| Here are a few guidelines that we have put together
to help us all understand what is expected of us as a competitor or as a spectator outside
the competition ring. If you have any questions or comments, please see the ring steward
or one of the members of the show committee. Grooming
Competitions are difficult to organize, judge and compete in. It is important that you do
your part to make sure that everything goes smoothly, whether you are inside or out side
the ring.
Spectators:
It takes a lot to be a competitor in the ring. Some of
these groomers will be first timers or just very nervous, so please try not to distract or
disrupt the process.
- Please BE QUIET. Loud chatter and sounds
outside the ring can be very distracting to the groomers, the judges and the dogs. If you
need to have a conversation, take it away from the ring.
- DO NOT SPEAK TO ANYONE INSIDE THE RING,
until the class is complete. This can be considered "ring-side coaching" and is
a disqualifiable offence that could result with the groomer being ejected from the ring.
- DO NOT ENTER THE RING, for any reason. The
only people allowed in the ring are the competitors, judge and ring steward. It is very
distracting to the groomers and the dogs.
- NO FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY. This is very
distracting for the groomer, dogs and judges. At the completion of the class (after awards
have been given) you may ask the groomer if he/she would pose for a photo.
- DO NOT sit at ringside if your dog is in
the ring. It will be very distracting to the dog and very difficult for the groomer. Some
owners can’t even be in the same building because of how distracting it is.
Competitors:
- BE ON TIME. You should be in the ring 15
minutes before pre judging to allow yourself time to set up your equipment and get
yourself organized. Arriving late is a large distraction for the other groomers and their
dogs as well as being disrespectful to your judge.
- TALKING is acceptable before pre judging
starts and after post groom judging is complete. Talking while the judge or certifier is
in the ring, or while others are still grooming can be distracting. Please keep your
voices down in respect of others in the ring.
- DO NOT TALK to anyone outside of the ring.
This can be considered "ring-side coaching" and is a disqualifiable offence.
- DO NOT ENTER THE RING, unless you are
entered in that class. If you have forgotten anything in the ring, you will have to wait
until the class is finished.
- DO NOT OFFER YOUR COMMENTS OR OPINIONS to
any of the competitors. This is what the professional contest judge is paid to do and it
is disrespectful.
- HAVE YOUR DOG READY, in stacked position
with a clean and clear table except for a greyhound comb for prejudging and post groom
judging. Keep your dog stacked at post groom judging until the judge leaves the ring
(he/she may be watching out of the corner of their eye, or needing to do a comparison)
- DO NOT BLOW the hair off of your table. It
is a habit most of us have in the shop, but you can distract other competitors, or blow
hair on their dog.
- DO NOT FORGET there are others in the ring.
Try and make it a pleasant place for all. Some of the groomers may be first-timers or just
really nervous, so it is important to help create a fun and educational environment.
Remember to smile and be a team player. Poor sportsmanship has no place in the ring.
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