Show Etiquette
Do's and Don'ts
1. Do plan on being on time and allowing enough time to groom and cage your animals by entry deadline. If you are a new rancher needing help at your first couple shows - COME EARLY. Help others get their cages, etc. and they will help you also. Be sure to take advantage of local meetings when they have programs on learning to groom. There are tapes available for purchase.
2. When entering your animals - ALWAYS enter your cage numbers in ascending order ( 1 - 2 - 3 etc.). When you jumble the cage numbers on your entry form it makes added work for the awards table locating your entries.
3. After grooming, clean up all your loose fur. At an overnight show - clean up feed, hay, etc. into trash container (NOT ON THE FLOOR). Pack some newspapers with your show equipment and put down under your animals as you groom or work with them to make clean up easier. If we all clean up our own areas - there won't be as much to clean up later.
4. Don't blow into or handle other ranchers cages or hang over them with cigarettes, drinks, etc.
5. When picking up cages - do not hold over the top of other animals as they could wet on each other. Always carry one animal per hand. Carrying two cages in one hand allows animals can pull fur from each other or the fur may be caught between cages as you carry them.
6. Stay away from all animals once they have been entered in the show.
7. Animal handlers only should be behind the show table while the
judges are working.
8. When the judges are speaking it's common courtesy to keep quiet and listen! If you don't want to hear the comments or have a conversation that must be carried on, PLEASE leave the show room completely so that those who wish to hear can hear.
9. Break down cages after the show and do your part to clean the show room. Don't leave it to the few loyal workers who ALWAYS have to stay and clean up because YOU are in a hurry or must leave. They might be in a hurry too!
10. NO SMOKING in the show room. This is for the benefit of the animals and the other exhibitors. Also, in a small area with several smokers you will see a haze in the air. It accumulates under the show lights and distorts the view of the judges - not to mention burning their eyes.
11. Be willing to help out! ALL shows need workers - look around and volunteer to help at a job you would like to learn more about. Remember, the best way to learn is by helping out at a show. Be an active part- it's more fun.
MOST OF THE ABOVE TIPS ARE ALSO PROPER WHEN ENTERING AND ATTENDING A SHOW