The single category is for one individual model.

• Maximum base size: 50mm

• Maximum oval base size: 32mm x 50mm

• Models must be presented on their original gaming base or a reasonable display base.

• Eligible subjects include:

  • Fantasy

  • Science Fiction

  • Historical

  • Chibi

  • Other single miniature subjects

This category is for larger models and subjects that do not fit within the Single category

• There is no stated size limit for this category.

• Eligible entries include:

  • Vehicles

  • Machines of war

  • Large creatures

  • Monsters

  • Large scale models

The unit category is for groups of models intended to function together as a single group.

• A unit must contain 3-5 models.

• Individual models must use bases no larger then

  • 50mm round, or

  • 52mm x 90mm oval

• The models must have a clear theme and should be visibly recognizable as members of the same group.

• All models must be secured to a single transport display/base for judging.

  • The purpose of the transport/display base is to allow the entire unit to be safely moved and displayed during judging.

  • Models may be secured using removable methods such as:

    • Blu Tack

    • White Tack

    • Magnets

    • Other appropriate methods that prevent the models from moving or being damaged during judging.

  • Individual models that are not secured to the transport/display base will not be accepted.

  • Improvised cardboard or plastic sheets/plates used as bases are not permitted.

• Eligible entries include:

  • Infantry

  • Cavalry

  • Other groups of related models

This category is for entries that do not fit the other categories or that go beyond their normal requirements.

• Open entries must fir within a 6 inch x 6 inch footprint.

• Open entries are not eligible for Best in Category or Overall awards.

• Examples include:

  • Dioramas

  • Terrain

  • Sculpted models

  • Busts

  • Experimental or unusual entries

  • Other models that do not fit comfortably into the standard categories

The Youth category is open exclusively to painters 14 years old and younger.

• Any model may be entered

• Models must be presented on their original gaming base or a reasonable display base.

The Golden Ducky category is open to Duck and Ducky models produced by Epic Duck Studios

• The model must be an Epic Duck Studios model.

• The model must be attached to a base.

• Golden Ducky entries are not eligible for Best in Category or Overall awards.

• Entries are judged using a tiered award system:

  • Gold: 1st place

  • Silver: 2nd place

  • Bronze: 3rd place

  • Only the top three Golden Ducky entries will receive awards.

How challenging is the piece?

Judges consider the complexity of the model and the techniques used to complete it.

This may include:

• Complex construction

• Conversions

• Sculpting

• Advanced basing

• Difficult painting techniques

• Complex compositions

Difficulty is not simply about choosing a larger or more complicated model. Judges consider how successfully the painter handled the challenges presented by the entry.

What makes this entry unique?

Judges consider the painter’s use of original or unusual ideas, including:

• Color schemes

• Composition

• Conversions

• Added details

• Unusual techniques

• Storytelling

• Creative use of the model or base

How clean and well-built is the piece?

Judges look for technical precision in:

• Cleaning and preparation

• Mold-line removal

• Assembly

• Construction

• Conversions

• Sculpted elements

• Seamless joints

• Resurfacing or correcting flaws

• Clean, model-appropriate modifications

The goal is a finished model that has been carefully prepared and constructed.

How well was the model painted?

Because Painted Ursa is a miniature painting competition, painting skill is an important part of every entry.

Judges may consider:

• Shading

• Highlighting

• Layering

• Blending

• Glazing

• Edge work

• Freehand

• Texture

• Detail work

• Color control

• Overall visual effect

1. Original Work

   • Entries must be submitted by the painter and must be the work of the entrant.

   • A model painted by another person may not be entered under the entrant’s name.

   • Entries determined to have been painted by someone other than the entrant may be disqualified.

2. Previously Published Work

   • Entries may not have been previously published as finished works in professional print or online media, including manufacturer publications, magazines, or official gaming material.

   • Work-in-progress photographs shared online are permitted.

3. Disqualification

   • Entries that violate competition rules may be disqualified.

   • Disqualified entries forfeit and prizes, titles, medals, or awards associated with the entry.

   • Information that may result in disqualification should be brought to the attention of Painted Ursa management as soon as possible.

   • Serious or deliberate violations may result in the painter being barred from future Painted Ursa competitions.

4. Finished & Based Models

   • All entries must be finished and based.

   • Entrants are responsible for ensuring that their model meets the requirements of its selected category.

   • Painted Ursa management reserves the right to move an entry to a different category when necessary.

5. Photography & Promotion

   • By entering Painted Ursa, you grant Battle Zone Ursa and Painted Ursa permission to photograph your entry and use photographs of the entry for competition promotion. This may include:

     • Websites

     • Social Media

     • Advertising

     • Printed materials

     • Competition galleries

     • Other public promotional media

6. Loss or Damage

   • Battle Zone Ursa, Painted Ursa, its staff, volunteers, judges, and competition management are not responsible for loss or damage to competition entries.

   • Entry Care: Every entry will be handled and displayed with the utmost care throughout the competition. In the unlikely event that an entry is damaged while in the care of Painted Ursa, our staff will make every reasonable effort to repair the model to the best of our ability.

7. Judge Entries

   • Painted Ursa judges may not enter the main competition categories:

     • Single

     • Unit

     • Vehicle/Monster

   • Painted Ursa judges may enter the Open category.

   • Judges may not judge their own entries.

   • The standby judge may assist with the judging of entries submitted by competition judges.

8. Final Decisions

   • All decisions made by the Painted Ursa judging panel and competition management are final.

9. Entry Deadline

   • All entries must be received by 6:00 PM Saturday, October 10.

10. Pickup Deadline

    • Entries and prizes must be collected by 9:00 PM Sunday, October 11

    • Entries not collected by the deadline will be shipped at the entrants expense.

11. Removal of Entries

    • Once submitted, competition entries must remain in the Painted Ursa display area for the duration of the competition.

    • Models may not be removed from the display case during Battle Zone Ursa operating hours.

    • Do not enter a model that you intend to use for gaming during the convention — There will be no allowance for removing models from the competition display for gameplay.

Painted Ursa uses a panel of three judges and one standby judge. The standby judge may be called upon, when necessary, to:

• Break a tie for a Best in Category award.

• Assist with the judging of an entry submitted by a Painted Ursa judge.

• Assist the judging panel when otherwise required by competition management.

Judges will use scorecards to evaluate each entry.

Scorecards will be used to determine the entry’s final score and will be provided to the entrant when the model is picked up.

Each entry receives a score based on the four judging criteria (above)

Maximum possible score: 60 points

Point value ranges and their associated awards are as follows:

• 12-26 points: Merit

• 27-39 points: Bronze

• 40-51 points: Silver

• 52-60 points: Gold

Your award is determined by your score.

A higher-scoring entry does not reduce the medal level of another entry. Multiple entries may therefore receive the same medal level.

Golden Ducky uses its own award structure:

• Gold - 1st

• Silver - 2nd

• Bronze - 3rd

Golden Ducky entries are not eligible for the Best in Category or Overall awards.

In addition to the medal awarded according to score (above), eligible categories will receive a Best in Category Award.

Best in Category is awarded to the highest-scoring eligible entry in that category.

Best in Category awards will be presented for:

• Single

• Unit

• Vehicle/Monster

• Youth

A single painter may not receive multiple Best in Category awards. If the same painter has the highest score in multiple eligible categories, that painter will receive the Best in Category award in which they achieved the highest score. The next-highest eligible entry will then receive the other Best in Category award.

The Open category is not eligible for Best in Category.

In addition to the standard Painted Ursa awards, several special awards may be presented to recognize entries that meet specific themes or sponsor criteria.

Special awards are separate from the standard medal system and the Best in Category awards. An entry may receive:

• Best Para Bellum Conquest Entry — This award recognizes an outstanding painted model from the Para Bellum Conquest miniature range.

  • Will be awarded to the Conquest entry selected by the judging panel as the recipient of this special award.

  • Open to any Para Bellum Conquest model

  • Entries may be submitted in any eligible Painted Ursa category:

    • Single

    • Unit

    • Vehicle/Monster

    • Open

    • Youth

  • Any scale of Conquest model is eligible, provided it meets the requirements of the category in which it is entered.

• Best Weathered or Gored Dirty Down Model — sponsored by Goblin’s Hut, this award recognizes an entry that demonstrates outstanding use of Dirty Down weathering or gore effects.

  • Will be awarded to the entry selected by the judging panel as the recipient of this special award.

  • Open to entries in any Painted Ursa category.

  • Any model, manufacturer, scale, or subject is eligible.

  • The entry should demonstrate effective and intentional use of Dirty Down products to create weathering, grime, rust, corrosion, blood, gore, or similar effects.

Special awards do not replace the standard Painted Ursa judging system. Entries will still receive their normal Painted Ursa score and award.

A single entry may receive both a standard Painted Ursa award and one or more Special Awards.

• Drop Off: Entries can be dropped off during the following time periods:

  • Friday, October 9 12pm - 11pm

  • Saturday, October 10 9am - 6pm

  • No entries will be accepted after the final deadline.

• Pick Up: Entries can be picked up Sunday, October 26 12pm - 9pm

  • Entries must be collected by the entrant unless the entrant has provided a signed release authorizing another specific person to collect them. Identification may be required

  • If you need to arrange a pickup outside of normal hours, contact Painted Ursa before the end of the competition.

  • Entries not picked up by 9:00pm on Sunday will be shipped to the entrant at the entrant’s expense.

If Painted Ursa management is unable to contact an entrant regarding an unclaimed entry or prize, reasonable attempts will be made to contact the entrant by phone or email.

If no response is received by December 31 of the competition year, prizes will be forfeited and entries remaining in Painted Ursa’s possession may be auctioned or otherwise disposed of.

The Winners List and Photos might take several weeks after Battle Zone Ursa to be posted. We will try to do it as soon as possible.

Your scorecard is part of the competition. Painted Ursa is designed to help painters improve.

Every judged entry will receive a scorecard showing the judges’ evaluation. Scorecards will be returned when entries are picked up.

In-person judge feedback: Judges will be available for in-person feedback Sunday, 7:00pm - 9:00pm following the competition awards ceremony. This is an opportunity to ask questions, discuss your scorecard, and learn what you can work on for your next entry.

Whether you earn Merit, Bronze, Silver, or Gold, the goal is the same:

Come back next year and improve.