
- To be eligible to enter the International Ms Leather Contest competitors must be at least 21 years of age by Thursday of IMsL Weekend.
- The International Ms Leather Contest is a competition for a women’s title. Each contestant must self-identify as part of women’s leather community and must be willing to represent the title of International Ms Leather during her title year.
- Competitors may (but are not required to) hold a regional title. Competitors may not currently hold an international title.
- Competitors will be required to contribute a basket of items to the silent auction, which will benefit the IMsL and IMsBB travel funds as well as the other charities being supported this year. This basket of items should reflect their personality, their hometown, their sponsors and/or a theme of the competitor’s choosing.
- Competitors must agree to be photographed and be referred to by legal name or chosen alias (as specified on Contestant Application) in future publications as decided by IMsL, LLC (including publication in the media, in a video of the contest and in internet and print promotional/publicity materials for International Ms Leather.) All images are the property of IMsL, LLC. Each competitor shall be required to sign a photo release.
- The winner of the competition will be required to sign an agreement concerning the rules and requirements of their title year to be provided by IMsL, LLC.
III. Structure of Contest
Personal Interview (40 points)
The judging panel will interview the contestants for a period of 10-20 minutes. Questions may include (but are not limited to) community contributions, personal history, leather history and current events.
Fantasy (20 points)
To be performed on stage during the contest on Saturday. The fantasy performance must not exceed 4 minutes. The fantasy performance will be rehearsed and heavily coached by our Contest Director to ensure the highest possible production value for the contest overall. Contestants will receive more specific instructions directly from the Contest Director.
Speech (20 points)
Contestants will present a two-minute prepared speech (on any topic of their choice) on stage during the contest on Saturday in their formal leather.
Hotwear and Pop Question (10 points)
The contestants will be asked a Pop Question on stage during the contest on Saturday and will have the opportunity to show the audience and judges the outfit that makes them feel sexiest!
Heart and Soul (10 points)
Throughout the weekend the judges will observe how the contestants present themselves and interact with the general public. Whether rehearsing or socializing, the judges will be looking for a contestant with strong communication skills, politeness, a willingness to share knowledge and a genuine desire to help build community.
International Ms Bootblack Contest
I. Mission
The International Ms Bootblack contest celebrates the art of bootblacking in women's leather communities. The competition identifies a bootblack who exhibits skill, dedication, passion and personality. The titleholder will represent women's leather communities both locally and internationally on behalf of the International Ms Bootblack Contest. She will bring unique educational and social contributions to the bootblack community.
II. Contestant Requirements
- The International Ms Bootblack Contest is open to persons regardless of sexual orientation, race, religious/spiritual beliefs or political affiliation.
- To be eligible to enter the International Ms Bootblack Contest competitors must be at least 21 years of age by Thursday of IMsL Weekend.
- The International Ms Bootblack Contest is a competition for a women's title. Each contestant must self-identify as part of women's leather community and must be willing to represent the title of International Ms Bootblack during her title year.
- Competitors may (but are not required to) hold a regional title. Competitors may not currently hold an international title.
- Competitors will be required to contribute a basket of items to the silent auction, which will benefit the IMsL and IMsBB travel funds as well as the other charities being supported this year. This basket of items should reflect their personality, their hometown, their sponsors and/or a theme of the competitor's choosing.
- Competitors will be required to obtain a pair of second hand boots of type specified by IMsL. The restoration of one of the boots will be judged as part of their technical knowledge and skill.
- Competitors will be required to provide their own bootblacking supplies.
- Competitors must agree to be photographed and be referred to by legal name or chosen alias (as specified on Contestant Application) in future publications as decided by IMsL, LLC (including publication in the media, in a video of the contest and in internet and print promotional/publicity materials for International Ms Leather.) All images are the property of IMsL, LLC. Each competitor shall be required to sign a photo release.
- The winner of the competition will be required to sign an agreement concerning the rules and requirements of their title year to be provided by IMsL, LLC.
III. Structure of Contest
Personal Interview (25 points)
The judging panel will interview the contestants for a period of 10-20 minutes. Questions may include (but are not limited to) technical knowledge, community contribution, bootblack history and personal history.
Technical Knowledge and Skill (30 Points)
Contestants will be observed throughout the weekend and judged on their speed, finished product, and how they address specific challenges in shining boots. Contestants will also be given 30 minutes to restore one boot from the pair of secondhand boots they obtain. The timed period will be open to the public. Scoring will be based on the judges' comparison of the boot to its untouched mate, techniques used to achieve it, and the contestants' responses to a series of questions relating to technical knowledge.
Speech (15 points)
Contestants will present a two-minute prepared speech (on any topic of their choice) on stage during the contest on Friday in their formal leather.
Bootblack Image and Pop Question (10 points)
The contestants will be asked a pop question on stage during the contest on Friday and will have the opportunity to show the audience and judges the outfit that best portrays who they are as bootblacks.
Heart & Soul (10 points)
Throughout the weekend the judges will observe how the contestants present themselves and interact with the general public; how they interact with their customers; and how they make bootblacking interesting, sexy, intriguing and unique.
Popular Vote (10 points)
Each Basic Registration Package for IMsL Weekend includes one IMsBB Contest Ballot. This ballot is to be given to the bootblack they most enjoyed watching or having do their boots and/or garments. Rules pertaining to ballot voting will be provided by the Bootblack Contest Coordinator and distributed to contestants as well as attendees.
