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USAtoDATE Contest official rules

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Below are the official rules for winning a Valentine's date with Paste BN reporter Erin Jensen. Apply or nominate someone at this link.

NO PURCHASE, PAYMENT OR ENTRY FEE OF ANY KIND IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR TO WIN. A PURCHASE OR PAYMENT OF ANY KIND WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING.  VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

SPONSOR

The USAtoDATE Contest (the “Contest”) is sponsored by Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC d/b/a Paste BN (“USAT”) having its principal business address at 1675 Broadway, 23rd Floor, New York, New York 10019  (“Sponsor”).

CONTEST OVERVIEW

Readers are asked to help Erin Jensen (“Erin”), Entertainment Writer for USAT, find love for Valentine’s Day by submitting a photo and short video about or including the man they think would be a great date for Erin.  Erin will then have a series of first dates via video and the Contest will culminate with Erin choosing Mr. Right for a special Valentine’s Day date in New York City during the week of February 9, 2025.

PART 1 – SUBMISSION OF PHOTOS AND VIDEOS

Photo and Video Submission Overview

On January 14, 2025, Erin will introduce herself through a first-person piece and short video in  the USAT online edition; there is no charge to access this online USAT edition.  Erin’s story will also appear in the January 15, 2025 print edition of USAT, which is available to current subscribers of USAT and also for purchase at select locations in the United States.  As a response to this introductory piece from Erin, readers will be asked to:

(a) submit a photo (each the “Photo” and collectively the “Photos”) and video (each the “Video” and collectively the “Videos”) including the man the reader wants to set Erin up with; or

(b) submit a Photo and a Video talking about the man the reader wants to set Erin up with; or

(c) submit a Photo and Video of himself talking about why he should be Erin’s date.

The Photo and Video submitted to Sponsor in the Contest will be referred to throughout these Official Rules together as the “Media”.     

Who Can Submit the Media

The following criteria must be met by the person submitting the Media:

(a) legal resident who physically resides within the United States or the District of Columbia; and

(b) twenty-one (21) years of age or older at the time the Media is submitted to Sponsor

(each the “Entrant” and collectively the “Entrants”). 

Employees, contractors or interns of Sponsor and each of its respective divisions, affiliates, parent companies, subsidiaries, advertising and promotion agencies (including, in each case, immediate family members) are not eligible to submit Media to enter the Contest.    

Consent From Man Nominated by the Entrant

The Entrant must have the right to submit the Media for consideration in the Contest.  If the  Media (a) features a man that is not the Entrant or (b) talks about the man who Erin should consider as a potential date (and is not the Entrant), the man being featured in the Media must consent to the entry of such Media in the Contest by signing a Release (as defined below), or such Media will be disqualified from consideration in the Contest.  An Entrant can submit one (1) entry and corresponding Media in the Contest.

Who Can Appear in the Media as a Potential Date for Erin

To appear in the Media as a potential date for Erin (each the “Potential Date” and collectively the “Potential Dates”), the Potential Date must be:

(a) male and between twenty-seven (27) and fifty (50)  years of age at the time of Media  submission to Sponsor;

(b) legal resident and physically reside within the United States or the District of Columbia (excluding Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico);

(c) single, widowed, divorced or legally separated at the time of Media submission; 

(d) never convicted of a felony; and

(e) not required to register as a sex offender with any state, federal or local sex offender registry.

In addition, the Potential Date must not impersonate any person and agrees that his participation in the Contest is for bona fide relationship-seeking purposes.  The Entrant and the Potential Date may be the same person as long as the eligibility criteria detailed above are met.     The Potential Date understands and agrees that these criteria may be changed, modified, or amended by Sponsor at any time in its sole discretion.  Employees, contractors or interns of Sponsor and each of its respective divisions, affiliates, parent companies, subsidiaries, advertising and promotion agencies (including, in each case, immediate family members) are not eligible to appear in the Media as a Potential Date or be talked about in the Video as a Potential Date. 

Media Submission Period

The submission period to submit the Media begins at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time (“ET”) on January 14, 2025 and ends at 5:00 p.m. ET on January 26, 2025 (the “Submission Period”).     Entrant agrees to complete all additional forms required by Sponsor and further must be able to grant to Sponsor all rights set forth in such forms, including without limitation, other releases as required by Sponsor (each the “Release” and collectively the “Releases”).

Video Submission Requirements

The Video submitted by the Entrant must meet the following requirements:

(a) Maximum two (2) minutes in length;

(b) Vertical video format (portrait);

(c) High definition; and

(d) Appropriate filming settings (e.g., natural lighting, clean background)

If the Entrant submits the Video in any other format and/or exceeds the maximum two (2) minute time limit, the Video may be disqualified, in Sponsor’s sole discretion.  The Video must be the Entrant’s original previously unpublished work. 

Video Content Guidelines

The Video must not:

(a) contain material that violates or infringes another’s rights, including, but not limited to, privacy, publicity, copyright, trademark, trade secret, trade dress, and other intellectual property rights;

(b) include any individual who is a minor;

(c) disparage Sponsor or any other person or party affiliated with the promotion and administration of the Contest, or such parties’ products or services;

(d) contain material that is indecent, lewd, pornographic, obscene, profane, hateful, defamatory, slanderous or libelous;

(e) contain any nudity or sexually suggestive content;

(f) be edited, altered or manipulated using artificial intelligence (AI) or image editing software like Photoshop, contain digitally added objects, background changes, altered colors or facial or body modifications;

(g) promote discrimination against or contempt for other people on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, caste, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, religious affiliation, age, disability, or disease;

(h) contain any viruses, trojan horses, trap doors, back doors, easter eggs, worms, time bombs, cancelbots or other computer programming routines that are intended to interfere with or cause harm to any website, computer, device or software; or

(i) contain material that violates any federal, state, or local laws or ordinances.

Photo Submission Guidelines

The Photo must not:

(a) include any person not being nominated by the Entrant as the Potential Date for Erin; no other persons should appear in the Photo, except the Potential Date; 

(b) be submitted by someone who is not the owner of the Photo, or otherwise has the right to submit the Photo for consideration in the Contest. 

(c) be a professional photo;    

(d) be under consideration for prizes or publication elsewhere;

(e) contain material that violates or infringes another’s rights, including, but not limited to, privacy, publicity, copyright, trademark, trade secret, trade dress, and other intellectual property rights;

(f) disparage Sponsor or any other person or party affiliated with the promotion and administration of the Contest, or such parties’ products or services;

(g) contain material that is indecent, lewd, pornographic, obscene, profane, hateful, defamatory, slanderous or libelous;

(h) contain any nudity or sexually suggestive content;

(i) be edited, altered or manipulated using artificial intelligence (AI) or image editing software like Photoshop, contain digitally added objects, background changes, altered colors or facial or body modifications;

(j) promote discrimination against or contempt for other people on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, caste, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, religious affiliation, age, disability, or disease; or

(k) contain material that violates any federal, state, or local laws or ordinances.

How To Submit the Media and Releases

The Media and Releases must be uploaded through a Google form provided by Sponsor.  The Media will not be considered for entry in the Contest until all Releases have been properly completed, executed and submitted to Sponsor by 5:00 p.m. ET on January 26, 2025 (the “Submission Deadline”).   If the Releases are not submitted by the Submission Deadline, the Media and the Contest entry may be disqualified from the Contest, in Sponsor’s sole discretion.  Sponsor reserves the right to determine, in its sole discretion, which Media and Releases have satisfied the entry requirements.  Any Media and/or Release that does not meet the above criteria for any reason, may be resubmitted as long as they are resubmitted before the Submission Deadline.  If for any reason an Entrant’s Media and entry is confirmed to have been erroneously deleted, lost, corrupted or otherwise destroyed, the Entrant’s sole remedy is another entry in the Contest by the Submission Deadline according to the criteria established in these Official Rules. 

WAIVERS, DISCLAIMERS AND RELEASES

In consideration for the opportunity to participate in the Contest and to submit the Media for entry in the Contest, the Entrant does hereby consent to the absolute, irrevocable, perpetual, unrestricted worldwide right by Gannett Co., Inc., Gannett Satellite Information Network LLC d/b/a USA Today and each of their respective parent, subsidiary, related and affiliated companies, and each of their respective licensees, successors, assigns, officers, directors, employees, members, partners, agents and representatives (collectively, the “Released Parties” or “Gannett”) to copyright, use, re-use, publish, re-publish, reproduce, exhibit, distribute, digitize and otherwise exploit the Media as well as any all photographic or digital images of the Entrant in the Video, and any reproduction, composite or distortion of the Media, either in whole or in part, in any medium now or hereafter known, including the internet, and for any purpose whatsoever, including (but not by way of limitation) illustration, promotion, advertising and trade or any other purpose on behalf of Gannett.   The Entrant also consents to the use of his or her name and biographical information, if desired by Gannett, in connection with the Media and the Contest.  The Entrant agrees that they have no rights to the Media and that the Media is solely the property of Gannett.  The Entrant relinquishes any present or future claim for reimbursement for said Media and hereby releases the Released Parties from any and all claims, demands, costs and liability that may arise from the use of the Media and/or any reproductions of same in any form, as described above, arising out of the Entrant submitting the Media for consideration in the Contest.   The Entrant  confirms that the Media is his or her original, previously unpublished work and that the Media does not (a) contain material that violates or infringes another’s rights, including, but not limited to, privacy, publicity, copyright, trademark, trade secret, trade dress, and other intellectual property rights; (b) include any individual who is a minor; (c) disparage Sponsor or any other person or party affiliated with the promotion and administration of the Contest, or such parties’ products or services; (d) contain material that is indecent, lewd, pornographic, obscene, profane, hateful, defamatory, slanderous or libelous; (e) contain any nudity or sexually suggestive content; (f) is  edited, altered or manipulated using artificial intelligence (AI) or image editing software like Photoshop, contain digitally added objects, background changes, altered colors or facial or body modifications; (g) promote discrimination against or contempt for other people on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, caste, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, religious affiliation, age, disability, or disease; (h) contain any viruses, trojan horses, trap doors, back doors, easter eggs, worms, time bombs, cancelbots or other computer programming routines that are intended to interfere with or cause harm to any website, computer, device or software; or (i) contain material that violates any federal, state, or local laws or ordinances.  In addition, the Entrant  waives all claims to compensation or damages based on the use of the Media by Gannett for this Contest, and waives any right to inspect or approve any finished product or products or the use to which the Media may be used for the Contest.  The Entrant hereby releases and discharges the Released Parties from any and all claims and demands ensuing from or in connection with the use of the Media by virtue of any blurring, distortion, alteration, optical illusion or use in composite form, whether intentional or otherwise, as well as any publication thereof, including, without limitation, any and all claims for libel and invasion of privacy.  The Entrant further hereby AGREES TO INDEMNIFY AND HOLD HARMLESS the RELEASED PARTIES from any loss, liability, damage or costs, including court costs and attorney fees, that they may incur due to their participation in the Contest,  WHETHER CAUSED BY NEGLIGENCE OF THE RELEASED PARTIES or otherwise.

RELEASES – MEDIA APPEARANCES

Any person (a) being named in the Contest entry and appearing in the Photo as a Potential Date or (b) being named and talked about in the entry and the Video by the Entrant as a Potential Date (the “Media Subject”), which is then submitted for entry in the Contest by the Entrant, must grant, or must have granted, all necessary rights as required by Sponsor.  These rights may require, without limitation, signing the applicable Release(s), which shall, among other things, grant Sponsor the ownership rights in the Media, and/or the right to use such Media Subject’s name, voice, appearance and likeness in any manner, commercial or otherwise, and in any and all media and/or technologies whether now known or hereafter devised throughout the universe and in perpetuity, including, without limitation, for programming, promotional and advertising purposes.  Failure to provide requested Release(s) by the Submission Deadline may result in disqualification of the Entrant, the Media Subject and the Media from consideration in this Contest.  Notwithstanding the foregoing or anything to the contrary herein, and without limitation of the rights granted to Sponsor, the submission of the Media to Sponsor for consideration in the Contest constitutes the Media Subject’s, permission to use the Media and the name, voice and likeness of the Media Subject, as well as the Entrant’s representation that he/she has obtained and submitted to Sponsor all necessary consents, permissions and approvals to use the Media in the context described in these Official Rules, and the Video, Photo, name, voice and likeness of the Media  Subject, in and in connection with the Contest and any and all other exploitations thereof or otherwise, including, without limitation, for advertising and promotional purposes, in all media and/or technologies, now known or hereinafter created. 

PART 2 – POTENTIAL FINALISTS AND BACKGROUND CHECK

Review and Naming of Potential Finalists

All Media and entry materials submitted by the Submission Deadline will be reviewed by Sponsor and Erin on an ongoing basis and three (3) Potential Dates will be chosen by Erin (each the “Potential Finalist” and collectively the “Potential Finalists”) based on compatibility criteria such as age, interests and chemistry. 

Background Check

Prior to a video date being scheduled with a Potential Finalist, the Potential Finalist must undergo a professionally conducted background check coordinated by Sponsor using available public records, including a check of criminal, personal and social records, or other screenings, such as sex offender registry searches, (the “Background Check”).  In connection with such Background Check, the Potential Finalist agrees to cooperate with Sponsor by providing necessary personal information (collectively the “Information”) to verify his identification and for Sponsor to conduct such Background Check.  The Information may include, but is not limited to, the Potential Finalist’s full name, date of birth, social security number and current address.  A Potential Finalist has the option to withdraw his entry from the Contest at any time by contacting Sponsor (Laura Trujillo at ltrujillo@usatoday.com) if he is uncomfortable with this Background Check requirement.  If the Potential Finalist withdraws before the Background Check has been conducted by Sponsor, such Background Check will be cancelled by Sponsor.  A Potential Finalist may be disqualified from the Contest if the individual has partaken in any activity or act that, in Sponsor’s reasonable judgment, (a) tends to bring the Potential Finalist into public disrepute, contempt, scandal, or ridicule, or tends to shock insult, or offend the majority of the consuming public or any protected class or group; and/or (b) may in any way injure or adversely reflect on the name, goodwill or reputation of Sponsor, its affiliates, or respective products, logos or trademarks, including, without limitation, being arrested, charged with or convicted of substance abuse or DWI, a felony or misdemeanor, or crime of moral turpitude, or charged with a fraud (“Negative Acts”).  If the Potential Finalist committed any of the Negative Acts, Sponsor shall have the right, in its sole and absolute discretion, to disqualify such Potential Finalist, without any further obligation or liability to the Potential Finalist.  In addition, Sponsor has the right, in its sole and absolute discretion, to disqualify a Potential Finalist if the Background Check reveals information that the Potential Finalist, in Sponsor’s opinion, poses a threat to Erin’s safety.  If any Potential Finalist is eliminated due to the Background Check, Erin will choose another Potential Finalist based on the compatibility criteria detailed in these Official Rules.  BY PARTICIPATING IN THIS CONTEST, THE POTENTIAL FINALIST HEREBY AUTHORIZES ANY SUCH BACKGROUND CHECK BY SPONSOR. 

PART 3 – ANNOUNCEMENT OF FINALISTS AND VIDEO DATES WITH ERIN

Video Date Finalists Announcement

During the week of January 27, 2025, the three (3) Potential Finalists that have successfully passed the Background Check,  as determined by Sponsor in its sole discretion, and are otherwise eligible, will be announced by Sponsor in USAT online and print editions, as well as social media. 

Video Dates

Sponsor will coordinate and schedule a Video date during the week of January 27, 2025 with Erin and each of the Potential Finalists.    

PART 4 – ERIN CHOOSES HER MR. RIGHT!

During the week of February 3, 2025, Erin will choose the Potential Finalist she wants to go on an in-person date with (the “Date Winner”).  Erin reserves the right to take additional time to determine the Date Winner as she deems necessary, in her sole discretion. 

The Date Winner will be notified by phone or e-mail on or around February 7, 2025 and will be announced by Sponsor in USAT online and print editions, as well as social media, by February 10, 2025. 

PART 5 – ERIN’S DATE IN NEW YORK CITY WITH THE WINNER

During the week of February 10, 2025, Erin and the Date Winner will each be flown by Sponsor for an in-person date in New York City (the “Valentine’s Date”).  All details about the Valentine’s Date will be announced by Sponsor at a later date.

PART 6 – THE DATE STORY

On or around February 14, 2025, Sponsor will publish Erin’s story in online and in-print editions of USAT.

PRIZE PACKAGE – DATE WINNER

In addition to the Valentine’s Date with Erin, the Date Winner will be awarded the following prize package (the “Prize Package”):

1.  One (1) round-trip coach-class airline ticket originating from and concluding at the commercial airport nearest the Date Winner’s primary residence within the continental United States to an airport in or around New York, NY.  If the Date Winner lives within two hundred (200) miles from New York, NY, ground transportation may be substituted in lieu of air transportation at the sole discretion of Sponsor.  The approximate retail value (“ARV”) of this airfare is $1,000; 

2. One (1) night of hotel room accommodations (one-room, double–occupancy) at a hotel chosen by Sponsor in or around New York, NY for the dates February 14, 2025 (check-in) until February 15 2025 (check-out) (or other dates selected by Sponsor in its sole discretion). ARV of these hotel accommodations is $500; and

3.  Dinner at a restaurant and location chosen by Sponsor in New York, NY.  ARV of the dinner is $250. 

The total ARV of the Prize Package is $1,750.  

Prize Package Conditions

The Prize Package has no cash value and may not be redeemed for cash at any time. The actual retail value of the Prize Package being awarded may vary depending on the Date Winner’s residence, market conditions, date/time of arrival, changes in value of components (e.g. air transportation, and hotel rates) and other reasons. Sponsor is not responsible for and the Date Winner will not receive the difference between the actual value of the Prize Package at the time of award and the stated ARV. The Date Winner must travel as and when designated by Sponsor or the Prize Package may be forfeited and an alternate Date Winner chosen according to the criteria established in these Official Rules.  The Prize Package does not include ground transportation between the Date Winner’s residence and major gateway airport, upgrades, travel insurance, meals (unless specified), in-room charges (e.g., mini-bar, movies), alcoholic beverages (unless specified), telephone calls, merchandise, souvenirs, personal expenses, laundry service, spa treatments, tips and gratuities, incidental charges, parking or any other item not specifically described in these Official Rules, and all expenses for any of the foregoing are the responsibility of the Date Winner.  Air travel is subject to restrictions. All airline tickets are subject to flight variation, work stoppages, and schedule or route changes.  Travel is subject to capacity controls, availability, weather, seasonal influences, acts of God and certain other restrictions, all of which are subject to change and outside the control of Sponsor. Sponsor reserves the right to structure travel route and select hotels in its sole and absolute discretion. The round trip air transportation element begins and ends at the point of departure. The Date Winner is solely responsible for determining and obtaining, at his own expense, required travel documents. Certain travel and security restrictions may apply and it is the responsibility of the Date Winner to comply with all travel, security and other laws, regulations, and airline passenger rules that apply to him.  Sponsor is not responsible for airline cancellations, blackout dates, delays, diversions or substitutions and no refund or compensation will be awarded in any such event. All airline tickets issued in conjunction with the Prize Package are not eligible for upgrades, frequent flyer miles or any other benefit.  If ground transportation is substituted in lieu of air transportation, the Date Winner will not receive the difference between the value of the air transportation and the ground transportation.  No changes will be made to travel details once any element(s) of the travel arrangements have been booked, except at Sponsor’s sole discretion.  The Date Winner may be required to provide a major credit card upon hotel check-in or prior thereto and all in-room charges will be charged to the credit card (subject to terms and conditions of the hotel). Any damage to the room, and/or any other venue related to the prize, attributed to the Date Winner will be the responsibility of the Date Winner.  Sponsor is not responsible for the availability or proper functioning of any hotel feature or amenity and no credit or compensation will be awarded by Sponsor with respect thereto.   Sponsor is not liable for any missed prize events, opportunities or expenses incurred as a consequence of flight cancellation/delay or ground transportation delay.  No refund or compensation will be made in the event of the cancellation or delay of any transportation or other prize element except at the sole and absolute discretion of Sponsor.  Additional prize award details and travel information to be provided to the Winner at the time of notification.   The Date Winner is responsible for obtaining travel insurance (and all other forms of insurance) at his option and hereby acknowledge that Sponsor has not and will not obtain or provide travel insurance or any other form of insurance. Travel is subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Contest, and those set forth by Sponsor’s transportation carrier(s) of choice.  Lost, stolen or damaged airline tickets, travel vouchers or certificates will not be replaced or exchanged. Travel and lodging are subject to availability, and any changes made to either of these will be at the expense of the Date Winner. 

TAXES

All local, state and federal taxes incurred by accepting the Prize Package will be the sole responsibility of the Date Winner. Any person winning over USD $600.00 in prizes during any one (1) year period may receive an IRS Form 1099 at the end of the calendar year, and a copy of such form will be filed with the IRS.

INTERNET

It is each Entrant’s responsibility to enter in the appropriate manner. Each Entrant is responsible for all costs or charges involved in accessing the participating Contest website (the “Website”) and warrants that the cost of accessing the Website, if any, is part of a larger agreement with an Internet Service Provider or some other means, and that the cost of this access is not an incremental cost. If for any reason the Contest is not capable of running as planned, including infection by computer virus, bugs, tampering, unauthorized intervention, fraud, technical failures, or any other causes beyond the control of Sponsor which corrupt or affect the administration, security, fairness, integrity, or proper conduct of this Contest, 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.  Sponsor assumes no responsibility for any error, omission, interruption, deletion, defect, delay in operation or transmission, communication line failure, theft, or destruction or unauthorized access to, or alteration of the Media.  Sponsor is not responsible for lost, misdirected, illegible, damaged or undelivered Videos. Sponsor is not responsible for any problems or technical malfunctions of any telephone network or lines, computer online systems, services or providers, computer equipment, software, failure of any email or Media to be received due to technical problems or traffic congestion on the internet or at the Website, or any combination thereof, including any injury or damage to the Entrant’s or any other person's computer related to or resulting from participation or downloading of any material in this Contest. CAUTION: Any attempt by the Entrant to deliberately damage the Website or undermine the legitimate operation of the Contest is a violation of criminal and civil laws and should such an attempt be made, Sponsor reserves the right to seek damages from any such person to the fullest extent permitted by law. 

ENTRY INFORMATION; COMMUNICATIONS; OPT-OUT.

As a condition of entering the Contest, and by entering, each Entrant gives consent for Sponsor to obtain, process, store and deliver the Entrant’s name, email address, state of residency, and other collected information to Sponsor and to Sponsor’s service providers and business partners: (i) for the purpose of administering this Contest; (ii) to comply with applicable laws, regulations and rules; and (iii) to communicate with Sponsor about offers and promotions from Sponsor’s affiliates and/or business partners. Any information the Entrant provides to Sponsor may be used to communicate with the Entrant in relation to this Contest and/or for the other purposes specified herein. Collection and use of personally identifiable information will be in accordance with Sponsor’s Privacy Policy or the applicable business partner’s privacy policy. Any email communication from Sponsor and/or its business partners will contain an Unsubscribe link enabling the Entrant to opt-out of further communications (except for Contest administration if the Entrant continues to participate after unsubscribing).  The Entrant may request deletion of their collected information by sending an email to Sponsor requesting the deletion of collected information, and following the instructions provided. 

PUBLICITY RELEASE

By entering the Contest, each Entrant or Potential Date grants Sponsor the perpetual, irrevocable, worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free, sub-licensable, and transferable right (but not the obligation), to use any or all of the Entrant’s or Potential Date’s name, image, likeness, voice, identity, social media ID, statement, hometown, and/or biographical information, in any and all media now known or later devised and through any media channels, for any and all purposes (whether commercial, non-commercial, or otherwise), without any further compensation, consideration, notice to, or approval by the Entrant or the Potential Date, unless prohibited by law. The foregoing license includes the right of Sponsor to modify and/or edit the Entrant’s or Potential Date’s likeness, provided that Sponsor will not modify or edit the Entrant’s or Potential Date’s  likeness in a manner that is reasonably likely to be disparaging of the Entrant’s or Potential Date’s.

SUSPENSION / MODIFICATION / TERMINATION

In the event Sponsor is prevented from continuing with the Contest by any event beyond its control, including, but not limited to, fire, flood, pandemic, epidemic, earthquake, explosion, labor dispute or strike, act of God or public enemy, communications or equipment failure, utility or service interruptions, riot or civil disturbance, terrorist threat or activity, war (declared or undeclared), interference with the Contest by any party, or any federal, state, local or provincial government law, order, or regulation, order of any court or jurisdiction, or other cause not reasonably within Sponsor’s control (each a “Force Majeure” event or occurrence) Sponsor shall have the right to modify, suspend or terminate the Contest.  Sponsor additionally reserves the right, in its sole determination: (a) to modify, suspend or terminate the Contest at any time; or (b) to permanently disqualify any Entrant or Potential Date that Sponsor reasonably believes has been: (i) tampering with the entry process or the operation of the Contest; (ii) acting in violation of these Official Rules; or (iii) acting in an unsportsmanlike manner.

GOVERNING LAW

This Contest and these Official Rules will be governed by the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to conflict of law principles. Any disputes arising from or relating to this Contest, these Official Rules (including their construction, validity, and enforceability),  and/or any rights or obligations hereunder will be adjudicated, individually (not by any class or representative action), exclusively in the State or Federal Courts located in Delaware.

MISCELLANEOUS

The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of these Official Rules will not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision. In the event that any provision of the Official Rules is determined to be invalid or otherwise unenforceable or illegal, the other provisions will remain in effect and will be construed in accordance with their terms as if the invalid or illegal provision were not contained herein.  Sponsor’s failure to enforce any term of the Official Rules will not constitute a waiver of that provision. When terms such as “may” are used in the Official Rules, Sponsor has sole and absolute determination. By participating in the Contest, the Entrant and the Potential Date hereby agree to waive any rights to claim ambiguity of the Official Rules. Headings are solely for convenience of reference and will not be deemed to affect in any manner the meaning or intent of the documents or any provision hereof. In the event there is a discrepancy or inconsistency between disclosures or other statements contained in any Contest-related materials or communications, privacy policy or terms of use on the websites and/or the terms and conditions of the Official Rules, the Official Rules shall prevail, govern and control and the discrepancy will be resolved in Sponsor’s sole and absolute determination. Sponsor will not be responsible for typographical, printing or other inadvertent errors in these Official Rules or in other materials relating to the Contest. Sponsor reserves the right to change, alter, or amend these Official Rules as necessary, in its sole determination, to ensure the fair administration of the Contest or to comply with applicable law. Sponsor reserves the right to change the duration of the Video Submission Period in its sole discretion and with or without notice.  Any and all decisions of Sponsor regarding the Contest are final.

QUESTIONS

For any questions related to this Contest, please contact Laura Trujillo at ltrujillo@usatoday.com. 

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