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OFFICIAL RULES
The “Backyard Paradise” Contest (the “Contest”)is intended for legal residents of the United States of America and Canada (excluding the province of Quebec) only and shall only be construed and evaluated according to the laws of the State of Alabama. Do not enter this Contest if you have permanent residence outside of the USA or Canada at the time of entry.
SPONSOR/ADMINISTRATOR: The Contest is sponsored by Today’s Homeowner Media, 75 Midtown Park East, Mobile, AL 36606 (the “Sponsor”) and administered by American Sweepstakes & Promotion Co., Inc., 300 State St. Suite 402 Rochester, NY 14614 (the “Administrator”).
ELIGIBILITY: The Contest is open and offered only to legal residents of the United States of America and Canada (excluding those with primary residence in the province of Quebec) who are at least twenty-one (21) years of age and current homeowners at the time of entry. This Contest is not open to the general public. Employees, officers and representatives of the Sponsor, Pavestone (“Prize Provider”), Quikrete (also “Prize Provider”), the Administrator, their respective parent companies, employees, officers, directors, subsidiaries, affiliates, distributors, sales representatives and advertising and promotional agencies, and the officers, directors, agents, and employees of each of the foregoing, and members of their immediate families (defined as including spouse, biological, adoptive and step-parents, grandparents, siblings, children and grandchildren, and each of their respective spouses, regardless of where they reside) or households (whether related or not) of any of the above (collectively, the “Released Parties”) are NOT eligible to participate in this Contest. Non-eligibility or non-compliance with any of these Official Rules will result in disqualification. Void where prohibited or restricted by law. (For the avoidance of doubt, any references in these Rules to Entrants shall also include the Entrant who is deemed the Winner (as defined below)).
AGREEMENT TO OFFICIAL RULES: By participating, those who enter the Contest (“Entrants”) agree to abide by and be bound by these Official Rules and the decisions of the Sponsor, which are final and binding in all matters relating to the Contest. Winning the Grand Prize (defined below) is contingent upon fulfilling all requirements set forth herein.
TIMING: The Contest will be defined by the two (2) following time periods:
- The Submission Period (“Submission Period”) – 12:00:01 a.m. Eastern Time (“ET”) on March 30, 2020 through 11:59:59 p.m. ET on April 26, 2020.
- The Judging Period (“Judging Period”) – 12:00:01 a.m. ET on April 27, 2020 through 11:59:59 p.m. ET on May 3, 2020.
The Sponsor’s database clock is the official time-keeping device for the Contest.
HOW TO ENTER: During the Submission Period, eligible Entrants can be entered into the Contest by going to the Sponsor’s website, www.todayshomeowner.com/backyardparadise (the “Website”), completing the Contest registration form, and submitting a brief description (not to exceed 100 words in length) of why you need a backyard paradise (the “Theme”). Entrants will also have the opportunity to upload/submit a photo or video pertaining to the Theme. Each participant must submit at least one (1) photo. Video submission is an optional feature of the Contest. All photos and video submissions will be reviewed to ensure that the content is appropriate to the Contest Theme. Each completed online registration and Theme-applicable description/photo received during the Submission Period will account for one (1) valid Contest entry.
The Entrant is responsible for all costs associated with entry. Limit one (1) entry per Entrant. In the event that more than one of exactly the same description/photo/video is submitted, only the first submission received shall be accepted.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS/RESTRICTIONS: Once submitted, an entry cannot be deleted, canceled or modified. In order to be eligible, entries must actually be received by Sponsor during the Submission Period. Entries received by Sponsor before the start of the Submission Period or after the end of the Submission Period will be discarded and deemed VOID. For purposes of this Contest, an entry is “received” when the Website’s servers record the entry information. Proof of submitting a Contest entry form online (such as an automated computer receipt confirming entry or “thanks for entering” screen or message) will not be deemed by Sponsor to constitute proof of actual receipt by Sponsor of an entry for purposes of this Contest. Those who do not follow all of the instructions, do not provide the required information in their entry form, or do not abide by these Official Rules or other instructions of Sponsor will be disqualified. All entries become property of Sponsor and will not be returned or acknowledged. Entries made by any other individual or any entity, and/or using any e-mail address other than the Entrant’s or any other website, including, without limitation, commercial promotion subscription notification and/or entering service sites, will be declared invalid and disqualified. Your submission of an entry constitutes your representation of eligibility, consent to participate in Contest and consent for Sponsor to obtain, use, and transfer your name, address, photograph and other information for the purpose of Contest administration.
Entrants represent and warrant that their submitted entry is the original work of the Entrant, has not been previously published, has not won previous awards, and does not infringe upon the copyrights, trademarks, rights of privacy, publicity or other intellectual property or other rights of any person or entity and must have been created in a legal and safe manner. If the entry contains any material or elements that are not owned by the Entrant or provided by the Sponsor, and/or are subject to the rights of third parties, the Entrant is responsible for obtaining, prior to submission of the entry, any and all releases and consents necessary to permit the use and exhibition of the entry by Sponsor in the manner set forth in these Official Rules, including, without limitation, name and likeness releases for any person who appears in or is identifiable in the entry (collectively, the “Clearances”). By submitting an entry, an Entrant warrants and represents that he or she consents to the submission and use of the entry in the Contest.
By submitting an entry, each Entrant: 1) irrevocably grants Sponsor a royalty-free non-exclusive license throughout the world to use, re-use, copy, publish, republish in whole or in part, edit, add to, modify, and rearrange the entry in whatever media, including without limitation edit, rearrange, and/or copy the entry for use in the Contest of Sponsor’s products and services, without further permission, consideration or payment to the Entrant, except where prohibited; 2) warrants and represents that the Entry is entirely the original creation/work of the Entrant and that use of the Entry as described herein will not violate any law or infringe upon the rights, title, claim or interest of any third party; and 3) certify that Entrant is the creator and sole copyright owner of the Entry.
Entries may not contain any image or depiction of the following: (i) materials which include or constitute trademarks, trade names or copyrighted works created or owned by any person or entity other than Entrant or for which the Entrant has obtained owner’s written permission to use (Sponsor’s discretion); (ii) materials bearing profanities, or bearing the name or likeness of any celebrity, living or dead; (iii) materials which contain visible identifiable or potentially identifiable information, including but not limited to, phone numbers, website links, street addresses, e-mail addresses or license plate numbers; (iv) inappropriate behavior for a general audience; (v) any depiction of real or simulated sexual acts; (vi) violence in any form; (vi) materials which violate anyone’s reasonable privacy expectations, violate any known agreement, or which are defamatory in nature; (viii) materials which are derogatory to Sponsor, or any affiliated entity or person; (ix) materials which are discriminatory based on race, religion, national origin, physical disability, age, sex, or sexual orientation or preference; (x) materials in which any person identifiably appears unless Entrant has obtained an appropriate written release from such person granting all rights required herein; and, (xi) materials which do not comply with all other requirements in these Official Rules. Entries that do not conform to these guidelines will be disqualified. Sponsor reserves the right to reject or disqualify any entry which Sponsor, in its sole and absolute discretion, determines to be inconsistent with the letter or spirit of the Official Rules or potentially damaging to its, the Contest’s, or another’s image or reputation.
GENERAL CONDITIONS: If for any reason the operation or administration of this Contest is impaired or incapable of running as planned for any reason, including but not limited to: (a) infection by computer virus, bugs, (b) tampering, unauthorized intervention, (c) fraud, (d) technical failures, or (e) any other causes beyond the control of the Sponsor which corrupt or affect the administration, security, fairness, integrity or proper conduct of this Contest, the Sponsor reserves the right at its sole discretion, to disqualify any individual who tampers with the entry process, and to cancel, terminate, modify or suspend the Contest in whole or in part, at any time, without notice and award the Grand Prize (defined below) using all non-suspect eligible entries received as of, or after (if applicable) this cancellation, termination, modification or suspension date, or in any manner that is fair and equitable and best conforms to the spirit of these Official Rules. Sponsor reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to disqualify any individual deemed to be (a) tampering or attempting to tamper with the entry process or the operation of the Contest or Sponsor’s Website; or (b) acting in violation of these Official Rules or in an unsportsmanlike or disruptive manner. CAUTION: ANY ATTEMPT TO DELIBERATELY DAMAGE ANY WEBSITE OR UNDERMINE THE LEGITIMATE OPERATION OF THE CONTEST IS A VIOLATION OF CRIMINAL AND CIVIL LAWS AND SHOULD SUCH AN ATTEMPT BE MADE, THE SPONSOR RESERVES THE RIGHT TO SEEK DAMAGES OR OTHER REMEDIES FROM ANY SUCH PERSON(S) RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ATTEMPT TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW. Failure by the Sponsor to enforce any provision of these Official Rules shall not constitute a waiver of that provision. In the event of a dispute as to the identity of a winner based on an email address, the winning entry will be declared by the authorized account holder of the email address submitted at time of entry. “Authorized account holder” is defined as the natural person who is assigned to an email address by an Internet access provider, online service provider or other organization (e.g., business, educational, institution, etc.) that is responsible for assigning email addresses for the domain associated with the submitted email address.
RELEASE AND LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY: By participating in the Contest, Entrants agree to release and hold harmless the Released Parties from and against any claim or cause of action arising out of participation in the Contest or receipt or use of any prize, including, but not limited to: (a) any technical errors that may prevent an Entrant from submitting an entry; (b) unauthorized human intervention in the Contest; (c) printing errors; (d) errors in the administration of the Contest or the processing of entries; or (e) injury, death, or damage to persons or property which may be caused, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, from Entrant’s participation in the Contest or receipt of any prize. Released Parties assume no responsibility for any error, omission, interruption, deletion, defect, delay in operation or transmission, communications line failure, theft or destruction or unauthorized access to, or alteration of, entries. Released Parties are not responsible for any problems or technical malfunction of any telephone network or telephone lines, computer online systems, servers, or providers, computer equipment, software, failure of any email or entry to be received by Sponsor on account of technical problems, human error or traffic congestion on the Internet or at any Website, or any combination thereof, including any injury or damage to participant’s or any other person’s computer relating to or resulting from participation in this Contest or downloading any materials in this Contest. Entrant further agrees that in any cause of action, the Released Parties’ liability will be limited to the cost of entering and participating in the Contest, and in no event shall the Released Parties be liable for attorney’s fees. Entrant waives the right to claim any damages whatsoever, including, but not limited to, punitive, consequential, direct, or indirect damages.
WINNER DETERMINATION: During the Judging Period, each entry will be reviewed by a qualified judge or panel of judges appointed by the Sponsor. Each entry will be judged based on the clear relationship between the submission and the following criteria: Originality of the overall description (50%) and Relevance to the Contest Theme (50%). Once all entries have been graded, the Sponsor will identify (up to) five (5) Contest Finalists (“Contest Finalists”). Each Contest Finalist may be contacted by the Sponsor with a short interview request. One (1) Grand Prize Winner will be selected from the Contest Finalists based on the judges’ scoring/ranking according to the aforementioned criteria and interview process. The Grand Prize Winner, once confirmed by the Administrator, will be announced at the Website. All decisions of the Sponsor (and appointed judge(s)) are final and binding. The Grand Prize Winner will be contacted by the Administrator via telephone, email, and/or USPS mail.
GRAND PRIZE: There will be one (1) Grand Prize (“Grand Prize”) awarded following the conclusion of the Contest. The Grand Prize Winner, upon proper verification, will receive up to $ 10,000 (combined value of materials & labor) from the Prize Providers that may be a combination of pavers, concrete projects, retaining blocks, fire pit, etc. to be determined by design team. The Grand Prize package has an Approximate Retail Value of $ 10,000. If actual value of the Grand Prize is lower than the stated ARV when prize is procured and fulfilled, then the difference will not be awarded. In addition, the Winner and the improvement project will be featured on an episode of “Today’s Homeowner”. By accepting the Grand Prize, the Winner acknowledges that he/she and his/her home will be featured on “Today’s Homeowner” and that he/she must be available for taping (mandatory condition of prize acceptance).
By accepting the Grand Prize, the Winner agrees to release the Released Parties from any and all liability whatsoever for any injuries, losses, or damages of any kind caused by entering the promotion or for damages of any kind caused by any prize or resulting from acceptance, possession, or use/misuse of prize awarded. All other expenses, including, but not limited to taxes, not specifically mentioned herein are the responsibility of the Grand Prize Winner. The Grand Prize is not exchangeable, transferable, or redeemable for cash. There are no substitutions unless specified by the Sponsor. The Sponsor reserves the right in its sole discretion to substitute any prize package with another prize of equal or greater value in the event that the prize (or any component thereof) is not available as determined by the Sponsor in its sole discretion.
ADDITIONAL PRIZE CONDITIONS: The Grand Prize Winner will be required to sign an Affidavit of Eligibility and Liability/Publicity Release (US Winner) or a Declaration of Compliance (CA Winner), along with a copy of a valid government-issued driver’s license or identification card, and return the documents within seven (7) days of written notification. If a prize or prize notification is returned as unclaimed or undeliverable to the potential Winner, if the potential Winner cannot be reached or does not respond as instructed within three (3) calendar days from the first notification attempt, or if the potential Winner fails to return requisite document within the specified time period, or if potential Winner is not in compliance with these Official Rules, then such person shall be disqualified and, at Sponsor’s sole discretion, an alternate Winner may be selected based on the judges scoring. The Grand Prize Winner is solely responsible for all local, state, and federal taxes associated with the receipt of the Prize. The Grand Prize Winner will receive a 1099-MISC IRS form for the value of the Prize (applicable to US Winner only).
By accepting the Grand Prize, where permitted by law, the Winner grants to the Released Parties and those acting pursuant to the authority of Sponsor and the Released Parties (which grant will be confirmed in writing upon Sponsor’s request), the right to print, publish, broadcast and use worldwide IN ALL MEDIA without limitation at any time the Winner’s full name, portrait, picture, voice, likeness and/or biographical information for advertising, trade and promotional purposes without further payment or additional consideration, and without review, approval or notification. IN NO EVENT WILL RELEASED PARTIES BE RESPONSIBLE OR LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES OR LOSSES OF ANY KIND (INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES) ARISING OUT OF PARTICIPATION IN THIS CONTEST OR THE ACCEPTANCE, POSSESSION, USE, OR MISUSE OF, OR ANY HARM RESULTING FROM THE ACCEPTANCE, POSSESSION, USE OR MISUSE OF THE PRIZE. By participating, Entrants release and agree to hold harmless the Released Parties from any and all liability for any injuries, death or losses or damages to persons or property AS WELL AS CLAIMS/ACTIONS BASED ON PUBLICITY RIGHTS, DEFAMATION, AND/OR INVASION OF PRIVACY that may arise from participating in this Contest or its related activities or the acceptance, possession, use or misuse of, or any harm resulting from the acceptance, possession, use or misuse of the Prize. The Grand Prize Winner also acknowledges that Released Parties have neither made nor are in any manner responsible or liable for any warranty, representation or guarantee, express or implied, in fact or in law, relative to the Prize.
USE OF DATA: All information submitted by Entrants will be treated according to Sponsor’s privacy policy, available at http://www.todayshomeowner.com/privacy-policy/. By participating in the Contest and providing any personal contact information, Entrants hereby agree to Sponsor’s collection and usage of their personal information and acknowledge that they have read and accepted Sponsor’s Privacy Policy.
DISPUTES: All issues and questions concerning the construction, validity, interpretation and enforceability of these Official Rules or the rights and obligations of Entrants, Administrator, and Sponsor in connection with the Contest shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Alabama, without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law rules or provisions that would cause the application of any other state’s or jurisdiction’s laws. By participating in the Contest, Entrant agrees that: (i) any and all disputes, claims, and causes of action arising out of or in connection with the Contest, shall be resolved individually without resort to any form of class action; (ii) any judicial proceeding shall take place in a federal or state court within the State of Alabama; (iii) any and all claims, judgments, and awards shall be limited to actual out-of-pocket costs incurred, including costs associated with entering this Contest, but in no event will attorney fees be awarded or recoverable; (iv) under no circumstances will Entrant be permitted to obtain awards for, and Entrant hereby waives all rights to seek, punitive, incidental, exemplary, consequential, special damages, lost profits, other damages, and/or any rights to have damages multiplied or otherwise increased; and (v) Entrant’s remedies are limited to a claim for money damages (if any) and he/she waives any right to seek injunctive or equitable relief.
SEVERABILITY: The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of these Official Rules will not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision. If any provision of the Official Rules is determined to be invalid or otherwise unenforceable, the other provisions will remain in effect and will be construed as if the invalid or unenforceable provision were not contained herein.
MISCELLANEOUS: These Official Rules contain the full and complete understanding with respect to the Contest and supersede all prior and contemporaneous agreements, representations and understandings, whether oral or written. The headings herein are for convenience only, do not constitute a part of these Official Rules, and shall not be deemed to limit or affect any of the provisions hereof. No amendment to, or waiver of, any provision of these Official Rules shall be effective unless in writing and signed by both Sponsor and Administrator. The waiver by Sponsor or Administrator of any provision of these Official Rules shall not constitute a waiver of any other provision herein. The rights and obligations hereunder may not be assigned by Entrant, whether by operation of law or otherwise, without the prior written consent of Sponsor, and any attempted assignment in violation of the foregoing shall be null and void. These Official Rules shall be binding upon, and inure to the benefit of, the permitted successors and assigns of Sponsor, Administrator, and Entrant.
WINNERS LIST REQUEST: To request confirmation of the name, city, and state of the Grand Prize Winner, please send a self-addressed, stamped business size envelope, by June 20, 2020, to: ASC/THM “Backyard Paradise” Contest Winners List Request, 300 State St., Suite 402, Rochester, NY 14614.
