1. PREAMBLE:
In order to encourage and promote good sportsmanship and perpetuate the arts and skills of waterfowling, the late Verne Tindall, Thad McCollum and Dr. H. V. Glenn, the founders of the World's Championship Duck Calling Contest, along with the sponsors and directors of the contest, the Stuttgart Chamber of Commerce, and the residents of the Grand Prairie did ordain that there should be held each year in the City of Stuttgart, Arkansas, a series of duck calling contests.
2. PLACE AND DATE OF CONTESTS:
The official place of the World's Championship Duck Calling Contest, the Arkansas State Championship Duck Calling Contest, the Junior World's Championship Duck Calling Contest, Women's World's Championship Duck Calling Contest, the Intermediate World's Championship Duck Calling Contest and the Champion of Champions Duck Calling Contest shall be in the City of Stuttgart, Arkansas. The contests shall be held annually on a date that will be decided by the World's Championship Duck Calling Contest Rules Committee.
3. APPLYING FOR AND MAINTAINING SANCTION STATUS:
In order to retain sanctioned status, all regional, state and foreign contests must, in addition to Rules 4, 5 and/or 7 and/or 8 pay a $125.00 sanction fee to the World's Championship Duck Calling Contest three months in advance of their said contest. A map and instructions to the contest site shall accompany the sanction fee. A statement will be sent to all sanctioned contests in January, and all contests held in January, February and March will be due. and payable January 1 st, with or without a statement.
4. CONDUCTING SANCTIONED CONTESTS:
A sanctioned contest is any state, regional or foreign contest sanc- tioned by the World's Championship Duck Calling Contest Rules Committee. The winner of a sanctioned contest is entitled to partici- pate in the World's Championship Duck Calling Contest. There shall be no more than one (1) sanctioned contest per 641,000 population per state. (This includes regional and state contests.)
Contestants in ALL sanctioned duck calling contests must have attained the age of seventeen (17) as of the hour of the World's Championship Duck Calling Contest. Chairmen of sanctioned con- tests are not allowed to compete in contests over which they preside or administrate, but are permitted to compete in any other contests for which they otherwise qualify. The winner of any sanctioned state, regional or foreign contest, who shall participate in another sanctioned state, regional or foreign contest during the same year, shall relinquish such winner's right to participate in the World's Championship Duck Calling Contest as a winner of the first contest. The first runner-up from the first contest shall thereby be made eligible to participate in the World's Championship Duck Calling Contest. A winner of a sanctioned con- test may, if eligible, enter the Intermediate World, Women's World or other contest which is not considered a qualifying contest for the World's Championship Duck Calling Contest. Any contestant that wins a sanctioned contest must compete in the World's Championship Duck Calling Contest in Stuttgart, AR on Thanksgiving weekend (unless excused by the Rules Committee) or that contestant will be barred from competing in all sanctioned con- tests for a period of two (2) years. If a Regional or State winner can- not attend the World's Championship Duck Calling Contest, he or she must notify his contest officials so they may send a runner-up. Any sanctioned contest whose winner does not compete in the World's Championship Duck Calling Contest (unless excused by the Rules Committee) or which fails to notify the Rules Committee that their winner cannot participate prior to the World's Contest shall be put on probation for a period of one (1) year.
IN ORDER TO RETAIN SANCTIONED STATUS, All SANCTIONED STATE, REGIONAL AND FOREIGN CONTESTS MUST COMPLY WITH THE FOllOWING MINIMUM STANDARDS:
A) Judging shall be based upon contestant's ability to bring in a simulated flight of ducks using all of the following calls: 1) Hail or long distance call; 2) Mating or lonesome duck call; 3) Feed or chatter call; 4) Comeback call. The decision of the judges shall be based upon cumulative scoring. Judges shall use score sheets as developed by the World's Championship Duck Calling Committee. Each conte:stant shall be allowed a maximum of 90 seconds. A red signal/timing light shall be in view of the contestant.
C) Contestants shall be identified by number only until conclusion of the contest.
D) Contestants must be in an isolation area away from judges and audience and shall not be permitted to leave the isolation area until conclusion of the contest.
E) There shall be a designated place for the contestant to stand for competition. Contestants shall be required to face the audience.
F) Judges shall be located in such a manner as to avoid seeing each other, the spectators and contestants or from otherwise identifying any contestant except by number.
G) Each sanctioned contest shall submit a video tape of their respective contest in order to assist the Rules Committee in determining verifying compliance with items A -F above. Submitted videotapes M.U.s.I show that required items in Rule 4, A-F have been fulfilled, otherwise compliance cannot be assumed. That contest will then be in violation of the sanctioned contest rules and is subject to revocation of their sanctioned con- test status. In addition, each sanctioned contest shall provide to the Rules Committee a complete listing of all contests held in conjunction with their sanctioned contest and a listing of entry fees for each contest. Previously sanctioned contests will be notified in December of each year as to sanctioning status. The World's Championship Duck Calling Contest Rules Committee shall make the decision as to whether a contest shall remain sanctioned. In making such decision, the Committee shall review and consider the degree of compliance with Rules 3, 4, and or 5,7 or 8 (whichever is applicable) and with the minimum standards set out herein. Any newly sanctioned contest must, six (6) months prior to their contest, inform the World's Championship Duck Calling Contest Committee of the month in which the contest is scheduled. Previously sanctioned contests must confirm the approximate date for their con- test no later than the last day of February. All sanctioned contests must, within ten (10) working days after their contest, forward to the World's Championship Duck Calling Contest Rules Committee all credentials required by Rule 5 or 7 or 8 (whichever applies) as well as the video tape required by Rule 4(G) and the pre-registration form for the winner of such contest.
5. STATE CONTESTS (OTHER THAN STATE OF ARKANSAS):
In order to qualify as a sanctioned State contest and to maintain sanctioned status, all State contests shall strictly comply with the rules and regulations as set forth by the World's Championship Duck Calling Contest Rules Committee and specifically, Rules 3, 4 and 5. Those persons who desire to enter the World's Championship Duck Calling Contest as a State Champion shall qualify as hereinafter set forth. There shall be one sanctioned state contest for each state of the United States for the purpose of determining a State Champion. The World's Championship Duck Calling Contest Rules Committee shall have the right to determine the eligibility of all contestants. College students may enter either a state contest in the state in which they attend college (with certification from the school stating that he or she is a full time student) or a state contest in their home state, but not both. (See Rule 4) The World's Championship Duck Calling Contest no longer will be open to individuals who appear declaring themselves to be a state or regional champion in situations where a state contest or regional contest has not been held, publicized and judged as required by these Rules.
6. ARKANSAS STATE DUCK CALLING CONTEST:
The Arkansas State Duck Calling Contest shall be conducted in accordance with these Rules and specifically, Rules 3 and 4. The win- ner of this contest shall be designated Arkansas State Champion Duck Caller. Any individual who has been a resident of the State of Arkansas for more than thirty (30) days before the contest may compete in the contest for the Arkansas State Championship. The winner of this contest may compete in the World's Championship Duck Calling Contest. Proof of residency must be submitted at time of registration.
7. REGIONAL CONTESTS:
In order to qualify as a sanctioned Regional contest and to main- tain sanctioned status, all Regional contests shall strictly comply with the rules and regulations as set forth by the World's Championship Duck Calling Contest Rules Committee and specifically rules 3, 4 and 7. The winner of a sanctioned contest is qualified to participate in the World's Championship Duck Calling Contest. To qualify for sanctioning as a regional contest, such contest must have a minimum of ten (10) contestants with at least one participant from each of three states appearing and participating in the contest. There will be no more than 30 regional sanctioned contests.
8. FOREIGN CONTESTS:
Selection of a National Champion for any foreign country or a for- eign state/province or foreign regional champion, as well as sanc- tioning of such contest shall be made and determined in the manner set forth in these Rules. The winner of a sanctioned foreign national or sanctioned foreign state/province or sanctioned foreign regional contest shall be eligible to participate in the World's Championship Duck Calling Contest. Sanctioning of any foreign national contest or foreign state/province or foreign regional contest shall, except as oth- erwise provided, be made in accordance with Rules 4, 5 (for foreign provinces and states) and/or 7, and 8 herein. The winner of any sanc- tioned foreign national or foreign regional or foreign state/provincial contest who shall thereafter participate in any other sanctioned con- test shall relinquish his or her right to participate in the World's Championship Duck Calling Contest as a winner of the first such con- test and the runner-up from such contest shall thereby be eligible to participate in the World's Championship Duck Calling Contest as the representative from the first such contest.
9. SUBMISSION OF CREDENTIALS:
Regional and State sanctioned contest officials must send in cre- dentials of their contest stating complete information as to the num- ber of contestants, contestants names and addresses, contest spon- sor's names and addresses, names and addresses of judges, judges score sheet and video (See Rule 4 G). FOR STATE CONTEST: Proof of publication by advertisement or notification of the contest by at least one insertion either as advertisement or as a news article in a newspaper of general circulation in the state for which the contest is held not less than fifteen (15) nor more than sixty (60) days prior to the contest. FOR REGIONAL CONTEST: Publications by newspaper advertisement or news articles published in at least two states adjoin- ing the state in which the contest is held, in addition to newspaper advertising in the state in which the contest is held (except Maine, for which only one state adjoining is required.) The publications must have appeared not less than fifteen (15) or more than sixty (60) days prior to the contest. It is suggested that required information be mailed to the Contest Committee by way of certified mail, return receipt requested. If a Regional or State winner cannot attend the World's Championship Duck Calling Contest, he or she must notify his con- test officials so they may send a runner-up.
10. WORLD'S CHAMPIONSHIP DUCK CALLING CONTEST:
This winner of this contest will be designated World's Champion Duck Caller. The winner will be awarded prizes as designated by the contest committee. Winners of sanctioned contests shall be the only persons eligible to participate in the World's Championship Duck Calling Contest. The reigning Champion shall be entitled to defend his or her title only twice. (See Rule 18)
The defending World's Champion may enter both the World's Championship Duck Calling Contest and the Champion of Champions competition. However, the winner of the World's Championship Contest may not participate in the Champion of Champions Contest in the same year he or she they win the World's Championship.

11. WOMEN'S WORLD'S CHAMPIONSHIP DUCK CALLING CONTEST: The winner of this contest shall be designated Women's World's
Champion Duck Caller. This contest is open to any female who has attained the age of fourteen as of the hour of the contest. Winning this contest shall not entitle the winner to compete in the World's Championship Duck Calling Contest. Proof of age must be submitted at time of registration. This requirement shall be strictly enforced.
12. INTERMEDIATE WORLD'S CHAMPIONSHIP DUCK CALLING CONTEST:
The winner of this contest shall be designated Intermediate World's Champion Duck Caller. This contest is open to any person who has attained the age fourteen (14) but has not, as of the hour of the contest, attained the age of seventeen (17). Winning this contest shall not entitle the winner to compete in the World's Championship Duck Calling Contest. Proof of age must be submitted at time of reg- istration. This requirement shall be strictly enforced.
13. JUNIOR WORLD'S CHAMPIONSHIP DUCK CALLING CONTEST:
The winner of this contest shall be designated Junior World's Champion Duck caller. Persons, who have not attained their four- teenth (14) birthday as of the hour of the contest, shall be eligible to participate. Winning this contest shall not entitle the winner to com- pete in the World's Championship Duck Calling Contest. Proof of age must.be submitted at time of registration. This requirement shall be strictly enforced.
14. CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS DUCK CALLING CONTEST:
Entrance is limited to those who, in past years, have won the World's Championship Duck Calling Contest and have never won the Champion of Champions. This contest will be held in the year 2000 and every fifth year thereafter. The current World's Champion shall not be eligible to participate in the Champion of Champions contest (See Rule 10). Winners of this contest may not again enter the Champion of Champions contest or any other sanctioned contest. To the extent deemed practicable by the Rules Committee, judges for the Champion of Champions Contest shall consist of the past five Champion of Champions then living and able to serve.
15. REGISTRATION:
Pre-registration is encouraged. The Stuttgart Chamber of Commerce shall maintain or designate the location of registration desk for those not registering by mail. Registration for each contest shall be closed thirty (30) minutes prior to the stated time for the con- test EXCEPT for the World's Contest and the Champion of Champions contest, registration for which shall close at 12:00 noon or two hours prior to the contest, whichever is earlier. All contestants must sign in at the registration desk prior to the close of registration. World's contestants shall report to the stage 45 minutes before the contest begins. The Rules Committee may exercise its discretion concerning extenuating circumstances that may permit registration after the time indicated. The decision of the Rules Committee shall in all instances be final.
16. ORDER OF APPEARANCE OF CONTESTANTS & METHOD OF JUDGING:
Subsequent to the closing of registration, a master list will be pre- pared listing all contestants. Each contestant will draw a number for order of appearance. The contestants in any callback that the com- mittee may require will draw a new number before each appearance. Contestants will not be permitted to leave the isolation area during the contest except when accompanied by a contest official. Smoking shall not be allowed in the isolation area. The use of alcoholic bever- ages or drugs during or prior to competition or any other conduct unbecoming a sportsman and a gentleman as determined by the Rules Committee will subject the contestant to disqualification. Before determining those eligible for callback and before determining a win- ner, the total number of points for each contestant will be determined by totaling the score after eliminating the highest and lowest scores. The scores will be posted in view of the audience. The contestant with the highest total score shall be declared the winner with the next highest second and so forth, etc. In all instances, the decision of the judges will be final. Judging will be based on a contestant's ability to bring in simulated flight of ducks, using the following basic calls:
1) Hail, or long distance call;
2) Mating, or lonesome duck call;
3) Feed, or chatter call and;
4) Come back call.
Each time a contestant is per- mitted to call the time shall be limited to one and one-half (1-1/2) min- utes (90 seconds). An over-time call will be disqualified. A red signal light will be in view of the contestant. When a contestant is ready to begin his call, the timer will be started and the light will remain off for one minute and twenty seconds. After one minute and twenty sec- onds, the light will be turned on in view of the contestant. The con- testant must complete the call within the next ten-second period. Failure to complete the call before the light goes off will disqualify the contestant from further competition in the contest. There will be a designated place for the contestant to stand and the contestant will be required to face the audience. There shall be a minimum of two callbacks. A contestant must call a minimum of three (3) times before being declared the winner. In the event of a tie a callback will be used to determine the order of finish.
Judges will be located in such a manner that it is impossible for them to identify any contestant except by number. Each judge shall grade each contestant by a percentage on a scale of 0 to 100.
17. JUDGES:
A minimum of five (5) judges shall be required for each contest. The panel of judges selected for the World's Championship Duck Calling Contest shall include:
1) a former World's Champion, Women's World's Champion, Intermediate World's Champion or Junior World's Champion;
2) one local area sportsman and;
3) three or more sportsmen.
The panel of judges for the Arkansas State Duck Calling Contest shall include:
1) A former World's Champion, Women's World's Champion, Intermediate World's Champion or Junior World's Champion;
2) one local area sportsman and;
3) three or more sportsmen.
18. ELIGIBILITY RESTRICTIONS FOR REPEAT WINNERS:
The winner of any Women's World's or Arkansas State contest may hold that championship for three (3) times only, not necessarily consecutively, and may not enter that contest again. This does not affect their eligibility to enter other contests. A three-time winner of the World's Championship Duck Calling Contest shall not thereafter be eligible to enter any sanctioned contest except for the Champion of Champions.
19. RULES I ENFORCEMENT:
The rules listed herein are a compilation of guidelines used in suc- cessfully running the World's Championship Duck Calling Contest for in excess of 50 years. Strict adherence to the rules is essential to conduct a quality contest. The Rules Committee, or its designee, shall conduct spot checks of sanctioned contests in order to monitor compliance with these rules, specifically including compliance with minimum standards as set out in Rule 4 above.
Any complaints with regard to violation or interpretation of these rules by any sanctioned contest shall be submitted in writing to the Rules Committee at the address set forth in paragraph twenty-one (21) below. Any written report of an alleged violation of the standards stated herein shall be referred to the Rules Committee which shall review such complaints at its next regularly scheduled meeting and shall submit a written response to the complainant.
The Rules Committee shall be empowered to investigate and impose appropriate disciplinary measures if the violation is verified. Such measures include, but are not limited to:
a) revocation of sanc- tioned status of contest;
b) imposing probationary status for the upcoming year, violation of which may result in revocation of sanctioned status or;
c) such other measures as deemed appropriate by the Rules Committee.
The Duck Calling Contest Rules Committee reserves the right to interpret the application of the contest rules. The Rules Committee may announce policies and rules that are not covered by these print- ed rules from time to time. The decision of the Rules Committee shall in all instances be final.
20. ENTRY FEES:
Entry fees for contests conducted by the World's Championship Duck Calling Contest Committee shall be as established from time to time by the Rules Committee. As of the most current revision of these rules, the entry fee shall be as follows: World's Contest -$50.00; Women's World's -$30.00; Intermediate World's -$25.00; Junior World's -$25.00; Arkansas State -$40.00.
21. ADDRESS ALL CORRESPONDENCE TO:
The World's Championship Duck Calling Contest Rules Committee in care of the Stuttgart Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 932, Stuttgart, Arkansas 72160.