MASON-DIXON FAIR
CODE OF SHOW RING ETHICS
The Mason-Dixon Fair has
developed a Code of Show Ring Ethics to curtail unethical, deceptive, and
fraudulent show ring practices.
The code is as follows:
Exhibitors of animals at the
Fair 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 the livestock show.
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 and awards and may
be prohibit-ed from future exhibition in accordance
with the rules adopted by the Fair Board. 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
The following is a list of
GUIDELINES for all exhibitors and all livestock in competitive events:
1. All exhibitors must present, upon
request of show official, proof of ownership, length of ownership, and age of
all animal entries. Misrepresentation of ownership, age, or any fact relating
thereto is prohibited.
2. Owners, exhibitors, fitters, trainers,
or absolutely responsible persons shall provide animal health certificates from
licensed veterinarians upon request by show officials.
3. Junior exhibitors must show their own
animals (unless more than one in class) and are expected to care for and groom
their own animals while at the show.
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 interference with the judge, show
management, other exhibitors, breed rep-resentatives,
or show officials before, during, or after the competitive event is prohibit-ed. In the furtherance of their official duty, all judges,
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
responsible person shall conspire with another person or persons either by
affirmative action or inaction to 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.
7. 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
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 person to have disciplinary action taken by the Fair Board for
violation of the Code of Show Ring Ethics. The act of entering an animal is the
giving of consent of any proceedings of disciplinary action taken by the Fair Board
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
Expositions and any special notices to members.
9. The act of entering of an animal in the
show is the giving of verification by the owner, exhibitor, fitter, trainer, or
absolutely responsible person that he or she has read the Code of Show Ring
Ethics and understands the consequences of and penalties pro-vided 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 and State Statutes,
regulations, or rules may be released to appropriate law enforcement
authorities with jurisdiction over such infractions