Level 3 Expert
Open to all contestants but recommended for the contestant with Expert grooming skills. The first time contestant must enter this level if he/she has expert technical and profile skills.

Level 2 Intermediate
Restricted to contestants with novice or intermediate grooming skills, but recommended for contestants with intermediate grooming skills, and those who have not won Best in Show Level 2, three Best in Class Level 2, or equivalent in non-IJA Sanctioned Competitions prior to this show. First time contestant should enter this level if he/she has intermediate technical and profile skills.

Level 1 Novice
Restricted to contestants with novice grooming skills and those who have not won Best in Show Level 1 or three Best in Class Level 1, or equivalent in non-IJA Sanctioned Competitions prior to this show. First-time contestant should enter this level if he/she has novice technical and profile skills.

* In a class where there are less than three contestants, those contestants may, at the judge's discretion, be offered a choice of moving up to the next higher level or down to the next lower level (providing they are within the criteria for that level), or offered a refund for that class.

Poodles
Includes Toy, Miniature and Standard Poodles with clipped face, feet and tail. Face, feet and tail area must be clipped during competition. Any pet trim or confirmation show-type trim will be accepted except those trims with scissored face, feet, and tail, which must compete in Mixed and Other Purebreds Class.

Terriers
Includes all dogs in the Terrier Group, and Standard and Giant Schnauzers. Any pet trim styled to breed standard or conformation show trim will be accepted.

Sporting Breeds
Includes all dogs in the Sporting Group. Any pet trim styled to breed standard or conformation show trim will be accepted.

Mixed and Other Purebreds

• Includes all mixed breeds. Any pet trim will be accepted.


• Includes all other purebred dogs not included in any other regular classes. Any pet trim styled to breed standard or conformation show trim will be accepted.


• Includes all purebred dogs that will be groomed in a style other than
  specified in their breed standard. Poodles with scissored face and feet
  must compete in this class.

Competition Time Frame

• 16 inches and under at the withers will be permitted 1-1/2 hours.

• Over 16 inches at the withers will be permitted 2 hours.



Judging considerations

Level 1 & Level 2 Awards

Judging panel will choose the following equal placements from each class: Technical, Profile and Difficulty. Contestants can win one award, two awards or all three awards.

Technical
Based on quality of Technical finish including clipping, scissoring, thinning, hand stripping, plucking and carding.

Profile
Based on Profile, balance, symmetry, style and pizzazz.

Difficulty
Based on degree of Difficulty including length of coat, quality of dog, fault correction and size of dog.

Level 1 & 2 Best in Class Awards
Will be chosen from the three equal placements in each class.

Level 3 Awards
Judging panel will choose the following placements from each class: 1st, 2nd & 3rd

Level 3 Best in Class Awards
Best in Class will be the first place winner in each class.

Professional Image Award (Not at all contests)
This award is given to the contestant who appears most professional during the competition. Overall professional appearance including grooming attire, organization, and cleanliness of grooming station and equipment will be primary considerations. One winner will be chosen from all levels.

Kindness Award (Not at all contests)
This award is given to the contestant who has the best rapport with his/her dog(s) during the grooming events. Kindness, gentleness, patience, and safe and gentle handling skills, will be considered. One winner will be chosen from all levels.

Presentation Award (Not at all contests)
This award is given to the most professional appearance of a groomer in stacking their dog. Presentation shows off the styling the groomer has done.

Pattern Award (Not at all contests)
This award is given to the best balanced and executed pattern.

Best All Around Groomer Award, Division 3 (Not at all contests)

In order to be eligible for the Best All Around Groomer Award, the groomer must enter a minimum of 3 classes in the Groom Olympics competition.
(Creative Styling and Winners Circle are not included)

Points will be tabulated as follows:
First Place: 3 points
Second Place: 2 points
Third Place: 1 point

In case of a tie in points, the groomer who has won the with highest
placements will win. For example: Two firsts and a third (7 points) will beat a first, and 2 seconds (7 points).