Enter a pageant

Before proceeding, you must read, understand, and be familiar with the following:-

• THE CONTEST
• ELIGIBILITY:-
  1. Age Criteria
  2. Commonwealth Citizenship / Ancestry
  3. Eligible (Commonwealth) Countries
• RULES of the pageant

To apply to enter a pageant, click on the following link to access the entry form.
http://www.misscommonwealthint.org/apply

You must tick the declaration which is to the effect that you have read and agree to abide by the RULES of the pageants.

Closing Date: All entries must be received by 30th August 2011.

Entry Criteria

Applicants for Commonwealth pageants must be female Commonwealth Citizens – see eligible countries - but may be resident in any part of the world:-

• Teen applicants must be aged 16-19 years
• Miss Pageant applicants must be aged from 20 years upwards – no upper age limit
• Mrs Pageant applicants must be aged from 25 years upwards – no upper age limit

Applicants for the cultural crown pageants (Africa, Asia-Pacific, Caribbean and Euro-Atlantic):-

• Commonwealth citizens must be aged from 29 years upwards – no upper limit

Applicants for the Miss Commonwealth UK must be female UK citizens:-

• Teen entrants must be aged 16-19 years
• Miss and Mrs entrants must be aged 20 and 25 upwards, respectively

Applicants for the Queen Of Friends Of The Commonwealth must be females and may be from any country in the world other than Commonwealth countries:-

• They must be aged from 16 years upwards – no upper age limit

Application Processing Fee

All contestant entry forms must be accompanied by a processing fee of £20, payable by cheque, or British Postal Order. It can also be paid into the pageant's bank account and a copy of the payment receipt sent with the form. Alternatively, the applicant should send an email, as a payment advice and stating the full name, to misscommonwealth@aol.com. Applications received without the requested fee will not be processed.

Selection Process

Your application will be considered by the Initial Selection Committee and you may be requested to attend a preliminary interview. If your application is successful and you are selected, subject to confirmation, to represent your country in the pageant, your details will appear on the Contestants page. Confirmed selections are placed on the Finalist Contestant page.

Engagement Contract

A separate engagement contract will not be sent to finalists but will deem to have been put in place by virtue of the applicant’s completed and submitted entry form which incorporates the declaration of agreement to abide with and be bound by the RULES of the pageant.

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The Contest – In brief

Entry Options: See below

There are 2 Stages in the Contest to produce the Commonwealth Cultural Queens 2011:-

Stage 1: Preliminary and final local national competitions in Commonwealth countries to select their respective ‘family set’ of 3 candidates to represent them in Stage 2. In each country, Stage 1 will produce and crown the country’s 3 national culture and charity beauty queens:-

• Miss Teen Commonwealth
• Miss Commonwealth
• Mrs Commonwealth

This stage and the registration of the three candidates for the Grand Final Contest must be completed by 30th August 2011.

Stage 2:This is the Grand Final Contest to be staged in London England in October 2011. It is to select the 3 international culture and charity beauty Queens of the Commonwealth in 2011. They will be crowned:-

• Miss Teen Commonwealth International 2011
• Miss Commonwealth International 2011
• Mrs Commonwealth International 2011

Grand Final Venue: A London venue. Further details will appear on the Homepage of this website and also conveyed to contestants and contest organisers in due course. Click here for current details.

Grand Final Programme: Click here for details

Grand Final Date: 29th October 2011. Further details will appear on this website and also conveyed to contestants and contest organisers in due course. Click here for current details.

Eligible participating countries: Commonwealth countries, currently 53. For details, click here

Cultural regionalisation: The countries are grouped into 4 cultural sectors, reflecting the cultural essence of the contest: Africa, Asia-Pacific, Caribbean, and Euro-Atlantic. For the detailed groupings, click here

Cultural Regional Title Crowns: These will be won by the 4 adult contestants for 'Miss Commonwealth International' with the highest points awarded in their respective regions:-

• Miss Commonwealth Africa
• Miss Commonwealth Asia-Pacific
• Miss Commonwealth Caribbean Miss Commonwealth Euro-Atlantic

Country Crown: This will be won by the country judged to have the highest aggregate of points awarded in the competitions for the 3 main crowns. This crown is specially designed to reflect the rich cultural diversity of the Commonwealth, and will not be worn, but displayed in the nation’s most prominent museum.

Awards and Prizes: Winners will receive a range of attractive awards and prizes: For details, click here

Entry criteria: Open to female Commonwealth nationals resident in their country of origin or living abroad. At least one of their parents must originate from the country which they wish to represent. They must satisfy the age and other entry criteria for the title they wish to contest for. The submission of an entry application is compulsory. For the detailed criteria, see Rules

Entry Route Options: Applicants have 2 options:-

1. Apply direct to our office via this website (use online application) or by post or email (use downloadable application) to the contact addresses given on this site. When we receive your application, you will be interviewed or invited to an audition, as appropriate, by our Representatives. Initial Selection is based on the content of the entry application, therefore, you are advised to ensure its proper completion. If we think you qualify, you will be invited to the contest.
Apply through your country's national Competition Organiser who has registered with us to organise a national audition/competition to select the 3 candidates (at Stage 1 - see above) to represent the country in the grand final of the international contest. The Organiser will ensure that you complete an entry application form.

Miss Teen, Miss, Mrs Commonwealth UK Contest:

If you are applying to represent England, N.Ireland, Scotland, or Wales in the international contest, you will also be entered in this special UK contest. In this triple crown contest, there are 3 title crowns for each country, and 3 summary title crowns for the UK. All title winners from this contest go into the international contest.

Sponsorship of Stage 2 Finalists: If you are selected at the Stage 1 competition to represent your country in the Stage 2 (the international grand final) contest, your registration fee of £600 will be required to be sponsored by your government or a private organisation, as applicable. This is because, we do not wish contestants to use their own resources for this fee. Each finalist will be sent a Sponsorship Pack to give to her sponsor. However, applicants who are unable to find a sponsor may pay only £300 in all.

Information Pack: Finalists will receive a special information pack which will include the Sponsorship Pack and other information, including the dress code and number of costume changes, the venue, hotel accommodation arrangements, and rehearsals, etc, regarding the grand final contest.

Video-recorded portfolio of Stage 2 Finalists: We may invite all finalists to a portfolio filming session for TV broadcast before the final contest. If we decide to do this, we may raise the registration fee by a small amount to cover the additional costs.

National Competition Organisers:

There are 3 categories of competition organisers:-

1. Government-appointed organisers: Some governments appoint reputable organisations in their countries as agents to organise competitions, on their behalf, to select their countries' 3 candidates for the international grand final contest. Whilst the agents may liaise with us, it is the governments who directly perform the registration of their candidates with us. Thus, the agent does not enter into any formal agreements with us.
2. Private organisers (National): Reputable and experienced organisers apply to us and are vetted for a one-off or a renewable annual licence to organise a specific national contest for the selection of that nation's 3 candidates for the international grand final contest. The organiser takes full responsibility for every aspect of the organisation of the national contest and adheres strictly to the rules and guidelines laid down by us for the contest. The renewal of a licence is subject to Quality of Performance.
3. Private organisers (International): Reputable and experienced organisers apply to us and are vetted for a one-off or a renewable annual licence to organise the international grand final contest, on our behalf, under our supervision, and in strict accordance with the guidelines, rules and regulations and the show format specified for the contest.

Interested Private Organisers are requested to apply with a full CV (Curriculum Vitae) to the email or postal addresses given on the CONTACT US page of this web site. Applicants are requested to complete and submit a Licence Application with their CV.

DISCLAIMER: In the interest of preserving the good quality of the contest, including compliance with equal access and proportionate cultural representation of the Commonwealth's cultural sectors of Africa, Asia-Pacific, The Caribbean and Euro-Atlantic in the contest, the Miss Commonwealth Organisation (MCO) reserves the right to postpone or cancel any contest, in the event of developments deemed capable of having an adverse effect on the contest. MCO shall accept no responsibility for any third party's liabilities or loss that may arise from the postponement or cancellation of a contest.

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Entry Rules

These rules apply to Miss Commonwealth. Except where indicated to the contrary, the rules also apply to the Queen Of Friends Of the Commonwealth (QFC) Pageant. Changing the gender makes the rules applicable to male contestants, as well.

A. Contestants

1. Contestants must submit a completed entry form ensuring proper completion of the questionnaire section (including their achievements, talents, goals and ambitions) and declaring that they have read, understand, and agree to be bound by these conditions of entry:-
2. Forms must be submitted with 2 high resolution photos :-
   1. 1 Headshot Photo
   2. 1 Full body sports wear or swimsuit photo, before the given closing date.
3. Contestants must be female Commonwealth citizens resident in their country of origin or living abroad.
4. To qualify for entry into a pageant category, contestants must, by the day of the final pageant (see below) be:-
   1. at least 16 years and, up to 19 years to enter for Miss Teen Commonwealth
   2. at least 20 years and, up to 29 years to enter for Miss Commonwealth
   3. at least 25 years to enter for Mrs Commonwealth
5. Contestants for Miss Teen Commonwealth and Miss Commonwealth:-
   1. must not be or have ever been married;
   2. must be single;
   3. must not be pregnant;
   4. must not have given birth to a child or be a parent;
   5. must not be any of the above whilst reigning as a pageant title holder;
   6. must notify Miss Commonwealth Organisation, if any of the above circumstances occurs whilst holding the above title, as this could affect eligibility.
6. Contestants for Mrs Commonwealth:
   1. must be married.
7. Contestants must not at any time have been involved in illegal activities of any nature and must not have had a Police Record.
8. Contestants must never have posed nude or semi-nude for any photographer or any kind of production - film, theatre or publication, etc.
9. Contestants must never have been involved in prostitution.
10. Pageant's Purpose: Contestants acknowledge awareness that the principal purpose of the pageant is to promote Quality of Life improvement.
11. Contestant's Aim: Contestants accept that they are admitted into the Pageant in the good faith that their principal aim is to undertake responsibility as vehicles for the promotion of the pageant's principal purpose (community Quality of Life improvement promotion) and the delivery of the community benefits of the pageant.
12. Awards and Prizes: These are always subject to the availability of resources/sponsorship.
13. Judging:
    Contestants must co-operate with the judging process. The decision of the judges shall be final. The panel of judges will focus on a set of criteria (summarised as poise, intelligence, self-confidence, ability to communicate opinions clearly, intelligently and confidently and give substantive answers to interview questions, and overall beauty and charm) to enable the selection of a winner who most shows the possession of a set of qualities of the distinct personality of:-
    1. an ambassador to represent the pageant, her nation and the Commonwealth; and
    2. a role model for others.
    
    Thus, the panel will consider the following elements:-
    
    In Fitness Attire:-
    • Physical Condition and Fitness, figure, grace, facial charm, and confident comportment.
    In Evening Wear:-
    • Carriage, Composure, Self-confidence, Grace, Dignity, Presence, Sense of Style, Elegance, Sophistication.
    In Interview:-
    • Knowledge, Intelligence, Eloquence, Poise, and Charisma, and Sophistication
    General attributes:-
    • Originality, Individuality; General Comportment
    • Presentation, Performance, Entertainment, Creativity, and Artistic Talent;
    • Relevance to native culture, Cultural Awareness;
    • Enthusiasm, Mental discipline;
    • Connection to the audience, On stage awareness.
14. The Roles of Pageant Queens: (More about roles on the individual pageant queen's page):-
    Miss Teen, Miss, and Mrs Commonwealth will each become a representative of, and an ambassador for Miss Commonwealth Pageant Organisation, for one year.
    1. In addition to their respective roles below, each queen is required to i) carry out five or more personal appearances at charitable events organised by other entities; ii) set up at least two personal charity fundraising pages at www.JustGiving.com, one to raise money for the Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity and the other(s) to raise money for any other charitable organisation; and either iii) organise a charitable event to raise money for any registered and reputable charitable organisation or project, or iv) set up an essential and perpetual charitable community project anywhere in the local or wider community.
    2. Individual Queen's Roles:-
       1. Miss Teen Commonwealth, who will usually still be a student, will live at home, and make public appearances during weekends and school vacations. She will, for the period of her reign:-
          1. be a role model for teenagers, and promote good citizenship;
          2. promote youth civility, truthfulness, safe-sex, and respect for parents, elders, the law, authority and nature;
          3. campaign against teenage truancy, crime, drug use, pregnancy, suicide, and underage alcohol-drinking.
       2. Miss Commonwealth will, for the period of her reign:-
          1. travel the world, meet heads of state and dignitaries, and participate in official charity and social events;
          2. appear on TV, speaking on a variety of community issues;
          3. promote national cultures and tourism, world peace, and global attention to humanitarian and environmental causes and work;
          4. help women to advance their education, careers, personal goals and improve their lives.
       3. Mrs Commonwealth will live at home, and make public appearances during weekends and school vacations, at times that will suit her domestic arrangements. However, subject to her domestic and family circumstances, she may opt (or be required) to travel to, and make public appearances at other times and in, locations distant from home. In the period of her reign, she will:-
          1. be a role model for, and promote family life;
          2. present a good corporate image for the nation;
          3. act as an ambassador for married women, and family values;
          4. promote women's welfare;
          5. offer good advice to young women;
          6. promote safe sex and motherhood responsibilities among younger mothers;
          7. promote charity for breast and ovarian cancer, homelessness, disability, and the prevention of the spread of HIV/AIDS, etc;
          8. participate in MCPO's programme for cultural awareness promotion at home (and abroad, where possible).
15. General Terms:
    1. Use of Pageant Queens' photographs: These are exclusive to MCPO. Pageant queens may only use them for honourable purposes and subject to obtaining MCPO's permission prior to their use.
    2. MCPO's Property: All titles, sashes, certificates, awards, photographs, journals, publications, and other items bearing the name of, or having any reference to this pageant, and all reproductions/copies, thereof, are the property of MCPO and are immediately returnable to the organisation, upon request. No property of MCPO must be reproduced/copied/altered in any way whatsoever, except with the expressed written consent of the organisation.
    3. Attendance of Appointments: Pageant queens must attend all pre-arranged appointments with MCPO and in respect of the performance of their stated roles. Inevitable non-attendance due to unavoidable circumstances must be established by early notice in advance; if due to illness, this must be supported by the provision of a doctor's certificate.
    4. Commitments: Pageant queens will honour all pageant commitments to the best of their abilities. These include, but not limited to, making requested appearances and crowning their immediate successors, among other duties which the pageant may add to the list of commitments, at any time, as necessary.
    5. Runners-Up Responsibility: Runners-Up will accept the responsibilities of the principal title-holder as and when required.
    6. Parental support: Teen pageant queens guarantee MCPO their parents' full support for and non-interference with their performance of their stated roles.
    7. Involvement with the Media: Contestants and queens will notify MCPO of any intended involvement with the media and receive necessary advice and guidance in advance, and will furnish MCPO with full reports of associated developments.
    8. Conduct: Pageant contestants and queens will be of good character, act honourably and respectably, exhibit good sportsmanship and project the good image of the Pageant, while participating in the pageant as contestants and through-out their year of reign as queens. Pageant contestants and queens, as well as their parents, family members, associates, consultants and sponsors will be respectful of, and not be malicious or slanderous towards, other contestants, queens and members and agents of the pageant. Pageant contestants and queens are required to accept and carry out pageant instructions and to do so with decorum. Pageant instructions and notices between the pageant, on the one side, and the contestants/queens, on the other side, shall be go directly from the one to the other party and never via any kind of third party, notwithstanding the third party's relationship to either of the parties. Any infringement of this requirement will be regarded and dealt with as misconduct.
    9. Participation in other pageants/contests: Pageant queens will not participate in any other beauty pageant or contest without MCPO's written permission.
    10. Invitations by Third Parties: Pageant queens must not accept any invitation from any third party at home or abroad unless it has been endorsed by the organisation. Upon receiving an invitation from any third party, every invited queen must immediately inform the organisation of the invitation so that the later may carry out necessary safety checks to ensure that the invitation is safe for the queen and not compromise her safety and security in any way. This rule does not affect invitations of a personal nature 1) which do not address and are not aimed at the invitee in her capacity as a queen or member of the organisation's pageant, and 2) which, therefore, the invitee may attend completely devoid of any reference to herself as queen and of any official attire, paraphernalia and title of the organisation.
    11. Disqualifications: Pageant queens may be disqualified for any infringement of these terms, and if found to have given false material information in the contest entry application process. Disqualification will result in the immediate stripping of title(s) and other honours awarded in the pageant, and will be made public for security reasons.
    12. Forfeiture of Fees / Return of Prizes and Awards: In the event of disqualification or of failure to attend a contest, fees paid by contestants or by their sponsors will be non-refundable. Also, upon being disqualified, the affected contestant / queen will return all awards and prizes presented to her.
    13. Cultural Participation: In the interest of preserving the good quality of the contest, including compliance with equal access and proportionate cultural representation of the Commonwealth's cultural sectors of Africa, Asia-Pacific, The Caribbean and Euro-Atlantic in the contest, the Miss Commonwealth Organisation (MCO) reserves the right to postpone or cancel any contest, in the event of developments deemed capable of having any kind of adverse effect on the contest. MCO shall accept no responsibility for any third party's liabilities or loss that may arise from the postponement or cancellation of a contest.
    14. By completing and signing the entry form for this pageant and making the declaration regarding awareness of the content of the pageant's rules, the contestant/queen vows, and enters into an agreement with the pageant, to abide by the rules and the consequences of infringing any part thereof. This constitutes the agreement and represents the terms and conditions controlling each contestant's and queen's membership of the pageant, which is known as:- Miss Commonwealth Pageant Limited, and which includes the parts known as:- Miss Teen Commonwealth (International), Miss Commonwealth (International), Mrs. Commonwealth (International), Miss Commonwealth Africa, Miss Commonwealth Asia-Pacific, Miss Commonwealth Caribbean, Miss Commonwealth Euro-Atlantic, and all those other parts referred to by the titles of Miss Teen Commonwealth, Miss Commonwealth, and Mrs Commonwealth suffixed with the names of Commonwealth member-nations, for example, Miss Teen Commonwealth India, Miss Commonwealth England, or Mrs. Commonwealth South Africa; and of the pageant known as "Queen Of Friends Of The Commonwealth", among others.

MCO reserves the right to amend the rules at any time, as and when considered necessary.

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Eligible Countries

You must have citizenship or ancestry of the following Commonwealth countries:-

Commonwealth African countries:-

• Botswana
• Cameroon
• Gambia
• Ghana
• Kenya
• Lesotho
• Malawi
• Mauritius
• Mozambique
• Namibia
• Nigeria
• Rwanda
• Seychelles
• Sierra Leone
• South Africa
• Swaziland
• Tanzania
• Uganda
• Zambia

Commonwealth Asia-Pacific countries:-

• Australia
• Bangladesh
• Brunei
• India
• Kiribati
• Malaysia
• Maldives
• Nauru
• New Zealand
• Pakistan
• Papua New Guinea
• Samoa
• Singapore
• Solomon Islands
• Sri Lanka
• Tonga
• Tuvalu
• Vanuatu

Commonwealth Caribbean countries:-

• Antigua and Barbuda
• Bahamas
• Barbados
• Belize
• Dominica
• Grenada
• Jamaica
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Saint Lucia
• Saint Vincent & the Grenadines
• Trinidad and Tobago

Commonwealth Euro-Atlantic countries:-

• Canada
• Cyprus
• England
• Guyana
• Malta

The above grouping is for the purpose of the prospective contestant seeking quick information to help her decide whether she qualifies by nationality.