Mobile Electronics Australia

2012 Competition Rules & Guidelines

Introduction

MEASQ is a fair and unbiased judging format used to subjectively compare a competitor's car audio system's ability to accurately reproduce audio, as the original recording intended, plus provide valuable feedback to the competitor. It is designed to ensure consistency and an objective approach while remaining easy to understand and accomodating of various skill and knowledge levels.

Above all else, MEASQ competition should be fun and rewarding for the competitor and bring together enthusiasts in a friendly, competitive, non-biased environment.

 MEASQ promotes sales within the Australian industry and in particular a declining high end market with products often found only in competition vehicles. MEASQ's growth and support is largely attributable to the consistency of judging and results, which comes from highly motivated and experienced judges, and a small but efficient team of organisers across states and territories of Australia.

1. Competitors should observe safety precautions at all times. This includes not only their audio system and vehicle, but also their conduct at, and during events, with particular attention to the manoeuvering of vehicles.
2. A suitable fire extinguisher (Dry Chemical Powder, Australian Standards Approved) must be 'securely' mounted anywhere within the vehicle that is easily accessible in the event of an emergency. The fire extinguisher must be secured in a bracket that has a full cross-over latch or strap (preferably metal), not an open C-shaped clip. The fire extinguisher must be in service and charged (as shown by the indicator). Fire extinguishers that meet these requirements can be purchased from the MEA Store: http://www.mobileelectronics.com.au/forums/index.php/store/product/13-measq-approved-10-kg-firex-fire-extinguisher/
3. The vehicle's engine will be momentarily started as part of the judging process. It is the responsibility of the competitor to ensure their electrical system is charged, and in the event of the 'engine on' judging criteria not being able to be tested, the lowest possible score will be given for this criteria.
4. With the exception of Novice Class, the competitor may not sit in the vehicle during the judging process unless asked to do so by the judges. In some cases additional judges may sit in the vehicle (rear) for training purposes.
5. In relation to seat positions, each vehicle will be judged as left by the competitor. Judges will not move seat positions. No objects are permitted on the seats in order to change seating position height etc. The same applies for windows and sunroofs - these will not be opened or closed by the judge.
   
6. The judging material used in competition will be stored on a standard definition compact disc and supplied by the judges. Where a competitor's car does not provide for playback of this medium, it becomes the competitor's responsibility to provide the complete set of judging material on a medium that can be played back in their vehicle, be it iPod, iPad, USB, HDD or other.
   
7. A competitor may upgrade or change their vehicle at any time throughout a season without penalty, 'within reason' and at the judge's discretion. A competitor may not borrow a vehicle belonging to someone else for specific events in order to continue earning State Series points. When circumstances arise beyond the competitors control, a third party may bring the competitor's vehicle to an event and enter it on their behalf.
8. In the event of a tie in the final score, the competitor with the highest score in the 'System Accuracy' component of the judging sheet shall win. If the result is still tied, then the 'Image & Staging' component will also be used.
9. Judges will only use the Volume Control, Pause, Track Seek, and possibly Power On/Off on the source unit when judging a competitor's vehicle.
10. It is the competitor's responsibility to ensure they describe any unique features or components of the vehicle, installation or operation of both the audio system and vehicle that may not be noticed or common knowledge.
11. It is the responsibility of the competitor to ensure they are present when their vehicle may be judged. Due to the nature of MEASQ competition, no exact time for judging can be given to the competitor. The competitor will be expected to be within sight of their vehicle at all times unless they have notified the event Head Judge and left a contact telephone number.
12. In relation to the judging of 'Noise', only audio system related noise will be analysed. Eg, alternator whine, on/off pop, indicators, etc that can be audiblly heard as output from the speakers. Fans, CD mechanism, turbo noise etc, will not be deducted unless it transmits noise as output from the speakers. This is further clarified below under 'System Noise'.
13. Competitors will be judged in no particular order. Entry will only be accepted during advertised times, unless prior arrangement has been made with event organisers. The Competitor must submit their own entry form. Event organisers reserve the right to refuse entry.
14. All vehicles must be in a 'driveable' condition in relation to having a secured, functioning seat installed for judging. The judge must also be reasonably able to control the steering wheel, pedals, hand brake and transmission stick while judging audio playback in the vehicle. Judge's discretion applies and more leniency will be given in Advanced and Expert classes. Where point #5 conflicts with this, the competitor will be given time to adjust the seating position.
    

Judging material for the MEASQ 2012 Season consists of a compilation of high resolution recordings. These tracks are mostly available on various discs from the Reference Discs Australia website:

www.referencediscs.com.au

TRACK LISTING - LINK

Competitors are encourged to familiarise themselves with these tracks due to the high recording quality and accuracy.

MEASQ reserves the right to make changes to the judging sheet during the season. A copy of the completed judging sheet will be given to each competitor at the conclusion of the results presentation. In some cases due to time constraints, judging sheets may be held over and emailed/faxed to competitors in the days following an event. Please ensure your email address is clearly legible on your entry form.

It is the responsibility of the competitor to check their total score. Any discrepancies should be brought to the attention of the Head Judge within 24 hours of receiving your judging sheet. No further correspondence will be entered into after this time.

2012 Novice, Intermediate, Advanced & Expert Class Judging Sheet - Click here for PDF

2012 Show Class Judging Sheet - Click here for PDF

 

Judges discretion will apply to all audio related vehicle modifications that may effect the structural integrity of a vehicle. Depending on class, some 'audio related' vehicle modifications are not permitted. Some examples of 'audio related' vehicle modifications include modifying seat rails or positioning, removing metal from the vehicle to aid in enclosures for kickpanels or floors, modification of dash construction to allow installation of 3-way speaker systems. Judges discretion will apply in all cases to ensure the fairness to all competitors in the appropriate classes. If you have any queries on this rule, please contact MEASQ Admin or a Head Judge for clarification.

Novice Class -$20.00
Intermediate, Advanced, Expert Classes - $35.00
Show Class - $35.00

Combined Sound / Show Class Discounted Entry - $40.00

Download the Event Entry Form Here

A State Series to determine 'State Champions' will be conducted in the 2012 season.

 

Leaderboard Points

 

Accrued points are not transferrable to other classes.

Note: There is no Leaderboard for Novice Classes.
In the event of a tie in each State Series at the completion of the season, the award will be shared.

Competitors will accrue points based on their final result at each event they compete in towards their state series for their chosen class.

1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place 4th Place 5th Place 6th Place 7th Place 8th Place 9th Place 10th Place

30 Points 28 Points 26 Points 24 Points 22 Points 20 Points 18 Points 16 Points 14 Points 12 Points

11th Place 12th Place 13th Place 14th Place 15th Place 16th Place 17th Place 18th Place 19th Place 20th Place

10 Points 9 Points 8 Points 7 Points 6 Points 5 Points 4 Points 3 Points 2 Points 1 Point

 

MEASQ has developed its own unique classing structure that ensures fair competition for all competitors. This classing structure caters for beginners, those with previous experience in competition, and those that work professionally within the industry.

Novice Class

The Novice class is designed for beginners and/or first time competitors. You may only compete in Novice Class for one (or part thereof) calendar season. This class is restricted to competitors not working in, or affiliated with the Mobile Electronics industry, and no sponsorship is permitted.

Judging takes place from the drivers seat only, and focuses soley on the system's ability to accurately reproduce audio. The competitor is encouraged to sit in the passenger side of the vehicle while evaluation and discussion takes place. Judging only takes into consideration Safety and Sound Quality. With the exception of the bonus point for completed installations (see judging sheet), no consideration is given to Show & Installation components in this class.

- Equipment and some audio related 'vehicle' modifications are not permitted. Door modifications or pods, custom A-pillars, dash pods, etc. will be allowed at the judge's discretion, however are generally acceptable for Novice competition.
- Results in this class do not contribute to a State Series Leaderboard.
- This class is not catered for at the National Finals event.

iPod's (and other digital media sources) are permitted in this class only where the system does not allow for compact disc playback. See point #6 of the General Guidelines above for more clarification.


Intermediate Class

This class caters for those who may have already completed a season in Novice class, or new competitors with a reasonable understanding of Sound Quality and competition. This class is restricted to competitors not working in, or affiliated with the Mobile Electronics industry, and no sponsorship is permitted.

Judging takes place from the drivers seat only, and focuses mostly on the system's ability to accurately reproduce audio.

If a competitor becomes State Champion, and / or Australian Champion in this class at the completion of a season, they must compete in a higher division / class in the following season.

- Equipment and some audio related 'vehicle' modifications are not permitted. Door modifications or pods, custom A-pillars, dash pods, etc. will be allowed at the judge's discretion, however are generally acceptable for Intermediate competition.

 

iPod's (and other digital media sources) are permitted in this class only where the system does not allow for compact disc playback. See point #6 of the General Guidelines above for more clarification.

 

Advanced Class

Advanced Class is a natural progression from Intermediate Class. This class is designed for enthusiasts with past experience in Intermediate Class, and / or a strong understanding of audio, competitors who work in, or are affiliated with the Mobile Electronics industry, or have received sponsorship.

Judging of imaging, staging and tonal accuracy takes place from the driver's seat of the vehicle only.
Judging is also more critical in Advanced Class, as judges expect accuracy and workmanship to be higher.

If a competitor wins three end of season titles (State Champion and / or National Champion) in this class, they must compete in a higher division / class in the following season. Note: Winning the State Champion and National Champion titles in a single season counts as winning two end of season titles, requiring only one more end of season title win before a competitor must move up to a higher class.

 - Equipment modifications and most (see below) audio related 'vehicle' modifications are permitted.
- Modification of seat rails in any way is not permitted.

iPod's (and other digital media sources) are permitted in this class only where the system does not allow for compact disc playback. See point #6 of the General Guidelines above for more clarification.

Expert Class

This class is for enthusiasts with a strong understanding of car audio and is voluntary for those competitors who work in, or are affiliated with the Mobile Electronics industry, or have received sponsorship.
Expert Class is also the progression for Advanced Class competitors who have won the required number of National or State Titles and no longer qualify for Advanced Class.

 Judging of imaging, staging and tonal accuracy takes place from the driver's seat of the vehicle only.
Judging is also more critical in Expert Class, as judges expect accuracy and workmanship to be higher.

 - All equipment modifications and audio related 'vehicle' modifications are permitted provided they are deemed safe and practical by the judge and the car remains 'drivable'. (See points #5 and #14 of the General Guidelines above)

 

iPod's (and other digital media sources) are permitted in this class only where the system does not allow for compact disc playback. See point #6 of the General Guidelines above for more clarification.

Show Class

The Show Class focuses only on show and installation quality and features.

Judging criteria for Show class takes into account aspects such as quality of workmanship, unique features and consistency. Competitors who show attention to detail in construction and finishing, think outside the square and spend time on their display are rewarded in this class.

 

Competitors may enter Show Class individually, or in addition to any other class.

 Trophies

Trophies are awarded to signify the competitors' achievements. In all classes, as a minimum trophies are provided to the winner (1st) and the runner-up (2nd).

 

Additional trophies that may be awarded include:
Encouragement Award - awarded to the competitor who has shown remarkable achievement at their first event, or remarkable improvement at a subsequent event.
Judges Choice Award - awarded to the competitor who by Judge\'s majority vote is the vehicle the judges would most like to drive home. This award is based on, but not limited to a combination of the sound system, the vehicle presentation, and other standout features overall.
Knockout Install Award - awarded to the competitor or demonstration vehicle with an impressive or innovative audio installation.
Visual Impact Award - awarded to the competitor with the best presented, or best vehicle display.

 

Clarifications & Guidelines

SAFETY JUDGING

 

Audio power feed protection

Competitors are required to use a suitably rated fuse on the main positive power cable within 45cms of the battery terminal. MEASQ encourages the use of 'fused circuit breakers'.
Competitors must also be able to demonstrate the ability to disable the main positive power cable for their audio system within 30 seconds with tools on hand. A fused circuit breaker is a good solution to both the above criteria.

Adequate Gauge / Size
At the judges discretion, the appropriate gauge of cable in relation to current draw of audio system must be used.

Cables, electrical connections and terminals protected / covered
All exposed positive terminals should be covered or insulated. This includes terminal strips on amplifiers. All connections should be suitably terminated.

 

All components and installation secure

All stereo components (including amps, speakers, subs, amps, door or tweeter pods, subwoofer enclosures etc) must be securely fastened.
This will be physically tested by the safety judge.

 

Fire Extinguisher
See General Guidelines, point #2.

Firewall Grommet
Ensure the use of a 'grommet' or suitable insulator for the main power cable where it passes through the firewall of the vehicle.

Vehicle and Audio System Presentation
This is a bonus point that will only be given to competitors when the installation is considered 'complete'. This can be defined by having all stereo components and installation either trimmed or painted with no loose cables showing or general installation untidyness. Bare MDF, unpainted or untrimmed fibreglass or auto-filler is not acceptable and will not recieve this point.

The use of Blutak, Duct Tape, Central Locking straps or similar is NOT ACCEPTABLE in car audio installation.
Judges may deduct points where they deem necessary. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!

 

SOUND QUALITY JUDGING

Left and right channel verification
Be sure to check this before competition. Many competitors overlook this.

Stage positioning placement sharp and focused
Accurate reproduction of the physical sound stage as it was recorded. Ie Guitar in left channel, vocals in centre etc.

Figure 1A shows an evenly spread sound stage, with the centre image placed in the middle of the vehicle.

 Figure 1C shows an evenly placed sound stage, extending evenly to the boundaries of the vehicle.

 Figure 1A and 1C combined are representative of an excellent score for Stage Positioning & Placement.

 

Stage Height

 The perception of stage height shall be judged in relation to the vehicle. Correct stage height should be placed at the midpoint between the top of the dashboard and the top of the windscreen of the vehicle. This should in most cases correspond with eye level in a seated position. See Figure 3.

 

Was the vehicle open for display to public
In the best interest of spectators and other competitors wanting to learn more about sound quality competition, opening your vehicle and being onhand to explain details and potentially demonstrate the audio system is rewarded. 10 points will be awarded if the vehicle is open and left on display for the majority of the event duration.

 

A-Frame / Story Board / Sandwich Board on display and detail
A high score can be achieved when any or a combination of the above are on display and include vehicle information, list of audio system components, a logical diagram of the system layout, achievements, recognition of sponsors (if any). High scoring A-Frames / Boards will show attention to detail, use of additional materials, skill in construction, use of lighting or highlighting, possibly multimedia etc.

Additional vehicle display features
The use of props, lighting, barriers etc will all contribute to additional features. Competitor uniforms, novelties, signage are all encouraged and competitors will need to be creative to achieve full points in this component.

 

Vehicle cleanliness / presentation
The vehicle should be presented to judges thouroughly cleaned and detailed, inside and out. This is a very simple component that all competitors should achieve full points for.

Lighting / Neon / Highlight effects
This component is specific to the vehicle and audio system only. Lighting used in the \'display\' will not be counted in this component. Lighting and neon should be used tastefully and consistently throughout the vehicle. One point will be awarded for each type of lighting or highlighting. Some examples include: Neon lighting under each seat of the vehicle would attract one point. Underbody neons would attract one point. LED spotlights directed at amplifiers would attract one point.

 

Consistent theme in interior
Judges are looking at the extent of modifications (speaker pods, fabricated door cards, flush floor mounting, parcel shelf, dash modifications etc. and the consistency of finishing (trimming, paint, material etc) all modified areas of the interior. High points will be realised with color matching, texture matching and visual integration and appeal of modifications.

Consistent theme in boot/hatch
Judges are looking at the extent of customisation and consistency of such. I.e. modified and trimmed false floor, but factory side panels etc. High scores will be achieved when the entire boot or hatch area has been modified / customised and all panels, trims etc match cosmetically, similar materials have been used throughout and lighting integrates with the installation.

 

Consistency between interior and boot/hatch
Judges are looking at the vehicle\'s interior and boot / hatch area as a whole. Materials used throughout the vehicle should be consistent, matched cosmetically, a theme evident across both areas. Lighting (color and style) should flow throughout both areas and attention to detail will score highly.

 

Innovative ideas / inginuity

MEASQ encourages competitors to improve their knowledge both technically and practically. Competitors thinking outside the square, using initiative, doing research will be rewarded in this area for their unique ideas and features of their installation. Single points are awarded for each component, feature, aspect of the installation that judges feel is either unique or innovative. An example is fan cooled amplifier racks. This in itself would not earn a point as this is common place with large installations. However, the use of a thermostatically controlled fan, integrated into the amplifier rack would earn a point.

 

The unique features or aspects must relate directly to either the audio/visual system of the vehicle, or the installation / functionality of the audio/visual system.

 

Some points may not remain unique or innovative for the entire duration of a season. 

STEALTH & SHOW JUDGING

In show classes, the competitor must elect either Stealth or Show as their preferred judging style. This concept allows an extensive installation with stealth and factory integration in mind, to compete equally and fairly with a full show installation.

SHOW JUDGING

Level of skill displayed
Judges are looking at the skills necesary to achieve the installation performed and what is involved in getting to the finished product. A carpeted panel style installation with impeccable quality of workmanship, will not score as highly as a one-piece fibreglass (and painted) installation performed satisfactorily. That being said, the same one-piece fibreglass installation trimmed in vinyl will also not score as highly as a fibreglass, painted installation.

 

Quality of workmanship

Attention to detail with aligning and fit of mating panels, neatness of trimming, sanding marks in painted surfaces, screw heads dressed or hidden and so on are just examples of what judges are looking at in this component.

 

Use of additional materials
The use of additional materials can enhance the visual appeal of an installation, and add contrast to large panels etc. Judges will reward the use of additional materials such as perspex, brushed aluminium, steel, fibreglass, vinyl etc. One point will be awarded for each material featuring in the installation. Judges discretion will be used to decide whether each material features prominently enough to be considered, and is consistent with the theme of the installation.

 

STEALTH JUDGING

 

Level of skill displayed
Judges are looking at the skills necesary to achieve the installation performed and what is involved in getting to the finished product. A carpeted panel style installation with impeccable quality of workmanship, will not score as highly as a one-piece fibreglass (and painted) installation performed satisfactorily. That being said, the same one-piece fibreglass installation trimmed in vinyl will also not score as highly as a fibreglass, painted installation.

 

All components hidden or blended in

With stealth installation, the audio / visual system should look as though the vehicle\'s manufacturer designed the car with the competitors additions. Judges are looking at speaker installation, to either be concealed by factory trims or alternatively appear to have been installed and or mounted by the vehicle manufacturer. Texture and color matching, careful selection of fasteners (or concealment), strategic product placement are all factors that will contribute to good scores in this component.

 

Retains full functionality

Clever planning and engineering are considered in this component to allow full use of every aspect and storage area of the vehicle. Ease of access to the spare wheel, tools, functional 'ski hole', as was intended by the vehicle manufacturer despite having an audio installation will score highly in this component.

---

 

Discuss these Rules & Guidelines, or Judging Sheet in the official MEASQ Forums.