1. A complete, signed application must be submitted for each entry.

2. Entries can be made in as many categories as desired. Content of each exhibit must be for that one entry only. For example, an entry in the Category “Worldwide Self-collected” can-not be considered as part of the Category “Educational Collection.” Exceptions to this rule are awards for Best Single Shell Any Source, Best Self-collected Shell and Photography.
3.  Content of the exhibit must be solely the property of the exhibitor and may not be for sale during the show
4. No exhibitor shall be allowed in the Civic Center while judging is in process.
5. Exhibits which have won First Place in a North Carolina Shell Show, excluding single shells, must be reworked a minimum of 50% via addition of new labeling or specimens to compete within the same category. If unchanged it must be entered in a different and appropriate category.
6. A shell that has won either the “Single Best Self Collected Shell” or “Best Shell of Show” in a North Carolina Shell Show cannot qualify for either award a second time at a N C Shell Show.
7. The name(s) or nickname(s) of the exhibitor must not show on any part of the exhibit until judging is complete (this prohibition includes a picture of the exhibitor on a backboard as well). Labels identifying the exhibitor will be provided by the show and placed on exhibits after judging is complete.
8. Awards will be given only if the judges deem exhibits worthy of receiving them. The judge’s decisions are final. The COA guidelines of sound judging are used as a guide.
9. There is no limit to exhibit length. Width (front to back) is limited to 30 inches. Electricity is available upon request. The reverse side of posters, maps, easels, etc. should be neat and pleasing to the eye so as not to detract from exhibits on the opposite side of the table. All backboards must be free standing. Backboard height limit is 36 inches. Exhibits must fit on the tables.
10. Exhibits must be contained in some sort of covered box or case. This is for the safety of the collections. An exception is made for very large shells and for arts and crafts which may be displayed uncovered at the owner’s risk. All effort is made by the show committee to ensure the safety of exhibits but uncovered shells are tempting to touch which can happen too quickly even when we are looking.
11. Exhibits must remain in place for the duration of the show. Early removal may cause loss of eligibility for future shows.
12. Failure to bring an entry to the show may result in a charge for table space and loss of future eligibility for the show.
13. No advertising or selling of merchandise will be allowed in or around the show other than by dealers at their tables, who have filed a complete dealer application. The North Carolina Shell Club sales tables are dealers.
14. In categories other than those which must only contain self-collected shells, a red star should be placed on the shell’s label in order for it to be eligible for the “Self-Collected Shell of the Show” Award. If photography included in the exhibit is by the exhibitor in-clude a credit that reads “Photography by exhibitor” in bold print. If all shells in an exhibit are self collected this must be boldly indicated on the exhibits introduction or backboard.
15. The arts and crafts exhibits must be the sole creation of the entrant, excluding support apparatus such as cases, pedestals, frames, easels, etc. This rule does not apply for entrants into the Category Arts and Crafts not created by the exhibitor.
16. The Shell Show Committee reserves the right to change an exhibit to another category if in its opinion it does not belong in the category in which it was entered. Should a change of category be considered every effort will be made to discuss the situation with the entrant before a change is made.
17. The North Carolina Shell Club and/or Crystal Coast Civic Center will not be re-sponsible for damage or theft of any exhibit. However, appropriate preventative precautions are exercised.
18. Entries for the Masters Award may compete only for this one award in the show with the exception of the People’s Choice Award

    Suggestions or complaints concerning the show must be directed to the North Carolina Shell Show Co-Chair and or Club President only. Any unsportsmanlike conduct on the part of any exhibitor will be reported to the officers of North Carolina Shell Club. The incident will be discussed at the next meeting of officers and may result in prohibition of entry in the North Carolina Shell show for a minimum of one year or longer.