3. Optional events

3.1 The below are events that are optional and are not judged:

4. Contestants briefing

4.1 The Producers of APHC and the Kennel Parent(s) will meet with contestants to ensure a full understanding of these rules, the competition structure and answer any questions.

5. Meet & Sniff

5.1 Meet & Sniff is a stand-up cocktail-style event that officially welcomes all contestants, judges, and spectators to the competition weekend. Drinks and canapés will be served throughout the evening. Each contestant will be briefly introduced to the audience, marking their first public appearance of the event.

5.2 Judges will be in attendance. Contestants are expected to mingle, engage positively with attendees, and represent the Pup and Handler community in a respectful and inclusive manner. While the production team will ensure that all contestants and judges are introduced, there is no obligation for contestants to hold one-on-one conversations with judges during this event.

5.3 Contestants should be aware that, while the Community Engagement category is assessed across the entire weekend, events such as Meet & Sniff offer key opportunities for judges to observe how contestants interact with both the community and the public. Your conduct and engagement at these events will meaningfully contribute to your overall score in this category.

6. Interviews

6.1 Interview Format

6.1.1 Each contestant will participate in an individual interview with the full judging panel. Interviews will be conducted one at a time and must not exceed 20 minutes in duration.

a. All Australian Pup contestants will be asked the same core set of questions tailored to the Pup title.

b. All Australian Handler contestants will be asked a different set of questions specific to the Handler title.

6.1.2 In addition to the core questions, judges may ask follow-up or clarifying questions relating to a contestant’s knowledge, experience, community engagement, or views on pup and handler dynamics.

6.2 Guidelines

6.2.1 Contestants are welcome to wear pup or handler gear during the interview; however, full-face hoods or masks must be removed at the beginning of the interview to allow clear communication and engagement with the judging panel.

6.3 Timekeeping

6.3.1 Each interview must remain within the 20-minute limit. The contestant or their designated handler is responsible for time management and ensuring the interview concludes on schedule. If the time limit is reached mid-question, the contestant may provide a brief closing response before the interview is concluded.

6.4 Judging & Scoring

6.4.1 The interview is assessed individually by each judge. While judges have discretion in how they allocate their points, the process typically involves:

a. A panel of up to seven judges

b. Each judge asking one primary question, plus any brief follow-up

c. Equal point weighting for each question, with the total score for the interview component typically being 245 points (7 questions x 35 points each)

6.4.2 Contestants should prepare to address a range of topics with clarity, thoughtfulness, and authenticity. The interview is an important opportunity to demonstrate depth of understanding, personal values, and how you represent the pup and handler community.

7. Stage Competition Rounds

7.1 General Information

7.1.1 The Stage Competition consists of two rounds:

a. Speech Round

b. Fantasy/Play Demonstration Round

7.1.2 Both are public, on-stage presentations judged by the panel and are key components of your overall competition score. These rounds allow you to showcase your personality, your connection to pup play, and your ability to represent the community with pride and authenticity.

7.2 Speech Round

7.2.1 Overview

a. Each contestant will deliver a short speech on stage. The topic is entirely up to you – it may be personal, educational, humorous, heartfelt, or reflective of your journey as a pup, handler, or community member.

7.3 Speech Rules

7.3.1 Maximum duration is 2 minutes:

a. Timing starts when you either begin to speak or touch the microphone—whichever occurs first.

b. 90-second warning will be given (visual or auditory) to help you time your conclusion.

c. At 2 minutes, the microphone will be turned off. You must stop speaking and exit the stage immediately.

7.3.2 Props & Visuals: 

a. Props are not typically used in the speech round. If you plan to use one, notify the production team in advance for approval.

7.3.3 Scoring Criteria: 

a. Judges will assess content, delivery, confidence, timing, creativity, and how well your speech reflects your identity and values within the pup/handler community.

7.3.4 Preparation Tips

a. Practice with a timer to ensure you can confidently finish within 2 minutes.

b. Rehearse with the microphone if possible,and be ready to adapt to different stage setups.

c. Speak clearly and stay authentic. Connection matters more than polish.

8. Fantasy / Play Demonstration Round

8.1 Overview

8.1.1 This is your opportunity to show the judges and audience what pup play means to you through a creative, choreographed scene. Think of it as a live-action expression of your dynamic, headspace, and personality. This round is inspired by the International Pup and Trainer Competition (IPTC) standards.

8.2 Fantasy / Play Demonstration Rules

8.2.1 Duration: Maximum duration is 3 minutes:

a. Performances must not exceed 3 minutes.

b. Points will be deducted for performances that exceed the time limit.

c. The scene ends when your audio stops or when signalled by stage crew.

8.2.2 Audio Requirements:

a. No microphones will be provided. Any spoken elements should be pre-recorded and embedded in your background music or soundscape.

b. Submit your final audio file (MP3 format) to the production team no later than 7 days prior to the event or at the dress rehearsal 

8.2.3 Participants:

a. You may perform solo or include up to two additional people in your scene.

b. These can be your handler, pup, pack member, friend, or partner—whoever helps you express your authentic self.

c. If two contestants choose to pair for a joint scene, you may only perform once, and you will be judged individually but simultaneously.

8.2.4 Props & Equipment

a. You may use up to five (5) props or toys on stage. Props must be safe and manageable within your performance area.

b. For special equipment or staging needs, contact the production team at least two weeks prior to the competition to discuss available local options or support.

c. All items must be approved by the production team to ensure safety, appropriateness, and feasibility.

8.2.5 Scoring Criteria: Judges will evaluate:

a. Creativity and originality of the scene

b. How clearly your pup or handler identity is portrayed

c. Emotional impact and audience engagement

d. Effective use of props, audio, and choreography

e. Stage presence and headspace embodiment

8.2.6 Preparation Tips

a. Watch previous IPTC stage performances for inspiration: IPTC Stage Videos – 2024

b. Focus on authenticity—your scene should reflect your genuine relationship to pup play.

c. Ensure your audio is high-quality and clearly conveys any dialogue or narration.

d. Rehearse with your supporting partners or pack and refine timing carefully.

9. Scoring

9.1 Judging Criteria and Point Allocation

9.1.1 Contestants will be evaluated across four core categories. Each category is scored according to defined criteria, with a total of 800 points available.

9.2 Community Engagement – 125 Points

9.2.1 Judges will assess contestants on their ability to engage positively and authentically with others during the competition. Criteria include:

a. Interaction with the public

b. Presentation of a positive image of pup and handler play

c. General behaviour and conduct

d. Willingness to participate in events and activities

9.3 Interview – 300 Points

9.3.1 During the interview round, each judge will assess responses to structured questions. Scores will be based on:

a. The breadth and depth of knowledge demonstrated

b. The relevance of the answer to the question asked

c. The clarity and articulation of the response

9.4 Speech – 250 Points

9.4.1 Contestants will deliver a timed speech. Judges will score based on:

a. Content and relevance of the speech

b. Pace and timing

c. Stage presence and engagement with the audience

9.5 Fantasy/Play Presentation – 125 Points

9.5.1 In this performance-based round, judges will evaluate:

a. Clarity of the scene, dynamic, or presented image

b. Entertainment value and audience engagement

c. Pace, timing, and overall stage presence

9.6 Time Management

9.6.1 Time limits for each scoring round are strictly enforced. Any changes to time allowances or point distribution will be communicated in advance to all contestants and judges. Penalties may apply for exceeding the allotted time, as outlined in the stage round guidelines.

9.7 Scoring Methodology

9.7.1 Scoring will follow the Olympic-Scoring Method:

9.7.2 For each round, the highest and lowest judge scores are discarded.

9.7.3 A trimmed mean is calculated from the remaining scores to determine the contestant’s score for that round.

9.7.4 The contestant with the highest total trimmed mean score across all rounds will be declared the winner.

9.7.5 The contestant with the second highest score will be declared the runner-up.

9.7.6 In the event of a tie, the contestant with the higher Interview round score will be declared the winner.

9.8 Minimum Score Requirement

9.8.1 To be eligible to win a title—regardless of whether the contestant is running unopposed or competing against others—a minimum of 60% of the total available points must be achieved.

9.9 Conduct and Conflict of Interest Policy

9.9.1 To maintain fairness and integrity in the judging process, the following conduct policies apply:

9.9.2 Strictly prohibited prior to the announcement of results:

a. Private meetings between contestants and judges, production team members, or sponsors

b. Shared accommodation

c. Any form of sexual activity or kink/fetish scene involving contestants and the above parties

9.9.3 Perceived bias: Any behaviour that may reasonably be seen to compromise impartiality will be reported to the Contestant & Judge Coordinator, Head Producer, and the Judging Panel. They will jointly determine whether disqualification of the involved judge and/or contestant is warranted.

9.9.4 Identification: To prevent unintentional breaches, contestants and judges will be formally introduced prior to the commencement of competition events. All participants must wear official APHC identification, provided by the production team, at all events.

9.10 Oversight

9.10.1 The APHC Production Team reserves the right to review and monitor the progress and conduct of titleholders at any point during their title year to ensure continued alignment with community values and titleholder responsibilities.

9.11 Awarded Titles

9.11.1 The winners of the competition will be awarded the titles of:

a. Australian Puppy 2025

b. Australian Handler 2025