General Rules & Regs

IAFE National Code Of Show Ring Ethics

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Exhibitors of animals at livestock shows 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 agricultural education. This code applies to junior as well as open class exhibitors who compete in structured classes of competition. This code applies to all livestock offered in any event at a livestock show. In addition to the “IAFE National Code of Show Ring Ethics,” fairs and livestock shows may have rules and regulations which they impose on the local, county, state, provincial and national levels. All youth 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 example. 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 in accordance with the rules adopted by the respective fairs and livestock shows. Exhibitors who violate this code of ethics demean the integrity of all livestock exhibitors and should be prohibited from competition at all livestock shows in the United States and Canada. The following is a list of guidelines for all exhibitors and all livestock in competitive events:

1. All exhibitors must present, upon request of fair and livestock show officials, proof of ownership, length of ownership and age of all animals entered. Misrepresentation of ownership, age, or any 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 or livestock show officials.
3. Junior exhibitors are expected to care for and groom their animals while at fairs or livestock shows.
4. Animals shall be presented to show events where they will enter the food chain free of drugs. The act of entering an animal in a livestock show is the giving of consent by the owner, exhibitor, fitter, trainer and/or absolutely responsible person for show management to obtain any 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. Livestock shall not be exhibited if the drugs 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 livestock 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 or 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 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 or livestock show. At any time after an animal arrives on the fair or livestock show premises, all treatments involving the use of drugs and/or medications shall be administered by a licensed veterinarian.
5. Any surgical procedure or injection of any foreign substance or drug or the external application of any substance (irritant, counter-irritant, or irritant substance) which could affect the animal’s performance or alter its natural contour, confirmation, or appearance, except for surgical procedures performed by a duly licensed veterinarian for the sole purpose of protecting the health of the animal, is prohibited.
6. The use of showing and/or handling practices or devices such as striking animals to cause swelling, using electrical contrivance, or other similar practices are not acceptable and are prohibited.
7. Direct criticism or interference with the judge, fair or livestock show management, other exhibitors, breed representatives, or show officials before, during, or after the competitive event is prohibited. In the furtherance of their official shall be treated with courtesy, cooperation and respect and no person shall direct abusive or threatening conduct toward them.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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 or livestock show for violation of this Code of Show Ring Ethics and any other rules of competition of the fair or livestock show without recourse against the fair or livestock show. The act of entering an animal is the giving consent that any proceedings or disciplinary action taken by the fair or livestock show may be published with the name of the violator or violators in any publication of the International Association of Fairs and Expositions, including Fairs and Expositions and any special notices to members.
11. 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 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 provincial statutes, regulations, or rules may be released to appropriate law enforcement authorities with jurisdiction over such infractions.

Fair Rules And Regulations For All Shows & Contests

Last modified on 2013-04-03 13:02:57 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

1. FAIR ASSOCIATION & RESALE BUYER QUALITY ASSURANCE & DRUG STATEMENT  This is to acknowledge that I have been advised that the presence of any drug, antibiotic or biological residue in my market animal at slaughter will result in the condemnation of the carcass and forfeiture of all sale proceeds and premiums. I hereby certify that any drug, antibiotic or biological substance which may have been administered by myself or any other person, was done so in strict compliance with the manufacturers label requirements or as prescribed by a veterinarian. I hereby certify that I produced this animal, it was not fed any prohibited feedstuffs and feed additives like Paylean were fed in strict compliance with the manufacturers label requirements.
2. It is understood that all exhibitors entering any of the Suwannee River Youth Fair shows and/or contests agree to comply with all General Rules and Regulations, Animal Inspections Rules & Regulations and the IAFE National Code of Show Ring Ethics, as well as the rules governing each individual show and contest.
3. Let it be known that all those directly associated with the Suwannee River Fair Association/Suwannee River Youth Fair, including but not limited to Board Members, Staff, Show Committees, Sponsors, and Volunteers reserve the right to be held harmless and not responsible in any way in case of any damage, fire or accident as to person, lost articles, livestock, etc. entered and/or exhibited or any accidents that might occur to the exhibitor or their family, and/or the general public while visiting on the grounds at any time during the Fair.
4. The fair will take place at the discretion of the Suwannee River Fair Board of Directors and when possible the following year Fair dates will be set in January  prior to the opening of the current Fair year.
5. The Fair will not be responsible for any actions by the US Post Office concerning entries or thank you letters. This includes letters lost or delayed through the mail.
6. Rule #4 of the IAFE Code of Show Ring Ethics deals specifically with drugs. Use of drugs, in animals, not in compliance with manufacturer’s label as to dosage, time of withdrawal limitations, or other manufacturer’s limitations and show regulations is prohibited. The use of tranquilizers or possession of same after arrival at the Fair will be construed as tampering.
7. The Suwannee River Fair Association reserves all rights to make changes to individual shows, events, and/or rules and regulations throughout the year as the Executive Board deem necessary for the betterment, improvement and safety of exhibitors, volunteers, and guests.
8. The SRF Association reserves to its Board of Directors, the final and absolute right to interpret all show rules and regulations.
9. The website mysrf.org has entry forms, project record books, updates and changes to any rules.
10. Show officials may refuse participation in any show, contest or sale, any exhibit or exhibitor who they feel is not a credit to the fair and/or does not adhere to all rules and regulations.
11. The decisions of Judges, Graders, DFACS Inspectors and other officials of the fair are final. There will be no arguments, verbal or written, or protest to the fair Judges or Graders. Protests are allowed under the provisions of SRF general rule # 12.
12. Any disagreement or protest regarding any fair activities must be made in writing to the Fair Board President. The executive board will consider such protests and a decision rendered as soon as possible.
13. Gate at SE corner of Horse arena will stay shut all the time. NO VEHICLES, NO TRAILERS.
14. No animals, concessions or goods may be advertised for sale on the fair grounds unless officially sanctioned by the Board of Directors.
15. Sales checks will be given to FFA Advisors and 4-H Agents following the fair. The check will be given to the exhibitor upon receipt of a thank you letter from exhibitors to their buyers. The original letter and an unsealed, stamped, addressed envelope must be given to the 4-H Agent or FFA Advisor for mailing. In case of multiple buyers, all buyers must receive a letter.

Code of Conduct

Last modified on 2013-04-03 13:03:20 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

16. Exhibitors and exhibitor’s parents are expected to adhere to the following rules of conduct at all fair sanctioned events. Failure to do so could result in forfeiture of all premiums, awards and elimination or expulsion from participation in the current or future fair events. Abide by all SRF rules and regulations.
    1. Abide by all SRF rules and regulations.
    2. Consumption, possession of alcoholic beverages on fair property or being under the influence of such beverages is strictly forbidden.
    3. The use of profanity or fighting on fair property is forbidden.
    4. The possession of firearms by anyone under the age of 18 on fair property is forbidden. Adults must secure firearms in locked vehicles when left unattended.
    5. No open fires are permitted on fair property.
    6. Any intentional destruction or abuse of Fair property will be grounds for immediate expulsion from the fair grounds and/or activities.
    7. No improper comments or conduct toward buyers, fair officials or volunteers will be tolerated.

Exhibitor Eligibility & Responsibility

Last modified on 2013-04-03 13:03:10 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

17. Participants in SRF must be certified members in good standing of 4-H, FFA or FCCLA in Dixie, Gilchrist or Levy Counties. Verification of membership is the sole responsibility of the advisors or agents and implies member compliance with national, state and local membership rules and policy. Membership is certified initially by the signature of the appropriate Advisor, Agent or Leader on the appropriate entry form. Final certification from Advisor or Agent will be verified from SRF Master Entry List.
18. Mandatory Youth Livestock Show Ethics and Animal Care Workshop:  The Suwannee River Fair Association believes that every youth exhibitor should receive proper training and information for raising and showing a youth animal project.  The Youth Livestock Show Ethics and Animal Care Workshop is designed to certify students to meet mandatory certification requirements. Certification is valid for a three (3) year period. This program has been endorsed by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS). It is important that the exhibitors understand: The purpose of youth livestock projects; The importance of ethics in youth livestock projects; Proper animal handling and management,; The difference between animal welfare and animals rights; and Be prepared to be an ambassador for animal agriculture.  The requirements are as follows:
    1. All students that were entered in the Suwannee River Fair from 2009 to 2012 must have completed the Ethics training to show an animal at the 2013 Suwannee River Fair.
    2. Youth that are exhibiting for the first time at the 2013 Suwannee River Fair will have a one (1) year grace period to complete the Ethics training.
    3. Workshops will be offered around the state. Check our website for updated dates and times. 
19. Exhibitors must enter, weigh/tag-in at the initial and final weigh/tag-in, as well as show and sell, his/her own animal unless the show committee approves an alternate. Alternates are approved only on the basis of emergency or health problems or for team members in 4H or FFA or School sanctioned events only. Request for substitution by alternates must be made in writing, 2 weeks before the event, except in an emergency.
20. Suwannee River Fair Dress Code: All exhibitors participating in Shows, Sale, Contests and at Awards Program will be required to be clean, neat and dressed in gender appropriate dark black jeans, slacks or skirts, a solid white shirt with a white collar and dark or green tie. FFA or 4-H Jacket or 4-H Accessories are required. Closed-toed shoes with backs or boots are required. No hats or caps allowed. Exception: Horse Participants are required to wear attire, boots and helmet appropriate to riding style. Dairy Cow and Goat participants may wear white pants and shirt. 4-H Cloverbuds may wear 4-H Accessories.
21. The division between Cloverbuds, Primary, Junior, and Senior classes shall be uniform throughout the Fair. The age for all shows is as of  September 1, 2012. Primaries: 8-10 years, Jr.: 11-13 years, Sr.: 14 years and older. Except Horse. Horse: Beginner any age, Jr.: 8-13 years, Sr.: 14 years and older. Cloverbud: 4-H members under the age of 8 (as of September 1) may not compete for any awards and/or prizes. They may enter only those events specific to their age group (5 to 7 years old).
22. All animals must remain in the possession of exhibitor and in the area during the feeding period or until released by show committee. Animals will be checked periodically by FFA advisors, county agents, 4-H leaders and/or board members.
23. All exhibits must be picked up no later than the time and date listed in the schedule of events or show barn for each show and division.
24. Early removal of exhibits may result in loss of ribbons and future showing privileges.

Entries and Showmanship

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25. Exhibitors must own in full any animal exhibit offered for sale. No individual may show and/or sell more than one SALE animal per year.
26. STATEMENT OF UNDERSTANDING: By signing and submitting an entry to the Suwannee River Youth Fair, the exhibitor, parents, leaders, and advisors agree that they have read and agree to abide by the Rules and Regulations as published by the Suwannee River Fair Association, and that all information on the entry form is true. By signing the entry form you release the Suwannee River Fair Association and those directly associated with it from any liability to your person or property and you consent to the use, by the Fair, of any pictures taken during the events for promotion or advertising of the Suwannee River Youth Fair.
27. Entry Fees: $35.00 Feeders, Fats, & Swine; $30.00 Dairy Cow, Dairy Goat, Horse; $20.00 Small Animal (Rabbit & Poultry); $5.00 Cloverbud; No Charge Creative Life Skills; $30.00 1st Heifer then $25.00/Head Heifers.
28. Entry Forms: Exhibitors must enter their animals on a completed official entry form that has been signed by the exhibitor, exhibitor’s parent or guardian, and the FFA Advisor, 4-H Agent or 4-H Leader. Entry forms are due according to Registration Deadlines and with the correct fees. No refunds will be made after entry deadline.
29. Registration Deadlines: All paperwork is the responsibility of the exhibitor and entry forms are due into the show superintendents no later than: Sale Animals and Heifers: On Day of Weight/Tag-in. Non-Sale Projects: Dropped off forms will not be accepted. Forms must be postmarked by the 2nd Wednesday in January of the current fair year; exhibitors are encouraged to include a self-addressed, stamped post card which will be returned upon receipt of their entry forms. A list of all received entries will be posted on the Fair website. Entries post marked after the deadline but on or before the 3rd Wednesday of January will be accepted at double the entry fee.
30. Show Sponsor Thank You Letters: Exhibitors are required to write a thank you letter to the sponsor of their show.
31. Ethics Training: Exhibitors are required to show proof of Ethics Training at time of show entry or they will NOT be allowed to show their animal(s).
32. Showmanship Contests – General Rules
    1. There will be Primary, Jr., and Sr. divisions.
    2. Refer to show division for specific criteria.
    3. The exhibitor must show his own animal. No one will be allowed to participate unless they have an official entry in the show and division. Exhibitors of chapter or club animals may compete in the showmanship contest, 1 per club/chapter by designated club leader or chapter advisor.
    4. Awards will be given to the top three (3) showmen in each show category.
33. Mandatory Project Record Books & Optional Contest: 

Mandatory Project Record Books:  

1. All animal projects entering the fair will have a completed project record book that will be presented to the show committee check-in station.
2. At the check-in station all record books will be examined for completeness.
3. If a record book is found to be incomplete, the exhibitor and his/her animal WILL BE diverted out of line to an area where they may complete their record book.
4. If the project record book is complete, it will be rubber stamped as approved, and the exhibitor’s hand will be stamped for entry into the scale house, horse show or dairy/small animal barns.
5. Exhibitors are required to write a thank you letter to the sponsor of their show.
6. One project record book will be completed for each animal project/division entered into the fair.
7. If your are competing in the record book contest, you must indicate this on your project record book. Refer to Optional Record Book Contest Rules.

Optional Project Record Book Contest:  

1. You must indicate on your project record book if you are entering this contest. Exhibitors may enter 1 record book per animal division they are participating in.
2. Each animal division will have a separate primary, junior and senior divisions. The fair association reserves the right to combine age and animal divisions when appropriate or necessary.
3. A portion of the entry fee will be utilized to provide a cash award.
4. When possible, individuals from outside the tri-county area will be sought to judge and score the record book competition.
5.  Ribbon Awards: Blue 90-100 pts, Red 80-89 pts, White 70-79 pts, Green 69 pts & below
6. AWARDS: First, second and third place may be awarded. 

Animal Inspection Rules & Regulations

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34. All animals shall enter the show grounds through the North gate, unless specified in SRF Division and Show.
35. Exhibitors will be required to maintain their exhibits in a clean and attractive manner, properly care for (feed and water) animal exhibits, for the duration of the Fair. Inspections will be performed by the Board.
36. Proper Care: If your animal is reported for lack of care and the grievance is found to be valid, the pen will be tagged with a date and time. Once your pen is tagged you must immediately report to the office/show superintendent. If the problem or concern is not corrected you will be withdrawn from the show.
37. State Veterinarian, USDA representative, SRF Grievance Committee or their representative reserve the right not to accept animals if they appear to be unhealthy, infected with external parasites (such as lice, mites & fleas), malnourished, or not in the best interest of the fair.
38. There will be no medicating of animals, unless approved by SRF Grievance Committee or their representative.
39. If illness appears during the course of the Fair, the SRF Grievance Committee or their representative reserve the right to remove animals from the barn that day.
40. Liability in case of death or injury to any exhibited animal remains with the exhibitor until released from Fair.
41. All health rules as outlined by the Florida Department of Agriculture, Division of Animal Industry as printed in this book must be adhered to. State inspectors will be on the grounds to verify health papers and check in all animals. No animals will be unloaded without the inspector’s approval.
42. The State Inspector has the right to test any animal on the facility without prior notice.