Jr Fair Book | Open Class

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The Waupaca County Fair requires that all animal exhibitors comply with the International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE) National Show Ring Code of Ethics. All animal exhibitors, including a parent or guardian of Junior Fair exhibitors, sign the IAFE Exhibitor Entry Statement (included with the entry materials) indicating they have read and understand, consent to, and agree to abide by the following:

IAFE (International Association Of Fairs And Expositions)

National Code Of Show Ring Ethics

  Exhibitors of animals at the Waupaca County Fair shall at all times deport themselves with honesty and good sportsmanship. Their conduct in this competitive environment shall always reflect the highest standards of honor and dignity to promote the advancement of agriculture education. This code applies to junior as well as open class exhibitors who compete in structured classes of competition. This code applies to all animals offered in any event at the fair.

All leaders working with junior exhibitors are under an affirmative responsibility to do more than avoid improper conduct or questionable acts. Their moral values must be so certain and positive that those younger and more pliable will be influenced by their fine examples. Owners, exhibitors, fitters, trainers and absolutely responsible persons who violate the code of ethics will forfeit premiums, awards and auction proceeds and shall be prohibited from future exhibition. Exhibitors who violate this code of ethics demean the integrity of all animal exhibitors and should be prohibited from competition at all shows in the United States and Canada.

The following is a list of guidelines for all animal exhibitors in competitive events:

  1. All exhibitors must present, upon request of fair officials, proof of ownership, length of ownership and age of all animals entered. Misrepresentation of ownership, age, or any other facts relating thereto is prohibited.
  2. Owners, exhibitors, fitters, trainers, or absolutely responsible persons shall provide animal health certificates from licensed veterinarians upon request by fair officials.
  3. Exhibitors are expected to care for and groom their animals while at the fair.
  4. Animals shall be presented to show events where they will enter the food chain free of drugs. The act of entering an animal is the giving of consent by the owner, exhibitor, fitter, trainer and/or absolutely responsible person for show management to obtain specimens of urine, saliva, blood, or other substances from the animal to be used in testing. Animals not entered in an event which culminates with the animal entering the food chain shall not be administered drugs other than in accordance with applicable federal, state and provincial statutes, regulations and rules. Animals shall not be exhibited if the drug administered in accordance with federal, state and provincial statutes, regulations and rules affect the animal’s performance or appearance at the event.

If the laboratory report on the chemical analysis of saliva, urine, blood, or other sample taken from the animal indicates the presence of forbidden drugs or medication, this shall be prima facie evidence such substance has been administered to the animal either internally or externally. It is presumed that the sample of urine, saliva, blood, or other substance tested by the approved laboratory to which it is sent is the one taken from the animal in question, its integrity is preserved and all procedures of said collection and preservation, transfer to the laboratory and analysis of the sample are correct and accurate and the report received from the laboratory pertains to the sample taken from the animal in question and correctly reflects the condition of the animal at the time the sample was taken, with the burden on the owner, exhibitor, fitter, trainer, or absolutely responsible person to prove otherwise at any hearing in regard to the matter conducted by the fair. At any time after an animal arrives at the fair, all treatments involving the use of drugs and/or medications shall be administered by a licensed veterinarian.

  1. Any surgical procedure or injection of any foreign substance (irritant, counterirritant, or similar substance) which could affect the animal’s performance or alter its natural contour, conformation, 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.
  2. The use of showing and/or handling practices or devices such as striking animals to cause swelling, using electrical contrivance, icing, or other similar practices are not acceptable and are prohibited.
  3. Direct criticism or interference with the judge, fair 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, fair and 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.
  4. No owner, exhibitor, fitter, trainer, or absolutely responsible person 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 to be determined by the fair board.
  5. The application of this code of ethics provides for absolute responsibility for an animal’s condition by an owner, exhibitor, fitter, trainer, or participant whether or not he or she was actually instrumental in or had actual knowledge of the treatment of the animal in contravention of this code of ethics.
  6. The act of entering an animal is the giving of consent by the owner, exhibitor, fitter, trainer, or absolutely responsible person to have any disciplinary action taken by the fair against such individuals published in any publication of the International Association of Fairs and Expositions, including Fairs and Expositions and any special notices to members.
  7. The act of entering of an animal in a fair or livestock show is the giving of verification by the owner, exhibitor, fitter, trainer, or absolutely responsible person that he or she has read the IAFE National Code of Show Ring Ethics and understands the consequences of any 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 provincial statutes, regulations, or rules may be released to appropriate law enforcement authorities with jurisdiction over such infraction.