FAQ

1. Who can enter the OSPAs?
2. How do I enter?
3. Where can I find the criteria for each category?
4. Can I, or my company, enter more than one category?
5. Do entries have to be anonymous?
6. Can I attach extra material to my entry?
7. I entered but did not receive a confirmation email. What should I do?
8. How much does it cost to enter?
9. When will I find out if I have won?
10. I entered but want to change my entry, what shall I do?
11. Can a Sponsor enter the category they sponsor?
12. I work for the company that Sponsors a category I want to enter (individually or as a team); can I enter this category?
13. I/we want to enter the Outstanding Security Partnership category, but the company that we partner with sponsors this Category. Can we still enter?
14. Can a Sponsor enter a category that they haven’t sponsored?
15. Can I enter a category if the Sponsor of this category encourages me to do so?
16. I am a member of the Association that supports the category I want to enter; can I still enter this category?
17. I am part of the board of the Association that supports the category I want to enter; can I still enter this category?
18. I work for the same company as one of the nominated judges; can I still enter?
19. I work for a rival company to one of the nominated judges; will this judge mark my entry?
20. If I enter, do I have to attend?
21. I have paid to attend the event, as I am a finalist. However, I cannot attend anymore, can a representative attend on my behalf?

Any questions that are not answered in our FAQ please contact us at enquiries@theospas.com and we will be happy to respond to any queries you may have.

1. Who can enter the OSPAs?

Anyone working in the security sector of a country with an OSPAs scheme can enter (unless you sponsor the category – see below). You don’t have to be a member of an organisation or association to do so.  The main criterion for entry is that you can show that you, your team or your company have performed at an exceptional level. You are permitted to enter more than one award category.

2. How do I enter?

When entries are open, you will be able to enter via the entry form on the ‘Enter page’ of the website. You will receive an email to confirm your entry.

3. Where can I find the criteria for each category?

The criteria can be found on the ‘Enter’ page under each category description and questions. The criteria will be found under the heading ‘The Judges will be looking for evidence of outstanding performance in:’

4. Can I, my team or my company, enter more than one category?

Yes, as long as the entry requirements are met – evidence presented in each award category needs to show outstanding performance in that category.

5. Do entries have to be anonymous?

No, not anymore. Our experience has led us to let the judges see the entry in full so that they can help ensure that no OSPA is awarded to anyone disreputable. That stated, please be assured that judges will mark the entry based only on the information that has been provided. By limiting the entry to short text based answers the OSPAs aims to create a level playing field where small and large companies can compete fairly. All our judges have to agree an ethics policy before they are selected and they all mark independently of each other.

6. Can I attach extra material to my entry?

No, judges will only mark according to the text-based answers given in the entry form. However, in certain circumstances entries must be prepared to provide extra evidence or provide reasonable support for any points raised or answers to any queries that may arise from the judging.

7. I entered but did not receive a confirmation email. What should I do?

Contact us at enquiries@theospas.com

8. How much does it cost to enter?

It is $95 to enter the 2021 Australia OSPAs.

9. When will I find out if I have won?

On the night itself – only the finalists are announced prior to the event.

10. I entered but want to change my entry, what shall I do?

No entries can be altered once you have entered

11. Can a Sponsor enter the category they sponsor?

No, category sponsors cannot enter the category they sponsor.

12. I work for the company that Sponsors a category I want to enter (individually or as a team), can I enter this category?

No, even if you want to enter as an individual or a team, if you work for the company that sponsors that category, you cannot enter.

13. I/we want to enter the Outstanding Security Partnership category, but the company that we partner with sponsors this Category. Can we still enter?

No, even if you are entering the category for yourself/your company, if your partnership involves the Sponsor of this category you cannot enter.

14. Can a Sponsor enter a category that they haven’t sponsored?

Yes, they can enter every category EXCEPT the one that they sponsor.

15. Can I enter a category if the Sponsor of this category encourages me to do so?

Yes, as long as you do not work for the Sponsor company. It is the judges who assess the entries, not Sponsors. 

16. I am a member of the Association that supports the category I want to enter; can I still enter this category?

Yes, only sponsors are not permitted to enter their sponsored category

17. I am part of the board of the Association that supports the category I want to enter; can I still enter this category?

This is discouraged.

18. I work for the same company as one of the nominated judges; can I still enter?

Yes, as noted the judges have to adhere to a strict judging ethics code. If they know the entry well or have ties with the entry, they are required to state this and not mark the entry.

19. I work for a rival company to one of the nominated judges; will this judge mark my entry

No, as stated above, if the judge knows the entry well or has ties with the entry (even as a rival), they are required to state this and not mark the entry.

20. If I enter, do I have to attend?

No, it is not obligatory to attend if you enter. However, if you were a finalist we would expect you, or a representative, to attend to collect your OSPA trophy if you win. Nevertheless, even if you are not a finalist the night itself will be a great networking opportunity and attended by well-known individuals within the security industry. There will also be pre event drinks at the bar, a 3-course meal, award giving and entertainment on the night.

21. I have paid to attend the event, as I am a finalist. However, I cannot attend anymore, can a representative attend on my behalf?

Yes, we would expect someone to receive the award on behalf of yourself or your company. If this is the case, make sure to inform us by email (enquiries@theospas.com) with the name and contact details of the representative.