Posters created by students must be their own original hand drawn artwork and focused on the theme “ONLINE GAMING: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly.”

Materials: Students may use a variety of materials, such as watercolor, pen and ink, crayon, chalk, markers, etc. Digitally created artwork is also permitted. Keep in mind that posters will need to be photographed and submitted electronically and should be clear to read. Most posters will likely be on public display and should be easy to see or read.

Size & Layout:
Entries must be in landscape view preferably on 11″ x 8.5″ or 17″ x 11″ white paper.

PLEASE REMEMBER:
• Entries must meet the poster requirements specified above and include the Release Form (electronic signature is
acceptable). A poster not accompanied by a completed Release Form and contact information will not be eligible for
further judging.
• Any artwork including copyrighted material will be eliminated immediately from the contest.
• All artwork submitted becomes the property of the Council on Chemical Abuse and may be reproduced.

Posters will be judged by a group of drug, alcohol and gambling professionals based on the following criteria:

1. Poster has all required information attached and release form or electronic
2. Clear message conveyed by the text and artwork
3. Includes poster contest theme “ONLINE GAMING: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly”
4. Creativity, originality and artistic quality
5. Visual clarity – easily read
6. Bright and colorful
7. No copyrighted artwork, characters (Superman), or name brands (i.e. Pepsi, PA Lottery, name of a Casino, etc.) are used in the poster.

First, second and third place winners will be selected for each age category. Winners will receive the following:
1st Place – $100 VISA Gift Card, poster on Billboards around Berks County, 4 Reading Fightin’ Phils Tickets, recognition online
2nd Place – $75 VISA Gift Card, 4 Reading Fightin’ Phils Tickets, recognition online
3rd Place – $50 VISA Gift Card, 4 Reading Fightin’ Phils Tickets, recognition online
Honorable Mention – $25 VISA Gift card, 4 Reading Fightin’ Phils Tickets, recognition online

Winning posters will also be displayed on the COCA website and social media. Winners will also receive a certificate, and 1st, 2nd and 3rd place will receive a framed version of their poster design.

*Deadline extended to May 15, 2020 – Deadline to submit poster artwork
May 18-22, 2020 – Judging of posters. Winners will be notified during this time.
May 29, 2020 – Winners recognized online and through COCA’s website, social media and news outlets.

With the growth of e-sports and competitive gaming, youth have been drawn to this rapidly expanding form of entertainment. From “loot boxes” to ‘leveling up,” the new dimensions of online gaming continue to captivate a growing audience of young people. Gaming can provide students a way to enjoy their time and connect with friends, however obsessive amounts of time spent on gaming can turn into an addiction for some individuals.

The problem begins when gaming begins to take precedent over other interests and daily activities. Online gaming, use of social media and gambling all affect the same part of the brain as drugs and alcohol. This part of the brain lights up when we are doing an activity we enjoy, but unfortunately our brain does not know when too much of something is bad for us. Research shows that youth who become obsessed with gaming while their brains are still developing may be at greater risk for developing long term problems.

The Council on Chemical Abuse (COCA) is committed to educating youth about the risks of gambling and gaming. We believe our youth have a unique perspective on how to prevent the problems associated with online gaming and with this poster contest we’d like to hear from them.

CLICK HERE to download a pdf of contest details. Please note that online submissions include an online release form and do not require a separate signed release form.