Western Canada Bootblack
Qualifications and Judging Criteria

WCBB logo

Qualifications:

Each Contestant in the Western Canada Bootblack Contest Must:

  • be at least twenty-one (21) years old;
  • have a demonstrated interest in leather, BDSM or fetishes, as determined by the judging panel;
  • be a resident of Canada west of the Ontario/Manitoba border, including the entirety of the three northern territories;
  • not hold a current leather title that conflicts with the WCBB contest (If you hold a current title, please advise the Producers to find out if you are still eligible to compete);
  • own all clothing worn onstage during the contest;
  • be in possession of their own materials and bootblacking kit;
  • if they win, agree to represent the title throughout the title year and refrain from competing in any other leather, fetish, fantasy, rubber, or bootblack title contest until the conclusion of the title year;
  • if they win, agree to present at least 3 classes and/or demos to teach others about bootblacking to groups or events in their area/in the areas of their travels during the title year;
  • agree to, if the winner of the title, return to the WCBB event next year to step aside from their title;
  • agree to, if the runner up, take over the title year should the winner be no longer able to continue for whatever reason;
  • agree to permit agree to be photographed and allow the photographs to be used on the WCPE / WCBB / Wicked in the West web sites, and all other forms of media coverage;
  • when competing at WCBB, donate one (1) select leather/kink auction item to be used in the silent auction to raise funds for WCBB expenses;
  • agree to, if necessary, wear contestant numbers at all times until the end of the contest and then return them to the director (these will be provided at the contestant meeting prior to the Technical Boot);
  • not have any outstanding warrants either nationally or internationally and you must not be currently under indictment in any court of law; and,
  • agree to arrive at the contest host hotel no later than 4:00 pm on the Friday the conference begins and appear in person for all meetings that day and all scheduled events during the WCBB weekend.

Judging Criteria:

Introductory Speech and First Impression (75 Points)

Contestants will give a speech between 1-2 minutes on who they are, and why they are competing for the WCBB title. The Contestants will also be judged on their first impression, and how they present themselves during this time. Contestants should be evaluated on their ability to give a cohesive speech with a purpose. They should be judged on delivery, content, the stage presence, and their ability to communicate their message. Contestants should also be judged on the impression their appearance and delivery gives during this time.

Personal Interview (100 Points)

Contestants will have a 20 minute personal interview where they will answer questions posed to them by the Judging panel. The questions may be about any aspect of bootblacking, leather history, BDSM, or personal questions about the contestant. Contestants are not required to have a ‘platform,’ but questions from the judges may include plans for the contestant’s title year if they were to win or plans should they lose. This will also include a quick presentation (no longer than 5 minutes) on their technical boot. They will discuss the process, products used, challenges faced and any other information they deem important. This will be followed by a short technical Q&A from the judges, and will continue into the remainder of the personal interview.

Technical Boot & Community Vote (125 Points)

Contestants will bring a pair of boots in used, but not dire condition. They should be full leather, lace up, military style, paratrooper jump / combat boots and or able to be high shined. The tech boot should not need major restoration, cobbling, or excavation (covered in a foot of mud). Boots will be assigned a random number, and contestants will draw which boot they will be working on. Contestants will have 30 minutes to complete their technical boot. As this will be happening shortly after registration, this may be recorded for the Judges to review (should they be delayed due to Travel), and if so, will be made available for the contestants to watch post contest to review their own process and skill. The technical boots will be on display in the silent auction area for the duration that the silent auction is open. All attendees will be given a ticket to vote for the boot (numbered anonymously) that they feel was done technically the best. This will consist of an additional 25 points based on the number of votes received.

Stand Time (75 Points)

Contestants will have their stand time judged. Judges will evaluate technical skills, product choices, and other technical choices the contestants make throughout the weekend. Contestants will have stands set up and be blacking throughout the day Saturday for the conference and vendor market attendees, and their judges.  During the contestant’s stand time, Judges will observe how they work a stand and how they interact with their clients. This includes things like line  management, negotiation, techniques and overall comfort with the clients. 

Demeanor and Interpersonal Skills and Pop Question (75 Points)

Contestants will answer a pop question on stage during the dinner Saturday evening. These questions may be serious or may be humorous. The question may or may not be related to bootblacking. Contestants will not be informed of the question before it is read on stage. This is to serve as a way to keep the contest part of the conference as a whole, and advertise the silent auction which goes towards the Travel fund and where they can vote for the best technical boot.  They will also be scoring points in this area as they interact with attendees, presenters, volunteers etc. during the weekend. They are judged on how they conduct and present themselves throughout the weekend.

Mini Class (50 Points)

Contestants will be responsible for teaching a 10 minute mini class on a topic of their choice. The topic is not limited to Bootblacking, but should be applicable to the BDSM community (ie. if you’re gonna talk about physics, think on toys/whips instead of the Large Hadron Collider).  They must be well informed, convey their topic clearly, and engage their audience/students.  Resources like whiteboards, tables etc. will be provided within reason should they be requested.  During their class, judges will note engagement, the contestant’s enthusiasm and knowledge of the subject, and how well they are able to have their message get across and the students hooked.

Minimum Qualification and Runner Up

The minimum score to qualify is 350 points (out of possible 500), this is to ensure that they are ready and able to take on the responsibilities of the Western Canada Bootblack for the year.  Should more than one competitor qualify, the person with the second highest score will be the runner up. The runner up will be expected to take over the title should the winner no longer be able to continue on with their year for any reason.