Proper Etiquette at the Show Table

by Don and Karen Clouse

 

When showing rabbits, we would all like to win, some seem to want it more than others.  Unfortunately I have shown against a few of these exhibitors and it has almost discouraged me from showing again. No matter how much you would like to win, you should always respect the other exhibitors.

          When a rabbit is put on the Judge’s table, the exhibitor’s are to leave it there until the Judge sends it back. You don’t go from rabbit to rabbit reading ear numbers and then shouting out certain ones. A lot of the Flemish breeders have their own Tattoos and the Judges know that. Shouting out ear numbers can be taken as trying to influence the Judge. Parents, you  are responsible for the actions of your children.         

          When writing for a Judge, don’t  read him the exhibitors’ names or the ear numbers of the rabbits in the class. If there is a rabbit missing in the class, call each of the exhibitors’ names and ask them if their rabbit is on the table.

If you disagree with the way your rabbits are being judged, you should not interrupt a class to complain about the way he/she is judging. Show respect for the Judge and wait until the breed is done. Then you can voice your opinion.

          The official show rules of the ARBA Section 45 states: “Exhibitors or guardians of exhibitors attempting to, or actually interfering with, annoying, molesting, or influencing the judge or judges, or acting in a manner unbecoming an exhibitor(s) shall have all their stock disqualified by the judge and shall be ejected by the show superintendent and barred from the show room. Suspension or expulsion of ARBA membership may result from said acts, if so deemed by the ARBA Board of Directors.” 

          If an exhibitor has a large entry, you can offer to help him/her get their entry to the table. BUT if the exhibitor refuses your offer of help, respect his/her wishes. Don’t nag and don’t stand in their way.

The need to win shouldn’t be so great that you lose respect for yourself and the other exhibitors. 

Someone has to win Best of Breed, but if it isn’t you, be satisfied with knowing that you did your best and there will be another rabbit show.