IAFE (International Association of Fairs and Expositions)
NATIONAL CODE OF SHOW RING ETHICS

Exhibitors of animals at livestock shows 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 exhibitors who compete in structured classes of competition. This code applies to all livestock offered in any event at a livestock show. In addition to the “IAFE national Code of Show Ring Ethics,” fairs and livestock shows may have rules and regulations which they impose on the local, county, state, provincial, and national levels.

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, awards and auction proceeds and shall be prohibited from future exhibition in accordance with the rules adopted by the respective fairs and livestock shows. 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 United States and Canada.

The following is a list of guidelines for all exhibitors and all livestock in competitive events:

1. All exhibitors must present, upon request of fair and livestock show officials, proof of ownership, length of ownership, and age of all animals entered. Misrepresentation of ownership, age or any facts relating thereto is prohibited.
    

2. Owners, exhibitors, fitters, trainers, or absolutely responsible persons shall provide animal health certificates from licensed veterinarians upon request by fair or livestock show officials.
    

3. Any surgical procedure or injection of any foreign substance or drug of the external application of any substance (irritant, counterirritant, or similar substance) which could affect the animal’s performance or alter its natural contour, confirmation, or appearance except external applications of substances to the hoofs or horns of animals which affect appearance only, and except for surgical procedures performed by a duly licensed veterinarian for the sole purpose of protecting the health of the animal, is prohibited.
    

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 criticism or interference with the judge, fair or livestock show management, other exhibitors, breed representatives, or show officials during, or after the competitive event is prohibited. In the furtherance of their official duty, all judges, fair and livestock 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 absolutely responsible person shall conspire with another person or persons to intentionally 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. Violation of this rule shall subject such individual to disciplinary action.
    

7. The application of this code of ethics provides for absolute responsibility for an animal’s condition by an owner, exhibitor, fitters trainer, or participant whether or not he or she was actually instrumental in or had actual knowledge of the treatment of the animal in 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 persons to have any disciplinary action taken by the fair or livestock show against such individuals published 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 an animal in a fair or livestock show is the giving of verification by the owner, exhibitor, fitter, trainer, or absolutely responsible person that he or she has read the IAFE National Code of Show Ring Ethics and understands the consequences of and penalties provided for action prohibited by the code. It is further a consent that any action which contravenes these rules and is also in violation of federal, state, or provincial statues, regulations, or rules may be released to appropriate law enforcement authorities with jurisdiction over such infractions.