Pointscore Rules
Top Groomer of the Year - Rules
The Top Groomer of the Year pointscore competition is designed to identify the most skilled groomers, showcasing their skills and talent across the four key pillars of the conformation grooming group.
This competition recognises the Best Canine groomers by highlighting their outstanding performances and consistent success throughout the year. Canine groomers can accumulate points based on their group wins and achievements at the most prestigious grooming events conducted under Dogs Australia’s authority.
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2025 Points are awarded to all DA sanctioned shows, Points are allocated according to three key factors:
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Best Personal Groom – Awarded for individual performance in grooming.
Group Wins – Points based on placements in grooming group competitions.
Number of Entries in the Group – Points also take into account the number of competitors in each group.
Best Groomer In Show – Points based on Best in Show win.
The competition is divided into four main grooming groups:
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Scissoring
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Hand Stripping
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Spaniel/Setter
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Poodle
This point system recognises and rewards groomers for their skills spread across each group and accomplishment, contributing to the title of Top Groomer of the Year.
Specific Rules
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Points are awarded based on Group wins combined with the number of entries in the group, following the point scale outlined below:
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Best in Group: Points awarded for winning the group.
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Runner-up in Group: Points for second place.
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Number of Entries: Additional points are allocated based on the total number of entries in each group.
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The specific breakdown of points per placement and entry count will be determined by the point scale, ensuring that both performance and competition size are factored into the final score. This approach highlights not only the skill of the groomer but also the level of competition they face in each category.
Best In Group 1st will add points equal to the number of entries in the Group.
Runner up in Group or Group 2nd follow by Group 3rd, Group 4th and Group 5th will add points equal to the number of entries in the group less 1, less 2 less 3, less 4 and less 5 respectively.
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Bonus Points for HSPS
Bonus Points are awarded to groomers who compete in all four eligible categories—Hand Stripping, Spaniel/Setter, Poodle, and Scissoring—within the specified points period.
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Each completed category contributes 25 bonus points.
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Upon successfully competing in all four categories, a total of 100 bonus points will be added to the groomer's overall score.
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These points are added to your final score, boosting your overall ranking on the leaderboard.
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By competing in all four HSPS categories you can earn an additional 100 points, which can be a significant advantage in the leaderboard competition
In the event that 2 or more Participants have the same number of points, the contestant with the most number of 'Best in Group 1st' will be placed first. If there is still not an outright leader, the the number of 'Best in Group 2nd' wins will be counted and then if necessary 'Best In Group 3'
Rising Star Pointscore Rules
The Rising Star of the Year competition highlights emerging talent in the Australian grooming industry, recognizing up-and-coming groomers for their achievements.
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Points are allocated based on performances at all DA sanctioned shows:
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Points are exclusively awarded for groomers competing in the four main categories:
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Hand Stripping
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Spaniel/Setter
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Poodle
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Scissoring
This competition aims to spotlight new talent and encourage the development of well-rounded skills in key grooming techniques.
Specific Rules for the Rising Star of the Year Competition:
Points Allocation:
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Points are awarded based on the following:
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Best Personal Groom results.
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Placings in competitions.
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Best Level in Group wins.
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Best Level in Show wins.
Bonus points are awarded upon the successful completion of all four sanctioned grooming classes: Hand Stripping, Spaniel/Setter, Poodle, and Scissoring.
Eligibility Requirements:
Participants must have under 48 months (4 years) of grooming experience from the date of their first full grooming session.
Progression:
Level C (Novice) participants have up to 24 months before they are promoted to Level B (Intermediate).
Level B (Intermediate) participants can compete for up to 48 months of total grooming experience to remain eligible for the Rising Star competition.
These rules ensure that the competition remains a platform for new and emerging groomers to showcase their talent and grow in the industry while following a structured pathway.
Pointscore Classes:
The Rising Star of the Year pointscore competition includes the following classes:
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C – Novice Class
B – Intermediate Class
A – Advanced Class
A+ – Champion Class
Bonus Points for HSPS
Bonus Points are awarded to groomers who compete in all four eligible categories—Hand Stripping, Spaniel/Setter, Poodle, and Scissoring—within the specified points period.
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Each completed category contributes 10 bonus points.
Upon successfully competing in all four categories, a total of 40 bonus points will be added to the groomer's overall score.
These points are added to your final score, boosting your overall ranking on the leaderboard.
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By competing in all four HSPS categories you can earn an additional 40 points, which can be a significant advantage in the leaderboard competition
Tie-Breaking Criteria:
In the event of a tie in points between two or more participants:
The exhibitor with the most Class in Show wins will be ranked first.
If the tie persists, the number of Class in Group wins will be used to determine the leader.
This structure promotes competition across all skill levels and categories while rewarding consistent excellence.