Qualification of the Competition Dog

The following information must be confirmed to qualify competition dog during prejudge time frame. Competition dog:

• Must be Competition Dog Age -  Mature Enough but Young Enough to Enjoy Competition

• Suggested age of competition dog approximately (1) one year to (10) ten years of age. It is the responsibility of competitor to determine if dog is mature enough or young enough to participate in competition. If found during check in or during competition, age of dog is affecting safety of  dog, judging panel will notify competitor to discontinue competition.

• Must be in compliance with applicable regulations in reference to vaccinations for city, county, state or country hosting competition.

• Must show no signs of obvious pregnancy or nursing.

• Must appear healthy, in good condition and free of infectious diseases and parasites.

• Must be physically able to stand on grooming table for competition time frame and judging.

• Must show no signs of aggression or viciousness.

• Must be on safety lead or safety loop when not in a crate.

• Must be under control and may not be left unattended while on grooming table.

• Must be properly crated and cared for, with food and water, when left in secure holding area, hotel room or other accommodations.

 

Entry Confirmation

The following must be confirmed:

• In the Ring or Out of Ring Class

• Option 1 - Option 2

• Correct coat type

• Measure dog for correct time frame

 

Pre-Judge Documentation

• Judging panel documents the following about competition dog.

• Amount of coat growth.

• Amount of pre-set coat growth pattern

• Amount of pre-set color

• Specific information about competition dog such as missing coat, ear infection, etc.

• If competition dog is supplied or if contestant has groomed dog previously.

 

Confirm with Competitor

The following information must be confirmed with contestant to eliminate confusion after start of competition.

• Correct start time for In the Ring Competitor

• Correct time frame for Out of Ring Competitor to bring Competition Dog to Ring

 

Photo Station

Contestant and competition dog must proceed to photo station where pre-contest photo will be taken. Dogs will be measured, if applicable, in the photo station or in ring.

 

Table Assignment Area

Contestant and competition dog must proceed to table assignment area at ringside. IJA team will direct contestant to table or contestant may receive table assignment during check in procedures.

 

Station Set Up Time

Station set up time begins after check in procedure and ends 15 minutes before competition starts. Contestants must check their equipment and electrical power at this time.

 

Contestant Meeting 10 Minutes Before Start Time

Contestants must be at their tables in ring 10 minutes before competition begins to attend contestant meeting conducted before start of each class. Time frames, awards, Johnnie Break and other changes in procedures will be announced at this time.

 

Competition Start

Competitions will begin on schedule unless conditions exist beyond the control of IJA or show promoter.

 

Assistance During the Competition

If contestant needs assistance during competition, contestant must notify ring steward immediately. Contestant should raise hand to signal ring steward or IJA team. Contestant must avoid yelling to get attention of ring steward or IJA team.

 

Mandatory Contest Break - “The Johnnie Break” (Only for In The Ring Class)

• A fifteen minute mandatory break will take place during competition. Time of break will be announced at beginning of each class.

• Contestants and dogs must proceed as a group to 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 in designated area.

• Contestants may not discuss grooming of their competition dogs with anyone.

• IJA team member will announce time to return to competition ring and all contestants must proceed to competition ring as a group.

• Ring master will announce when competition will resume.

 

Competition End

• Contestant should remove all hair, equipment and products from grooming table.

• Comb should be placed on table in front of dog for judge to use during technical evaluation.

• Contestant may comb dog before and after judging panel has evaluated dog.

• Contestant should stack dog to present to judge or judging panel.

• In the Ring Option 2 Competitors prepare back drop, costumes and performance.  

• Out of Ring Option 1 and Option 2 competitors prepare competition dog for judging and prepare back drop, costumes and performance.

• Performance is conducted during the judging.

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Judging

• Judges will evaluate competition dogs from inside and outside ring.

• Panel will complete judging 30 minutes after last time frame for class.

• Ring master will announce when judging is complete to allow contestants and competition dog to relax.

• When judging is complete, ring master may dismiss contestants and competition dogs from ring until awards ceremony.

• Contestants and competition dogs must stay ringside.

• Contestants must return to their table in ring 10 minutes before introduction and awards ceremonies.

 

Post-Contest Photos

Post-contest photos will be taken at photo station, after technical evaluation has been completed. Contestant must take photo ID sheet and proceed to photo station after technical evaluation.

 

Best in Show Judging

Best in Show Judging may be conducted immediately after contest or at a different time and location. Contestants who are finalists for Best in Show in each Level must be present with their competition dogs for final judging to be considered for Best in Show.

 

Best in Show Awards Ceremony

Best in Show Awards Ceremony may be conducted immediately after contest and final judging or at a different time and location. Contestants who are finalists for Best in Show in each Level must be present with their competition dog to receive an award. Award times are published by show promoter.

 

Contest Ring

Grooming Equipment

• Contestants must provide all of their own equipment, including the grooming table, grooming arm and safety loop, unless provided by show organizer. See individual show rules.

• Contestants are responsible for providing bathing accommodations for competition dog, unless provided by show organizer. See individual show rules.

• Flame devices are not permitted in competition ring, prep area or bathing and drying area.

• Hair dryers are not permitted in competition ring unless stated by show promoter.

• Holding crates are not permitted in competition ring.

• Personal grooming tables and equipment must be removed from ring after each class unless stated otherwise by show promoter.

 

Strictly Prohibited in Competition Ring

• Use of cell phones, radios and headsets.

• Smoking in competition ring.

• Standing on grooming tables.

• Standing on chairs to groom or style.

• Beverages NOT in spill proof containers.

• Coaching by anyone, at any time, during competition, including Sally Break.

• Visual or written grooming instructions.

 

Competitor Responsibilities

• Competitors have responsibility to keep dogs safe. Competition dogs must be properly crated and cared for, with food and water, when left in secure holding area. Dogs must:

• Be on safety lead when transported on floor.

• Be on safety loop when on competition table.

• Be under control and not left unattended while on grooming table. ·