This is not a competition which comes under the umbrella of the NZ Philatelic Federation (Federation), but an annual competition, originally started by the Christchurch Philatelic Society to promote one-frame exhibiting in New Zealand. There was particular emphasis on encouraging new exhibitors to get involved. After several years, it was suggested the winning club each year would host the next year’s competition. This has worked very successfully, as it gives an opportunity to clubs to run a competition of a broader nature than they might previously have experienced.
The rules are simple:
- Each club or society entering requires five one-frame (16-page) exhibits. Any NZ stamp club/philatelic society may enter, regardless of whether or not they are affiliated to Federation.
- Each club or society can have no more than two entries from one person and each club no more than two entries per class.
- The entry classes are those listed by Federation: traditional, postal history, postal stationery, aerophilately, astrophilately, thematics, revenues, maximaphily, cinderellas, open, and postcards. This is much broader than the original list of classes permitted in the competition, but was extended after a review in 2012.
- Each club should forward copies of the title pages (and a synopsis if required) by a specified date so this information may be provided to the judges.Colour photocopy exhibits are acceptable from overseas entrants.
- The points allocated for each entry will be the same as for Federation one-frame class.
- The winning club is the club with the greatest number of points out of 500 (5 entries, up to 100 points each).
- There is a trophy for the winning club but no individual medals although the organising club may provide a certificate. Entry results are to be provided to each participating club.
Some variation to these rules do occur and are decided by the organising club. For the 2018 competition check Inter-club 2018
Administrative Guidelines
- The competition has no specific date on which to be held, but later in the year is best as it allows for clubs to use their own competition to arrange an entry.
- A team of judges is to be appointed by the organising club which is to include at least two Federation accredited judges. This list can be obtained from the Federation secretary.
- The organiser for each club entering needs to clearly specify which class each of the entries falls into.
- The entry form needs to clearly specify in the invitation to clubs at least the following details: when, where, who can enter, who will judge, classes, the need to provide title pages (and synopsis if desired), dates for receipt of entry forms and exhibits, method of return of exhibits, full contact details of the club organiser, any costs involved (usually enough to cover room hire, often $10 a frame), and a statement on responsibility for any loss or damage.
- Critique sheets should be provided to exhibitors, and comments phrased in an encouraging manner, so exhibitors are encouraged to exhibit in other competitions. A standard mark sheet is available from the Federation secretary.
- Jenny Long has developed a simple spreadsheet which has the advantage of adding scores for individual exhibits as well as for club totals, so there is a point check against the work of jurors. It may be obtained from the Federation secretary.
- It makes for a nicely rounded weekend if other events are held in conjunction with the competition. This may involve dealer participation, philatelic workshops, displays, etc.