4-H and FFA Spring Dairy Cattle Judging Contest Rules

1. A school or county may enter an unlimited number of contestants that meet the following rules.
2. Each contestant must be a member in good standing of the 4-H Club or FFA Chapter he or she represents. Furthermore, each contestant must not have judged in the National 4-H Contest (for 4-H) or the National FFA Contest (for FFA).
3. Age breaks are as follows: Senior 4-H & Senior FFA Division-Must be 15, 16, 17, or 18 by January 1, 2016. Intermediate 4-H/ FFA Division-Must be 12, 13, or 14 by January 1, 2016. Junior 4-H Division- Must be 8, 9, 10, or 11 by January 1, 2016. Contestants may sign up for a higher division, but not for a lower division.
4. There will be 6 Holstein classes. One or more heifer classes will be included.
5. Oral reasons: Senior 4-H and Senior FFA: Two sets of oral reasons will be given. The contest chairs will designate reasons classes prior to the start of the contest. To be eligible for awards, contestants must give reasons on the designated classes. Intermediate 4-H/ FFA: Contestants will give one set of oral reasons. Junior 4-H: No reasons will be given. If contestants elect to not present reasons in the senior or intermediate divisions, a score of zero will be assigned for the reasons competition.
6. Contestants will be given 15 minutes for each reason class. A "2 minutes to go" notification will be given. Contestants will be told which classes are reason classes before time is started.
7. Each contestant must do his or her own work. There will be NO TALKING ALLOWED during the contest. Contest management personnel can disqualify the contestant for violation of this rule. This includes the areas around the reasons room as well as at the Ag Arena.
8. Contestants are not permitted to handle any of the animals during the contest. Group leaders will move animals when requested.
9. A team will consist of 4 members. The 3 highest members' total scores will be added for the team score. If you wish to only enter 3 members, then all of their scores will be added for the team score. Individuals may also compete for awards without being a member of a team.
10. Whenever there are tie scores, the advantage will be given to the contestant or team with the highest reason scores. Ties will not be broken in the junior divisions.
11. Entry fees must be paid before the start of the contest.
12. 4-H Volunteers/Educators are responsible for the county's delegation. They should follow 4-H procedures for field trips and medical forms. School personnel are responsible for ensuring that they follow their procedures for traveling with their FFA students.
13. Any violation of any of the rules governing this contest will be grounds for disqualifying any contestant and/or team. Contest chairs and advisers have responsibility for determining disqualifications, and decisions will be final.

February 2016