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IAFE (INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FAIRS AND EXPOSITIONS) NATIONAL CODE
OF SHOW RING ETHICS
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 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. Any surgical procedure or injection of any foreign substance or drug
of 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.
4. 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.
5. Direct criticism or interference with the judge, fair or livestock
show management, other exhibitors, breed representatives, or show
officials during, or after the competitive event is prohibited. In the
furtherance of their official duty, all judges, fair 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.
6. 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.
7. The application of this code of ethics provides for absolute
responsibility for an animal’s condition by an owner, exhibitor, fitters
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.
8. The act of entering an animal is the giving of consent by the owner,
exhibitor, fitter, trainer, or absolutely responsible persons to have
any disciplinary action taken by the fair or livestock show 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.
9. The act of entering 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 action 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 statues, regulations, or
rules may be released to appropriate law enforcement authorities with
jurisdiction over such infractions. |
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