Rules Governing Exhibits & Instructions to Exhibitors
1. The primary object of the Show is the improvement of Agriculture and livestock in all branches.
2. All stock must be the bona fide property of the exhibitor.
3. All stock must have been in the possession of the exhibitor for at least two months previous to date of Show. Confined Classes are for residents of County Westmeath only.
4. Pens will be provided for exhibits in all cattle classes. Bulls exhibited at the show must be secured by a ring in the nose, with a strong rope or chain attached. The Society shall have the right to order the removal of any animal that they consider dangerous and shall not be responsible for any injury or damage caused by such animals.
5. With regard to cattle, where “pure-bred” stock is mentioned, it is understood that the stock exhibited must be entered in or eligible for entry in the various Herd Books. N.B. – In the case of bulls, the date of birth must be stated on the entry form.
6. In all classes for heifers, a “heifer” is classified as a heifer until she has a calf.
7. All animals must be shown at owner’s risk. The Society will not be accountable for any accident, damage or loss of exhibit.
8. The farm and garden produce must have been grown on the exhibitor’s land and a declaration to that effect, signed by two respectable householders living in the immediate locality and approved by the Society, may be required from each prize-winner before prizes are paid.
9. All stock, produce etc., to be in the Show Yard by 10.00.a.m. on the morning of the Show.
10. Prizes will be awarded in all classes except Pedigree Classes where there is insufficient merit; the Judges will be distinctly instructed to withhold a prize where sufficient merit does not exist.
11. All Prizes disallowed or not awarded shall lapse to the Society.
12. Objections: All objections to the decision of the Judges must be lodged with the Secretary, in writing, accompanied by a fee of €50.00, not later than one hour after the competition finishes, on the date of the Show. The fee or fees so lodged will be forfeited if the objection or objections is or are considered to be frivolous.
13. Entries: The necessary forms can be had on application to the Secretary and no other forms can be received. All descriptions of stock as to age and breed must be stated when completing entry forms. This is a must, especially in respect of qualifiers and all horse and pony classes.
14. Entries will not be accepted unless accompanied by the requisite entry fee. Phoned entries must be confirmed in writing.
15. If it is proved to the satisfaction of the Society that the owner or any person in his employment or under his control has been guilty of any violation of the rules or regulations, has made a false statement in the certificate of entry, or has secured an unfair advantage, the exhibitor shall forfeit all prizes awarded him at the Show, together with all fees paid by him, and shall be liable to be excluded from competing at this or any future show of the Society.
16. The Society shall reserve the right of declining or returning any exhibit without incurring any liability. In the event of the Society being unable to accept any entry, notice will be given within six days after the final closing of the entries. The fees lodged will be refunded.
17. No refund of entry fees in any class, including jumping competitions, will be made in case of entries, which are not sent forward for competition, or which are disqualified from competition for failure to comply with regulations.
18. No Steward can officiate in the ring who is an exhibitor in the class under adjudication.
19. All exhibits must remain until 4.30.p.m.
20. Rosettes – Cup Award in purple and yellow. Prize colours – First Prize – RED; Second Prize – BLUE; Third Prize – YELLOW.
21. The award of Rosette or Prize Card does not imply that the entry is entitled to prize money.
22. All exhibits must bear their labels – otherwise they will be refused by the stewards.
23. In the Livestock Section – any class for which only one entry is received will be cancelled.
RESPONSIBILITY OF EXHIBITORS:
1. Exhibitors accept that the Judge's decision is final in all cases.
2. Any abuse of Judges will not be tolerated. Where a dispute or case for complaint arises, the matter should only be dealt with under 8 below.
3. Exhibitors should be familiar with the Irish Shows Association Disciplinary Policy as published on our website and annual guidebook.
4. Winners of Qualifiers are themselves responsible for entering their qualifiers (or exhibits) for the final in accordance with the rules above, within one hour of qualifying.
5. Winners of qualifiers will compete in the final.
6. The Irish Shows Association in conjunction with the sponsors reserve the right to alter or amend the rules of the competition as may be necessary where appropriate.
7. Shows and competitors must contact the ISA for details of any championships and not the sponsor involved.
8. Objections must be lodged in writing with the I.S.A. representative at the show and the Show Secretary within half an hour following the completion of judging, together with a fee of €50, or other stated fee, which is refundable in the event of the objection being upheld.
9. Any exhibitor who makes a false declaration or misrepresents a fact regarding themselves or their exhibit is liable to disqualification and/or forfeiture of any prizes awarded.
10. If a qualified exhibitor does not turn up to an ISA final without giving prior notice to the ISA office or to a board member, he or she will incur a financial penalty
SAFETY AT THE SHOW
Guidelines to note in relation to safety at the show
§ Please observe signs – especially those relating to caution in livestock areas
§ Please do not exhibit animals that are unsuitable with regard to safety – e.g. hard to control
§ It is advisable for exhibitors to have their own Public Liability insurance to cover any eventuality
§ All animals must be led by a competent handler
§ Animals should not be tied to trailers/horse boxes or left unattended
§ Dogs should be on a lead and under the control of the handler
§ Caution and care should be exercised at all times
§ All horses and ponies must be led
§ All exercises must be inside the practice arena
§ At all times all animals must be under strict control
§ The public must stay outside the judging rings at all times & keep well clear of all animals
§ Parents & those in charge of young children should keep them under close supervision & take particular care at all times
§ Please keep all entrances & exits FREE at all times to facilitate Ambulances