> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.norrnext.com/norrcompetition/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.norrnext.com/norrcompetition/faq/submitting-entries-by-unregistered-users.md).

# Submitting Entries by Unregistered Users

NorrCompetition allows you to accept entries from guest/unregistered visitors, simplifying participation while protecting your site against spam using built-in ACL controls, CAPTCHA, and default creator assignment.

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## Step 1: Configure Guest Submission Permissions

1. Navigate to **Components > NorrCompetition > Options** and open the [Permissions](/norrcompetition/configuration/permissions.md) tab.
2. In the left user group sidebar, select **Public** (or **Guest**).
3. Set the following permissions to **Allowed**:
   * **Create:** Allows creating submissions.
   * **Create Before Contest Start:** Allows submission prior to contest start.
   * **Create After Contest Start:** Allows submission during active contest period.
   * **Create After Vote Start:** Allows submission while voting is open.
4. Click **Save**.

<figure><img src="https://norrnext.com/images/docs/norrcompetition/faq/guest-submission.png" alt="Permissions allowing guest entry submission"><figcaption><p>Configuring Permissions for Public/Guest Submissions</p></figcaption></figure>

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## Step 2: Set Default Entry Creator & CAPTCHA

Every entry in Joomla must belong to a registered user ID. For guest submissions, NorrCompetition automatically attributes the entry to a designated administrative user:

1. Navigate to **Components > NorrCompetition > Options > Contest** tab.
2. In the **Entry Creator** parameter, select the default user (e.g. *Super User* or a dedicated *Guest Submissions* account).
3. In the **Captcha** parameter, select **Show** to protect guest forms from spam bots.

<figure><img src="https://norrnext.com/images/docs/norrcompetition/faq/entry-creator.png" alt="Select default Entry Creator and Captcha"><figcaption><p>Setting Default Entry Creator and CAPTCHA</p></figcaption></figure>

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## Step 3: Enable a Joomla CAPTCHA Plugin

1. In Joomla Administrator, go to **System > Plugins**.
2. Enable and configure your preferred CAPTCHA plugin (e.g. **CAPTCHA - Cloudflare Turnstile**, **CAPTCHA - Invisible reCAPTCHA**, or **CAPTCHA - reCAPTCHA**).
3. Ensure the plugin keys are validated in plugin settings.

Frontend submission form with CAPTCHA protection:

<figure><img src="https://norrnext.com/images/docs/norrcompetition/faq/new-entry.png" alt="Frontend Guest Entry Submission Form"><figcaption><p>Frontend Guest Entry Submission Form with CAPTCHA</p></figcaption></figure>

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## Overriding Permissions Per Contest

You can restrict guest submissions to specific contests while keeping others member-only:

* Open **Components > NorrCompetition > Contests** and edit the target contest.
* Open the **Permissions** tab and override the Public/Guest rules for that individual contest.