Exhibition Code
 
Adopted by
the Board of Directors of
the American
Jersey Cattle Association,
June 26, 1997

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 The showing of Registered Jersey cattle is an important part of the promotion, merchandising and breeding program of some breeders. Additionally, it is an important part of the program of the American Jersey Cattle Association to stimulate and sustain interest in breeding Registered Jersey cattle. This relates to both spectators and exhibitors.

In this connection, the Board of Directors of the American Jersey Cattle Association believes that it is in the best interest of the breeders of Registered Jersey cattle to maintain a reputation of integrity and to present a wholesome and progressive image of Jersey cattle in the show ring. It recognizes that there are certain practices in the proper care and management of dairy cattle which are necessary in the course of moving dairy cattle to and between shows that are advisable to keep them in a sound, healthy condition so that they might be presented in the show ring in a natural, normal appearance and condition. Conversely, it recognizes certain practices in the cataloging, handling and presentation of cattle in the show ring which are unacceptable.

A. The following practices or procedures are considered unacceptable and defined as being fraudulent and/or unethical in the showing of Registered Jersey cattle:

  1. Misrepresenting the age and/or milking status of the animal for the class in which it is shown.
  2. Treating the animal, particularly the udder, internally or externally, with an irritant or counter-irritant, or other substance to artificially improve the conformation.
  3. Surgery or insertion of foreign matter under the skin, performed to change the natural contour or appearance of the animal’s body, though not to preclude practices required or involved in normal management.
  4. Criticizing or interfering with the judge, show management or other exhibitors while in the show ring, or other conduct detrimental to the breed or the show.
  5. Challenging, threatening, or interfering with an ethics committee appointed by show management to monitor the animals on exhibit at the show grounds.
If the Judge finds a violation of the above, they are strongly encouraged to utilize this in the placing of the class and alert show management for possible additional action.

B. The following practices and procedures are considered to detract from the image of the show ring when carried to excess and are considered to be minor violations. The degree of discrimination is up to the discretion of the judge who is encouraged to utilize this in their placing of animals in question.

  1. Setting teats or manipulating a teat to alter its normal position such as to unnaturally hold it plumb or to alter its length shall be given slight to serious discrimination by the judge. By serious discrimination, the judge is encouraged to utilize this in the placing of the class.
  2. Excessive manipulation of topline hair. Excessive shall be defined as any manipulation or hair that in the judge’s determination is not needed to enhance the natural characteristic of the animal.
  3. Use of artificial hair except for false switches.
  4. Unsportsmanlike conduct on the part of the exhibitor.
While all animals may be subject to examination, the judge and show management are encouraged to closely examine the top five animals in each class for any violations of this code. To assist in this regard, the judge is reminded of the authority to order a milkout of any class where a major violation may have occurred. Upon milkout, the judge can then alter the placings accordingly. Any major violations uncovered during or after the milkout will be subject to the review. Exhibitors are reminded that the make-up ring is monitored and unethical practices are prohibited. Suspected violations should be reported immediately.

C. Practices which should be encouraged to enhance the image of the show.

  1. Establish uniform dress code for exhibitors in the show ring.
  2. Recognize good herdsmanship and exhibits in the barn.
  3. Selection of professional and capable judges who support and encourage ethical practices in the show ring.
Persons who participate in shows recognized by the American Jersey Cattle Association as either regional or national shows agree to abide by the American Jersey Cattle Association Exhibition Code.

Those who violate this code shall be deemed to have breached a duty owing to the Association and may be censured, suspended, or expelled from membership in the Association, and denied privileges of the Association including, without limitation, the privilege of registering and recording change in ownership of Jersey cattle on the records of the Association.