Rules

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1. Dogs must have a minimum of 6 weeks growth; the coat must be sufficient to allow the groomer to make a distinct change in the dog’s appearance.

2. Dogs should be of good temperament, appear in good health between the ages of 1 and 10yrs  and be free of parasites.

3. Rough handling of dogs will not be tolerated and may result in disqualification.

4. Any injury to a dog (including but not limited to) cuts, nicks, clipper rash may result in disqualification.

5. All dogs must be well prepped before the competition - washed, dried, brushed, nails clipped, foot pads trimmed, ears cleaned and sanitary areas trimmed, (please inform the judge with a reason if any of the above cannot be performed).

6. Poodles face & feet may be pre trimmed for the Poodle class.

7. Dogs must not be left unattended (if you are in the ring and need a toilet break please ask a steward to watch your dog), when not in the ring your dog must be crated or on a lead.

8. Contestants must bring their own, table, tools, equipment etc - all corded electrical equipment must be tagged & tested (cordless clippers are preferred) 

9. It is your responsibility to clean up after your dog both inside and outside the venue, this includes cleaning up dog hair before you leave the ring.

10. Competitors should have their dogs ready for the judge’s inspection 30 minutes before their class begins.

11. During the judges inspection any dog not meeting the criteria of rules 1 & 2 may be disqualified 

12. There will be a toilet break (for all) during the competition, competitors will be chaperoned by a Judge and or Stewards, competitors must not discuss their grooms during this break, general conversation is permitted.

13. Contestants will be responsible for any damage caused by their dog

14. Contestants may have a toilet break at any time, please call a steward to watch your dog (no extra time will be allowed for personal breaks) 

15. Stewards are there to assist competitors and ensure the competition runs on time and to the rules specified, if you need assistance call a steward, NO chatting to other people (ringside or other contestants) until time is called.

16. The judges decision is final, i.e being the only competitor in a class will not guarantee a first place - if the quality of the groom does not warrant a first place he/she can award a lesser placing or no placing at all.

17. All clipping, scissoring, stripping or plucking should be done in the ring during the time frame given, tools down when time is called.

18. Mobile phones must be switched off during the competition.

19. Contestants may take a small photo in the ring, this must be an image only without any text.

20. Beverages must be in a spill proof container.

21. Closed toe shoes must be worn

22. Please be respectful, no swearing, bullying or abusive behaviour will be tolerated, offenders will be disqualified.

23. Judge's staff will be prohibited from entering this competition.

24. Judges may give general competition advice but are restricted from giving advice / coaching on a contestant's groom immediately prior to or during the competition.