“PUP”TASTIC GROOMING EXTRAVAGANZA
RULES, REGULATATIONS AND POLICIES

ADMINISTRATION:

To standardize our competition, the PUPtastic Grooming Extravaganza has adopted these rules, as decided by the Show Committee. A Competitor Entry Form is available at www.pupular.com.   Competitors or participating exhibitors who would like to request a rule addition or change should submit their suggestions in writing or email, for review by the PUPtastic Grooming Extravaganza Show Committee.

CONTACT US:

The Official Web Page for the PUPtastic Grooming extravaganza is www.pupular.com.  All emails should be directed to Mike or Glennis Doig at sales@pupular.com or Mike or Glennis Doig PUPular Show Products, Inc. 4815-50 Avenue Leduc, AB. T9E 6X8  780-986-9802 (Phone) 780-980-9873 (Fax)

COMPETITOR’S RESPONSIBILITY:

It is the sole responsibility of the competitor to read and adhere to the rules contained herein. Please do not rely on someone else’s interpretation, as failure to abide by the rules could result in dismissal or disqualification from competition. Questions should be directed to Mike or Glennis Doig prior to arrival or after arrival at the PUPtastic Grooming Extravaganza, to our assigned Ring Steward.  Rules will not be waived or amended to accommodate a Competitor who “didn’t read the rules!”

ENTRY CLOSING DATE:

All competition Entries must be received with payment. Entries can be made by fax, electronic submission, or mailed via Canada Post or done on-line at www.pupular.com, no later than 5 p.m. September 15/12.  After the closing date, a Competitor may change dogs within a class, but may not switch or add classes or dogs unless space permits.  Competitors are responsible for confirming receipt of their Registrations.

ENTRY FEES:

Entry fees are $60.00 per entry

STRUCTURE:

Multi-Level Competition

The PUPtastic Grooming Extravaganza competition will have three divisions of competition, with five regular classes in each division. Each division is designed to allow Groomers to compete with other professionals who have similar competitive experience.  Divisional winners will compete for 1st, 2nd and 3rd placements and first place Winners will compete for the title “Best in Show.”  The “Best in Show” winner can come from any of the three divisions.

DIVISIONS

Open Entry

Open to all Competitors.

Intermediate Entry

• Restricted to competitors who have not won:
• Three Group placements at a prior dog grooming competition or
• Won “Best In Show” or “Best All Around” In Show at any Grooming Competition Show
• Owners, handlers, or breeders who have “finished a Champion” in a specific breed, instructors, Grooming contest, Judges, and certifiers must compete in either the Intermediate or Open Division.

Novice Entry

• Restricted to competitors who have never competed, or who have not won:
• Three Division first placements, or
• A Group placement
• Best In Show”, or “Best All Around “ Groomer In Show, or equivalent, from any sanctioned competition

CLASSES

Unless stated otherwise, Groomers must represent breed standards and should be trimmed per acceptable CKC breed profiles; i.e., the finished trim should present the illusion of correct breed expression, proportions, substance, balance, symmetry, and angulations, and be free of mats, pet styling flaws or injuries.

Measurement of dogs: Taken from the floor to the highest point of the withers.

POODLES

• Toy/Miniature Poodles
• Time: 1.5 Hours, 10” and under at withers;
• Time: 2 Hours, over 10” at withers
  Standard: Any pet trim or conformation show-type trim will be accepted, but must have clipped
  face, feet and tail, which must be clipped during competition. A moustache and/or goatee, is permitted in this class.
  Acceptable Breeds: Poodle (15” or under at withers)

• Standard Poodles
• Time: 2.25 Hours, over 15” and under 20” at withers;
• Time: 2.5 Hours, 20” and over at withers
  Standard: Same as Toy/Miniature Poodles
  Acceptable Breeds: Poodle (Over 15” at withers)

SPORTING BREEDS

• Time: 2 Hours, Hand stripped;
• 1.5 Hours All Others
  Pet trims, such as the “Suburban,” are not permitted.
  Acceptable Breeds: Water Spaniel, Brittany, Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Clumber Spaniel, Cocker Spaniel, Curly-Coated Retriever, English Cocker Spaniel, English Setter, English Springer Spaniel, Field Spaniel, Golden Retriever, Gordon Setter, Irish Red & White Setter, Irish Setter, Irish Water Spaniel, Nova Scotia Duck Trolling retriever, Sussex Spaniel, Welsh Springer Spaniel, Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
   Excludes:  German shorthaired pointer, Labrador retriever, Vizsla, Weimaraner, German Wirehaired Pointer and Flat-coated Retriever
  Standard: Trimmed to acceptable CKC breed standard and profile. Short, easy maintenance

TERRIERS BREEDS

•  Time: 1.5 Hours, Clipped/Scissored/Carded
  Acceptable Breeds: Australian, Border, Cairn, Dandie Dinmont, Wire Fox, Lakeland, Miniature Schnauzer,
  Norfolk, Norwich, Scottish, Sealyham, Skye, Welsh, Westie
• Time: 2 Hours, Clipped/Scissored/Carded
  Acceptable Breeds: Airedale, Bedlington, Irish, Kerry Blue, Soft-Coated Wheaten. For the sake of competition, the Standard and Giant Schnauzer will compete in this class.
  Standard: Trimmed to acceptable CKC breed standard and profile
• Time: 1.5 Hours, Hand stripped, Smooth Coated
  Acceptable Breeds: Smooth Fox Terrier
  Standard: Trimmed to acceptable CKC breed standard and profile
• Time: 2 Hours, Hand stripped
  Acceptable Breeds: Australian, Border, Cairn, Dandie Dinmont, Miniature Schnauzer, Norfolk, Norwich,
  Parson Russell Terrier, Scottish, Sealyham, Skye, Westie
  Standard: Trimmed to acceptable CKC breed standard and profile
• Time: 2.5 Hours, Hand stripped
  Acceptable Breeds: Airedale, Wire Fox, Irish, Lakeland, Welsh. For the sake of competition, the Standard and Giant Schnauzer will compete in this class.
  Standard: Trimmed to acceptable CKC breed standard and profile

 POTPOURII BREEDS

• Time: 1.5 Hours, 15” and under at withers;
• Time:2 Hours, over 15” at withers
  Acceptable Breeds: Any mixed breed or purebred is eligible for this class. However, trims for purebreds must be uncharacteristic of their breed profiles. The finished trim should create the appearance of a dissimilar purebred or a mixed breed. Breed profile does not apply to this class!
  Acceptable: eg: Poodle groomed as a Bedlington terrier
  Unacceptable: eg: Lakeland terrier groomed as a Welsh terrier
  Poodles cannot have shaved feet. No part of a poodle’s face may be shaved clean. No additional time allowed for hand stripped entries.
  Standard: Creativity, in the Judge’s opinion, and execution of the trim and its suitability to the dog’s conformation.  Emphasis is on suitability of the trim to the dog, expression, balance, symmetry, angulations, and smoothness of finish.

PUREBRED

• Time: 1.5 Hours
  Clipped/Scissored/Carded or Clipped/Scissored/Carded/Hand stripped:
  Acceptable Breeds:Affenpinscher, Border Collie, Brussels Griffon, Dachshund, Longhaired, Mini (HS), Dachshund, Wirehaired, Mini (HS), Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen, Pomeranian, Shetland Sheepdog, Silky Terrier, Yorkshire Terrier
  Standard: CKC Breed Profile.
  Note: Breeds specified as "HS" must be hand stripped and trimmed per conformation show trimming techniques.
• Time: 2 Hours
  Clipped/Scissored/Carded/Hand stripped:
  Acceptable Breeds:Affenpinscher (HS), Afghan Hound, Australian Shepherd, Bichon Frise, Brussels Griffon (HS), Collie, Dachshund, Longhaired, Std (HS), Dachshund, Wirehaired, Std (HS), Petit Basset Griffon (HS), Silky Terrier (HS)
• Time; 2.5 Hours
  Clipped/Scissored/Carded/Hand stripped:
  Bouvier des Flandres, Irish Wolfhound, Old English Sheepdog, Portuguese Water Dog

NOTE:  CKC Breed Profile.  Breeds specified as “HS” must be Hand Stripped and trimmed per orthodox Conformations show trimming techniques.

HANDSTRIPPED ENTRIES - ALL CLASSES

Hand stripped 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 hand stripping must be performed in the contest ring within the time allotted.  Chalk and/or other finishing agents may be used, provided they are 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
1. Contest Judges at the show are excluded from competition.
2. Competitors with judging conflicts at the “Best In Show” or “Best Overall Groomer” Level may compete at Division and Group Level, but will be disqualified from “Best In Show” or Best Overall Groomer Competition unless Judges are changed.
3. Competitors with judging conflicts at the Group Level may compete at the Division Level, but will be disqualified from Group competition unless Judges are changed.
4. Competitors should be cognizant of the perception other Competitors and Spectators have of interpersonal relationships between Judges and Competitors. Competitors must refrain from socializing with Judges; i.e., dining, drinking, rooming, etc.

 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: Coats
must be sufficient enough 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 external parasites 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 may not compete with dogs provided or owned by their Judge.
9. 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.
2. Coaching from within or outside the contest ring, including use of audio/visual aids.
3. Uncooperative or disruptive behaviour 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, or damage of hotel, facility and/or show management property.
10. Any infraction of Show’s Contest Rules.
11. Conflict of interest between Competitor and Judge.

AWARDS & PRIZES
All Classes will be judged simultaneously. Three placements are awarded in each division.
1st Place
2nd Place
3rd Place

The title "BEST IN SHOW" groomer will be awarded to the Competitor judged to have styled the best entry in show, to be selected from the first place group winners. First place group winners must remain in the Group ring for examination by the “Best in Show” Judge and return for the Best Pet Stylist In Show Competition. Competitors will be given sufficient time to  brush, comb, and re-apply rubber bands, finishing sprays and coat-enhancement products, such as hairspray and chalk, prior to Best In Show judging, but no additional grooming/styling/trimming/stripping/carding techniques are allowed.

The title “BEST OVERALL IN SHOW” groomer will be awarded to the Competitor who has successfully competed in at least three regular classes and has accumulated the most “Group” points. 
To qualify for "Group" competition, Competitor must place 1st, 2nd or 3rd the sanctioned class.
To qualify for "Best Overall In Show," Competitor must enter a minimum of three qualifying classes.
To qualify for "Best Overall In Show," Competitor must place 1st in group competition.
Group points are awarded as follows: 1st Place - 3 Points 2nd Place - 2 Points 3rd Place - 1 Point
In the event of a tie, the winner of the “Best Overall in Show: title will be determined as follows:
1st Tie Breaker: Most Group Placements.
Example: Three 3rd placements (3 Points) will beat one 1st placement (3 Points)
2nd Tie Breaker: Most Entries Defeated. A point will be assigned for every entry beaten in each class.
3rd Tie Breaker: Most Class Entries.

 WITHHOLDING AWARDS
Awards will be withheld in the event that the finished trim does not give the illusion of the CKC breed profile. In the case of Potpourri breeds, suitability of the trim to the dog, expression, balance, symmetry, angulations and smoothness of finish are the determining factors. Entries must have a “finished” appearance. If the quality of work presented has attained acceptable professional standards; i.e., trim is finished, meets breed profile, where applicable, and there is no basis for dismissal or disqualification, award  placements cannot be withheld. Provided sufficient eligible Competitors are entered, 1st, 2nd and 3rd placements must be awarded in that order to the respective Competitors.

APPROVED NON-TOXIC PRODUCTS

Pet Dyes: - Queen of Color (Show Season) -
Hair Dye Gels: -(Top Performance) Pet Esthe,
Other Dyes: - Manic Panic, Adore, Kiss Express, Jerome Russell, Punky Colors, Avatar Funky Fruits, Jazzing, N'Rage, and food coloring

Chalks

Special Classes Only

Temporary Products: - Blo Pens,  Airbrush Pens, Colour Styling Gels, Colour Hairsprays
Glues (For Accessories): - Water-soluble only

PROHIBITED TOXIC/INAPPROPRIATE PRODUCTS

Color “Lifters: Permanent dye or bleach, including hydrogen peroxide. (See above exception for stain removal)

Oxidizing Dyes: Dyes that are not purchased ready to use and/or must be mixed with a developer, such as hydrogen peroxide
Hot Glue Guns
"Sharpie" type permanent markers
Duct tape, carpet tape or any other substance that pulls on the skin or hair to remove

CREATIVE STYLING COMPETITION RULES

THEME
Anything Goes

DESCRIPTION OF CONTEST
The purpose of this class is to recognize the groomer's creativity and imagination, as well as their grooming expertise. Open to all purebred or mixed breed dogs that show off the contestant's grooming and styling skills.

COMPETITION TIME
All dogs are permitted a total contest time of 2-1/2 hours. The contestant will have an additional 10 minutes to set up his/her stage area and finalize costumes, ornaments and props.

GROOMING TECHNIQUES
The following techniques of grooming are permitted: clippering, snap-on-combs, vacuum grooming, scissoring, thinning, hand stripping, plucking and carding.

COMPETITION DOG COAT LENGTH QUALIFICATIONS
Your competition dog must have adequate coat to allow the contestant to make a noticeable change in the dog's appearance. Four to six weeks growth is ideal.
Permitted:
Decorative Objects and Coat Coloring are allowed on the Competition Dog in the creative styling class as long as it is safe for the dog and contestant.

1. Items such as bows, beads, glitter, ribbons, rhinestones, or other finishing decorations
2. Hair extensions
3. Costumes and ornaments are permitted but must not, in any way, hinder a dog's ability to move, impair his/her vision or inhibit free movement of their ears, legs or tail. Any costume or ornament should be easily removable to facilitate judging.
4. Glues should be water-soluble. Air brush, curling or flat irons, pet safe coat coloring, holding sprays, coloring sprays, chalking products, decorations, and costumes
5. Contestants may color the coat prior to the contest. Using only approved non-toxic products such as Queen of Color by Show Season, Hair Dye Gels by Top Performance, Manic Panic, Adore, Kiss Express, Jerome Russell Punky Colors, Avatar Funky Fruits, Jazzing, N'Rage or Food Coloring

Not Permitted:

1. Hot glue guns
2. Permanent Dyes requiring peroxide
3. Use of duct tape, carpet tape or any other substance that pulls on the skin or hair to remove, or is used to apply decorations to their dog
4. Large or heavy objects placed on the dog are prohibited. All props placed on the dog must have prior approval from the judges.
5. Permanent Markers of any kind or make

PREPARATION REQUIREMENTS FOR THE COMPETITION DOG
The competition dog must be prepped and ready for the judges' inspection prior to check-in. A list of product coloring products, equipment, props, decorations and enhancements to be placed on the dog, must be available for the judges' inspection prior to contest start.

1. Dogs’ coats should be freshly shampooed, dried, brushed, combed and free of mats.
2. Dogs’ ears should be clean and free of hair.
3. Dogs’ toenails should be trimmed.
4. Sanitary, genital, foot pads, and stomach areas may be trimmed
5. Any other dog trimming must be done after the contest starts.

JUDGING CONSIDERATIONS

TECHNICAL FINISH
The following will be considered:

1. Sharpness and precision of the clipper lines.
2. Quality of scissoring finish.
3. Overall technical finish and application of any or all applied decorative applications.
4. Coloring: Sharpness and blending.

PROFILE
The overall appearance of the design. Is the design or concept easily determined by the judge? Contestants are encouraged to tell judge what they were attempting to achieve, and to explain the design and movement of the design. Example: If the design transitions from a dog lying down to standing, judges should be made aware of this and demonstrated to them. This should be explained to the audience during the presentations.
Competition Start
All competitors will begin the competition at the same time.

THE FINAL PRESENTATION

1. Each contestant will have a 8'x 8' area to decorate and enhance their creative styling entry. The entire presentation should not exceed the 8'x 8' space unless prior approval is received from event coordinators.
2. Grooming table tops must be protected from glitter, glue and color.
3. You may have 2 assistants to help move props into your area for final judging during the 10 minutes following "scissors down."
4. Decorative objects and products such as sprays or chalks may not be applied to the competition dog after the contest ends or "scissors down" time.
5. Contestant will have a maximum of two minutes to present a skit etc. for audience appeal. The skit will not be used by judges, but is only for the audience appeal.
6. Smoke, confetti, streamers and explosive items are strictly prohibited as they are unsafe and may set off alarms, or incur cleaning charges.

All contestants and winners are required to have their pictures taken by our show photographer. PUPular and its sponsors will have the rights to use these photos for future advertising as well as on our web pages.

GENERAL RULES

Contestant Check in Station
Contestants must register at the check in station before each class.

• The Check in Station will be open 60 minutes before the competition begins.
• Contestants must complete all check in procedures before entering the contest ring.
• Contestants will be assigned a table after the completion of the check in procedures.

Registration Procedure
Contestants and their competition dogs must register at the check in station to confirm the following:

• Contestant is in the correct level, if applicable.
• Correct breed for class, if applicable.
• Correct time frame for the breed or size of dog, if applicable.
• During check in procedures or after table assignment, contestants must inform the judges on specific issues with the skin and coat on the competition dog. Missing coat, ear infections are typical examples.

Acknowledgement of Contest Rules, Policies and Procedures
It is the responsibility of all contestants to read and abide by the contest rules. Contestants must not rely on the interpretation of others. Failure to abide by the rules may result in dismissal or disqualification from the competition. Rules will not be altered to accommodate a contestant who does not read the rules.
Interpretation of Rules
Any contest rules, regulations and/or procedures that may be subject to interpretation will be decided by the PUPtastic Extravaganza Show Committee.

Photo Station
The contestant and the competition dog must proceed to the photo station where the pre-contest photo will be taken. Dogs will be measured at this time if size is in question, or they may be measured in the ring, after the contestant receives his/her table assignment.

Table Assignment Area
The contestant and the competition dog must proceed to the table assignment area at ringside. Our Ring Steward will direct the contestant to his/her table.

Station Set Up Time
Station set up time begins after check in procedure and ends 15 minutes before competition starts. Contestants must check their equipment and electrical power at this time.

Competition Start
All competitions will begin on schedule unless conditions exist beyond the control of the PUPtastic Grooming Extravaganza Show Committee.

Assistance during the Competition
If a contestant needs assistance during the competition, the contestant must notify the ring steward immediately. The contestant should raise his/her hand to signal the ring steward or Show Committee member. The contestant must avoid yelling to get the attention of the ring steward or Show Committee member.

Competition End

• Contestants should remove all hair, equipment and products from the grooming table.
• A comb should be placed on the table in front of the dog for the judge to use during the technical evaluation.
• Contestants may comb their dogs before and after the judging panel has evaluated their dogs.
• Contestant should stack his/her dog to present to judge or judging panel.

Judging

• Judges will evaluate the competition dogs from inside and outside the ring.
• The judging panel will complete the judging within 30 minutes after the last time frame for the class.
• The ring steward will announce when the judging panel is finished so contestants can relax their dogs.
• If the judging is completed, the ring steward may dismiss the contestants and the competition dogs from the ring.
• Contestants and their competition dogs must stay ringside.
• Contestants must return to their table in the ring 5 minutes before the introduction and awards ceremonies.

Post-Contest Photos
Post-contest photos will be taken at the photo station, after the technical evaluation has been completed. Contestants must take their photo ID sheet and proceed to the photo station after their technical evaluation.

Class Awards and Awards Ceremony for Best in Show
The introduction and class awards ceremonies are conducted at the end of each best in show class after the judging procedures are completed.
Contestants, show promoter, sponsors & judges are introduced at this time and awards presented.

Best in Show Awards Ceremony

The best in show awards ceremony is held at the completion of the best in show classes or during a special awards ceremony that may be held at a different time and location. Contestants who win a first place award in a best in show class are finalists for the best in show title and award for their level.

Contestants must return with their competition dogs for the final judging of best in show.

Contestants and their competition dogs must be present for the final judging to be eligible for the best in show award for their level.

Contestants who are not present with their competition dogs will not be considered for the best in show award for their level.

Contestants who are present but do not have their competition dogs will not be considered for the best in show award for their level.

Awards Ceremony for Special Classes
The introduction and class awards ceremonies are conducted at the end of each class after the judging procedures are completed.

Contestants, show promoter, sponsors & judges are introduced at this time and awards presented.

Grooming Equipment

• Contestants must provide all of their own equipment, including the grooming table, grooming arm and safety loop, unless pre-arrange with Mike from PUPular 780-986-9802.
• Contestants must be responsible for providing bathing accommodations for the competition dog, unless pre-arranged thru Margaret at Dirty Dog Spa 780-489-5551. 
• Flame devices are not permitted in the competition ring, the prep area or the bathing and drying area.
• Hair dryers are not permitted in the competition ring unless stated by the show promoter.
• Clipper vacuuming devices are permitted but must be supplied by you.
• Air brushes are permitted in Creative Grooming Contest.
• Holding crates are not permitted in the competition ring.

Strictly Prohibited in the Competition Ring

• Use of cell phones, radios and headsets.
• Smoking in the competition ring.
• Standing on the grooming tables.
• Standing on chairs to groom or style.
• Beverages NOT in spill proof containers.
• Coaching by anyone, at any time during the competition
• Visual or written grooming instructions.

• Must be free of any contagious disease and has had no contact with any other dogs having a contagious disease for a period of six weeks prior to the competition.
• Must be in compliance with all applicable regulations in reference to vaccinations for the Edmonton, Alberta Canada.
• Must appear healthy, in good condition and free of infectious disease and parasites.
• Must show no signs of aggression or viciousness.
• Must be on a safety lead or safety loop when not in a crate.
• Must be under control and may not be left unattended while on the grooming table.
• Must be properly crated and cared for, with food and water, when left in secure holding area, hotel room or other accommodations.
• Must show no signs of obvious pregnancy or nursing.
• It is recommended that a competition dog be between the ages of one year and 10 years old; however general health and maturity will be determining factors.

Professional Image
To promote a professional competition ring, contestants should dress appropriately with professional grooming attire and shoes. Due to safety issues, no open toe shoes are permitted. Unprofessional attire would be considered very tight clothing, very short skirts and no shoes. Contestants who are not dressed appropriately will not be permitted to enter the ring.  Contestants who remove their shoes during the competition or remove clothing, thereby creating an unprofessional image, will be asked to leave the competition ring.
Professional Conduct
Contestants must conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times. Contestants must use professional language, exhibit a professional attitude and body language. Using unprofessional language, attitude and body language will be considered as unprofessional conduct.
Conversations during the Competition
Contestants must refrain from conversing with other contestants during the competition. Conversations between contestants may be construed as receiving coaching or an attempt to distract other contestants by disrupting their concentration. Contestants may converse after the competition is over during the judging procedures, however, all contestants should focus on presenting their dogs to the judges during the judging procedures.
Professional Styling Station
Contestant must maintain a safe and organized styling station for the competition dog at all times during the contest. Open scissors left on the table, for example, will be considered a safety issue for the competition dog and will be considered as unsafe working conditions.
Professional Handling

• Contestant must practice safe and gentle handling when applying technical skills, such as brushing and handstripping. Aggressively holding the skin on the dog and/or aggressive brushing techniques would be considered unsafe handling.
• Contestant must not leave the competition dog unattended on the grooming table. A dog jumping or falling off the grooming table will be considered unsafe handling.
• Contestant must take care not to adjust the safety loop too high or must not lift the dog by his/her tail. Adjusting the safety loop too high or lifting the competition dog by his/her tail will be considered unsafe handling.

Professional Technical Skills Application
Contestants must apply technical skills with safety. Clipper burns, nicks and/or cuts that are discovered on the dog during the judging procedures will be considered unsafe technical application. Competitor may be disqualified from the class if his/her competition dog is severely injured by unsafe technical skills.
Warnings and Disqualifications
Contestants will receive a warning for their unprofessional image, unprofessional conduct, unprofessional styling station, unprofessional handling, and/or unprofessional application of technical skills. A second warning may result in disqualification from the class. A third warning may result in disqualification from the entire competition.
 Failure to abide by the hotel or convention center rules or damage to the hotel rooms will result in immediate disqualification from the PUPtastic Grooming Extravaganza Competition

An Excellent Sportsman is a contestant who can experience a loss or defeat without complaint, or victory without gloating, and who treats his/her opponents, judges and show promoters with fairness, courtesy and respect.
A Poor Sportsman is a contestant who cannot experience losing or defeat without complaining, blaming others for his/her loss, and who treats his/her opponents, judges and show promoters with disrespect, with rude, belligerent, and/or derogatory remarks.
Failure to abide by the Excellent Sportsmanship Standard may prevent the contestant from competing in future PUPtastic Grooming Extravaganza Events.

Individual(s) with a formal grievance must submit the grievance in writing by mail or by email the PUPtastic Grooming Extravaganza Committee. A grievance must be submitted by midnight of the 7th day after the close of the competition

FEES
All fees must be paid prior to contest. Entries can be made by fax, electronic submission, or mailed via Canada Post or done on-line at www.pupular.com, no later than 5 p.m. September 15/12. After the closing date, a Competitor may change dogs within a class, but may not switch or add classes or dogs unless space permits. Competitors are responsible for confirming receipt of their Registrations.

CONTESTANT AGREES TO THE FOLLOWING:
I, the undersigned, in consideration of my participation in this event, do hereby agree to adhere to the rules of this contest. Failure to comply will mean immediate expulsion from the contest. I understand that the judges' decision is final and binding. The PUPtastic Grooming Extravaganza (PUPular Show Products, Inc) and all or any of its Sponsors reserves the right to use photographs, slides, video, audio, digital images and judges' comments in future educational endeavours, show coverage, advertising, websites and promotion of future PUPtastic Grooming Extravaganza events and the undersigned specifically waives any proprietary rights and any rights to compensation he/she may have for their use. The PUPtastic Grooming Extravaganza and any or all of its sponsors reserves the right to use photographs, slides, audio, videos and digital images of contestants for show coverage and future advertising and promotion of the PUPtastic Grooming Extravaganza events in books, magazines and web sites.
I agree to absolve The PUPtastic Grooming Extravaganza (PUPular Show Products, Inc.), Contest Judges, Contest Sponsors, Show Staff Personnel and the Hosting Hotel and their employees for any legal claim for loss or injury which may be alleged to have been caused directly or indirectly to any person or thing thereto, and I personally assume all responsibility and liability for any such claim. I further agree not to hold the aforementioned parties legally responsible for any claim for loss of my entry dog(s) by disappearance, theft, death, damage or injury, to be caused by negligence of the parties aforementioned, or due to the negligence of any other person, or any other cause or causes. These Rules will be available for all competitors signatures at check in.

SPORTSMANSHIP CODE OF ETHICS
As Adopted By the “PUPtastic Grooming Extravaganza”

TRUE SPORTSMEN:
1. Conduct themselves with integrity, courtesy and commitment to the sport and the competitive spirit.
2. Abide by the rules, guidelines, policies and procedures set forth by the individuals and organizations that govern our sport.
3. Are always considerate of the well-being of the pets entrusted to their care.
4. Are respectful and considerate of fellow Competitors, Colleagues, Judges, Show Managers and their Representatives.
5. Are respectful of show facilities and grounds.
6. Conduct themselves with a high level of civility, decorum, poise and humility, regardless of the outcome of an event or contest.
7. Do not disparage, defame or slander any Competitor(s), Judge(s), or Show Manager(s) or their Representatives.

POOR SPORTSMANSHIP MAY BE DEFINED AS, BUT IS NOT LIMITED TO:
1. Disparaging or derogatory language or conduct toward any Competitor(s), Judge(s) or Show Manager(s) or their
representatives.
2. Cruelty, abuse or neglect of animals.
3. Leaving the contest ring without permission or refusal to follow instructions or protocol set forth by Show Management, their Representatives or their Judges.
4. Belligerent, rude and/or discourteous conduct toward any Competitor(s), Judge(s) or Show Manager(s) or their
representatives, or any other industry official or individual.
5. Intent to sabotage any Competitor(s), Judge(s), Show Manager(s), or other individual(s) by gossip, rumour, hearsay,
disparagement, defamation or slander.
6. Premeditated or malicious damage to any equipment of a Competitor or to show property.
7. Attempting to influence Judges or their decisions.
8. Public rejection, disposal or destruction of awards.
________________________________________________________________________________
Failure to Abide by the aforementioned principles of sportsmanship could result in denial of entry at future
PUPtastic Grooming Extravaganza, forfeiture of any titles, monies and awards.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY

The integrity and ethical standards sets industry standards in the competition ring and the pet grooming industry. The integrity and perception of misconduct related to the relationship of the show management/judge/competitor is an important factor in maintaining ethical standards and high moral character.  The Code of Ethics unequivocally states that we are expected to “Establish specific ethical standards to guide exhibitors, judges, as well as competitors that are to avoid the perception of a conflict of interest, the following protocol must be followed:

Competitors
Competitors who are employed by Show Management or involved in the production of the Competition may not compete in the PUPtastic Grooming Extravaganza. Competitors may not compete under Judges with the following relationship

• 1) Relative
• 2) Entry provided by Judge
• 3) Vested business relationship, defined as an involvement having the element of personal gain, within the past 12 months. Examples of a vested business relationship:
  (a) Employee/Employer/Subcontractor of Judge
  (b) Salon or other business ownership with Judge
  (c) Consulting business relationship with Judge
  (d) Professional Handler services for/with Judge
  (e) Business Partnership with Judge
• 4) Competitor may not have engaged in a Mentoring Relationship within Past 12 Months, defined as follows:
  (a) Private instruction with Judge
  (b) Instructor/Student/Apprentice relationship with Judge
• Show Management
• 1) Should not offer advice or suggest placement of any Competitor to Judges.
• 2) May not utilize services of Judges who:
  (a) Are employed by Show Management and/or involved in the production of the Competition
  (b) Are relatives of Show Management
  (c) Have a vested business relationship, defined as an involvement having the element of personal gain, with Show Management
• Examples of a Vested Business Relationship:
  (a) Employee/Employer of Show Management
  (b) Salon or other business ownership with Show Management
  (c) Consulting business relationship with Show Management
  (d) Professional Handler services for/with Show Management
  (e) Business Partnership with Show Management
  (f) CEO, Owner, or Board Member of Organization offering Contest Management Service

All contestants and winners are required to have their pictures taken by our show photographer.  PUPular and its sponsors will have the rights to use these photos for future advertising as well as on our web pages. 

PUPtastic Grooming Extravaganza

September 29, 30 & October 1, 2012

BOOK EARLY DON'T BE DISAPPOINTED