“AE CAMPUS COMEDY CHALLENGE” OFFICIAL RULES

NO PURCHASE IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN THIS CONTEST.  A PURCHASE WILL NOT IMPROVE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. 

The “AE CAMPUS COMEDY CHALLENGE” (“Contest”) starts at 8:30 pm CT on 1/25/07and ends at 12:00 noon ET on 3/19/07 as detailed below.  The sponsor of this Contest is American Eagle Outfitters, Inc., 150 Thorn Hill Drive, Warrendale, PA 15086 (the “Sponsor”).  The Contest shall be subject to these Official Rules, and by entering, all participants agree to be bound by the terms and conditions herein.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: ONLY ONE (1) ENTRY PER PERSON WILL BE ACCEPTED FOR THIS CONTEST. 

ELIGIBILITY.  This Contest is only open to legal residents of the fifty (50) United States and the District of Columbia who are of majority age in the jurisdiction of their legal residency as of the date of their entry and who at time of entry and prize awarding are a registered college student at an accredited college or university located in the fifty (50) United States or District of Columbia. Employees of the Sponsor, Relief Productions, Inc., their respective parent companies, affiliates, subsidiaries, and related companies, agencies, the judging panel and WEST COAST MARKETING, a Division of The Susquehanna Hat Company (collectively, the “Promotion Parties”), and their immediate families (defined as parents, children, siblings and spouse and their respective spouses, regardless of where they reside) and those living in the household of same, whether or not related, are not eligible to enter or win.  In addition all entrants represent and warrant that they are not under contract with any third party, or are the member of any performance union or guild, including, without limitation, A.E.A., S.A.G. or A.F.T.R.A., which might interfere with his or her ability to participate fully in the Contest and receive a prize if selected as a winner. This Contest is void where prohibited or restricted by law.  By entering, entrants agree that they have read these Official Rules and to abide by and be bound by all terms of these Official Rules.

HOW TO ENTER:  According to the schedule detailed below, register at any one (1) stated location to participate in the Preliminary Round of the Contest.  You will be required to provide your name, address, city, state, zip code, telephone number(s), email address and the college or university currently attending and current year of attendance.  In addition, you will be required to complete and sign an Affidavit of Eligibility/Submission Release Form (“Submission Form”).  Failure to complete this Affidavit of Eligibility/Submission Release Form will result in forfeiture.  After meeting all of the above stated registration requirements, you will be given the opportunity to perform your original 3-5 minute comedy routine as your Preliminary Round entry.

Preliminary Round Sign-up Schedule

Note: all times are local to the venue

Bracket 1 

Bracket 2

Bracket 3

Bracket 4

ALL PRELIMINARY ROUND REGISTRATIONS & ENTRIES MUST BE RECEIVED ACCORDING TO THE SCHEDULE ABOVE.

REGIONAL SCHOOL EVENT PARTICIPANT SELECTION:  All eligible Preliminary Round registration entries received will be judged in a Preliminary Round to determine the funniest performance, based on originality and topicality.

All Preliminary Round judging will be done either by a panel of qualified judges or the audience in attendance will be given the opportunity to vote for their Preliminary Round performance.  Note: voting may be different at each Preliminary Round Event and may take the form of a physical show of support (clapping, standing, raising of hands, etc.) or other method determined in the sole discretion of the Sponsor or its designee. Preliminary Round judging for a specific Preliminary Round Event is scheduled to be completed immediately following the final performance for that Preliminary Round Event. The five (5) eligible entries received for each Regional School Event location as detailed above, that are judged to have achieved the five (5) highest scores according to the above-specified criteria, as determined by Sponsor, shall be declared a School Finalist and will be notified by telephone and/or email within twenty-four (24) hours of the completion of judging and will have the opportunity to perform in that specific Regional School Event of the Contest.  Sponsor in its sole discretion shall determine if any entry is inappropriate for participation in this Contest, including but not limited to publication on Sponsor’s Web site for any reason.  Sponsor shall have the right to disqualify any entries that it deemsto not meet the criteria, or due to technical, legal or other problems, or which it deems to be obscene or otherwise not in good taste, as determined by Sponsor in its sole discretion. Entries may not defame or invade the publicity or privacy rights of any person, living or deceased, or otherwise infringe upon any person’s personal or proprietary rights.  Sponsor and Judges’ decisions are final and binding with respect to all matters relating to this Contest.  In the case of a tie, a second voting by the audience in attendance will be conducted and will continue, as needed to break the tie.  Sponsor reserves the right to choose fewer than five (5) Regional School Event Participants for a specific Regional School Event if, in its sole discretion, it does not receive a sufficient number of eligible and qualified entries for that specific Regional School Event.

Regional School Event Performance Schedule

Note: all times are local to the venue.

Bracket 1 

Bracket 2

Bracket 3

Bracket 4

REGIONAL SCHOOL EVENT ROUND – BRACKET FINALIST SELECTION:  At the conclusion of each of the Regional School Events listed above, the audience in attendance will be given the opportunity to vote for their favorite Regional School Event Participant performance.  Note: voting may be different at each Regional School Event and may take the form of on-site kiosk voting, text-messaging, paper ballots, physical show of support (clapping, standing, raising of hands, etc.) or other method determined in the sole discretion of the Sponsor or its designee.  ONLY ONE (1) VOTE PER PERSON IN ATTENDANCE WILL BE ALLOWED.  The one (1) performance at a specific Regional School Event receiving the highest total vote as determined by Sponsor or its designee shall be declared the Regional Finalist for that specific Regional School Event and as such qualify for the National Quarter-Finals bracket of the Contest as detailed below.  Sponsor in its sole discretion shall determine if any entry is inappropriate for publication on Sponsor’s Web site for any reason.  Sponsor shall have the right to disqualify any entries that it deemsto not meet the criteria, or due to technical, legal or other problems, or which it deems to be obscene or otherwise not in good taste, as determined by Sponsor in its sole discretion. Entries may not defame or invade the publicity or privacy rights of any person, living or deceased, or otherwise infringe upon any person’s personal or proprietary rights.  Sponsor’s and Judges’ decisions (as applicable) are final and binding with respect to all matters relating to this Contest.  In the case of a tie, a second voting by the audience in attendance will be conducted and will continue, as needed to break the tie. Sponsor reserves the right to choose fewer than one (1) Regional Finalist for a specific Regional School Event, if, in its sole discretion, it does not receive a sufficient number of eligible and qualified entries.  Regional Finalists will be notified at the completion of the audience vote tabulation.

Regional Finalists for Brackets #1, #2 & #3 will be provided with a congratulations package (see below for contents) either at the conclusion of the audience vote tabulation or will be sent one to the address listed on their Submission Form via overnight delivery service selected by Sponsor.  Regional Finalists will be required to execute and return a notarized “AE CAMPUS COMEDY CHALLENGE” Affidavit of Eligibility, Release of Liability and (except where prohibited by law) a Publicity Release form as well as an IRS W-9 form within five (5) days of issuance.  A prepaid return overnight delivery air bill will be provided to facilitate the return of all required documents.  Regional Finalists for Region #4 will be provided with their congratulations package at the conclusion of the audience vote tabulation. Regional Finalists for Region #4 will be required to execute their Affidavit of Eligibility, Release of Liability and (except where prohibited) Publicity Release and complete their IRS W-9 form at the time of notification immediately following the completion of the audience vote tabulation.  In the event that a potential Regional Finalist is not available at the time of attempted notification, Sponsor may at its sole discretion forfeit said Regional Finalist and at Sponsor’s discretion, elect to select an alternate. If such alternate selection is conducted, entrant scoring the next highest in the opinion of the Sponsor will be declared the Regional Finalist.

Failure to return all required documents within the deadline or comply with these Official Rules may result in the forfeiture of place as a Regional Finalist and, at Sponsor’s discretion, a runner-up may be selected.  Any notification returned to Sponsor or its fulfillment company as undeliverable for any reason will be forfeited and, at Sponsor’s discretion, a runner-up may be notified.  If a runner-up selection is necessary for any reason, the entry with the next highest total score shall be declared the Regional Finalist.

WINNER DETERMINATION:  All three (3) Regional Finalists’ winning performances in each Bracket will be posted in the National Quarter-Finals brackets of the Contest at the Sponsor’s web site at www.ae.com (“Web Site”) and the public will be allowed to visit the Web Site and vote for one (1) Regional Finalist in each of the four (4) Brackets, according to the following schedule and details below:

Bracket           Voting begins                                             

Voting by the public begins at the times and on dates as indicated and all voting ends at 12:00 noon ET on 3/19/07.

Votes generated by script, macro or other automated means or with the intent to impair the integrity of the voting process will be void. 

Beginning at 8:00 am ET on 3/16/07 (with the posting of the Regional Finalists for the fourth and final Bracket (Bracket #4)) and continuing until 12:00 noon ET on 3/19/07 the public will have the opportunity to complete their brackets by voting for their favorite Regional Finalist performance in Bracket #4 and also by voting for their National Semi-Finalists, Finalists and National Champion selections as well.

At the conclusion of voting on 3/19/07, Sponsor will post a completed bracket identifying the National Semi-Finalists (the Regional Finalists in each of the four (4) Brackets who received the highest vote total by percentage at the conclusion of the public voting schedule stated above), the National Finalists (the two (2) National Semi-Finalists in the competition between Bracket #1 and Bracket #2, and the competition between Bracket #3 and Bracket #4, respectively, who received the highest vote total by percentage at the conclusion of the public voting schedule stated above), and the National Champion (the one (1) National Finalist receiving the highest vote total by percentage at the conclusion of the public voting schedule stated above).

CANCUN BONUS PRIZE DETERMINATION:  The two participants scoring the two (2) highest voting totals by percentage in overall progression of the Contest and who meet all eligibility requirements as stated above as well as meeting the following travel requirements, will be declared the Cancun Bonus Prize Winners.  Cancun Bonus Prize Winners must be: (i) in possession of a valid U.S. passport in good standing as of 3/19/07 and continuing until 3/22/07 and (ii) be able to travel during the specific dates of 3/20/07-3/22/07.  If a Cancun Bonus Prize Winner is unable to meet any/all of the above eligibility and/or travel requirements, his or her place as a Cancun Bonus Prize Winner will be forfeited and Sponsor at its sole discretion may elect to select the next participant scoring the highest by voting percentage as a Cancun Bonus Prize Winner.

In the event of a tie at any level, the voting will be held open for an additional thirty (30) minutes for continued voting. If a tie continues, the additional thirty (30) minute process will continue until the tie is broken.

National Champion winner will be posted at the Web Site at the conclusion of the all of the above stated voting and will be contacted by telephone and/or email.   Cancun Bonus Prize Winners will be contacted by telephone following the conclusion of all of the above stated voting.

The Promotion Parties and their respective officers, directors, shareholders, employees and agents, judges and any and all Internet servers and access provider(s) (collectively, the “Releasees”) are not responsible for: any incorrect or inaccurate entry information; human error; technical malfunctions; failures, omissions, interruptions, deletion, or defects of any telephone network, computer online or e-mail systems, computer equipment, servers, providers, or software, including any injury or damage to participant's or any other person's computer relating to or resulting from participation in this Contest; inability to access the Web Site or any pages thereof; theft, tampering, destruction, or unauthorized access to, or alteration of entries; data processing that is processed late or incorrectly or is incomplete or lost due to telephone, computer, software or electronic malfunction or traffic congestion on telephone lines or the Internet or any web site; or for any other errors or problems of any kind relating to or in connection with the Contest, whether computer, network, technical, mechanical, printing, typographical, human or otherwise or any combination thereof, including, without limitation, any errors or problems which may occur in connection with the administration of the Contest, the processing or judging of entries, the announcement of the prizes or in any Contest-related materials.  Proof of submitting an entry or vote is not considered proof of delivery or receipt.  Illegible and incomplete entries will be disqualified.  All entries become the property of the Sponsor and will not be returned.  False and/or deceptive entries or acts shall render entrants ineligible.  By entering the Contest, entrants affirm that they have read and accepted these Official Rules.

Privacy Information.  The information obtained from the entry will be used by Sponsor and its affiliates unless otherwise noted by the entrant. For more details, please see our privacy policy at www.ae.com.  Sponsor and its affiliates would like to use this information to contact you either by mail or email about our special promotions or events. If you prefer not to receive updates of special promotions and/or events, indicate such preference on www.ae.com.

The laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania apply to and govern this Sweepstakes and any claims must be raised and resolved in the Federal or state courts located in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, United States.

PRIZES:  AE CAMPUS COMEDY CHALLENGE NATIONAL CHAMPION PRIZE (1 will be awarded):  The AE CAMPUS COMEDY CHALLENGE NATIONAL CHAMPION PRIZE consists of an opportunity for the winner to appear in an AE produced television spot.  Prize shall consist of a trip* (dates of travel to be determined by Sponsor) to a contiguous Continental U.S. destination city determined by Sponsor (“Destination City”) for National Champion to perform in a production of an AE produced television spot.  Prize includes (i) round trip (“R/T”) economy class (coach) air transportation from the major contiguous Continental U.S. gateway city airport closest to the winner’s hometown selected by Sponsor to a Destination City airport selected by Sponsor, (ii) two (2) consecutive nights hotel accommodations (one [1] standard room) at a Destination City area hotel selected by Sponsor, (iii) R/T airport/hotel ground transfers in Destination City, (iv) the opportunity to perform in an AE produced television spot and (v) $1,000 per day pay scale (2 days). The approximate retail value of this prize is $3,100.

National Champion’s appearance in an AE television spot is subject to producer’s requirements and sole discretion, and, prior to participation in the television spot, National Champion may be required to sign producer’s full standard release and to submit to producer’s standard interview and screening process and any other required documentation.  Releasees accept no responsibility for changes in television spot production schedule or cancellation of production and cannot guarantee that if the winner participates and performs in the television spot production, that such performance will be used or appear in the final edited version of television spot or any media production.  National Champion will receive no additional compensation beyond what is detailed above, regardless of whether the National Champion’s performance actually appears in the AE television spot.  In the event that the National Champion lives within one hundred and fifty (150) miles of the Destination City, Sponsor may, in its sole discretion, substitute ground transportation of Sponsor’s choice for the air travel portion of the prize as detailed above.  

CANCUN BONUS PRIZE: (Two (2) Cancun Bonus Prizes will be awarded):  Each Cancun Bonus Prize consists solely of a trip* (specific dates of travel are to be determined by Sponsor with anticipated travel dates of 3/20/07-3/22/07 but are subject to change) for one (1) person to Cancun, Mexico (“Cancun”) to take part in the AE Campus Comedy Challenge Spring Break event at the AE Spring Break Lounge and Beach, including (i) round-trip (“R/T”) coach air transportation (on a carrier selected by Sponsor) between the major U.S. gateway city airport closest to the winner’s residence and Cancun and (ii) two (2) nights hotel accommodations (single standard room) at a hotel selected by Sponsor. The approximate retail value of each Cancun Bonus Prize is $1,500.  The actual value of the prize will depend on the winner’s point of departure and market conditions at time of travel booking.

Travel arrangements must be made through Sponsor’s agent. All meals, gratuities, ground transfers, insurance, incidentals and any other costs and expenses not specified herein as being awarded are the sole responsibility of the Cancun Bonus Prize winner. The Cancun Bonus Prize Winners must travel during the dates specified by Sponsor or prize will be forfeited and Sponsor will have no further obligation to such winner.  Cancun Bonus Prize winners will be required to provide valid U.S. government issued passports and any other required travel documentation at time of travel.  No changes will be made to travel details once any portion of travel arrangements has been made.  Certain travel restrictions may apply.

*All travel prizes are subject to the following conditions and restrictions: Specific retail value of prize depends on departure and destination cities and market conditions on dates of travel.   All expenses and taxes not specifically mentioned herein, including without limitation or limited to, the transportation between the winner’s home and the major contiguous Continental U.S. gateway city airport closest to the winner’s hometown are the sole responsibility of the winner.  All meals, gratuities, excursions, incidentals and any other expenses not specified herein as being awarded are the sole responsibility of the winner.   Winners must be able to travel on dates selected by Sponsor or prize will be forfeited and an alternate winner may be determined at Sponsor’s sole discretion according to details above. All travel is subject to blackout dates and availabilities for all elements of the prize travel.   No extensions will be allowed.  Air tickets are not valid for frequent flyer mileage.  Travel and lodging are subject to availability and certain restrictions and black out dates apply.  Confirmed-space reservations will depend on seat availability at the time of request. Winner and guest will be required to provide valid U.S. Federal or state photo ID as required at time of travel.  No changes will be made to travel details once any portion of travel arrangements has been made.  Releasees are not responsible for cancellation of any element of prizes or for changes in schedule of any element of a prize. In the event of a change in schedule or cancellation of any element of a prize, no additional prize element shall be substituted.  All taxes/fees and expenses in conjunction with air tickets are the responsibility of the Winner, including all necessary government documentation.  Hotel accommodations consist of room and room tax charges only.  Travel must originate from and end at the same airport.  Once travel commences, no stopovers are permitted; if stopover occurs, full fare will be charged from stopover point for the remaining segments, including return, of the trip. 

An unclaimed and/or unused travel package will remain the property of Sponsor and will not be awarded.  Winners may be required, as a condition of fulfilling the prize, to subject themselves to reasonable searches as required by the security procedures in place for any element of a prie, and agree to the performance of a background check. 

REGIONAL FINALIST PRIZES (Twelve Regional Finalist Prizes will be awarded):  Each Regional Finalist will receive a $100 AE gift card subject to all redemption terms and conditions available at www.ae.com.

All prize winners and his or her submitted entry or additional performance(s) may be profiled by Sponsor in Sponsor’s advertising and marketing campaigns including but not limited to broadcast and/or television, online, in-store and promotional materials. Sponsor reserves the right to change any element of a prize.   All details and features of prizes shall be determined by Sponsor in its sole discretion.

The total approximate retail value of the prizes to be awarded in this Contest is $7,300.  Prizes are not transferable, assignable or redeemable for cash.  No substitution, transfer or cash equivalent of a prize by a winner is permitted except at the sole discretion of the Sponsor.  Sponsor reserves the right to substitute a prize (or portion thereof) of comparable or greater value, at its sole discretion.  All applicable federal, state, local or other taxes, including but not limited to income and withholding taxes, are the sole responsibility of winners. 

GENERAL: This Contest is subject to all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.  All entrants represent and warrant that any material that he or she submits is original, has not been previously published or won an award, does not infringe upon the copyright or any other right or interest of any other person or organization, and that the entrant has not previously granted any rights to such material to any other person or organization, nor does any third party have any interest in such materials. 

Sponsor reserves the right to conduct background checks on any Finalist at any level as detailed above and/or to verify the accuracy or legitimacy for truthfulness of any information contained within the submitted entry.  By entering this Contest, entrants (i) agree that all entries and any other materials submitted (whether acceptable or not, regardless of the form they take) will be owned exclusively by Sponsor, and (ii) grant Licensees (as defined below) the absolute and exclusive right and permission to edit, modify, publish, exploit and use the content of and elements embodied in the entry (including the performance) and the entry itself worldwide in perpetuity in any and all media (whether now existing or hereafter devised) and in any manner, for trade, advertising, promotional or any other purposes without further approval, permission or consideration.  Entrants also agree that Sponsor, its affiliated and subsidiary companies, licensees, designees and assigns (collectively, “Licensees”) shall have the right and permission to use the name, city and state of residence, signature, voice, video, picture or other likeness, entry, and/or entry information of entrant in any manner or media now or hereafter known (including, without limitation, placing entrant’s name, signature, photograph, video, entry, and/or entry information onto the Sponsor’s web site or other site promoting this Contest) without further consideration or notification to or permission from entrant or any third party, except where prohibited by law. 

Releasees shall not be liable for personal injuries, death, damages, expenses or costs or losses of any kind resulting from participation or inability to participate in this Contest or acceptance of or use or inability to use a prize (including any travel or activity related thereto) or parts thereof including, without limitation, claims, suits, injuries, losses and damages related to personal injuries, death, damage to or destruction of property, rights of publicity or privacy, defamation or portrayal in a false light (whether intentional or unintentional), whether under a theory of contract, tort (including negligence), warranty or other theory.  Entrants release the Releasees from any and all liability and responsibility with respect to the prizes (including any property loss, damage, personal injury, death or travel related hereto). Releasees are not responsible for any changes in the entry, performance, promotion and/or judging schedule as detailed above, including but not limited to changes in date(s), time(s) and/or venue(s). Winners acknowledge that the aforementioned individuals and entities have neither made nor are in any manner responsible for any warranty, representation or guarantee, expressed or implied, in fact or in law, related to the prizes.

If a prize (or portion thereof) cannot be awarded due to circumstances beyond the control of the Sponsor, a substitute prize of comparable or greater retail value will be awarded at the discretion of the Sponsor. Releasees shall not be liable to winner or any other person for failure to supply the prize or any part thereof, by reason of any acts of God, any action(s), regulation(s), order(s) or request(s) by any governmental or quasi-governmental entity (whether or not the action(s), regulation(s), order(s) or request(s) prove(s) to be invalid), equipment failure, terrorist acts, earthquake, war, fire, flood, explosion, unusually severe weather, hurricane, embargo, labor dispute or strike (whether legal or illegal) labor or material shortage, transportation interruption of any kind, work slow-down, civil disturbance, insurrection, riot, or any other cause beyond Releasees’ sole control.  Releasees shall not be responsible for any cancellations, delays, diversions or substitutions or any act or omissions whatsoever by the air carrier(s), hotel(s), or other transportation companies or any other persons providing any of these services and accommodations to passengers including any results thereof such as changes in services or accommodations necessitated by same.  Releasees shall not be liable for any loss or damage to baggage.

If for any reason this Contest is not capable of running as planned or does not allow the proper playing of the Contest and processing of entries per these rules, or if tampering, unauthorized intervention, actions by entrants, fraud, technical failures, or any other causes, in Sponsor’s sole opinion, corrupt or affect the administration, security, fairness, integrity, or proper conduct of this Contest, Sponsor reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to disqualify any individual (and void his/her entry) implicated in such action, and/or to modify or terminate the Contest or further entry or participation in this Contest, as Sponsor deems appropriate.  If modification or termination of this Contest occurs, notification will be posted on the web site at http://www.ae.com and Sponsor may, at its discretion, select potential Finalists and/or prize winners (as applicable) from among all eligible, non-suspect entries received up to time of action.  A potential Finalist or prize winner may be requested to provide Sponsor with proof that all eligibility requirements are met. ANY ATTEMPT BY AN ENTRANT OR ANY OTHER INDIVIDUAL TO DELIBERATELY 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 AND OTHER REMEDIES FROM ANY SUCH PERSON TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW. 

For an Official Winner’s List, (available after 3/20/07) or a copy of these Official Rules, send a self-addressed, stamped (residents of Canada may omit return postage) envelope to: “AE CAMPUS COMEDY CHALLENGE” - WINNER’S NAME - OR - OFFICIAL RULES (VT residents may omit return postage for Official Rules request) (PLEASE SPECIFY WHICH), PO Box 56436, Sherman Oaks, CA 91413.  Beginning at (TIME) on (DATE) and continuing until (TIME) on (DATE) Official Rules are also available at the Web Site.

(©) 2007 American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.  All Rights Reserved.