SPECIAL REGULATIONS FOR THE EVALUATION OF YOUTH EXHIBITS AT FIP EXHIBITIONS (SREVs)

NOTE In New Zealand Youth Class A is up to 15 years old.

ARTICLE 1: Competitive Exhibitions

In accordance with Article 1.4. of the General Regulations of FIP for the Evaluation of Competitive Exhibits at FIP Exhibitions (GREV), these Special Regulations have been developed to supplement those principles with regard to Youth Philately.

ARTICLE 2: Competitive Exhibits

2.1 Exhibits of young philatelists between 10 and 21 years old constitute the Youth Class and they will be assigned to one of the three Age Classes, “A”, “B” or “C” according to their age.

  • Age Class “A”: 10 to 15 years old
  • Age Class “B”: 16 to 18 years old
  • Age Class “C” 19 to 21 years old

2.2 Collective exhibits shall be included in Age Class “B”.

2.3 The age attained on January 1st of the year in which the exhibition takes place, decides the relevant Class, as above.

2.4 Each exhibit shall be allocated an adequate number of frames, according to the following formula:

Age Class Minimum Maximum
“A” 1 frame (16 pages) 3 frames (48 pages)
“B” 2 frames (32 pages 4 frames (64 pages)
“C” 3 frames (48 pages) 5 frames (80 pages)

 

2.5 Exhibits in Youth Classes may only be entered under the name of the exhibitor notwithstanding GREX 16.

2.6 Each exhibit reflects the personality of the young philatelist and therefore, the Juries always must consider the Age Group of each one of them.

ARTICLE 3: Principles to Develop an Exhibit

3.1. The principles defined in the Special Regulations of various competitive classes are, in general, also valid for young philatelists’ exhibits.

3.2 Each young exhibitor will include a plan for his/her exhibit and clearly define the scope of the exhibit.

ARTICLE 4: Criteria for Evaluating Exhibits

In accordance with Article 4 of GREV these criteria are to be used:

  • Treatment (philatelic/thematic)
  • Philatelic knowledge
  • Philatelic material
  • Presentation of the collection

In accordance with Article 4.3 of the GREV these criteria are modified to comply with special consideration for young exhibitors.

ARTICLE 5: Judging of Exhibits

5.1 For the evaluation of youth exhibits concerning Traditional Philately, Postal History, Postal Stationery, Aerophilately, Astrophilately, Revenue and Maximaphily, the following points will be allocated for the criteria mentioned in the various Age Classes (please see note in preceding paragraph, Article 4):

CRITERIA AGE CLASS
“A” “B” “C”
Treatment 29 33 35
Knowledge 26 32 35
Material 20 20 20
Presentation 25 15 10

 

For the evaluation of youth exhibits concerning Thematic Philately and appropriate exhibits in Maximaphily, the following points will be allocated for criteria mentioned in the various Age Classes (please see note in the penultimate paragraph, Article 4):

CRITERIA AGE CLASS
“A” “B” “C”
Treatment 33 35 35
Knowledge 22 27 30
Material 20 23 25
Presentation 25 15 10

 

5.2 The allocation of points for the various criteria in the respective Age Classes corresponds to the degree of philatelic advancement of the young philatelists and takes into consideration their progress.

5.3 Medals, diplomas and certificates of participation are awarded upon the evaluation of exhibits:

  • 45 points: diploma
  • 60 points: bronze medal
  • 65 points: silver/bronze medal
  • 70 points: silver medal
  • 75 points: large silver medal
  • 80 points: vermeil medal
  • 85 points: large vermeil medal
  • 90 points: gold (only for exhibitors in Age Class “C”)

A gold medal is the highest medal awarded to young philatelists in Age Class “C”, a large vermeil medal in the Age Classes “A” and “B”. Special prizes and felicitations may additionally be awarded to exhibits of vermeil and higher medals in accordance with GREX Articles 8.5 and 8.6.

5.4 Youth exhibits will be judged by FIP approved jurors in accordance with the provisions of Section V: The Jury of GREX.

5.5. The Jury will complete for each exhibitor a short critical evaluation sheet prepared by the FIP Commission for Youth Philately. Each exhibitor is entitled to receive his/her evaluation sheet through the National Commissioner.

ARTICLE 6: Specialised Exhibitions

6.1 At Specialised Youth Exhibitions of the FIP, the FIP Consultant will propose, in consultation with the Chairman of the FIP Commission for Youth Philately, the list of members of the jury to the FIP Board in accordance with GREX 32.

6.2 The Chairman of the FIP Commission for Youth Philately shall be a member of the Jury for Specialised Youth Exhibitions. If the Chairman is unavailable to attend, he/she may propose a representative.

6.3 At a Specialised FIP Youth Exhibition, a Grand Prize of the Exhibition (Grand Prix d’Exposition) is to be awarded to the best exhibit which clearly exceeds the minimum requirements for a Large Vermeil Medal.

6.4 The Grand Prize may only be awarded once to the same exhibit.

6.5 At a Specialised FIP Youth Exhibition all publicity material, including the catalogue, must contain the name and address of the Chairman of the FIP Commission for Youth Philately.

6.6 The Organizing Committee of a Specialised FIP Youth Exhibition will make arrangements for a Meeting of the FIP Commission for Youth Philately, on the occasion of the Exhibition, and will make available suitable rooms.

ARTICLE 7: Concluding Provision

7.1 In the event of any discrepancies in the text, arising from translation, the English text shall prevail.

7.2 These Special Regulations for the Evaluation of Youth Exhibits at FIP Exhibitions have been approved by the 71st FIP Congress in LISBON, October 10, 2010. They apply to all those exhibitions granted FIP patronage, auspices or recognition at, or following the 71st FIP Congress.

 

 

GUIDELINES FOR THE ASSEMBLY AND EVALUATION OF YOUTH EXHIBITS TRADITIONAL

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AGE GROUPS

Main aspects to consider in the evaluation of the Youth exhibits based on the Evaluation Sheet and the Age Groups.

Youth exhibits should conform to the general guidelines for the respective adult classes with scoring for evaluation of different criteria adjusted according to Age Groups.

In the older Age Groups, we will expect the compliance with the recommendations for the youngest Age Groups.

In Age Group C the exhibit should, in general, follow the recommendations indicated in the Regulations of the following Classes: Traditional, Postal History, Postal Stationery, Aerophilately and Revenue. Exhibits expected to be shown in an International Exhibitions should have the plan written in one of the official  FIP languages: English, German, Spanish and French.

1. Treatment

  • Importance, plan, structure

AGE GROUP “A” (10 to 15 years)

  • The title will show the subject to treat related to the extension of the exhibit.
  • It should be adjusted to the content and include all the possible aspects.
  • An introduction to the exhibit with some explanations about the theme of the collection should be included in the page of the plan or in the first page of the exhibit.
  • The material should be adjusted to the title and plan, deepening the different chapters according to the extent of the exhibit
  • There must be a balance in the development of the chapters and sub-chapters, with the same extent. It is not suitable a sub-chapter often pages and another of one only.
  • The title should limit the extent and the period considered.
  • The choice of the subject, and consequently the choice of the title, will give the importance of the theme treated.
  • Regarding the importance of the choice of the theme, it should be necessary to comment it with the monitors and the Jury members.
  • All the exhibits must have a plan that:
    • should structure the exhibit in chapters and sub-chapters
    • should be balanced in the number of chapters and sub-chapters
    • should be logic, with the development that will follow an order that could be chronological, or regard a town, a region, a postal or an air route a change in postal rates, postal or historical periods, etc.
    • The plan should not include some chapters as:
      • Appends
      • Conclusions
      • Different items
  • The material should be adjusted to the intended explications, and not repeating some similar elements to illustrate the same concept (e.g. when speaking about a type of cancellation, it is not correct to show three pages with the same cancellation, but it is correct if the exhibitor show the changes in the cancellations during the years, if he give the explanations on the different periods of usage. The exhibitor should explain and not only accumulate the material.
  • The explanations given should be emphasized according to the plan.
  • The exhibitor should avoid giving explanations out of the development (e.g. one explanation not necessary about the geography or the history of a country). On the contrary, an explanation about the development of the mail in an occupied zone during the war will be appreciated.

AGE GROUP “B” (16 to 18 years)

In addition to what is expected from a group A exhibit, the following also applies:

  • The plan should be strictly compliant to the content of the exhibit
  • It should be specially rigorous:
    • Scientifically correct
    • Technically correct
    • Well studied and documented
  • The division in chapters and sub-chapters should have a greater degree of coherence than in the A Group
  • The explanations will be strictly referred to the content of the development.
  • The exhibitor should follow the title and the plan deepening the different subchapters according to the extent of the exhibit.
  • An improved development should include the philatelic material according to the subject:
    1. A Traditional exhibit includes all aspects of philately. This must be developed according to a logical plan leading through the exhibit. It may include aspects of the history of the stamp such as the way from the essays via proofs to the issued stamp with its printing phases and all kinds of varieties. It includes all types of appropriate material, even material which might be used to form an exhibit of one of the special classes. The usage of the stamp must normally be demonstrated throughout the exhibit but this might also be a special section of the plan. Then it must be well balanced with the rest of the exhibit. The usage means the different ways of cancelling, the postal rates and also routes if needed.
    2. Postal History exhibits may be presented in one of the following ways:
      1. Postal History exhibits which contain material carried by, and related to official, local or private mails. Such exhibits generally emphasize routes, rates, markings, usages and other postal aspects, services, functions and activities related to the history of the development of Postal Services.
      2. Marcophily (Postmarks) exhibits showing classifications and/or studies of postal markings related to official, local or private mails on covers, adhesive stamps and other postal items.
      3. Historical, Social and Special Studies exhibits that study postal history in the broader sense and the interaction of commerce and society with the postal system.
    3. A Postal Stationery exhibit should be arranged using appropriately chosen unused and/or postally used items of postal stationery from a particular country or associated group of territories.
    4. A revenue exhibit comprises embossed, imprinted or adhesive tax, fee or credit stamps issued by or under the origination authority of a governmental authority. Such exhibits will display one or more of these types of stamps and will make reference to the reasons/regulations of the service, transaction or any other matter being considered.

GROUP “C” (19 to 21 years)

In addition to what is expected from a group B exhibit, the following also applies:

  • The plan should follow the regulations of the different competition adult classes: Traditional, Postal History, Aerophilately, Postal Stationery, Revenue, etc.
  • A greater maturity in the main aspect of the theme will be expected.
  • Coherence and conciseness are requested, with the treatment with the most suitable philatelic elements.
  • The most complex aspects of the material will be correctly identified (marks, watermarks, errors, perforations, different proofs, etc.)
  • A personal contribute to the development of the theme. This implies a personal development, different in the main aspects and in the knowledge shown.

2. Knowledge

2.1. Philatelic knowledge

GROUP “A” (10 to 15 years)

  • The philatelic knowledge will be shown using a basic philatelic dictionary, with the knowledge of the name of the material employed (type of stamp, postmarks, postal stationery, booklet, machine label, etc.).
  • The explanations will be related to the plan and developed in all the pages of the exhibit.
  • The information given will be concise, according to the plan. Some pages overcharged with the philatelic text are not admitted. The exhibit is not a book.
  • In the exhibit there should be some basic explanations about the perforations, watermarks, postmarks, etc.
  • The exhibit should include a range of postal material, as letters, postal stationery, ordinary and special cancellations, air mail postmarks, etc., in accordance with the type of exhibit.
  • Circulated material shall be preferred, avoiding the material prepared for philatelists.
  • The use of a basic philatelic vocabulary with the correct identification of the elements used (postal routes, postmarks and cancellations, etc.).
  • While the use of the catalogue and the philatelic literature is necessary, the exhibitor shall not refer to catalogue numbers for identification purpose (e.g. it is not correct to write “numbers from 31 to 51ofthe catalogue Yvert” to identify an issue).
  • The exhibitor shall indicate the basic postal rates

GROUP “B” (16 to 18 years)

In addition to what is expected from a group A exhibit, the following also applies:

  • The philatelic vocabulary shall be precise.
  • The study of plates, varieties, surcharges, meters, printing proofs should be started and correctly explained.
  • The philatelic text should have no subjective appreciations, it is not correct a text as: “A beautiful cancellation used from 1920 to 1925 in the city of London, birthplace of…”.
  • The base of a traditional exhibit will be the stamps, as for a postal history exhibit will be the genuine and really circulated postal documents
  • The characteristic of the issues should be pointed out: colour varieties, perforation, paper, printing method, special postal rates, etc.
  • In a postal history exhibit will be emphasized the postal routes, handstamps, postmarks, free flanking mail, censure, etc., with concise explanations.
  • The explanations of aspects clearly shown in the pieces should be avoided (e.g. cover from this city to this other city, when the city of the sender and these of destination are clearly readable on the postal document). The exhibitor should also avoid giving some information with no postal sense (e.g. cover sent to the doctor of this city, when the addressee did not have the right to a special treatment, as the free franking or a special postal rate).
  • In an exhibit with technical classifications the exhibitor should identify them (e.g. some varieties in the overprinting), but without losing the “fil rouge” of the explanation.
  • Some postal elements not easily recognizable should be emphasized using a small arrow or another similar sign at the side of the piece (stamp or cover).

GROUP “C” (19 to 21 years)

In addition to what is expected from a group B exhibit, the following also applies:

  • The deepening of the theme according to the extent of the exhibit shall be as that requested to the senior exhibitors.
  • The aspects few known shall clearly demonstrate the personal research (e.g. the research of some elements about the postal material few studied in the past).
  • The theme will be developed by using a great variety of stamps and existing postal documents (e.g. if the exhibit regards the varieties of an issue, the exhibitor should include all the possible varieties, as perforation, colour, printing, paper, etc.).

2.2. Studies and Research

GROUP “A” (10 to 15 years)

  • The use of a basic philatelic vocabulary with the correct identification of the elements used (postal routes, postmarks and cancellations, etc.).
  • While the use of the catalogue and the philatelic literature is necessary, the exhibitor shall not refer to catalogue numbers for identification purpose (e.g. it is not correct to write “numbers from 31 to 51ofthe catalogue Yvert” to identify an issue).
  • The exhibitor shall indicate the basic postal rates

GROUP “B” (16 to 18 years)

The exhibitor should precisely explain the different postmarks, postal stationery, perforations and all the other kinds of postal elements, emphasizing the use of the philatelic literature too.

  • The important documents used should be shortly cited in the first page of the exhibit.
  • The exhibitor should know and explain all the different postal rates, including the air mail rates or other specific postal services.

GROUP “C” (19 to 21 years)

  • Every document is correctly explained, with a technical vocabulary showing the correct use of the specialised literature available.
  • A specialised study, correctly explained, about a stamp, a plate, a variety, an overprint, etc, should be included in the exhibit.
  • All postal documents shown are really circulated, when possible with a correct documentation (receipt of posting, receipt of delivery, specific postal marks), with the detailed explanation of the postal rate and/or the circumstances.
  • A full range of postal documents regarding the chosen theme is included in the exhibit.
  • Forgeries or postal manipulations with their aspects are clearly explained.

3. Material

3.1. Condition and cleanliness of material (stamps and documents)

GROUP “A” (10 to 15 years)

  • The stamps employed will be in a good condition: stamps broken, with oxidation, discoloured, with missing perforation are not suitable. If used stamps are employed, the cancellation must be readable.
  • The use in the same page of mint and used stamps without reason must be avoided.
  • The use of “cut-off” of postal documents (stamps, postal stationery, air letters) without justification is not admitted. This can be allowed to show the use of fractioned stamps in some case due to the missing of stamps.
  • The special cancellations, meters or postmarks must be shown with the framing or other characteristics clearly readable (e.g. in an exhibit about stamps the cleanliness of stamps is most important, in an exhibit about postmarks the text of the postmarks must be clearly readable).

GROUP “B” (16 to 18 years).

In addition to what is expected from a group A exhibit, the following also applies:

  • Stamps are well centred and in a very good condition.
  • The use of clean and readable cancellations, with a real postal use as in the stamps as in the postal documents is preferred.
  • The use of repaired material or heavily cancelled should be avoided.

GROUP “C” (19 to 21 years).

In addition to what is expected from a group B exhibit, the following also applies:

  • Postal documents should be well verified in order to avoid fakes or forged documents.
  • The use of material in a bad condition should be justified (e.g. for a unique piece, or very rare, or material regarding postal crashes).
  • The material must be clean, with good perforation.

3.2.- Presence of interesting philatelic material.

In order to state the degree of interest of the philatelic material, we can see the following comparison, on the left we have the less interesting material, on the right the more interesting material, always regarding the kind of exhibit:

COLUMN 1 COLUMN 2
Less interesting material More interesting material
Modern postmarks and cancellations Old postmarks and cancellations
Detached stamp Stamp on cover
Cover cancelled to order Cover sent by the Post Office with the correct rate
Cover with exceeding franking Cover with a correct franking
Normal postal services Special postal services (registered, urgent, etc.)
Mixed franking Franking with the same type of stamps
First day cover Genuine postal document
Common material Unusual material
Common variety Unusual variety

 

GROUP “A” (10 to 15 years)

  • Some postal documents stated in the column 1 are acceptable but should be replaced by those in column 2 if possible.

GROUP “B” (16 to 18 years)

In addition to what is expected from a group A exhibit, the following also applies:

  • The majority of postal elements should be those of column 2.
  • We can have in the exhibit a philatelic study of a mean difficulty.

GROUP “C” (19 to 21 years)

In addition to what is expected from a group B exhibit, the following also applies:

  • All postal documents must be those of column 2.
  • The material shown should be appropriately chosen within the available material and the unusual material should be preferred.
  • Rarity shall not be considered in terms of the economic value of the pieces but their interest in the development of the exhibit.
  • The material rarer can be included with an expertise certificate.

4. Presentation

The following points must be followed by all youth exhibitors according to their age group.

  • Nice presentation of the exhibit
  • White or light colour pages are recommended
  • The numerical or alphanumerical classification in the plan must be clear and non-repetitive
  • The page of the plan can contain non-philatelic material
  • Text must be equally distributed on all pages
  • There should be no pages with too much or few text
  • Frames, stamp mounts and other enhanced elements must be fit to the size of the corresponding document
  • A photocopy of the reverse of the documents is recommended when it is necessary for the development of the theme.
  • Different fonts should be used for titles and philatelic texts
  • Text must have a suitable and legible size
  • Errors in writing or orthography will be specially considered.

Concluding Provisions

In the event of any discrepancies in the text arising from translation, the English text shall take precedence.

These Guidelines for the Judging of Youth Exhibits at FIP Exhibitions have been approved by the Youth Commission Bureau members during the Conference meeting on 8 August 2022. It has been approved by the FIP Board and ratified at the FIP Congress on 9 August 2022.

 

GUIDELINES FOR THE ASSEMBLY AND EVALUATION OF YOUTH EXHIBITS THEMATIC

Requirements for the Age Groups

Main aspects to consider in the evaluation of the Youth exhibits based on the scoring sheet and the Age Groups.

The Senior Age Groups shall meet all the characteristics required for the younger Age Groups.

In Class C, the exhibit will be close to meeting the characteristics indicated in the Guidelines of the Thematic Commission.

Exhibits to be shown in international exhibitions must be written in one of the languages authorized by the FIP: English, French, Spanish or German.

1. Treatment
1.1.- Title and plan

GROUP “A” (10 to 15 years old)

  1. The title will delimitate the content to be displayed.
  2. The title will be creative enough to attract attention and impact the reader.
  3. It must be adjusted to the content and include all the possible aspects.
  4. Titles such as the following should be avoided:
    • Generic ones and hard to display (Examples: fauna, flora, sports)
    • Allegorical ones which are not justified in the plan
    • It can be a classic one (ski, firemen, bicycle…) or allegorical one (No-man’s land, In the name of God, Get out of here…) in both cases they can have a subtitle, especially recommended in the second ones.
    • The word/phrase such as “in philately” (Example: Music in Philately) must be avoided.
  5. AII exhibits must have a plan closely linked to the title.
  6. An introductory text will be included with some explanations about the purpose of the exhibit.
  7. The exhibit must be structured in chapters and sub-chapters. Plan is not an index nor an inventory. It must be well balanced in the distribution of chapters and subchapters according to the importance of every aspect for the exhibit’s topic (it is not logical to have a chapter with two subchapters and another with nine).
  8. The distribution showed in the plan must follow a logical order (an exhibit about ships will not display the steam ships prior to the sailing ships).
  9. The plan will not include chapters such as
    • Introduction
    • Appendixes
    • Others

GROUP “B” (16 to 18 years old)

In addition to what is expected from a group A exhibit, the following also applies:

  1. A personal approach to the exhibit’s topic will be included.
  2. Short texts or phrases maybe included to explain the chapters in the plan without damaging the plan’s structure and clear understanding.
  3. Innovative approaches will be used for those topics with a strong sequential / chronological order so the plan does not look like a list.
  4. The plan will need to be especially rigorous
    • Scientifically correct: The conceptual errors must be avoided.
    • Technically correct
    • Well studied and documented
    • Sources of information can be added in the first page in a discrete way.

GROUP “C” (19 to 21 years old)

In addition to what is expected from a group B exhibit, the following also applies:

The plan must be adjusted to the characteristics of the General Regulations of Thematic Exhibits, demonstrating the complete understanding of the related subject.

1.2 Development

GROUP “A” (10 to 15 years old)

  1. The exhibit’s topic will be illustrated clearly and creatively using the most adequate philatelic material available.
  2. It must follow the title and the plan while deep-diving into the different sections according to the exhibit extension.
  3. There must be a balance (similar extension) in the development of all chapters or subchapters. It is not recommended to tackle a subchapter in just one sheet and another in ten sheets.
  4. When tackling a particular concept/idea, the exhibitor will avoid including similar philatelic material with the only purpose of lengthening the extension unless it is justified by the exhibit’s balance and the inclusion of new information. For the ball in soccer, for example, showing three pages with material featuring some balls will not be correct. It will be valid only if balance with the rest of chapters/subchapters demands those three pages and different types of balls are explained.

GROUP “B” (16 to 18 years old)

In addition to what is expected from a group A exhibit, the following also applies:

  1. The knowledge about the exhibit’s topic will be shown in an intelligent and correct treatment, and it will be complemented with broad philatelic knowledge of the philatelic material available.
  2. The thematic treatment will be developed progressively according to the exhibit’s plan and the chosen philatelic material. Thematic texts will tell the story.
  3. The images on the philatelic material and the thematic text will be closely and coherently linked.
  4. Development advances in depth and philatelic materials are used considering the subject
    • Emission purpose
    • The main and secondary elements of the stamp or postal document
    • The text or artistic style of the image.
    • The material/fabric used to print on, such as: silk, banknotes or war maps.
    • The design of the water mark or perfin.
    • The texts or images on margins, labels, covers and interleaved sheets in booklets.
    • Postal services issues with clear thematic significance (railroad, telegraph, homing pigeon).

GROUP “C” (19 to 21 years old)

In addition to what is expected from a group B exhibit, the following also applies:

  1. The objective is to look for certain degree of maturity with special emphasis in the fundamental aspects of the subject
  2. Coherence and conciseness are demanded in the concepts treated with the suitable philatelic elements
  3. Thematic texts will not explain something which is not shown on the philatelic material.
  4. A deeper treatment will be achieved by showing interesting and innovative details on the topic. Cross references, connections and cause-effect relationships may be used in this regard.
  5. Balance will be achieved on every exhibit’s page based on: type of philatelic material used, sheet layout, adequate connection between thematic texts and philatelic material.
  6. The explanations must be concrete and must demonstrate the investigation

1.3.- Innovation

GROUP “A” (13 to 15 years old)

Unusual topics will be valued according to the age.

GROUP “B” (16 to 18 years old)

Unusual topics will be valued, along with original treatments of conventional topics.

GROUP “C” (19 to 21 years old)

Personal contribution to the treatment of a subject, such as the thematic or the philatelic one. It will imply its own and different development, taking care of the substance and form of the well-known ones

2.Knowledge

2.1 Thematic knowledge

GROUP “A” (10 to 15 years old)

  1. An explanation of the content according to the developed plan is expected in every page of the exhibit.
  2. The information will be concise and linked to the plan. Itis unacceptable to overload all the sheets with text. The exhibit is not a book. The exhibitor will include information linked to the philatelic material shown without being just a description of them.
  3. It will be advisable that young collectors identify the reason of the stamps in all those collections composed by elements having technical classifications without losing the thread of the explanation. For example, in collections on mammals, all different species featured in the postal stamps must be identified with their scientific names, or in an exhibit on music, all the known technical names. The thematic text will be closely linked to the philatelic material which will illustrate the statement clearly.
  4. The used postal elements will always need to make reference to the thematic text in a correct way. For example, in a thematic text about diesel locomotives it would not be correct to insert a picture having a coal locomotive. It would demonstrate a lack of thematic knowledge or material.

GROUP “B” (16 to 18 years old)

In addition to what is expected from a group A exhibit, the following also applies:

  1. It must contain a correct thematic text that guarantees the union of all sheets in the exhibit, not leaving any aspect without content. For example, when mentioning the catapult mail in an exhibit about aviation history, it would not be correct to mention only the flights from the German companies.
  2. It will be advisable that the young collectors should identify the reason of the stamps in all those collections composed by elements having technical classifications without losing the thread of the explanation.
  3. The thematic information accessed via the exhibitor’s research will not be included as a transcription of the source. Only relevant data to the topic that show knowledge will be included as long as it is well linked to the philatelic material.
  4. If the thematic reference is not evident enough in the postal element it could be remarked discreetly (arrows or indicators).

GROUP “C” (19 to 21 years old)

In addition to what is expected from a group B exhibit, the following also applies:

  1. Deepening on the subject, based on the extension, must be according to the adult age
  2. The not-well known aspects will need to demonstrate the personal research, such as the search of secondary topical elements contained in postal documents.
  3. The existence of thematic discoveries, when possible, will be valued. The exhibitor will show them in a way that draws reader’s attention and curiosity.

2.2. Philatelic knowledge

GROUP “A” (13 to 15 years old)

  1. The exhibitor will comply with the postal and philatelic regulations. The exhibit will not show stamps with defective perforation, creased, torn, stained or cancelled with CTO. Neither inappropriate maximum card (as Maximaphily guidelines defines them) will be included nor First Day covers’ illustrations.
  2. It will be proved the use of basic philatelic vocabulary, and the correct knowledge of the used elements by its proper names (Types of stamps, cancellations, stationeries, booklets, ATM, etc.).
  3. It will contain basic explanations concerning perforations, watermarks, postmarks, etc.
  4. It will have a variety of postal elements, letters, stationeries, ordinary or special cancellations, aerial postmarks, etc.
  5. The establishment of new postal rate will be taken into account for the exhibitor. When a letter has been chosen for the theme on the stamp, it will include an explanation of its postal use in accordance with postal rates.
  6. Circulated material will be preferred over those covers or materials prepared just for philatelists.
  7. All sheets must have texts with postal and/or philatelic references.

GROUP ”B” (16 to 18 years old)

In addition to what is expected from a group A exhibit, the following also applies:

  1. The philatelic vocabulary will be precise
  2. The exhibitor will begin to study plates and varieties, surcharges, meter stamps, printing procedures and the research will be shown in the philatelic texts.
  3. The philatelic texts will not be mixed with the thematic ones nor will they make subjective appreciations. For example, it would not be correct “Nice postmark used between 1920 and 1925 in London City, birthplace of…..”
  4. Postmark varieties, stationeries, perforations and all types of postal elements will be explained with thoroughness, demonstrating the use of philatelic Literature
  5. The exhibitor will demonstrate knowledge of all types of postal rates, including aerial surcharges or some other specific services. They will be explained in the philatelic texts.
  6. The circulated postal documents will represent an important element of support in the exhibit. In general, it should be at least one item per page.
  7. Special and First Day cancellations on uncirculated material will be shown using windows in order to hide the irrelevant part of the document and make the best use of all the space in the page. With regard to stationeries, the exhibitor will always show the whole item and, in case it is needed, a copy of the printed stamp will be included.
  8. Ordinary postmarks not contributing with any thematic element to the development must be avoided.

GROUP “C” (19 to 21 years old)

In addition to what is expected from a group B exhibit, the following also applies:

  1. All the documents must be correctly explained, with technical vocabulary demonstrating the use of specialized bibliography.
  2. The philatelic texts will use the correct terms and vocabulary. This type of texts will be utilized to explain postal features, classify items (proof, perforation error, overprint, surcharged stamp, perfin, etc.) or justify the inclusion of revenues and other not recommended material.
  3. Some specialized study will be included in the exhibit, whether about plates, varieties, surcharges, etc., and it will be properly explained.
  4. Philatelic studies will follow the guidelines for Traditional Philately, Postal History or any other philatelic discipline based on the nature of the postal material to be explained.
  5. Philatelic studies will be included in a way that will not affect thematic treatment. They will both coexist in parallel avoiding interruptions of the latter.
  6. Only documents demonstrably circulated will be displayed (Certified mail, receiving receipts, specific postmarks), with detailed explanation about postal rates and/or circumstances).
  7. The materials will be chosen in the most suitable way among all the existing ones in order to represent a specific idea, giving priority to the less common ones.
  8. There will be a complete variety of existing postal documents to illustrate the subject. Its use will be balanced.
  9. The existence of any falsification or postal manipulations must be reviewed with all its characteristics.

Material
3.1 Condition and cleanliness of the material

GROUP “A” (10 to 15 years old)

  1. Used stamps will be in perfect conditions: (with no tears, rust spots, fades…) Postmarks will allow to see a clear image of the stamp, especially when it makes a reference to the subject. With regard to modern postal material, the condition will be very good.
  2. Trimmed postal items will not be admitted (stamps, stationeries, aerograms…) with the exception of those having a written justification. For example: trimmed stamp in exceptional periods (War periods) due to the lack of stamps.
  3. The special cancellations, mechanical postmarks, other postal marks, etc, will allow the thematic subject to be seen with clarity.

GROUP “B” (16 to 18 years old)

In addition to what is expected from a group A exhibit, the following also applies:

  1. All stamps will be well-centred and with bright colours.
  2. Clean and legible date cancellations showing a postal use will be preferable on stamps in postal documents

GROUP “C” (19 to 21years old)

In addition to what is expected from a group B exhibit, the following also applies:

  1. The postal materials will be thoroughly verified in order to avoid fakes or manipulated elements
  2. The reason for the use of material not fulfilling the adequate conditions will be justified (for example, unique pieces or extremely rare, recovered from postal accidents, etc.).

3.2 Presence of interesting thematic and philatelic material

In order to determine the interest scale of the philatelic material, the following points, will be considered from less to most interesting.

Column 1 Column 2
Stuck stamp Stamp on cover
Favor cancellation Cover circulated with correct postal rate
Covers excessively stamped Covers circulated correctly
Regular shipments Special shipments (Registered, Urgent, Air Mail)
Shipments franked with stamps from several different issues Shipments franked with one or several stamps from the same issue or type
Documents with no matching between the stamp and the postmark Documents with a great matching between the stamp and the postmark
Philatelic cover (illustrated or not) Postal document (for Postal needs)
Material easily found Rare material

 

Stamps related to the subject on ordinary letters will be admitted with some limitations: if they are used to demonstrate the real circulation of the issue with study of dates and postal rates. On the other hand, just, the stamp will be preferred.

In order to choose interesting postal material, the exhibitor will consider he condition standard for the chosen material and its availability, often reflected in price and rarity.

The exhibitor, when choosing the adequate material to be shown, will keep in mind the type, the philatelic period (pre-philately, classical items, and modern items) and the postal services.

GROUP “A” (10 to 15 years old)

  1. The indicated elements in column 1 will have to be exceeded in several points

GROUP “B” (16 to 18 years old)

  1. Most of the postal elements will correspond to the indicated ones in column2.
  2. Philatelic studies will be made in postal items having an average difficulty.

GROUP “C” (19 to 21 years old)

  1. All postal elements will correspond to those indicated in column 2

4. Presentation

These points must be followed by all young collectors. The fulfilment scale will be adjusted according to Age Groups.

  1. The exhibit must contain a nice presentation.
  2. The presentation will support the exhibit’s intentions and facilitate a better understanding for the reader.
  3. White sheet or in light colours are recommended.
  4. The numerical or alphanumerical classification of the plan must appear clearly in every exhibit’s page.
  5. Plan and presentation can be illustrated with non-philatelic materials.
  6. Stamps and postal documents will be distributed in a balanced way (The stamps should not be accumulated in some sheets and covers on other sheets). The most important items will be strategically placed to attract reader’s attention.
  7. Text must be distributed all over the sheet. There will not be overload or lack of text
  8. Printed boxes, stamp mounts or any other enhancement element must fit the dimensions of corresponding documents
  9. Reproducing the back side of document and/or stationeries can be allowed whenever it is needed for the thematic or philatelic development
  10. At least three different fonts will be always used: Title, thematic and philatelic texts.
  11. The text must have a suitable and legible size.
  12. The orthography of the language displayed in the exhibit will be specially considered.
  13. The exhibit should appeal to the eye and each sheet in every frame, as well as the overall impression of the exhibit should be well balanced.
  14. In Open exhibits the non-philatelic material must not be more than 5mm thick so that it can be mounted in standard exhibition frames.

Concluding Provisions

In the event of any discrepancies in the text arising from translation, the English text shall take precedence.

These Guidelines for the Judging of Youth Exhibits at FIP Exhibitions have been approved by the Youth Commission Bureau members during the Conference meeting on 8 August 2022. It has been approved by the FIP Board and ratified at the FIP Congress on 9 August 2022.