• Organizers should observe several rules when holding a video contest.video tapes image by ludwig from Fotolia.com
  
  Many organizations routinely sponsor video contests in which participants submit a short, homemade video. The video generally conveys a particular message or theme, usually one that is relevant to the sponsoring organization. The organization then selects one or more videos that best meet the contest's criteria and designates a winner. These contests generally have only a few rules, but to draw a wide range of entries, organizers should keep in mind some important tips when setting up the contest.
  
  

Eligibility

• Generally, contests should be open to everyone--or at least to all adults. The exception might be those connected to the contest sponsor--employees, business partners or relatives of the same--whose submissions would create a conflict of interest..
  
  

Number of Entries

• Generally, contest organizers like to limit the number of entries contestants can submit. However, some may encourage participants to submit multiple entries, depending on the contest's format and the time available for judging.
  
  

Format and Length

• Specify the format in which the material should be submitted. In some cases, contest organizers accept a number of formats, including video and DVD, but require that the creator be able to make available a digital file if she is declared the winner.
  
  Specify a length for the video. An appropriate length will depend on the purpose of the contest. Inform contestants of an ideal length.
  
  

Appropriateness

• Unless this would severely limit the quality of entries, all submitted material should be appropriate for screening before a general audience, with no profanity, obscenity, violence or adult content.
  
  

Criteria

• When outlining the criteria for the contest, be as specific as you can. Provide examples of model videos, if possible. This will cut down on inappropriate entries.
  
  

Original Content

• Accept only original material. Contestants may not copy or submit material from another source or use copyrighted or trademarked content, such as songs or images. This will prevent legal problems for the video's distribution.
  
  

Endorsement

• Prohibit contestants from using their videos to endorse any product, service or organization other than the one the video is intended to promote. For both legal and ethical reasons, the video should not be an inadvertent advertisement for someone else.
  
  

Rights

• Contestants should agree to turn over the rights of the video to the contest organizers, forgoing all monetary compensation or control of its use and distribution.