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:

• READ and familiarize yourself with all rules and regulations for the competition. If you are un-clear on any point see the ring steward.

• 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.