GARDEN STATE SHEEP BREEDERS
SHEEP AND FIBER FESTIVAL
CODE OF SHOW RING ETHICS
Exhibitors of animals at the Garden State Sheep & Fiber Festival shall at all times conduct themselves in an honest and sportsman-like manner. Their conduct in this competitive event shall always reflect the highest standards of honor and dignity keeping with the GSSB mission to educate the public about sheep. This Code applies to any exhibitor (juniors as well as open-class participants) who competes in any structured classes of competition. This Code applies to all livestock entered in any event at the Garden State Sheep & Fiber Festival.
Owners, exhibitors, fitters and participants who violate the code of ethics will forfeit premiums, awards, and proceeds and shall be prohibited from future exhibition in accordance with these rules adopted by the festival. Exhibitors who violate this code of ethics demean the integrity of all livestock exhibitors.
The following is a list of guidelines for all exhibitors and all livestock in competitive events at the Garden State Sheep & Fiber Festival.
- Exhibitors must check-in all animals to be shown at the festival. Additionally, if requested by festival officials, exhibitors shall provide proof of ownership, length of ownership and age of all animals entered. Misrepresentation of ownership, age, or any facts relating thereto is prohibited.
- Owners / exhibitors shall provide animal health certificates from a licensed veterinarian to festival officials prior to unloading of any animals on to the festival grounds. Veterinary health check times are posted for scheduling purposes. No early drop-off of animals unless pre-authorized by the Festival Committee Chairs.
- All Exhibitors are expected to care for and groom their animals while at the festival.
- Animals shall be presented to show events free of drugs. The act of entering an animal in a livestock show at the festival is the giving of consent by the owner, exhibitor, fitter and/or responsible party for show management to obtain any specimens of urine, saliva, blood, or other substances from the animal to be used in testing if there is suspicion of drug use.
At any time after an animal arrives on the festival grounds, all treatments involving the use of drugs and/or medications shall be administered by a licensed veterinarian. Sheep shall not be exhibited if the drugs administered in accordance with federal, state and local statues, regulations and rules affect the animal’s performance or appearance at the event.
- Any surgical procedure or injection of any foreign substance or drug or the external application of any substance (irritant, counterirritant, or similar substance) which could affect the animal’s performance or alter its natural contour, confirmation, or appearance, except external applications of substances to the hoofs or horns of animals which affect appearance only and except for surgical procedures performed by a duly licensed veterinarian for the sole purpose of protecting the health of the animal, is prohibited.
- Exhibitors will show their animals using best showman practices in accordance with proper sheep handling techniques and show ring etiquette.
- Direct criticism or interference with the judge, festival or show management, other exhibitors, breed representatives, or show officials before, during, or after the competitive event is prohibited. In the furtherance of their official duty, all judges, festival and livestock show management, or other show officials shall be treated with courtesy, cooperation, and respect and no person shall direct abusive or threatening conduct toward them. Violation of this rule shall subject such individual to disciplinary action including expulsion from the festival grounds.
- No owner, exhibitor, fitter, or participant shall conspire with another person or persons to intentionally violate this code of ethics or knowingly contribute or cooperate with another person or persons either by affirmative action or inaction to violate this code of ethics. Violation of this rule shall subject such individual to disciplinary action including expulsion from the festival grounds.
- It is the owner / exhibitor’s absolute responsibility for their animal’s care and wellbeing while at the festival. Veterinary staff will be available if emergency care is needed.
- The act of entering an animal in a festival or livestock show is the giving of verification by the owner, exhibitor, or participant that he or she has read this Code of Show Ring Ethics and understands the consequences of and penalties provided for actions prohibited by the code. It is further a consent that any action which contravenes these rules and is also in violation of federal, state, or local statutes, regulations, or rules may be released to appropriate law enforcement authorities with jurisdiction over such infractions.
EXHIBITOR ENTRY STATEMENT As an exhibitor and/or parent you agree to have read and understand, consent to, and agree to abide by the Code of Show Ring Ethics at the Garden State Sheep Breeders Sheep and Fiber Festival.