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Contest Rules & Policies
GroomTeam USA Sanctioned Classes
For Exclusive Use By Pet Styling Shows Who Are Members Of The
United Showmanagers Alliance

An Addendum Containing Contest Rules For Special Classes, Competitor Entry Form, and Miscellaneous Information
Applicable To Each Show Is Available Upon Request From Respective Show Managers

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, November 30, 2008, 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:

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:

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:

In the event of a tie, the winner will be determined as follows:

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 meet 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

2. Non-Sporting Breeds - Large

3. Sporting Breeds

4. Potpourri Breeds

5. Terrier Breeds

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 mats by trim completion. A comb will go through a tangle but not a mat without exerting force.
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. Shoes must be worn....”flip flops” and other open-toed shoes are considered to be unsafe ring attire and will not be allowed. Best In Show Awards Presentation dress code is “business casual;” i.e., appropriate if competing at Westminister.....no grooming attire or jeans/t-shirts (also applies to Assistants).
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 Show Management 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 after the close of the class.

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. 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.

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		Strongly Suggested
_____	Crate (1 Per Dog)	_____	Camera (Before/After Photo of Room)
_____	Grooming Table, Arm, Noose (The All American Grooming Show provides tables, but you may bring your own.)	_____	Crate Covers
_____	Dryer	_____	Toys/Treats
_____	Grooming Equipment	_____	Newspaper
_____	Plastic (Goes Under & To Rear of Crate)	_____	Febreze
_____	Plastic Bags (Food, Dirty Towels, Dog Waste)	_____	Barker Breaker
_____	Water	_____	Tiny Flash Light
_____	Water Bottle/Bowl	_____	Nonperishable Snacks/Soda
_____	Food Bowl	_____	Odor Ban
_____	Food	_____	Baby Wipes
_____	Medications	_____	Disinfectant Wipes
_____	First Aid Supplies	_____	Plastic Storage Container To Neatly Organize All Supplies
_____	Dog’s Blanket
_____	Towels (Do Not Use Hotel Guest Towels)
_____	Paper Towels
_____	Collar/Leash
_____	Air Freshener
_____	Carpet Cleaner
_____	Disinfectant
_____	Comfortable Shoes/Clothing	Not Cleaning Up After Your Pet STINKS!!!
_____	Appropriate, Professional Attire For Ring
_____	Emergency Phone #’s For Dog Owners