Basic Rules 2.1
The Competition Dog
Must be free of any contagious disease and has had no contact with any other dogs having a contagious disease for a period of six weeks prior to the competition. Dogs must be in compliance with all applicable regulations for the city, county, state or country hosting the competition.
• Appear healthy, in good condition and free of infectious disease and parasites.
• Show no signs of aggression or viciousness.
• Be on a safety lead or safety loop when not in a crate.
• While on the grooming table the dog must be under control and may not be left unattended.
• Be properly crated and cared for, with food and water, when left in secure holding area, hotel room or other
accommodations.
• Must show no signs of obvious pregnancy or nursing.
• Must be a minimum of one (1) year and not older than ten (10) years of age.
Preparation Requirements for Regular Classes, Winners Circle, and Oster Invitational
• The Competition Dog must be prepped and ready for the
Judges' inspection prior to check in procedures.
• The dog should be freshly shampooed and dried, brushed,
combed and free of matts (except for corded coats).
• Dogs with corded coats must be clean and dry.
• Dogs with hand stripped coats must be clean.
• Ears should be clean, toenails clipped and the hair between the pads clipped, if applicable, according to breed standard.
• Sanitary trimming, the genital and stomach areas, should be
pre-trimmed, if applicable, according to breed standard. All other trimming shall be done only after the contest starts, unless stated in the rules for an individual class.
Preparation Requirements for Creative Classes
In addition to requirements for Regular Classes, coat coloring is allowed prior to the competition.
Preparation Requirements for Mobile Van Classes
The Competition Dog must not be bathed or have any pre grooming before the competition begins. Prep, bath, dry and finish must be done during the competition.
Coat Length Qualifications
The Competition Dog, including rotated coats on handstripped dogs, must have adequate coat, defined as being sufficient to allow the contestant to make a distinct change in the dog?s overall appearance.
Grooming Techniques
• All techniques of grooming are permitted, including clipping,
snap-on-combs, vacuum grooming systems, scissoring, thinning, handstripping, plucking and carding.
• Singing of the coat is not permitted. Flame devices are not
permitted in the competition ring, the prep area or the bathing
and drying area. Tie up type head styles are allowed. The
contestant must create the tie up during the competition time
frame.
Grooming Equipment
• Contestants must provide all of their own equipment, including grooming table, grooming arm and safety loop, unless provided by the show organizer. See individual Show Rules.
• Contestants must be responsible for providing bathing
accommodations for the competition dog, unless provided
by the Show Organizer. See individual Show Rules.
• Hair dryers are not permitted in the competition ring.
• Holding crates are not permitted in the competition ring.
• Personal grooming tables and equipment must be removed
from the ring after each class.
Products for Regular Classes and Winner's Circle Class • Decorative objects, such as bows, beads and glitter are not permitted.
• Coloring, other than to enhance the coat color of the dog, is
not permitted.
• Hair extensions are permitted, if they are within the same color range as the coat color of the dog.
• Sprays are allowed, for example, on the tie up on a Poodle,
however, the judge will perform a technical evaluation of the
sprayed area.
• Chalking products are allowed, however, the judge will perform a technical evaluation of chalked area and the chalk must not rub off on the judge's hands.
Products for Creative Classes
Coat coloring products, spray glitter, ribbons, rhinestones, or
other finishing products are permitted. Costumes, decorations and cosmetic finishing touches to enhance, but not cover the design are permitted. All products, decorations or props must be safe for animals and humans. Glues must be water-soluble. Hot glue guns are not permitted. Costumes or ornaments must not, in any way, hinder a dog?s ability to move, impair his/her vision or inhibit free movement of his/her ears. The judge will perform a technical evaluation.
Products for Mobile Van Classes
Sprays, glitter, ribbons, rhinestones, or other finishing touches
are permitted, however, the judge must be able to comb through the coat.
Professionalism in the Contest Ring
• Contestants must conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times.
• Each contestant must adhere to the following:
• Safe and gentle handling of the dogs;
• Professional language and attitude;
• Appropriate grooming attire;
• Safe and organized equipment and station;
• Appropriate clothing and shoes.
Warnings and Disqualifications
Judges will give a warning for the following violations. A second warning will result in disqualification.
Professional Warning for:
• Inappropriate attire;
• Inappropriate language and attitude.
Technical Warning for:
• Skin abrasions such as clipper burns, nicks or cuts;
• Dematting in a non-compassionate manner;
• Handstripping or plucking in a non-compassionate manner.
Handling Warning for:
• Dog left unattended on the grooming table;
• Dog jumping or falling off grooming table;
• Rough handling or improper movement of the dog;
• Safety loop adjusted too high;
• Lifting of dog by his/her tail.
Strictly Prohibited:
• Use of cell phones, radios and headsets;
• Smoking in the competition ring;
• Standing on the grooming tables;
• Standing on chairs to groom or style;
• Beverages NOT in spill proof containers;
• Coaching by anyone, at any time, during the competition,
including the Sally Break.
• Visual or written grooming instructions.
Contestant Check in Procedure
Contestants must register at the IJA Check In Station before each class. IJA opens the Check In Station 60 minutes before the competition begins. Contestants must complete all check in procedures before entering the contest ring. Contestants will be assigned a table after the completion of the check in procedures. IJA closes the Check In Station 15 minutes before the competition begins. Contestants who have not checked in 15 minutes before the competition starts will not be allowed to compete.
1. The Contestant and the Competition Dog must register at the IJA Check In Table. The IJA team will verify the following: Contestant is in the correct level, if applicable;
Correct breed for class, if applicable; Correct time frame for the dog, if applicable. Contestant must sign the competition rules one time for the entire competition. Contestant must inform the judges during check in procedures of special notations such as missing coat, hot spots, etc.
2. The Contestant and the Competition Dog must proceed to the IJA Photo Station The pre-contest photo will be taken. Dogs will be measured if size is in question, if applicable.
3. The Contestant must proceed to the IJA Table Assignment Area at ringside. An IJA Team member will direct the Contestant to his/her table.
Station Set Up
• Station Set Up Time begins after check in procedure.
• Station Set Up Time ends 15 minutes before competition starts. Equipment and electrical power to the contestant's table must be checked during this time.
Contestants' Contest Meeting
All contestants must be at their tables in the ring 10 minutes before the competition begins. Contest procedures will be reviewed at this time.
Competition Start
All competitions will begin on schedule unless conditions exist beyond the control of IJA or the Show Promoter.
Mandatory Contest Break - “The Sally Break”
• A fifteen minute mandatory break will take place during the
competition. The time of the break will be announced at the
beginning of each class.
• All contestants and dogs must proceed as a group to the
designated break area. Dogs will be offered water and given a chance to exercise at this time. Contestants can move their own dogs, or have someone else move their dogs for them in the designated area. Contestants may not discuss the grooming of their competition dogs with anyone. An IJA team member will announce the time to return to the competition ring and all contestants must proceed to the competition ring as a group. The ring master will announce when the competition will resume.
Competition End
Contestants must stop all grooming procedures, except for combing, at the end of the competition. Sprays or chalk may not be applied after the competition ends. Contestants should remove all hair, equipment and products from the grooming table. A comb should be placed on the table in front of the dog for the judge to use during the technical evaluation. Contestant should stack his/her dog to present to judge or judging panel. Contestants may comb their dogs before and after the judging panel has evaluated their dogs.
Judging
The judging panel will complete all judging within 30 minutes after the class is over.
Post-Contest Photos
Post contest photos will be taken at the photo station, after the technical evaluation has been completed.
Interpretation of Rules
Any rules, regulations and/or procedures that may be subject to interpretation will be decided by the IJA panel of judges.
Fees
All fees must be paid prior to contest. Entry fees are not refunded for cancellations received less than 72 hours prior to the show or to contestants who are dismissed or disqualified for any reason.
Pre- and Post-Contest Photos
Pre and post contest photos are mandatory and will be taken of each entry.
Contestant agrees to the following:
I, the undersigned, in consideration of my participation in this event, do hereby agree to adhere to the rules of this contest. Failure to comply will mean immediate expulsion from the contest. I understand that the judges decision is final and binding. The International Judges Association for Dog Grooming Competition, Inc., reserves the right to use photographs, slides, video, audio, digital images and judges' comments in future educational endeavors, show coverage, advertising and promotion of future IJA events and the undersigned specifically waives any proprietary rights and any rights to compensation he/she may have for their use. The Show Promoter reserves the right to use photographs, slides, audio, videos and digital images of contestants for show coverage and future advertising and promotion of the Show Promoter's events in books, magazines and web sites. I agree to absolve International Judges Association for Dog Grooming Competition, Inc., the Show Promoter, Contest Judges, Contest Sponsors, Show Staff Personnel and the Hosting Hotel and their employees for any legal claim for loss or injury which may be alleged to have been caused directly or indirectly to any person or thing thereto, and I personally assume all responsibility and liability for any such claim. I further agree not to hold the aforementioned parties legally responsible for any claim for loss of my entry dog(s) by disappearance, theft, death, damage or injury, to be caused by negligence of the parties aforementioned, or due to the negligence of any other person, or any other cause or causes.
A copy of these rules must be signed prior to competition.
