Section 1 – GENERAL

 

1.1 The Show Ring ​

1.1.1   The following is strictly prohibited:

​a) Use of phones, radios and headsets

b) Standing on tables or chairs

c)  Beverages NOT in spill proof containers

d) Coaching by anyone, at any time during the competition

e)  Visual or written instructions

​

1.1.2   Allocated Spot

1.1.2.1 The allocated site for exhibitors to groom should be proportionate to the size of the dogs but must be a minimum of 170 cm (length) x 150 cm (width) in area and must have a 50 cm walkway.

1.1.2.2  Any equipment used in the formation of a grooming ring must meet minimum safety standards to prevent injury to officials, judges, or animals (e.g., electrical connections are prohibited).

​

1.2      Additional Requirements

a) Only cordless clippers and equipment permitted. No power is provided.

b) Professional Conduct by Competitors

c) Appropriate grooming attire and shoes must be worn at all times.  

d) Inappropriate attire would be considered as very short skirts, tight shorts, and low-cut blouses.

e) Open toe shoes are not permitted.

f)  A professional manner and attitude must be maintained at all times

g) Competitors must maintain a safe styling counter at all times (as an example: Open scissors left on the table for the dog to step on would be considered unsafe styling counter).

h) Competitors must practice kind and safe handling  techniques at all times.

i)  Dogs must not be left unattended at any time.

j) Competitors must apply technical skills with safety. Nicks, cuts and clipper burns are considered unsafe technical skill application.

k) Good sportsmanship must be displayed at all times. 

l)  It is the responsibility of each contestant to clean up after their dog both inside and outside the venue, including all clipped hair.

​

1.3      Refunds and Changes

1.3.1  Cancellation of entry may incur a 5% Administrative and Processing fee and will be deducted from the refund.

1.3.2  No refund of entry fees will be made after the closing date of entries.

1.3.3   Entry fees are also not refundable in the event of the Competitors being withdrawn, disqualified, or the show cancelled unless otherwise specified by the Show Organizers.

1.3.4   No changes will be made after the closing date of entries.

1.3.5   Any class change may be permitted after the closing date with the approval of the member body and only in exceptional conditions.

​

​1.4       Check in Procedures

a) The check-in counter will open one (1) hour prior to the contest commencement time.

b) Competitors will have the pre-contest photographs taken.

c) The check in counter will close 15 minutes prior to the start time

d) Competitors will present themselves and their dog at check in counter 45 to 60 minutes prior to commencement time.

e) Competitor who has not checked within 15 minutes before the contest commencement time may not be permitted to compete 

f)  Model dogs may be submitted at the check in counter from 7:30am to 10am (Championship Show only)

​

1.5       Pre-judging and Entry Confirmation​

a) Dogs should be clean, dry, and preferably mats and tangles free.

b) Nails should be clipped and/or filed and ears clean.

c)  Sanitary and pads can be clipped prior to the show.

​         

​​1.6       Judges will undertake the following during pre-judging:

 a) Confirm that the dog is entered in the correct class;

 b) Confirm that there is sufficient coat growth and evaluate preparation.( Note - Dog models must not be groomed for 60 days or more prior to the date of the competition except for the flatwork areas of stripping breeds which may be groomed up to 20 days (Championship/Open Show) and 30 Days (FCI Show) prior to the competition.

 c) Confirm the time frame permitted according to size, breed or technique;

 d) Confirm that the contestant is entered in the correct division;

 e) Determine if pattern has been pre-set.

 f) Document specific information relating to the health and presentation of   the dog such as, but not limited to: ear infections, missing coat, moles, scars or healing injuries.

​​

​1.7       Product Application​

a)Spray is limited to only “freshening up” once time is called.

b)Reshaping such as that done on Kerry Blue jacket, shaping or patting coat into place, utilizing water or product or shaping a show Poodle headpiece may not be done once time is called.

c) Chalk, such as terrier chalk may be applied prior to or during the show time frame to aid in hand stripping. It is prohibited to apply chalk after time is called.

​​

1.8       Assistance during the show​

1.8.1   The Competitor should notify the ring steward immediately if he/she needs assistance during the competition.

​

1.9       Break

 a) (Championship Show) A mandatory break will take place during the show.

b)(Open Show) A minimum 10-minute mandatory break will take place during the show at each session.

c) All Competitors and dogs must proceed as a group to the designated break area.

d) Water will be offered for both Competitors and dogs.

e)Toilet/potty break opportunity available for both Competitors and dogs

f)Any discussion with regard to dogs or grooming by Competitors or assistants is prohibited and could be construed as coaching which may result in disqualification of offending contestants.

g)No grooming or styling of any kind is permitted during the break

​​

1.10    Judging

​1.10.1 In order to determine placement, Judges will evaluate the following:

​

a) ​The Profile of the dog groomed to.

b) The overall uniformity of the trim.

c)The overall balance, symmetry and style of the trim.

d) For purebred dogs, the adherence to the acceptable breed profile and standard.

e) For Freestyle classes, the ability of the groomer to create the best possible profile for the dog is chosen according to his/her body type, coat and structure.

f) For scissored dogs, the plush overall appearance without scissor marks, utilizing the proper technique.

g) For hand striped and carded dogs, the smooth and natural appearance utilizing the proper technique.

h) Clipper lines should be clean and free of irritation.

i) Edges such as in the cocker foot or poodle foot should show neat and tidy bevels.

j) Consideration given to difficulty with regard to the amount of coat removed, whether a pattern is created or followed, difficulty of the coat type, texture, quality and quantity and how the stylist achieves the ultimate trim.

​

1.11    Competition End

​

a) When time is called Competitors will cease grooming and place tools on the table.

b) The competitor will remove hair, tools and equipment from grooming table.

c) A comb will be placed on the table.

d) Competitor may comb their dogs after scissors down, prior to and after judging.

e)Competitor may use finishing sprays to freshen up their dogs after scissors down, prior to and after judging, but reshaping or styling with hair spray, products or water is prohibited.

f) Competitor will stack and present their dog to the judges.

g)Ensure that the dogs have proper grip on the table when being stacked and presented to the judge

 

 

1.12    Show Manager

1.12.1 The Show Manager shall ensure that:

​a)         All Policies, Procedures and Rules are adhered to by Grooming Exhibitors;

b)         They do not influence or otherwise provide advice to Judges with regard to placements.

c)          Show organizers reserve the right to reject entry of competitor/s without assigning any reason.

Note:   1.12.1 c) may be subject to member body appellative procedures.