Champion Her Shot Photo Contest Official Rules

Last updated August 13, 2026

1. Sponsor and Administrator

Champion Her Shot (“CHS,” “Sponsor,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) sponsors and administers the Champion Her Shot photo contests (each, a “Contest”).

By submitting an image or otherwise participating in a Contest, each entrant (“Entrant”) agrees to be bound by these Official Rules and by the decisions of CHS and its judges, which are final and binding in all matters relating to the Contest.

Specific Contest dates, themes, categories, entry limits, eligibility periods, prizes, judges and other Contest-specific requirements may be published on the applicable Contest entry page and are incorporated into these Official Rules.

2. Eligibility

Unless otherwise stated for a specific Contest:

  • Entrants must be at least 18 years old at the time of entry.
  • Entrants must meet any membership requirements stated on the Contest entry page.
  • Entries are accepted from eligible photographers worldwide, except where participation is prohibited or restricted by applicable law.
  • CHS employees, officers and individuals directly involved in judging or administering a Contest may not enter that Contest.
  • CHS reserves the right to determine eligibility and to require proof of identity, age, membership, authorship or other eligibility requirements.

A Contest is void where prohibited by law.

3. Entry Period and Submission Requirements

Each Contest’s opening date, closing date, eligible image dates, categories, entry limits and technical specifications will be stated on the applicable Contest page.

Entries must be received by the stated deadline. Proof of submission does not constitute proof of receipt.

Entrants are responsible for providing accurate contact and entry information and maintaining current contact information with CHS.

CHS is not responsible for late, lost, incomplete, corrupted, misdirected or unsuccessful submissions or for technical failures, network interruptions, software errors, website outages or other circumstances affecting an Entrant’s ability to submit an Entry.

4. Authorship and Ownership

Each Entry must be the Entrant’s own photographic work.

By submitting an Entry, the Entrant represents and warrants that:

  1. the Entrant created the photograph and is the photographer of the image;
  2. the Entrant owns the copyright in the photograph or possesses all rights and authority necessary to enter the photograph and grant the rights described in these Official Rules;
  3. the Entry does not infringe or violate any copyright, trademark, right of publicity, right of privacy, contractual right, licensing right, credential restriction, moral right or other intellectual-property or proprietary right of any person or entity; and
  4. no agreement, assignment, license, employment relationship, credential, accreditation agreement or other obligation prevents the Entrant from submitting the photograph or granting CHS the rights provided in these Official Rules.

Entrants may not submit photographs on behalf of another photographer.

5. Athletes, Teams, Leagues, Organizations, Events and Venues

The Entrant is solely responsible for determining whether the Entrant has the legal and contractual right to submit and authorize CHS to use each photograph.

This responsibility is especially important for photographs created at professional, collegiate, scholastic, amateur, youth, Olympic, international or other organized sporting events.

The fact that an Entrant took a photograph or owns the copyright in a photograph does not necessarily mean that the Entrant has every right necessary to authorize all uses of that photograph.

Before entering, the Entrant is responsible for reviewing and complying with any applicable:

  • media credential or accreditation agreement;
  • team, league, federation, governing-body or athletic-conference rules;
  • school, university or athletic-department policies;
  • venue, tournament or event restrictions;
  • agency, wire service, publication or employer agreements;
  • client contracts or licenses;
  • image licensing or exclusivity agreements;
  • athlete, player or participant agreements;
  • sponsorship or commercial restrictions; and
  • other agreements or rules governing the creation, submission, publication, display or promotional use of the photograph.

By submitting an Entry, the Entrant represents and warrants that the submission of the photograph and CHS’s uses authorized under these Official Rules will not violate any such agreement, restriction or third-party right.

CHS does not undertake to determine whether an Entrant’s photograph is subject to team, league, organization, venue, credential, employment, agency, licensing or other restrictions. That responsibility belongs solely to the Entrant.

6. People Depicted in Photographs; Model and Publicity Rights

The Entrant is solely responsible for obtaining any consent, permission, authorization or release required by applicable law or contract from any identifiable person appearing in an Entry.

This includes, without limitation, athletes, coaches, officials, spectators, employees, volunteers and other identifiable individuals.

Where an identifiable person is a minor, the Entrant is responsible for obtaining any permission or release required from the minor’s parent or legal guardian.

CHS recognizes that releases may not be legally required for every editorial photograph or every Contest use. Nevertheless, by submitting an Entry, the Entrant represents and warrants that CHS’s authorized use of the photograph will not violate the privacy, publicity, contractual or other rights of any person depicted.

CHS may require an Entrant to provide documentation demonstrating the Entrant’s authority to submit an image, including model releases, parental/guardian releases, property releases, credential terms, licenses, permissions or other documentation.

Failure or inability to provide requested documentation may result in disqualification or removal of the Entry at CHS’s sole discretion.

7. Third-Party Intellectual Property

Entries may include uniforms, logos, trademarks, artwork, signage, architecture, equipment, advertisements or other material owned or controlled by third parties.

The Entrant is solely responsible for ensuring that the photograph and CHS’s authorized use of it do not unlawfully infringe or violate third-party rights.

If CHS determines, or reasonably believes, that an Entry may create intellectual-property, contractual, publicity, privacy or other legal concerns, CHS may request additional information or documentation or may decline to publish, remove or disqualify the Entry.

CHS’s acceptance, judging, selection or publication of an Entry does not constitute a determination that the Entrant possesses all necessary rights.

8. Photographer Retains Copyright

The photographer retains copyright and ownership of the submitted photograph.

Entering a CHS Contest does not transfer copyright ownership to CHS.

Except for the license expressly granted below, CHS acquires no ownership interest in an Entrant’s photograph.

9. License Granted to Champion Her Shot

By submitting an Entry, the Entrant grants CHS a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to reproduce, publish, display, distribute and communicate the Entry, in whole or in part, in connection with:

  • administering and judging the Contest;
  • announcing and showcasing Contest entrants, Official Selections, finalists and winners;
  • CHS Contest galleries and archives;
  • the CHS website and digital platforms;
  • CHS publications, including digital or print magazines and editorial features;
  • CHS social-media channels;
  • email newsletters and communications;
  • exhibitions, presentations and events;
  • press, publicity and public relations relating to CHS, its contests and its photographers; and
  • advertising and promotion of CHS, CHS membership, current or future CHS contests, galleries, programs and activities.

This license includes the right to resize, crop, reformat or otherwise make reasonable technical or design modifications necessary for such uses, provided that CHS will not intentionally materially alter the substantive content of the photograph.

CHS may permit service providers, printers, website providers, social-media platforms, publications, media outlets and other vendors or partners acting on CHS’s behalf to reproduce or display an Entry solely as reasonably necessary to carry out the uses authorized above.

CHS may not sell or license an Entrant’s photograph to a third party as a standalone stock photograph or for the third party’s independent commercial use.

The license granted to CHS is non-exclusive. The photographer remains free to use, publish, license and sell the photograph elsewhere, subject to any other agreements applicable to the photographer.

CHS is not required to pay the Entrant additional compensation for uses authorized by these Official Rules.

Where reasonably feasible, CHS will credit the photographer when reproducing an Entry, but inadvertent omission of a credit will not constitute a breach of these Official Rules.

The license shall continue for as long as reasonably necessary for CHS to maintain historical Contest galleries, archives, publications and records and to identify or promote past Contest results. CHS is not required to remove previously published materials, archived webpages, social-media posts, publications or other materials following the conclusion of a Contest.

10. Image Integrity and Artificial Intelligence

Unless a particular Contest expressly provides otherwise, Entries must represent photographic work created by the Entrant.

Normal photographic adjustments consistent with generally accepted photographic and photojournalistic practices may be permitted, including reasonable cropping, exposure and color correction, contrast adjustments, sharpening, noise reduction, dodging and burning and removal of sensor dust.

CHS may establish additional editing standards for individual Contests or categories.

Images generated wholly or substantially through generative artificial intelligence are not eligible.

AI-generated elements may not be added to a photograph in a manner that creates, removes, replaces or materially changes substantive visual content unless expressly permitted for a particular Contest or category.

CHS may request an original RAW file, original capture, metadata or other evidence reasonably necessary to verify authenticity, authorship or compliance with Contest requirements.

Failure to provide requested verification may result in disqualification.

11. Lawful and Ethical Creation of Images

Entries must have been created in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

Entrants may not submit photographs created through unlawful trespass or other unlawful activity.

CHS may disqualify an image if CHS determines that its creation involved conduct that materially endangered, exploited or harmed a person, animal or the environment or otherwise violated the ethical standards of the Contest.

12. Prohibited Content

CHS may reject or disqualify an Entry that, in its reasonable discretion:

  • violates these Official Rules;
  • infringes or appears likely to infringe third-party rights;
  • contains unlawful content;
  • contains sexually explicit or pornographic content;
  • contains hateful, threatening, harassing, defamatory or discriminatory content;
  • promotes unlawful activity;
  • was submitted fraudulently or under false pretenses;
  • contains intentionally false or materially misleading caption information;
  • was created or manipulated in violation of the applicable Contest’s image-integrity standards; or
  • is otherwise inconsistent with the purpose, integrity or professional standards of CHS or the Contest.

Documentary photographs depicting difficult, violent or emotionally challenging realities of sport are not automatically prohibited merely because of their subject matter. CHS may consider context, journalistic value and the manner in which the subject is depicted.

13. Judging

Entries will be evaluated according to the judging criteria published for the applicable Contest.

CHS may appoint independent photographers, editors, creative professionals, industry professionals or other qualified individuals as judges.

Judging decisions are final.

CHS may change a judge when necessary and may modify judging procedures when reasonably required to preserve the integrity or administration of a Contest.

Entrants may not attempt to influence, pressure, harass or improperly contact judges regarding their Entries or Contest results.

CHS may disqualify an Entrant for attempting to manipulate the judging or entry process.

14. Official Selections, Finalists and Winners

The number and type of awards, Official Selections, finalists, winners or other recognitions will be stated on the applicable Contest page or determined by CHS.

CHS does not guarantee that any particular number of Entries will receive recognition if the judges determine that an insufficient number meet the applicable standards.

CHS may contact selected Entrants using the information provided at entry.

An Entrant who fails to respond within the time specified by CHS or fails to provide requested verification or documentation may forfeit an award or recognition.

CHS reserves the right to correct an award or selection if CHS subsequently discovers that an Entry was ineligible or violated these Official Rules.

15. Prizes

Prizes, if any, will be described on the applicable Contest page.

Unless otherwise stated:

  • prizes are non-transferable;
  • no substitution or cash equivalent is required;
  • CHS may substitute a prize of reasonably comparable value if an advertised prize becomes unavailable;
  • winners are responsible for all taxes, duties, fees and other obligations associated with receiving a prize; and
  • winners may be required to provide tax forms, identification, eligibility documentation or additional releases before receiving a prize.

Third-party prizes are subject to the terms, warranties and restrictions of the applicable manufacturer, supplier or sponsor.

16. Entrant Representations and Warranties

By entering, the Entrant represents and warrants that:

  1. all information supplied by the Entrant is truthful and accurate;
  2. the Entrant satisfies the eligibility requirements;
  3. the Entrant created the submitted photograph;
  4. the Entrant has the authority to enter it;
  5. the Entrant has the authority to grant CHS the license contained in these Official Rules;
  6. CHS’s authorized use of the Entry will not violate any third-party right or agreement;
  7. all permissions, releases, consents and authorizations legally or contractually required for the submission and authorized use have been obtained; and
  8. the Entry otherwise complies with these Official Rules.

These representations and warranties apply regardless of whether CHS requests documentation before accepting, judging, displaying or publishing the Entry.

17. Entrant Responsibility; Indemnification

The Entrant is solely responsible for the Entry and for securing all rights, permissions, releases, licenses and authorizations necessary to submit the Entry and permit the uses authorized by these Official Rules.

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the Entrant agrees to defend, indemnify and hold harmless Champion Her Shot and its owners, officers, directors, employees, agents, judges, contractors, affiliates, sponsors and partners from and against claims, demands, actions, damages, liabilities, judgments, settlements, losses, costs and reasonable attorneys’ fees arising from or relating to:

  • the Entrant’s participation in the Contest;
  • the Entry;
  • any allegation that the Entry or CHS’s authorized use of it violates copyright, trademark, privacy, publicity, contract, licensing, credential, property or other rights;
  • any claim by an athlete, team, league, federation, school, university, governing body, venue, event organizer, agency, employer, publication, client, sponsor, model, parent, guardian or other third party relating to the Entry;
  • the Entrant’s failure to obtain a necessary permission, release, consent or authorization;
  • the Entrant’s breach of these Official Rules or any representation or warranty made in connection with the Contest; or
  • the Entrant’s acceptance or use of a prize.

This section does not require an Entrant to indemnify CHS for liability that cannot lawfully be waived or shifted under applicable law.

18. Release and Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, CHS and its owners, officers, directors, employees, agents, judges, contractors, affiliates, sponsors and partners are not responsible for losses, damages, injuries, claims or expenses arising from participation in a Contest, technical failures, unauthorized interference, loss or corruption of Entries, or acceptance or use of a prize, except to the extent liability cannot legally be excluded.

Nothing in these Official Rules excludes rights or remedies that cannot be waived under applicable law.’

19. Technical Problems, Fraud and Contest Integrity

CHS is not responsible for technical malfunctions, interrupted internet service, platform failures, corrupted files, unsuccessful uploads, unauthorized intervention or other circumstances beyond its reasonable control.

CHS may disqualify an Entrant who:

  • tampers with the submission, judging or voting process;
  • uses automated or fraudulent means to participate;
  • provides false information;
  • attempts to interfere with the operation of a Contest;
  • violates these Official Rules; or
  • engages in conduct intended to threaten, harass or improperly influence another Entrant, judge or CHS representative.

20. Cancellation, Suspension or Modification

If fraud, technical failure, natural disaster, governmental action, war, civil disturbance, platform failure or another circumstance beyond CHS’s reasonable control affects the security, fairness, integrity or proper administration of a Contest, CHS may suspend, modify, postpone or cancel the Contest as reasonably necessary.

CHS may also make reasonable amendments to these Official Rules when necessary to address legal, administrative or technical issues. Material changes will be posted through CHS’s website or Contest platform.

21. Personal Information and Publicity

CHS may collect and use Entrants’ personal information as reasonably necessary to administer the Contest, communicate with Entrants, verify eligibility, publish results and fulfill prizes, subject to CHS’s applicable privacy policy.

Entrants selected for recognition understand that CHS may publish their name, photographer profile information, photograph, award status and information supplied with the Entry in connection with announcing, displaying and promoting Contest results.

Any separate marketing communications will be handled in accordance with applicable law and CHS’s privacy practices.

22. No Obligation to Publish

Submission or selection of an Entry does not obligate CHS to publish, display or promote the photograph.

CHS may determine which Entries appear on its website, social-media accounts, publications, galleries, exhibitions or promotional materials and may remove an Entry from such uses when CHS reasonably determines removal is appropriate.

23. Removal or Disqualification After Selection

An Entry may be removed or disqualified at any time, including after being named an Official Selection, finalist or winner, if CHS determines that the Entry or Entrant was ineligible, violated these Official Rules, contained materially inaccurate information or created a legitimate legal, ethical or rights-related concern.

If an award or prize has already been issued, CHS may revoke the award and, where permitted by law, require return of a prize obtained through fraud, material misrepresentation or a material violation of these Official Rules.

24. Governing Law and Disputes

These Official Rules and each Contest shall be governed by the laws of the State of Georgia and applicable federal law, without regard to conflict-of-law principles.

To the extent permitted by applicable law, any legal action arising from a Contest or these Official Rules shall be brought in a court of competent jurisdiction located in Georgia.

Nothing in this section eliminates any consumer or other legal right that cannot lawfully be waived.

25. Severability

If any provision of these Official Rules is determined to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, that provision shall be enforced to the maximum extent permitted by law, and the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

26. Acceptance of Rules

By submitting an Entry, the Entrant confirms that the Entrant has read, understood and agreed to these Official Rules.

BY ENTERING, THE ENTRANT SPECIFICALLY ACKNOWLEDGES THAT THE ENTRANT, NOT CHAMPION HER SHOT, IS RESPONSIBLE FOR DETERMINING AND SECURING ALL RIGHTS, PERMISSIONS, RELEASES AND AUTHORIZATIONS NECESSARY FOR THE ENTRY AND FOR CHS’S USE OF THE ENTRY AS AUTHORIZED BY THESE RULES.