Rules for the City Show Society Events

General Rules:

1. Eligibility:

   • All participants must register by the specified deadline.
   • Each entrant must belong to the appropriate category for their submission (e.g., livestock, crops, baked goods, crafts).
   • Participants may enter multiple categories but cannot submit more than two entries per category unless otherwise stated.

2. Exhibits and Display:

   • All exhibits must be the work of the participant. Any form of dishonesty or cheating will lead to disqualification.
   • Livestock and produce must meet the safety and health standards set by the local agricultural board.
   • All exhibits should be properly labeled with the participant’s name, category, and any relevant information about the item or animal.
   • Displays should be arranged in an orderly manner and must be set up in the designated space allocated by the organizers.

3. Judging:

   • All competitions will be judged by experts selected by the organizing committee.
   • Judges’ decisions are final, and no appeals will be entertained.
   • Participants should not approach judges regarding their submissions unless approached first.
   • Judging criteria for each category will be made available to participants prior to the show.

4. Conduct:

   • All participants and visitors must behave respectfully toward others.
   • Any form of harassment, theft, or inappropriate behavior will result in immediate removal from the showgrounds.
   • The use of alcohol or drugs during the event is strictly prohibited.

5. Health and Safety:

   • Livestock handlers are required to have control of their animals at all times.
   • Proper footwear and safety gear should be worn in areas involving livestock and machinery.
   • Exhibits involving sharp objects, chemicals, or dangerous materials must be clearly marked.

6. Time Schedule:

   • Participants are required to follow the schedule of events strictly. Late arrivals may be disqualified.
   • Setup must be completed by the time specified by the organizers, and teardown must not start before the closing time of the show.

7. Prizes:

   • Prizes will be awarded based on merit according to the standards of each competition.
   • Cash prizes, certificates, and trophies will be awarded to the winners.
   • Special recognitions, such as "Best in Show," may also be awarded at the discretion of the judges.

Competition-Specific Rules

1. Livestock Judging Competition:

• Categories: Cattle, Sheep, Pigs, Goats, Poultry.
• Criteria: Condition of the animal, breed standards, grooming, handling, and overall health.
• Age Limits: Participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult during the handling of larger livestock.
• Handling Rules: Animals must be paraded by the participant. Handlers should demonstrate control and care of their animals.
• Disqualification: Animals showing signs of illness or aggression will be disqualified and removed from the showgrounds.

2. Crop Competition:

• Categories: Grains, Vegetables, Fruits, Flowers.
• Criteria: Size, color, uniformity, freshness, and overall quality.
• Submission Rules: Produce must have been grown by the participant and harvested within the year of the show.
• Packaging: Entries must be presented in clean containers. If in baskets or trays, they should be clearly labeled.
• Special Notes: Organic entries should be clearly indicated and will be judged in separate categories.

3. Baked Goods and Preserves Competition:

• Categories: Breads, Cakes, Pies, Cookies, Jams, Preserves.
• Criteria: Taste, texture, appearance, originality, and presentation.
• Packaging and Presentation: All entries must be presented on non-returnable plates or trays, labeled with the name and type of the product.
• Food Safety: All baked goods must be prepared in a clean, sanitary environment. Any entry found to contain non-disclosed allergens will be disqualified.
• Judging Time: Entries must be submitted by the morning of the show for judging in the afternoon.

4. Craft Competition:

• Categories: Needlework, Woodworking, Painting, Sculpture.
• Criteria: Creativity, craftsmanship, use of materials, and finish.
• Display Rules: All items must be suitable for public display, free of offensive language or images.
• Size Limit: Entries must not exceed a height of 6 feet or a width of 4 feet, unless otherwise approved by the organizing committee.

5. Tractor Driving Competition:

• Criteria: Precision driving, speed, maneuverability, and safety.
• Age Restrictions: Drivers must be at least 16 years of age and have basic knowledge of tractor operation.
• Equipment: Tractors must meet safety requirements and be in good working condition. Modifications for speed or other advantages are prohibited.
• Course Rules: Participants must navigate an obstacle course without knocking over markers or cones.

6. Young Farmers’ Challenge:

• Categories: Teamwork events such as hay bale stacking, fence building, sheep shearing, and egg-and-spoon race with tractors.
• Criteria: Speed, teamwork, skill, and efficiency.
• Age Groups: Competitors will be divided into two categories: under 18 and over 18.
• Safety: All events must be completed while wearing protective gear. Teams found violating safety rules will be penalized.

Dispute Resolution:

• Any disputes must be brought to the attention of the show organizers in writing within one hour of the event.
• The organizing committee reserves the right to disqualify any participant or remove any exhibit for violations of these rules.