Rabbit Show Etiquette and Common Courtesy
Show etiquette is a very important thing to remember, whether you are an old timer when it comes to showing or are planning for your first show. The following are just some things that I think make good show etiquette. These are just some unwritten rules that I think people should think about while showing and things I personally find helpful. I'm not perfect and must remind myself of these things every now and then. I know it's long, but show etiquette is very important for every breeder when showing. We as exhibitors, want, or should want, everyone to feel welcomed no matter how long they have been showing. We want people to want to come back, and everyone should have fun.
Arrival and Judging
Arrival. One of the most important things in showing! Plan to be early, that is important. When deciding on a time to leave, take in things like weather, traffic, preparation or forgetting things. No one plans to be late, however it is often the lack of planning that causes the delay. Arriving early also helps you not feel rushed or overworked either. By being early you can take your time with things and have a bit of time to relax before the show starts. I find if I am rushed before the show starts, I feel rushed during the entire show. Directions. Always make sure you know how to get to the show location prior to leaving. Most shows try to make sure everyone who enters has arrived before judging their breed, but the show must go on. The show superintendent can't keep waiting on people arriving. Being on time helps the superintendent get the show on the road without worrying about missing people and missing rabbits. A little note to help with preparation. Get everything together the night before, so that all you have to do in the morning is put the rabbits in their carriers. Check Lists also help.
Arriving early is handy as it allows you to scope out that perfect spot to set up “camp” (rabbits, show tables, chairs, etc.). It is first come first served, but do not feel like you must take up half the show area unless you have that many rabbits. Some locations are small so stay as compact as possible. Also, at some shows when people start setting up they begin to make unofficial aisles so please do not stop in the aisles and decide to set up camp there. It becomes very inconvenient for anyone trying to use a wagon to transport their animals. Some shows put paper on the floor where they want rabbits set up, others don't.
When you arrive, it is nice to try and park as close to the building as you can to unload rabbits and paraphernalia. Just remember, when you are done unloading, try to move your vehicle to another parking spot. Others are waiting for that prime unloading spot.
Remember, everyone has things to do before the show starts. Try to be sensitive about that. Every exhibitor has a million things going on in the mornings before judging starts. Rabbits need to be set up and checked in, coop numbers marked, rabbits groomed and much more. If you are wanting to buy a rabbit or get another breeders opinion on an animal, try to be aware if said breeder(s) are busy and still have things to do. I personally find that once judging is up and running is the better time to do these things, just be cautious about the order of breeds being shown.
One of the most important things. Judges are not suppose to know what rabbit belongs to who. So please, do not ask another exhibitor to indicate which rabbit is theirs, and do not indicate which animals are yours when they are on the judging table. This is probably one of the biggest mistakes that new breeders make. I've been there, done that. It can really put the exhibitor and perhaps the judge on the spot when indicating ownership in anyway. Another thing, try not to make positive or negative comments about animals, whether they are yours or another breeders. For starters, you may not know who owns the animal and the breeder/owner may be standing near you and hear. Secondly, the judge may hear you. Making comments such as "that rabbit is a grand champion" or "check his teeth" are completely out of line and should not be done. You should never talk badly about any rabbit, as the owner may hear you, and the judge or writer may hear as well. Mentioning Grand Champion status is fine if they are off the judging table and you are talking to another breeder more privately, but should not be done in front of judges. Another thing to remember is try not to stand directly in front of where you placed your rabbit. Bring your rabbit up to the table, put it in the coop cage and then back up and allow room for others to do the same. If you own all the rabbits in the class then it is inevitable, but if there is more than two breeders back off.
Holding coop doors. Now, a little controversy over this but I will give my side and opinion of this. If I notice a rabbit pushing their coop cage open then I will hold it closed, regardless of who it belongs to. If I notice the judge having trouble with keeping the doors open then I will help and hold the door open. I try not to if it's my rabbit, I try to let someone else notice but if no one steps up to help then I will. Some breeders don't like seeing this but I personally do it do be helpful. I am in no way doing it to show which rabbit is mine, especially since I try not to do it with my rabbits.
Arriving early is handy as it allows you to scope out that perfect spot to set up “camp” (rabbits, show tables, chairs, etc.). It is first come first served, but do not feel like you must take up half the show area unless you have that many rabbits. Some locations are small so stay as compact as possible. Also, at some shows when people start setting up they begin to make unofficial aisles so please do not stop in the aisles and decide to set up camp there. It becomes very inconvenient for anyone trying to use a wagon to transport their animals. Some shows put paper on the floor where they want rabbits set up, others don't.
When you arrive, it is nice to try and park as close to the building as you can to unload rabbits and paraphernalia. Just remember, when you are done unloading, try to move your vehicle to another parking spot. Others are waiting for that prime unloading spot.
Remember, everyone has things to do before the show starts. Try to be sensitive about that. Every exhibitor has a million things going on in the mornings before judging starts. Rabbits need to be set up and checked in, coop numbers marked, rabbits groomed and much more. If you are wanting to buy a rabbit or get another breeders opinion on an animal, try to be aware if said breeder(s) are busy and still have things to do. I personally find that once judging is up and running is the better time to do these things, just be cautious about the order of breeds being shown.
One of the most important things. Judges are not suppose to know what rabbit belongs to who. So please, do not ask another exhibitor to indicate which rabbit is theirs, and do not indicate which animals are yours when they are on the judging table. This is probably one of the biggest mistakes that new breeders make. I've been there, done that. It can really put the exhibitor and perhaps the judge on the spot when indicating ownership in anyway. Another thing, try not to make positive or negative comments about animals, whether they are yours or another breeders. For starters, you may not know who owns the animal and the breeder/owner may be standing near you and hear. Secondly, the judge may hear you. Making comments such as "that rabbit is a grand champion" or "check his teeth" are completely out of line and should not be done. You should never talk badly about any rabbit, as the owner may hear you, and the judge or writer may hear as well. Mentioning Grand Champion status is fine if they are off the judging table and you are talking to another breeder more privately, but should not be done in front of judges. Another thing to remember is try not to stand directly in front of where you placed your rabbit. Bring your rabbit up to the table, put it in the coop cage and then back up and allow room for others to do the same. If you own all the rabbits in the class then it is inevitable, but if there is more than two breeders back off.
Holding coop doors. Now, a little controversy over this but I will give my side and opinion of this. If I notice a rabbit pushing their coop cage open then I will hold it closed, regardless of who it belongs to. If I notice the judge having trouble with keeping the doors open then I will help and hold the door open. I try not to if it's my rabbit, I try to let someone else notice but if no one steps up to help then I will. Some breeders don't like seeing this but I personally do it do be helpful. I am in no way doing it to show which rabbit is mine, especially since I try not to do it with my rabbits.
"As a judge, we do not want to know how an animal did last week, last month, or last year. It matters not. What does matter is how it looks in comparison to the others in the breed that day. And, make no mistake, we hear all! When I am judging and concentrating on how to place a class, I hear all of the mumbles from the area around the table - whether they were intended for me to hear or not (most of the time they are not meant for me). So, as we learned as children, if you don't have something nice to say, keep it to yourself!" -Quote from a Judge
Bringing Animals To and From Judging Table
Once judging starts, it is very important to pay attention to the order breeds are being shown. I have never been to a show where the breed order has not been posted, usually in several places. It is very important to be cautious about the place your breed is on the list. Once your breed begins judging, stay close by. It is quite inconsiderate to make the judge, other exhibitors and the secretary/writer wait as that last one or two people are rounded up. Breed and Class are always announced, so pay attention to the announcements. If you have breeds on other show tables, then ask for help. If you need to step away, ask for help. I ask for help all the time, especially if I have multiple in a class. I know many younger youth breeders who are always eager to help me carry my rabbits to and from the table, and even adult exhibitors will help, just ask! It is just as important to take your rabbit off the table in a timely manner as it is to put them on.
However, on the other hand closing classes very quickly without making an effort to notify everyone or being short with those who are doing their best to juggle several things at once is also rude. It varies from show to show, but at my club's shows, the secretary/writer will announce the class two or three times before closing and letting the judge start. On that note, we are a smaller club so everyone knows everyone and what breed everyone has so it's easier for us. We can look at the class list and go and get said exhibitor if they are late bringing rabbits up or even just go and get their rabbits if they can't be found. Showrooms get loud so it's not always easy to hear when they call a breed or class. If you show long enough, you will eventually be the one being hunted down. It happens to everyone from time to time, just don't let it become a habit. I have yet to be hunted down but that's because I am crazy OCD when it comes to this thing and I'm constantly checking the order and what's currently being shown to know how much longer until my breed is called. It also helps that, because I get to the show early, I get to pick a place close to both judging tables to set up my rabbits. Another perk to arriving early! However, the day will come when I let my guard down and will have to be hunted down.
However, on the other hand closing classes very quickly without making an effort to notify everyone or being short with those who are doing their best to juggle several things at once is also rude. It varies from show to show, but at my club's shows, the secretary/writer will announce the class two or three times before closing and letting the judge start. On that note, we are a smaller club so everyone knows everyone and what breed everyone has so it's easier for us. We can look at the class list and go and get said exhibitor if they are late bringing rabbits up or even just go and get their rabbits if they can't be found. Showrooms get loud so it's not always easy to hear when they call a breed or class. If you show long enough, you will eventually be the one being hunted down. It happens to everyone from time to time, just don't let it become a habit. I have yet to be hunted down but that's because I am crazy OCD when it comes to this thing and I'm constantly checking the order and what's currently being shown to know how much longer until my breed is called. It also helps that, because I get to the show early, I get to pick a place close to both judging tables to set up my rabbits. Another perk to arriving early! However, the day will come when I let my guard down and will have to be hunted down.
"I am always amazed that some exhibitors that will purposely bring their rabbits to the table late. By doing so, they are hoping for two things to occur. First they are hoping that the judge will dismiss rabbits before they get to the table. They feel this gives them a better chance to win. The result is delayed judging, and multiple p.a. system calls for the class. I have seen several judges make it clear that if the exhibitor comes late again they will not be able to show. The second thing they are trying to do is let the judge know whose rabbit is going on the table. Unfortunately this violates ARBA rules. As an exhibitor you are to attempt to not identify yourself with your rabbit. This is why many judges will not look at the coops until it is time to judge. The idea is to do just the opposite. Don’t let the judge know which rabbit is yours. By the way, this is very difficult to do, and is further compounded when an exhibitor shows up to a table late." -Three Little Ladies Rabbitry
The above quote is from a rabbitry page on etiquette. I find it very true. I have seen breeders do this and to me it is very unethical. I have also seen a few times when the rabbit ends up getting scratched from the show because the breeder is late bringing them up. The judge can't wait all day. The show must go on! This is why it is very important to be timely when bring animals to and from the table.
Something I find quite useful is the placement of rabbits in carriers. I try to arrange my animals according to classes in the carriers. It helps me be quicker when my class is called. They are all together so I can just take the carrier up and I don't have to dig through my carriers looking for rabbits. Labels are also handy. Have the rabbits' hole labeled. I do name, breed and class.
CHECK TATTOO'S!!! I cannot stress this enough!!! Always, always, ALWAYS check your rabbits tattoo's. Do it prior to registering them in the show, do it prior to the show as you are placing them in the carrier and always do it before taking them to AND from the table. Think about it. I raise Solid Black Havana's. They are look the same. Yes, they vary in size a bit but they all look alike. Now, I know my rabbits and can tell them apart but I still get them messed up from time to time, especially at shows. When they get called I check the tattoo and take them up to the table. Most importantly, I check the tattoo before removing them from the table. With the exception of some marking breeds, most breeds/classes all look similar whether is be a Chocolate Mini Rex class or Tort Holland Lops. Judges move the rabbits around as they look at them so it is crazy important to check the tattoo before you remove any rabbit off the table. I have heard of way too many times when someone goes home with the wrong rabbit. I've done it once in my earlier years. Now, I was lucky. It was at a double show and after the first show I took my Mini Rex off the table (I'm pretty sure it was a Black Doe). Next show gets called to the table. I take my doe up for her class when I and the other breeder realized, thanks to the judge, that we grabbed each others rabbit. Not everyone is that lucky though. So it is very important to always check your tattoo's when taking rabbits to and from the judging table. You don't want to take someone else's rabbits home, or have someone take yours! By checking the tattoo, if you can't find your animal you can tell the writer and have everyone check tattoo's and hopefully find your rabbit.
Something I find quite useful is the placement of rabbits in carriers. I try to arrange my animals according to classes in the carriers. It helps me be quicker when my class is called. They are all together so I can just take the carrier up and I don't have to dig through my carriers looking for rabbits. Labels are also handy. Have the rabbits' hole labeled. I do name, breed and class.
CHECK TATTOO'S!!! I cannot stress this enough!!! Always, always, ALWAYS check your rabbits tattoo's. Do it prior to registering them in the show, do it prior to the show as you are placing them in the carrier and always do it before taking them to AND from the table. Think about it. I raise Solid Black Havana's. They are look the same. Yes, they vary in size a bit but they all look alike. Now, I know my rabbits and can tell them apart but I still get them messed up from time to time, especially at shows. When they get called I check the tattoo and take them up to the table. Most importantly, I check the tattoo before removing them from the table. With the exception of some marking breeds, most breeds/classes all look similar whether is be a Chocolate Mini Rex class or Tort Holland Lops. Judges move the rabbits around as they look at them so it is crazy important to check the tattoo before you remove any rabbit off the table. I have heard of way too many times when someone goes home with the wrong rabbit. I've done it once in my earlier years. Now, I was lucky. It was at a double show and after the first show I took my Mini Rex off the table (I'm pretty sure it was a Black Doe). Next show gets called to the table. I take my doe up for her class when I and the other breeder realized, thanks to the judge, that we grabbed each others rabbit. Not everyone is that lucky though. So it is very important to always check your tattoo's when taking rabbits to and from the judging table. You don't want to take someone else's rabbits home, or have someone take yours! By checking the tattoo, if you can't find your animal you can tell the writer and have everyone check tattoo's and hopefully find your rabbit.
Common Etiquette
Common etiquette is important. Do not take rabbits out of carriers prior to asking the owners permission. Some breeders do not mind, while others get quite offended by it. Unless you know for certain that a breeder does not mind, just don't do it without permission. I personally do not like it. If I have an animal for sale or someone who just wants to look at one of my rabbits then I am the one to take it out of the carrier. I have no problem with people looking at my rabbits, I just like to be the one to take them out of their carriers. The only time I really ever say no is if I am busy or my breed is coming up.
Use common courtesy. Don't talk badly about peoples rabbits, don't gossip and don't talk badly about other breeders (*this should never been done in my opinion, but especially not at shows when the breeder or someone else could over hear you*). Don't be rude, there is no need of it. Always make sure to not make any comments that you would not want another competitor to hear. We all want to say something when the show does not go our way, but people are always listening. Watch the comments because you never know who you could be offending. Comment etiquette also applies to judges. They can hear just about everything so watch out.
Try not to stand in the way either. Be aware of your surroundings and if their are people behind you. Are there people behind you? Well, are they taller than you and able to see? If they aren't then try moving over a bit. Now, on the other end of that, use common sense. Does it make sense to stand where you can't see? No, it doesn't. Don't stand behind people if you can't see over them, because then it may make them uncomfortable and feel the need to move in order for you to see. Be courteous if it isn't your breed or class. Stand out of the way so that the exhibitors who are trying to watch their rabbits be judged can see and hear.
Sick animals. Do not ever bring a sick animal to a show. Within my club, we have 'vet checks' before any rabbit goes inside the showroom. Some times it is a breeder that is a vet, others it is a few exhibitors. However, not every show does this. Everyone makes mistakes and misses things, but if you know your rabbit has any form of mite or illness, do not bring it. The animal will be disqualified from the table and you are risking every other animal in the showroom. Most experienced breeders understand this and abstain from this practice, but many newer exhibitors are unaware of the importance of this rule or how to tell different illnesses. Some breeders quarantine their animals after every show. I personally do not have the space, however I do keep a close eye on my rabbits after shows and I clean the carriers out with hot water and bleach before putting them away.
Don't purposely do something that slows the show down.
Use common courtesy. Don't talk badly about peoples rabbits, don't gossip and don't talk badly about other breeders (*this should never been done in my opinion, but especially not at shows when the breeder or someone else could over hear you*). Don't be rude, there is no need of it. Always make sure to not make any comments that you would not want another competitor to hear. We all want to say something when the show does not go our way, but people are always listening. Watch the comments because you never know who you could be offending. Comment etiquette also applies to judges. They can hear just about everything so watch out.
Try not to stand in the way either. Be aware of your surroundings and if their are people behind you. Are there people behind you? Well, are they taller than you and able to see? If they aren't then try moving over a bit. Now, on the other end of that, use common sense. Does it make sense to stand where you can't see? No, it doesn't. Don't stand behind people if you can't see over them, because then it may make them uncomfortable and feel the need to move in order for you to see. Be courteous if it isn't your breed or class. Stand out of the way so that the exhibitors who are trying to watch their rabbits be judged can see and hear.
Sick animals. Do not ever bring a sick animal to a show. Within my club, we have 'vet checks' before any rabbit goes inside the showroom. Some times it is a breeder that is a vet, others it is a few exhibitors. However, not every show does this. Everyone makes mistakes and misses things, but if you know your rabbit has any form of mite or illness, do not bring it. The animal will be disqualified from the table and you are risking every other animal in the showroom. Most experienced breeders understand this and abstain from this practice, but many newer exhibitors are unaware of the importance of this rule or how to tell different illnesses. Some breeders quarantine their animals after every show. I personally do not have the space, however I do keep a close eye on my rabbits after shows and I clean the carriers out with hot water and bleach before putting them away.
Don't purposely do something that slows the show down.
"Don’t enter a rabbit in the show that has a DQ. Notice that I said don’t enter them in the show. It is understandable to bring them to the show, and ask other breeders, or ask a judge during a break to evaluate that rabbit. Maybe you have a rabbit that had its ear chewed partially off by a litter mate. That rabbit may make a good brood doe or herd buck. Bringing it to the show gives you an opportunity to have it evaluated; however entering it in the show, slows the show down, and is unnecessary since it will be DQ’d anyway." -Three Little Ladies Rabbitry
Disqualifications are something that I find new breeders do often. Keep in mind that it's not always their fault. They may not have learned yet some DQ's. I have brood doe's that I will take to the show simply to get opinions, but I won't enter them in the actual show. Please be aware though when asking a judge for an opinion on a rabbit to do it during the lunch break or when they are not busy. Even catching them as the breeds change is fine (while people are taking rabbits to and from the table). However, if the animal is entered in the show, but you want a more thorough review on it, do it AFTER it has been shown.
"Rabbits in molt are a rather gray area. A molt would cause the judge to deduct points in his/her evaluation, not a disqualification. However, if your jersey wooly looks like a lion head, it’s probably a good idea to leave it at home. Again the rabbit wouldn’t place well, and it would slow down the judging process. Rabbits just starting to molt and just completing a molt would require some extra grooming on your behalf, but could be shown." -Three Little Ladies Rabbitry
Molts happen. It's part of being a rabbit. I don't really have much to add to the above quote. They sum it up pretty well.
I mention above about judges knowing what rabbit belongs to whom. Well, most bigger shows don't really like or allow talking to the judge(s), but some judges like to carry on conversations with breeders while judging. I show in a smaller club, so most judges will carry on a conversation with people as they judge. I personally really like this. It builds a bond and relationship with the judges and helps us learn more about them. If you have a question about something the judge said, then ask. Sometimes I will ask while they are judging so that they can show it again while the rabbit is there, other times I will make a note about it and go back later and ask when they are not busy.
Clean up after yourself. This is just plain old common courtesy. When packing up your rabbits to leave, clean up the area where your were set up. Clean up any spills, pee, hay, etc., and make sure to put all your garbage in the garbage bins. I, as someone who usually stays to help clean up after shows, really hate when people just leave and they left this big mess of hay, food, shavings, garbage, etc., behind them. It' very rude and inconsiderate. It's not hard to clean up after yourself. I remember at one show, someone spilt tattoo ink and didn't clean it up. I think it was in the bathroom, but I'm not 100% sure. Well, after it gets to dry over the day it's quite hard to clean up. Remember, any damages to the building are paid for by the club.
I mention above about judges knowing what rabbit belongs to whom. Well, most bigger shows don't really like or allow talking to the judge(s), but some judges like to carry on conversations with breeders while judging. I show in a smaller club, so most judges will carry on a conversation with people as they judge. I personally really like this. It builds a bond and relationship with the judges and helps us learn more about them. If you have a question about something the judge said, then ask. Sometimes I will ask while they are judging so that they can show it again while the rabbit is there, other times I will make a note about it and go back later and ask when they are not busy.
Clean up after yourself. This is just plain old common courtesy. When packing up your rabbits to leave, clean up the area where your were set up. Clean up any spills, pee, hay, etc., and make sure to put all your garbage in the garbage bins. I, as someone who usually stays to help clean up after shows, really hate when people just leave and they left this big mess of hay, food, shavings, garbage, etc., behind them. It' very rude and inconsiderate. It's not hard to clean up after yourself. I remember at one show, someone spilt tattoo ink and didn't clean it up. I think it was in the bathroom, but I'm not 100% sure. Well, after it gets to dry over the day it's quite hard to clean up. Remember, any damages to the building are paid for by the club.
Sportsmanship
Sportsmanship is so important in this hobby. We all like to win, but be kind to others if you do not win. I know most of the time we are in a hurry to pack up and go home, but it is nice to congratulate the winners. Most shows do awards at the end, and I know that a lot of exhibitors will leave beforehand if they did not win, though some it is because they have a long drive ahead of them and that is fine. I personally always stick around for the awards, regardless if I won or not. Common courtesy to me and I like watching. I always try to congratulate all the winners before leaving, if I miss someone then I will send them an email or something afterwards. Now, on the other hand it's not nice to brag. If you win, don't go rubbing your trophies, ribbons, certificates and/or prizes in peoples face. Take the congratulations and move on. I'm not saying don't be happy about it, but there's no need to brag. It's good to be excited about the win, but try to keep the celebrating to a minimum until you are in private. Everyone works hard for the moment when they win so whether you win or lose, be happy for each other. We should applaud each other, not tear each other down.
Assessing Others Rabbits
"Do not make negative comments about rabbits unless you have been asked for a frank assessment of that animal. And then, be constructive. Every breeder puts a lot of work into their rabbits and has high hopes for each baby born. On the other hand, giving false positive information can be harmful as well. Just point out strengths and faults in neutral language and the one asking for the evaluation will get the idea. “I think he’s weak in the hindquarter” is preferred to “This rabbit is a piece of junk.”" -Nature Trail
This is very important to remember. Be constructive and helpful, not mean and hurtful. Saying this rabbit is a piece of junk isn't going to help the owner know what is wrong with it and how to improve it. Try not to use words like crap, terrible, horrible, ugly, junk or anything along those lines. Poor shoulders? Well, say this rabbit lacks in the shoulders, or this rabbit has poor shoulders. There really isn't a need to be harsh about it. Now, there's no need to sugarcoat things either. Try to keep in mind to not give your opinion unless it is asked. More knowledged breeders, usually who have been raising rabbits longer, will like do a more thorough and harsh evaluation, but newer breeders don't. When evaluating newer breeders' animals try to be helpful and say what needs improvement but tell them what's nice as well. Help them to learn how to evaluate on their own and see faults and strong points. When I am helping a new breeder, if they have a weak point then I'll pull out one of my own rabbits to show them what to look for. This helps to be able to actually see it but also to compare. Just try to keep in mind peoples feelings, at all times. Constructive criticism is helpful and needed, but not if it's going to offend someone or hurt their feelings. Watch how you say things. It may not seem hurtful to you, but to someone else saying 'this rabbit is junk' may be.
Thank the Show Crew
It's not easy putting on a show. I've put on many 4H shows and clinics and that's nothing compared to an ARBA sanctioned show. There is a lot of work put into it beforehand, during and afterwards. Thank the show secretary and show superintendent for their hard work to make the show a possibility. It's a kind gesture that isn't a necessity, but very deserved and appreciated.
A lot of work is put in to shows. Judges need to be booked along with all their accommodations and travel. Show location needs to be booked, show catalog needs to be done up and sent out to everyone. Registrations need to be taken and classes need to be made up. Certificates, trophies and/or ribbons need to be made and bought. This all needs to be done prior to the show. During the show is hectic because not only do they have to make sure the show stays on track and everyone gets checked in among much more, but they are usually showing as well. And just because the show is over, does not mean that it's over for the crew. Show reports need to be done up and mailed out, along with legs and everything needs to be sent to ARBA first. Keep that in mind when waiting for reports. Give it time, patience is key. About a months time is usually how long it takes before getting show reports in the mail, but that varies.
A lot of work is put in to shows. Judges need to be booked along with all their accommodations and travel. Show location needs to be booked, show catalog needs to be done up and sent out to everyone. Registrations need to be taken and classes need to be made up. Certificates, trophies and/or ribbons need to be made and bought. This all needs to be done prior to the show. During the show is hectic because not only do they have to make sure the show stays on track and everyone gets checked in among much more, but they are usually showing as well. And just because the show is over, does not mean that it's over for the crew. Show reports need to be done up and mailed out, along with legs and everything needs to be sent to ARBA first. Keep that in mind when waiting for reports. Give it time, patience is key. About a months time is usually how long it takes before getting show reports in the mail, but that varies.
Conclusion
Over my years of showing, and observing, I was able to decide that these where, to me, important unwritten rules to follow. I just want it to be easier for a newcomer to rabbit shows to be able to function without embarrassing themselves, or upsetting others, without even knowing it. No one has to agree with anything I have written, but everyone should consider it.
Not everyone will follow these sort of rules, not every competitor is responsible and caring to others. Not all have the respect that they should. All you can do is be respectful and hope others do the same.
Not everyone will follow these sort of rules, not every competitor is responsible and caring to others. Not all have the respect that they should. All you can do is be respectful and hope others do the same.
All content on this website is © Mikay's Rabbitry. Please do not use anything without written permission.