ADMINISTRATIVE
To
standardize competition, the participating shows, which are shown
on the
cover of this booklet, have adopted these rules, as written by
the United
Showmanagers Alliance, to apply to their three tier, multi-level
GroomTeam
Sanctioned competitions.
Each
show also offers its own Addendum that contains special class
rules, information
applicable to that specific show, and a Competitor Entry Form.
You must
contact individual Show Managers for a copy of their Addendum.
Participating
Show Managers will adhere to the rules as written; however, any
rules, regulations, and/or procedures that may be subject to interpretation
will be
adjudicated by the respective Show Manager and Contest Coordinator.
Competitors
and/or participating Show Managers who would like to request a
rule
addition or change should submit those suggestions, in writing,
no later than midnight,
October 31, 2007, for review by the copyright owners; i.e., Pamela
Sue
Lauritzen, Martin Gerald Schinberg, and Ann N. Stafford.
COMPETITOR’S
RESPONSIBILITY
It
is the Competitor’s sole responsibility to read and adhere
to the rules contained
herein. Please do not rely on anyone else’s interpretation,
as failure
to abide by the rules could result in dismissal or disqualification
from competition.
Questions should be directed to the respective Show Manager
prior to arrival on site, and the Contest Coordinator or Ring
Steward thereafter.
Rules will not be waived or amended to accommodate a Competitor
who “didn’t read the rules”!
MISSION
STATEMENT
Grooming
competitions recognize and reward the skill level of pet stylists
with
exceptional knowledge and talent. The goal is to promote high
standards of pet
styling and to play a part in the education of pet stylists and
pet owners. Judges
will only award placements to entries that are groomed to AKC
breed profile
(applicable to Terrier, Sporting and Non-Sporting classes), with
no major styling
faults.
GROOMTEAM
USA SANCTIONED CONTEST
Competition
at participating shows has been sanctioned by GroomTeam USA, Inc.
This
non-profit organization encourages professional pet stylists to
maximize their grooming
education and skills, and offers them the opportunity to earn
points by competing in sanctioned
contests held throughout the USA within each designated two year
period. Top point
earners have the honor of being ranked as the top ten Competitors
in the country.
Depending on the number of Competitors allowed by the host country,
the top ranking
GroomTeam Competitors may have the privilege of representing the
USA in World Team
Competition. For more information, visit their web site at www.groomteamusa.com
or visit
their booth at the shows.
ENTRY
CLOSING DATE
All
entries for competition must be personally signed by the Competitor
and received, with
payment, by fax, e-mail, or U. S. mail, no later than midnight
in the respective show’s time
zone, fourteen days prior to the competition‘s commencement
date. See respective
Registration Forms for specific deadlines. After the closing date,
a Competitor may change
dogs within a class but may not switch or add classes. It is the
Competitors’ responsibility
to confirm receipt of their Registration by the Show Manager.
Late entries will not be
accepted.
ENTRY
FEES: See respective Show Addendum.
STRUCTURE:
Three Tier, Multi-level Competition
Participating
shows have three divisions of competition, with five regular classes
in each
division. Each division is designed to allow pet stylists to compete
with Professionals who
have similar competitive experience. Divisional winners compete
for Group placements
and first place Group winners compete for the title “Best
Pet Stylist In Show”. The Best Pet
Stylist In Show winner can come from any of the three divisions.
Divisions:
Open
Open to all Competitors.
Intermediate
Restricted to competitors who have not won:
(1)
Three Group placements, or
(2) Best Pet Stylist In Show, or equivalent, or Best All Around
Pet Stylist In
Show, or equivalent, from any division, in a three tier GroomTeam
Sanctioned
show.
Professional
handlers, owners/handlers/breeders who have “finished a Champion”
in a
specific breed, instructors, pet styling contest judges, and certifiers
must compete in either
the Intermediate or Open Division.
Entry
Level
Restricted
to competitors who have never competed, or who have not won:
(1)
Three Division first placements, or
(2) A Group placement, or
(3) Best Pet Stylist In Show, or equivalent, or Best All Around
Pet Stylist In Show, or
equivalent, from any Division at any GroomTeam sanctioned competition.
In
Divisions with less than two entries, Competitor must move to
another Division for which
they are eligible or elect to withdraw. Competitors may compete
in only one division with
only one dog per class.
AWARDS
& PRIZES
All
divisions are judged simultaneously. Three placements are awarded
in each division.
Division placements are judged against each other to choose the
Group Placements as follows:
1st
Place..........selected from the three first place winners;
2nd Place.........selected from the two remaining first place
winners
and the 2nd placement of the 1st Place Group Win;
3rd Place..........selected from the next highest ranking winner
from each Division.
GroomTeam
points are awarded to Group placements based on the number of
Competitors in
Open and Intermediate Divisions.
The
title "BEST PET STYLIST IN SHOW" will be awarded to
the Competitor judged as having
groomed the best entry in show, to be selected from the first
place group winners. Winners
must remain in the Group ring until the Best In Show Judge examines
the entry and must return
for the Best Pet Stylist In Show Competition. Competitors may
re-apply rubber bands, finishing
sprays and coat enhancement products, such as hair spray and chalk,
prior to Best In Show
judging.
The
title of “BEST PET STYLIST IN SHOW RESERVE WINNER” will
be awarded to the
Competitor who the Judge ranks second to the Best Pet Stylist
In Show. In the event that
awards to the “Best Pet Stylist In Show” should be revoked,
all cash prizes, trophies, and title of
“Best Pet Stylist In Show” will be bestowed upon the
“Best Pet Stylist In Show Reserve Winner.”
The
title “BEST ALL AROUND PET STYLIST IN SHOW” will be
awarded to the Competitor who
has entered at least three regular classes and has accumulated
the most “Group” points.
Group
points are awarded as follows:
1st
Place: 3 Points 2nd Place: 2 Points 3rd Place: 1 Point
In
the event of a tie, the winner will be determined as follows:
1st Tie Breaker: Most Group placements;
2nd Tie Breaker: Most points for Class placements;
3rd Tie Breaker: Most Class placements;
4th Tie Breaker: Most entries.
Placements
at the show will not affect the Competitor’s division eligibility
throughout the weekend,
but may require the Competitor to enter a higher division at subsequent
three tier Shows.
All
trophies, cash awards and prizes must be claimed no later than
6:00 p.m. on the last day of
the competition. Prizes unclaimed at that time shall remain the
property of show management
and cannot be claimed at a later date. Competitors with wins exceeding
$600 will be issued
1099’s, as required by IRS guidelines.
WITHHOLDING
AWARDS
Awards
will be withheld in the event that the finished trim does not
give the illusion of the AKC
breed profile. In the case of Potpourri breeds, suitability of
the trim to the dog, expression,
balance, symmetry, angulation and smoothness of finish are the
determining factors. Entries
must have a “finished” appearance. It is inappropriate
to present an award to a Competitor
whose quality of work does not met these standards of competition.
REGULAR
CLASSES
Unless
stated otherwise, styles must represent breed standards and should
be trimmed per
acceptable AKC breed profiles; i.e., the finished trim should
present the illusion of correct breed
expression, proportions, balance, symmetry, angulation, and be
free of pet styling flaws.
Measurement
of dogs: Taken from the floor to the highest point of the withers.
1.
Non-Sporting Breeds - Small
Time:
1-3/4 Hours, 12 Inches & Under @ Withers
2 Hours, Over 12 Inches But Under 17 Inches @ Withers
Standard:
Poodle trims must have shaved face and feet; however, moustache
and
goatee are permitted. Judges will not comb through the head/neck
of
entries in show trims requiring application of rubber bands, hair
spray or
other coat enhancement products.
Includes:
Toy Poodles
2.
Non-Sporting Breeds - Large
Time:
2-1/2 Hours, 17 Inches and Over @ Withers
Standard:
Same as Non-Sporting Breeds - Small
Includes:
Portuguese Water Dogs
3.
Sporting Breeds
Time:
1-1/2 Hours Clipped; 2 Hours, Handstripped
Standard:
Trimmed to breed profile. Short, easy maintenance trims such
as the “Suburban” will be excluded from this class.
4.
Potpourri Breeds
Time:
1-1/2 Hrs, 17 Inches & Under @ Withers, 2 Hrs, over 17 Inches
No additional time allowed for handstripped entries.
Any
breed, including mixed breeds, is eligible for this class; however,
trims for purebreds must be uncharacteristic of their breed profile.
Poodles cannot have shaved feet and/or face. Shaved faces with
mustache
and/or goatee are also excluded.
Standard:
Creativity, in the Judge’s opinion, and execution of the
trim and its
suitability to the dog’s conformation. Emphasis is on suitability
of the
trim to the dog, expression, balance, symmetry, angulation, and
smoothness of finish.
5.
Terrier Breeds
Time:
1-1/2 Hours, Clipped/Scissored
Includes:
Australian, Border, Cairn, Dandie Dinmont, Wire Fox ,
Lakeland, Miniature Schnauzer, Norfolk, Norwich, Scottish,
Sealyham, Skye, Welsh, Westie.
Time:
2 Hours, Clipped/Scissored
Includes:
Airedale, Bedlington, Irish, Kerry Blue, Soft-Coated Wheaten.
Standard and Giant Schnauzers.
Time:
1-1/2 Hours, Handstripped, Smooth Coated
Includes:
Smooth Fox Terrier.
Time:
2 Hours, Handstripped
Includes:
Australian, Border, Cairn, Dandie Dinmont, Norfolk, Norwich,
Scottish, Sealyham, Skye, Westie.
Time
2-1/2 Hours, Handstripped
Includes:
Airedale, Wire Fox, Irish, Lakeland, Miniature Schnauzer, Welsh.
Standard and Giant Schnauzers.
Handstripped
Entries - All Classes
Handstripped
coats may be staged and/or kept in “rotation” per orthodox
breed trimming
methods and techniques as prescribed by respective breed clubs
for preparation
of the breed for conformation shows. However, sufficient coat
must be removed
during the competition and within the allotted time to make a
distinct difference in the
dog’s overall appearance; i.e., appearance of its head, body,
legs, feet, tail, expression,
profile, and overall length of coat.
Competitors
may use clippers if prescribed by the respective breed club as
a common
method or technique used to prepare the breed for “show”
(for example, shaving
cheeks on the Scottish Terrier and Miniature Schnauzer); however,
all clipper work
and handstripping must be performed in the contest ring within
the time allotted.
Chalk
and/or other finishing agents may be used, provided it is applied
prior to class
start or within the time allotted, and that upon inspection by
the Judge, the coat may
be combed through using orthodox breed techniques. For example,
Judges would
not comb through chalked, teased, or product enhanced heads of
Terriers, such as
the Westie.
ELIGIBILITY
OF COMPETITORS
Competition
is open to all interested parties. No one employed by the Show
Manager or involved in the production of the show may enter. Contest
Judges
and Speakers, with assignments at this show, will be excluded
from this competition.
Employees, students, relatives, or others who have engaged in
a vested
business relationship within the past 12 months, with any Judge,
should not enter
under that Judge. Please check judging assignments before entering.
Competitors with conflicts at the Best Pet Stylist In Show Level
may compete at
Division and Group Level, but would be disqualified from Best
Pet Stylist In Show
Competition. Competitors with conflicts at the Group Level may
compete at the
Division Level, but would be disqualified from Group competition.
To
qualify for "Group" competition, Competitor must place
1st, 2nd or 3rd within a
regular class.
To
qualify for "Best All Around Pet Stylist In Show," Competitor
must enter a minimum
of three regular classes.
To
qualify for "Best Pet Stylist In Show," Competitor must
place 1st in the group
competition.
ELIGIBILITY
OF DOGS & DISQUALIFICATIONS
1.
Law dictates current rabies vaccination for all dogs.
2. Must be entered in the appropriate breed class to be eligible
for that
competition.
3. Must be within the specified height range for classes with
height requirements.
4. Six weeks or more growth of hair is desirable; however, it
is recognized
by show management that some coats grow more quickly/slowly than
others. Therefore, adequate coat will be defined as follows: Coat
must
be sufficient to allow Competitor to create a distinct difference
in its overall
appearance; i.e., appearance of its head, body, legs, feet, tail,
expression,
profile, and coat length.
5. Coat must appear healthy, shiny, pleasant-smelling, and free
of ectoparasites
and excessive mats.
6. Must be healthy and free of infectious diseases or parasites.
7. Must be manageable, without any sign of aggression or viciousness.
8. Competitors who are disqualified prior to the beginning of
competition
will be asked to leave the ring.
REASONS
FOR COMPETITOR DISQUALIFICATION/DISMISSAL
1.
Non-payment of contest fees and/or late registration.
2. Coaching from within or outside the contest ring.
3. Uncooperative or disruptive behavior in the contest ring.
4. Cruel and/or inhumane treatment of a dog whether by handling
or neglect.
5. Late arrival to the ring.
6. Razor burning and/or injuring a dog.
7. Rough handling techniques.
8. Fraudulent class entry.
9. Disrespect/abuse/damage of hotel property.
10. Any infraction of Show’s Contest Rules.
CONTEST
POLICIES & PROCEDURES
1.
Smoking will not be allowed in the ring or in any area of the
hotel where
there are show activities.
2.
Entry fees will not be refunded in the event that a dog is absent,
disqualified,
or excused by the Judge.
No
entry fees will be refunded if the Show cannot open or be completed
by reason
of riots, civil disturbances, fire, extreme and/or dangerous weather
conditions,
an Act of God, public emergency, act of a public enemy, strikes,
or any other
cause beyond the control of show management.
3.
All styles of grooming methods and techniques are permitted: clipping,
scissoring, straight shears, thinning shears, hand-stripping,
plucking and carding.
Use of snap-on combs is also permitted.
4.
Competitors will have access to the ring 30 minutes prior to class
start
and must be set up and have their dogs ready for the judge's inspection
at the
time stated for pre-judging in the respective show Addendum. The
class will
begin as soon as the last entry is pre-judged. Competitors who
are not in the ring
at time shown for pre-judging will not be allowed to compete.
5.
The judges will visually examine the dogs prior to the start of
the various
classes to determine eligibility of the entry. Competitors will
have the opportunity
to call anything to the Judge’s attention that might reflect
poorly on the quality of
their finished entry. Competitors must provide a comb for use
by the Judge,
should the Judge elect to comb through the dog’s coat.
6.
Competitors are responsible for supplying their dogs and grooming
equipment, inclusive of crates, clippers, shears, brushes, combs,
nooses, shampoos,
etc. Competitor must supply dryer and grooming table/arm, unless
show
addendum states differently. Competitors must also supply towels
and are prohibited
from using hotel guest towels and/or linen. Equipment must be
quiet
enough so as not to cause a distraction for other contestants
or their dogs.
7.
Due to the electrical problems incurred when circuits are over-loaded,
hair dryers will not be allowed in the ring. Use of other equipment
that requires
excessive amperage, such as vacuum systems, etc., is also prohibited.
Low
amperage lighting will be allowed as long as it doesn’t create
a power problem or
visual distraction to other Competitors.
8.
Due to space and time restrictions, critiques will not be allowed
in the
ring by Judges. However, Competitors may seek critiques from their
respective
Division or Group Judges outside the ring. Critiques from other
Judges would be
deemed inappropriate.
9.
Preference will not be shown to dog’s size or labor intensive
techniques,
inasmuch as they are allotted more time.
10.
A Judge’s Consultant will be available to act in an advisory
capacity, should any
Judge feel the need to exchange views with another professional
pet styling expert.
11.
Competitors are encouraged to dress professionally. Excessively
tight or inappropriately
revealing attire is strongly discouraged. Styling smock is required
during competition and
awards presentation. Shoes must be worn....”flip flops”
and other open-toed shoes are considered
to be unsafe ring attire and will not be allowed.
12.
Each Competitor will be held financially responsible for damage
to hotel property. If
Show Management is notified by the hotel that a Competitor has
allowed a dog(s) to become a
public nuisance, soiled hotel property in public areas without
clean-up, or been charged for
damage to a sleeping room, Competitor will be disqualified.
13.
Competitors fraudulently entering classes for which they are not
eligible will also be
disqualified.
14.
Disqualification for infraction of policy #12 and/or #13 will
result in forfeiture of all
titles, prize money, trophies/plaques, and GroomTeam points earned
during the competition
weekend and Competitor will be banned from future competition,
without benefit of registration
fee refund. Notification of such disqualification will be sent
to other Show Managers and
GroomTeam USA.
15.
Competitors are reminded that they have agreed to accept the decisions
of the
Judges as final and binding. Good sportsmanship is expected inside
and outside the ring.
16.
Written communication with the appropriate Show Manager is the
professional
method of resolving issues and is encouraged. Open communication
between Show
Management and Competitors is crucial to the growth of our industry.
A Suggestion/Grievance
form is provided in this publication.
Should
a Competitor challenge the eligibility of another Competitor due
to a perceived rule
infraction, written protest must be made prior to beginning of
the class. Failure to do so will nullify
the Competitor’s right to any future challenge.
17.
Should a Competitor have a grievance related to the competition,
the Competitor must:
a. Verbally notify the Contest Coordinator at time of occurrence,
and
b. Immediately submit a formal grievance, which must be submitted
in writing, with
verifying documentation, to the Contest Coordinator.
No
grievance will be accepted at a later time.
SPECIAL
CLASSES
An
Addendum to this publication, which contains rules for Special
Classes, information applicable
to each Show, and a Competitor Registration Form is available
upon request from each
respective Show Manager. Competitors in Special Classes must adhere
to all applicable rules
as described herein, and all rules as described within the respective
show’s Addendum.
GENERAL
RULES
1.
Preparatory Work: All dogs should be freshly shampooed and dried,
with ears cleaned, and toenails clipped prior to the competition.
For
sanitary reasons, the genital and stomach areas can be pre-trimmed,
according
to the breed’s standard. The pads under the feet may also
be trimmed.
Poodle
faces and feet may be trimmed up to two weeks prior to competition,
but
must be "fuzzy" enough to demonstrate proper line set
and clipper expertise.
With
the exception of the preparatory work listed herein, all other
trimming, rubber-
banding and styling of the dog’s coat must be performed in
the ring within the
specified class time.
2.
When time is up.....it’s up! With the exception of finishing
sprays, nothing
can be done to the entry other than re-combing of the coat. For
example,
placement of bands in show topknots would have to be done in allotted
class time.
3.
Personal tables and equipment must be removed from the ring unless
you are registered for the next class. Crates will not be allowed
in the ring.
4.
All dogs are to be crated and properly exercised while not being
groomed. Please bring sufficient crates to house your dogs. All
dogs must be
on leash when not crated. Each competitor should bring plastic
sheeting to be
placed under and to the rear of dog crates, plus newspaper and
small plastic bags
for disposal of dog waste, etc.
5.
No shop, kennel, sponsor or other business entity may display
its name
or logo in the ring. This includes uniforms, jewelry, etc., by
past and current
GroomTeam members.
6.
Dogs must not be left unattended on tables. Ask the Ring Steward
for
assistance if you must walk away from your table! Violators will
be warned once;
second violation will result in dismissal from the class!
7.
Dyeing of dogs is not permitted. Color enhancing, however, will
be permitted.
For example, a black coat that is dull may be brightened or the
black color
highlighted and darkened, but it cannot be dyed to appear other
than black. All
color must be done prior to arrival on site.
8.
Dogs should be presented for judging without bows, bandannas and/or
nail polish.
9.
Beverages may only be brought into the ring in "spill-proof"
containers.
10.
Radios, headsets and/or cell phones may not be used in the ring.
SUGGESTION/GRIEVANCE
FORM
Competitors
are reminded that they have agreed to accept the decisions of
the Judges as final and binding. Good sportsmanship is expected
inside and outside the ring. Publicly criticizing a Judge reflects
very poorly on a competitor; however, written communication with
the appropriate Show Manager is the professional method of resolving
issues and is encouraged. Suggestions and grievances should be
put in writing on this form and submitted to the Show Manager(s)
immediately, with verifying documentation. Open communication
between Show Management and Competitors is crucial to the growth
of our industry.
Should
a Competitor have a grievance related to the competition, the
Competitor must:
a.
Verbally notify the Contest Coordinator at time of occurrence,
and
b. Immediately submit a formal grievance, which must be submitted
in writing, with verifying documentation, to the Contest Coordinator.
No
grievance will be accepted at a later time.
TRAVEL
CHECK LIST
Items
listed below are a compilation from input by experienced competitors
of “musts” when traveling with a pet. While you may
not consider every item a necessity, the list is supplied as an
aid in packing for your trip.
Mandatory
_____
Crate (1 Per Dog)
_____ Grooming Table, Arm, Noose
(The All American Grooming Show provides tables, but you may bring
your own.)
_____ Dryer
_____ Grooming Equipment
_____ Plastic (Goes Under & to Rear of Crate)
_____ Plastic Bags (Food, Dirty Towels, Dog Waste)
_____ Appropriate, Professional Attire For Ring
_____ Emergency Phone #’s For Dog Owners.
_____ Dog’s Blanket
_____ Towels (Do Not UseHotel Guest Towels)
_____ Paper Towels
_____ Collar/Leash
_____ Air Freshener
_____ Carpet Cleaner
_____ Disinfectant
_____ Comfortable Shoes/
_____ Plastic Bags (Food, Dirty Towels, Dog Waste)
_____ Water
_____ Water Bottle/Bowl
_____ Food Bowl
_____ Food
_____ Medications
_____ First Aid Supplies
_____ Dryer
_____ Grooming Equipment
Strongly Suggested
_____ Camera (Before/After Photo of Room)
_____ Crate Covers
_____ Toys/Treats
_____ Newspaper
_____ Febreze
_____ Barker Breaker
_____ Tiny Flash Light
_____ Non-Perishable Snacks/Soda
_____ Odor Ban
_____ Baby Wipes
_____ Clorox Wipes
_____ Plastic Storage Container To Neatly Organize All Supplies
