Polk County 4-H Policy Handbook

2018 Polk County 4-H Policy Handbook

ANIMAL TREATMENT 1. The Polk 4-H Program recommends that animals be handled in a proper and ethical manner in accordance with accepted modern animal husbandry and scientific practices. In addition, adequate care, including; watering, feeding and comfort should be appropriately provided for all animals. Any individual treating an animal in any other manner may be asked to leave the grounds. 2. Exhibitors, their parents, leaders and instructors have a serious responsibility to follow animal health practices that are approved by the industry and the United States Department of Agriculture to assure that meat customers are receiving wholesome food. Health aids and other approved products should be used with care, according to prescribed practices, only when needed, and in the correct amounts. 3. The Polk County 4-H Program recommends that market animals meet the Food and Drug Administration regulations governing management and safety practices. Approved withdrawal times from health aids and growth stimulants must be followed. Animals that have not met these standards will not be allowed to show or sell during any authorized, fair related, purple ribbon sale. DRESS REQUIREMENTS FOR SHOWING LIVESTOCK Beef, Goat, Sheep and Swine Short Sleeved official Polk County 4-H Show Shirt; blue jeans; hard shoes or western boots (tennis shoes are not allowed) NO HATS. Clothes should be neat and clean. Horse Dress shall be according to standards in "Nebraska 4-H Horse Show and Judging Guide." 4-H armbands are required at all shows. Dress requirements apply to conformation and showmanship classes. ENTRIES 2. All entries must be made in the member s own name and be approved by the Polk County Extension Staff. 3. Members are required to be enrolled in the project in which they are entering and must be enrolled and dues paid in Polk County 4-H by June 15 th. 4. Members must have ownership/possession of project animal from I.D. date until the time of entry and have completed a Polk County ownership affidavit form. 5. Members must be responsible for primary care of project animals from I.D. date to ending date of project. 6. April 15 th Deadline for Market Beef, and June 15 th deadline for everything else including horse. The ear tag must be in the animal s ear by ID Deadline. All animals must have the appropriate tag/tattoo in ear by Identification Deadline. The Polk County Extension office has the official State and County 4-H tags for purchase. There is a charge. Any animals failing to meet the deadlines for identification will not be allowed to show at State events and will be lowered a ribbon placing at the Polk County Fair. SAFETY HAS PRIORITY OVER ALL RULES CONCERNING 4-H MEMBERS AND THEIR ANIMALS. GENERAL LIVESTOCK GUIDELINES 1. The Polk County Extension Staff with advice from the Polk County 4-H Council Conflict Committee has the final and absolute right to interpret, amend or add to these Rules & Regulations as its judgment may determine, and to arbitrarily settle all disputes and determine all matter. 2. REPLACEMENT OF TAGS Polk County Extension Staff will keep record of re-tags. Re-tags (beef, swine, sheep and goats) will require the damaged tag be brought into the Extension Office for verification and then a new tag will be issued. 3. No substitutions and no switching of animals and/or ear tags once the animals have arrived at the fairgrounds and/or go over the scale. Market Animals/Breeding animals for county and state fair must be designated by Pre-Fair Registration Deadline for County Fair. 4. Daily washing and rinsing of livestock must be done on a basis according to animal s needs, this includes before and after shows.

5. Stall Safety barriers must be provided for the safety of the general public in the beef barn. Example: a simple row of hay bales on two sides and directly behind the cattle provides safety and helps keep bedding in place. 6. Fans should be provided to all animals if needed. 7. Animals need to be removed from the building and walked on a daily basis according to the needs of each species. 8. Each member will be responsible for cleanliness of the area occupied by his or her animal. 9. Tack boxes and equipment are to be kept only in designated areas. 10. Exhibitors must show their own project animal in showmanship; no substitutions or exceptions. 11. All 4-H members age groups are considered as of January 1 of each year. 12. Exhibitor numbers must be worn. 13. The 4-H Livestock Committee must approve exceptions due to special circumstances regarding the showing and selling of 4-H project animals in advance of the show or sale. 14. All members carrying a livestock project (excluding Horse) must complete quality assurance training before they are eligible to show their animal at the fair. Members must take the training every year to remain certified. Quality Assurance Training Deadlines are June 15 for State Fair and July 15 th for County Fair. 15. Absolutely NO Breeding/Company/Advertising signs allowed in any barn. The only signs allowed are official Chartered 4-H Club Signs, individual exhibitor name signs and official stall card signs. (Please note that individual name signs are allowed, ex. sheep shaped sign with 4- Hers name on it is OK, but it CANNOT have any Breeding/Company/Advertising on it). This rule is consistent with State Fair rules. If extra award banners are given by sponsors during the fair, those are allowed to be hung in the barns. GENERAL HEALTH REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL ANIMALS 1. Under no circumstances may animals under quarantine be exhibited. 2. Only animals NOT showing signs of infectious or contagious diseases will be allowed to show. 3. Animals that have active mites, lice, ringworm, lesions, visible warts, dermatitis or abscesses will not be allowed to show at the Polk County Fair and will be asked to leave the fairgrounds.. 4. All animals entering the Nebraska State Fair may will be subject to examination by a veterinarian or a species superintendents upon arrival or during the show. Any animal showing evidence of infectious, contagious or communicable diseases may be immediately withdrawn from the show and be asked to leave the fairgrounds. 5. Animals with warts that are visible by a hands-on inspection will not be allowed to remain on the premises. WEIGHTS Market Beef Heifers minimum Market Beef Steers minimum Market Lambs minimum Market Swine minimum Meat Goat minimum No Maximum weighs in all species. 950 pounds 1000 pounds 90 pounds 220 pounds 50 pounds Market animals will be weighed in on scales located at the fairgrounds. Once official weigh-in time starts, an animal is only allowed to cross the scale one time. Animals not meeting these weight requirements will be allowed to show in a special pre-market class but will not be eligible for championship consideration. INHUMANE TREATMENT OF ANIMALS: The Polk County Fair is committed to the humane treatment of all animals exhibited at the Fair. Every possible precaution is taken to insure the animals safety and wellbeing. The production practices in the livestock industry are based on good principles of animal husbandry. It is the responsibility of all exhibitors to provide proper care and treatment to animals. Abuse of animals in any form will not be tolerated. No electric prods or muzzles will be allowed to be used on any animal at any time. Polk County Extension Staff in cooperation with the Polk County species superintendent reserves the right to disqualify and remove any exhibitor deemed in violation of the basic principles of animal husbandry, with no recourse. Animal care procedures are outlined in the State Fair Animal Welfare Policy.

GROOMING - All beef, swine, sheep, and goats (showmanship, market, and breeding) will be shown Blow & Go. Animals may be clipped, blown, brushed or combed to enhance their appearance. Guidelines for the Blow & Go show: 1. There is no restriction on who can help the 4-Her groom their animal, although it is encouraged that the youth participate and complete as much grooming as possible for their age. 2. All animals will be shown free of any adhesive, glue, paint, or powder products. 3. Any compounds that have adhesive qualities that when applied cannot be combed or brushed through, or alter the color of the animal are forbidden. These products include, but are not limited to commonly used adhesives and colorants such as Prime Time, EZ Comb, Tail Adhesive, Natural Hold, Ultra White Touch-Up, Black Touch Up, Black Finisher, black show foam, and baby powder. 4. Alcohol, water, oil, foam or any water or alcohol-based products with no adhesives or glue qualities, or artificial colorings are permitted. These products include conditioners and commonly used sprays such as Kleen Sheen, Revive, Final Bloom, Pink Oil, white show foam, Freshen Up, Silk, and Sudden Impact. 5. Any animal found to have prohibited products applied (adhesive, glue, paint, or powder products) will be disqualified from competition. Any premiums (physical or monetary) will be forfeited and no refunds will be made. 6. All beef, swine, sheep, and goats will be subject to visual inspection and toweling (before and/or after entering the show ring) using a disposable blue shop towel for the presence of adhesive, glue, paint, or powder products. Toweling of the animal may include, but is not limited to, the topline, legs, chest, belly, flank, and cod/udder areas. If, after inspection, the animal is found to have adhesive, glue, paint, or powder products applied it will be disqualified from competition. Any premiums (physical or monetary) will be forfeited and no refunds will be made. SHOWMANSHIP A. ELIGIBILITY-All 4-H livestock exhibitors must show their own animals to be considered as participants in the Showmanship Contest, as in compliance with Nebraska State Fair 4-H Policy. Substitute showman are not allowed in the Showmanship Contest. Showman will be allowed to compete in a division each year based on their age. Ownership is determined by Fair entry and appropriate ownership/id affidavits from the Extension Office. B. AGE DIVISIONS Showmanship classes will be divided into three age divisions; Junior (8-10 by January 1) Intermediate (11-13 years old by January 1) and Senior (14 18 years old by January 1). C. ASSIGNED CLASSES - In species where showmanship classes are assigned and posted prior to the show, exhibitors must show in the class assigned, or receive prior permission from the species superintendent, or they will be disqualified. D. BASIS FOR JUDGING-Showmanship judging is based on preparation of animals for show, their apparent training and the appearance and behavior of the showman. Minor technical points are not to be over-emphasized, nor do minor infractions disqualify the exhibitor. Primarily in showmanship, it is the skill and knowledge of the showman in presenting the animal before the judge that counts, while individual excellence of the animal does not. E. EXHIBITOR DRESS CODE- Livestock/ Animal General Rules. F. LIVESTOCK GROOMING RULE- Livestock/Animal General Rules. G. EXHIBITOR NUMBERS-To allow for easy and rapid identification, all exhibitor numbers shall be pinned on the back of the exhibitor in the area of the shoulder blades. H. DISQUALIFICATION-The division superintendents may disqualify any 4-H'er from showmanship for any violation of rules or unsportsmanlike conduct at the Fair. SUBSTITUTE SHOWMAN An animal must be shown by the owner who entered it unless the exhibitor is excused by the Superintendent or Extension Staff because of serious illness, physical disability, or disability due to an injury (e.g. broken arm or leg). Substitute showman are only allowed when the animal is being judged in Market or Breeding Classes. An exhibitor who has more than one animal in a class needs to find a substitute exhibitor for that 4-H animal but they can only be another 4-H exhibitor from the Polk County 4- H program.

SPECIFIC SPECIES LIVESTOCK GUIDELINES BEEF 1. No animal can be entered in both breeding and market classes. 2. All exhibitors of beef cattle, except bucket calves; are eligible to enter the showmanship contest and MUST USE THEIR OWN ANIMAL. 3. Over All Champions will be chosen from Market Steer, Market Heifers, Breeding Heifers, Feeder Male, Feeder Female, Cow/Calf Pair and Bucket Calves. 4. Any beef able to be shown in a registered breeding class must have an official copy of the breed papers attached to the required I.D. sheet on file in the Extension office by June 15. All registered animals will be shown according to breed, no minimum number needed. 5. Need to designate animal as Market or Breeding prior to June 15 of the current year. 6. Preferably show animal with Leather Halter along with a show stick and scotch comb. 7. Limits - 3 market animals including pre-market, 3 breeding, 2 feeder calf, 1 bucket calf, 1 cow/calf pair. (To be eligible to show 3 Market animals they must be a combination of Market Steers and Heifers, 3 of one specific sex is not allowed. To be eligible to show 3 Breeding Beef they must be a combination under a year Breeding Heifers and older Breeding Heifers.) 8. Bucket Calf class is limited to youth 4-H age 10 and under. 9. All male animals must be completely neutered prior to weigh and tag deadline. 10. Bedding must be wood mulch base. Please contact the Extension Office if you have questions. This rule will be strictly enforced. 11. All animals using the tie-out space must follow the guidelines that are set by the Polk County Fairboard and shared with exhibitors in the Pre-Fair Animal Exhibit Letter sent to project members in July. 12. Refer to Rule 13 under GENERAL LIVESTOCK GUIDELINES about eligible signage in the beef barn. SHEEP 1. Market lambs will be dry, have all covers removed, and have been slick shorn to no more than 1/8 within the previous 10 days. 2. Market classes are open to wether and ewe lambs. All male animals must be completely neutered prior to weigh and tag deadline. 3. Breeding sheep will be determined by age. 4. Over All Champions will be chosen from Market Lambs & Breeding Ewes. 5. Each member may show four market lambs and a pen of three market lambs along with two breeding ewes. 6. Market Lambs and breeding ewes have the same tags and must be designated by the fair preregistration deadline. 7. Market lambs must be shown without halters. Breeding ewes can be shown on halter. 8. Bedding must be provided by the exhibitor and must bagged wood shavings. 9. SHOWING AND HANDLING PRACTICES-The use of showing and/or handling practices that may be considered objectionable or abusive, such as striking or slapping lambs and exhibiting the lamb with its feet off the ground, are not acceptable. The use of such practices may result in the lowering of a ribbon placing. 10. Refer to Rule 13 under GENERAL LIVESTOCK GUIDELINES about eligible signage in the sheep barn. GOAT 1. Market goats may be doe or wether kids. Short scrotum, cryptorchid and buck kids are not eligible. All market goats will be weighed and divided into classes based on total numbers and weight range. Market does and wethers will show together. 2. All Meat Goats (market and breeding) must be listed on official 4-H ownership affidavit to be eligible to show. All market goats must be listed on Market Goat affidavit and Breeding goats on separate Breeding goat affidavit. A. Market goats must be uniformly slick shorn with 3/8 inch of hair or less from the knee and up. Breeding Goats will be allowed to be unshorn. 3. Market Goats are to have milk teeth and there shall be no evidence of breaking of the skin or eruption of the two permanent front teeth. 4. Market goats must have horns blunted. Dehorning is acceptable and preferred. 5. Market goats are to be shown with neck chains or smooth collars only. No leashes allowed.

6. SHOWING AND HANDLING PRACTICES-The use of showing and/or handling practices that may be considered objectionable or abusive, such as striking or slapping goats and exhibiting the goat with its feet off the ground, are not acceptable. The use of such practices may result in the lowering of a ribbon placing. 7. Over All Champions will be chosen from Meat Goat and Breeding Meat Goat. 8. Each member may show up to four market goats and two breeding goats. 9. Market Goats & Breeding does have the same tags and must be designated by the fair preregistration deadline. 10. Bedding is provided by the exhibitor and must be bagged wood shavings. SWINE 1. Each member may show four individual market hogs or three market hogs and one breeding gilt and one pen of three market hogs. 2. PEN OF THREE Market hogs must consist of only the exhibitors market hogs. No mixing in families will be allowed. 3. Breeding gilt must be designated before animals cross the scale at the fair. 4. Pens for swine must be cleaned and shavings changed EVERYDAY! NO EXCEPTIONS! Putting fresh wood shavings over dirty wood shavings is not accepted as changing shavings. 5. Minimum weight for Market Swine is 220. All light weight hogs will be shown in the Pre-Market Class (which is not eligible for Grand or Reserve or Purple Ribbon Livestock Auction). 6. Preferred age of Market Hog is 5-6 months old at fair time. 7. Show stick or riding crop and brush are needed for showmanship. 8. Bedding is provided by the exhibitor and must be bagged wood shavings. 9. Pigs may ONLY be walked in the swine building and arena, they are NOT allowed to leave housing and showing facilities. POULTRY 1. All poultry exhibited must be raised as a 4-H member's project. 2. Exhibitors must water and feed their own animals during the Polk County Fair. The Superintendents are not responsible for daily care. This means that Exhibitors must furnish the feed, feed containers, water, and bedding while on the grounds for both open class and 4-H. Exhibitors who do not take care of their animals will be asked to remove their animals and all premiums and ribbons will be forfeited. 3. All birds must be checked in to the Poultry Building during the designated check in time on Wednesday of fair. The time will be announced in the pre-registration letter. 4. Exhibits must remain in place for the duration of the fair. 5. The total number of Poultry Exhibits that one exhibitor can enter is limited to EIGHT (Trio or Pen of three count as one exhibit, but this includes ducks, geese, turkey s etc.) This total includes open class exhibits. 6. All birds must be free of apparent illness, disease and parasites (mites or lice). Birds not complying must be removed from the premises immediately. All entries in good health will be judged. Any bird found to be not in good health during the show will be removed from the 4-H Fairgrounds immediately and will not be shown. 7. Breed classes will be judged by the American Standard of Perfection. 8. Trays underneath the pens MUST be clean out on a daily basis. 9. Cocks and hens are defined as birds over 12 months of age. 10. Cockerels and pullets are defined as birds under 12 months old. 11. "Standard" means the regular large breed of poultry. "Bantam" means the small variety of the breed. 12. If bringing large poultry or fowl to the fair, exhibitors must provide their own cages that are appropriate for their exhibit. RABBIT 1. All rabbits exhibited must be raised as a 4-H member's project. 2. Exhibitors must water and feed their own animals during the Polk County Fair. The Superintendents are not responsible for daily care. This means that Exhibitors must furnish the feed, feed containers, water, and bedding while on the grounds for both open class and 4-H. Exhibitors who do not take care of their animals will be asked to remove their animals and all premiums and ribbons will be forfeited.

3. Cage reservations must be given to the Polk County Extension Office at least one week prior to fair using official reservation sheet. 4. All rabbits must be checked in to the Poultry Building during the designated check in time on Wednesday of fair. The time will be announced in the pre-registration letter. 5. Exhibits must remain in place for the duration of the fair. 6. The total number of Rabbit Exhibits that one exhibitor can enter is limited to FOUR. This total includes open class exhibits. 7. No rabbit may be exhibited in more than one class. Animals shown in meat classes cannot be shown as breed animals. 8. The show will follow the American Rabbit Breeders Association, Inc. Show Rules, and all classes will be judged according to ages and weights as established by the American Rabbit Breeders Association, Inc. Standard of Perfection. 9. All entries in good health will be judged. Any rabbit found to be not in good health during the show will be removed from the 4-H Fairgrounds immediately and will not be shown. 10. 4-H ers will bring their rabbits to the show table when their class is called. They will stay and watch the rabbits being judged, then return them to their cages. Only 4-H members may show rabbits at the judging table, no adults. If a rabbit is not on the table at the time the class is judged, the rabbit will not be judged. 11. Any entry having any eliminating or disqualifying features will be awarded a green ribbon placing. 12. A clean and neat appearance should be kept in aisle way and around cages and MUST be clean on a daily basis. 13. Only rabbits entered in the show are allowed in the Small Animal Barn. DOG/SMALL ANIMAL/CAT 1. All Dogs and Cats need to be vaccinated prior to Fair. 2. It is suggested but not required that Dogs attended the Polk County Dog Obedience Classes at least a few time in order for the dogs to get to know each other prior to fair. Please contact the Extension Office for more information about how to enroll. 3. Small Animal s should be brought to the fair in a carrier or pet home so that they can be restrained while not being shown. 4. Cats must be on a leash while being shown. 5. Small Animal and Cat show consists of showmanship of the animal. A short narrative of pet care and information will be expected. Contact the Extension Office for more information. LLAMA 1. Rules as per ALSA 17th addition handbook 2. If you are borrowing a llama you are responsible for all care during the fair as if you were the owner of the animal. It is not the 4-H leader s responsibility to feed, water and care for your animal during the fair. 3. All Llamas are required to be in place by 8:00 a.m. on Thursday morning and must stay on the fairgrounds until release time on Sunday. HORSE 1. All horse exhibitors must have completed Level I testing by 2019 in order to show at the Polk County Fair. 2. Polk County 4-H follows the State 4-H Horse Rules and guidelines. Refer to 4-H Show and Judging Guide for 4-H Horse Rules available in the Polk County Extension Office. 3. When using the fairgrounds for practice, the fairboard requires you to remove any horse waste left behind if you are parking in the main area of the fairgrounds. This includes to the West of the covered arena and arena and in between the two areas. Please use your common sense. If you do not follow the fairboards rule, they may not allow 4-Hers to use the arena prior to fair. 4. Horse show day parking requirements must be followed according the fairboards policy. These will be given each year in the pre-enrollment for fair letter each year. HERDSMANSHIP All families exhibiting livestock will be evaluated. All animal areas will be evaluated including rabbits and poultry who will receive a score for the day that will reflect on all exhibitors. Each of the species will be evaluated separately with the daily scores posted in the fair office. A total composite score will be posted by the fair office on Sunday. Herdmanship will be scored Thursday Saturday with NO FREE PASS on show days.

Herdsmanship is the responsibility of the exhibitor NOT the leaders or parents. The fair is a PUBLIC showcase of what 4-H er s do and learn. Scoring will include observation or YOUTH talking care of their animals at fair. Daily visits will be made to the barns with points awarded to the families in the following areas: 1. Animals will be clean with stalls and pens showing evidence of having been tended to throughout the day 2. Equipment, grooming tack, and feed area clean and neatly arranged a. Cords and grooming equipment NOT cluttering the alley. b. Fork, broom, feed, show boxes, watering equipment neatly stored when not in use. 3. Stall cards in place and ribbon placement stickers placed after show. (sticker available at the fair office) 4. Appropriate and hospitable behavior to be shown by exhibitors at all times. a. Proper courtesy and conduct shown by exhibitors while interacting with the public and other exhibitors at b. ALL times and in ALL places. 5. Exhibitors, not the adults, doing the Herdsmanship. (within age ability) 6. Exhibitors share of the alley kept clean 7. NO camping out in the barns, ONLY essential equipment is allowed in the barns. NO couches, refrigerators, cooking equipment, picnic tables. Large coolers only. Points will be tallied and the top family awarded a prize per species. The Polk County Fair will abide by the INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FAIRS AND EXPOSITIONS (IAFE) 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 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 violative drug residues. 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 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 of urine, saliva, blood, or other substance tested by the 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 are correct and accurate and the report received from the laboratory pertains to 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 time after an animal arrives on the fair or livestock show premises, all treatments involving the use of drugs and/or medications for the sole purpose of protecting the health of the animal 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, counterirritant or similar substance) which could affect the animal s performance or alter its natural contour, conformation 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. 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 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. 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 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 of 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 Expos 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.