The Fair > About Us > General Rules & Regulations

General Entrance Policy & Security

(Last Update 5/14/13)

  1. Security and safety are the top concerns for all visitors at the SC State Fair. Surveillance security cameras will be in use over the entire fairgrounds for the 12-day run of the fair.
  2. Upon arrival, the South Carolina State Fair reserves the right to search all containers, packages, bags, strollers, clothing, cups, pocketbooks, briefcases, your person and any other objects deemed to be a carrier of any destruction or lethal device.
  3. This property is under the jurisdiction of the Richland County Sheriff's Department and the Columbia Police Department with approximately 200 law enforcement, employed by the SC Fair, on the grounds during the fair.
  4. Smoking is prohibited in the following areas: buildings, grandstand, and Kiddieland.
  5. Not permitted through the fair gates:
    • Food and beverages (non-alcoholic and alcoholic) from outside;
    • Concealed weapons, even by permit holders;
    • Pets, other than service animals approved by the American Disabilities Act (ADA), except when confined and leashed within the campgrounds or unless they are part of an authorized act or exhibit;
    • Persons wearing clothing or jewelry which the Fair Management deems as offensive or gang related.

  6. Not permitted on the fairgrounds:

    • Tents of any description unless they are part of an authorized act or exhibit;
    • Soliciting, the sale of raffle tickets, and the posting of handbills is in violation of state statutes and city ordinances and is strictly prohibited.

Youth Entrance Policy

  1. All youth under the age of sixteen (16) years are required to be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian (21 & older) to be admitted to the South Carolina State Fair after 5:00 pm.
  2. Anyone age sixteen (16) years and over may be asked to show a valid driver's license for proof of age in order to be admitted to the South Carolina State Fair without a parent or guardian after 5:00 pm.
  3. Anyone age sixteen (16) years and over without a valid driver's license and not accompanied by a parent or guardian will not be admitted after 5:00 pm.
  4. Persons wearing clothing or jewelry which the Fair Management deems as offensive or gang related will not be permitted to enter the fairgrounds.
  5. Exceptions and challenges to this policy will be satisfied at the discretion of the Fair Management.

Sale & Promotion of Tickets Policy

  1. There shall be no re-sale or public promotion of SC State Fair Tickets.
  2. All companies, organizations or individuals are welcome to purchase tickets or ride wrist band coupons to the South Carolina State Fair.
  3. Because of contractual obligations made by the Fair with various sponsor entities that may include exclusive rights to sell or promote marketing programs in conjunction with or on behalf of the fair, only authorized firms are able to utilize tickets for sale or promotion to the general public.
  4. For consignment or other purchase of tickets, the Fair makes these tickets available on the premise that they are to be used by the individuals purchasing them only, or for employees or immediate family of companies or organizations purchasing them.
  5. In the event that the Fair finds violation with this policy, it reserves the right to void all tickets purchased.
  6. Gate admission tickets, concert tickets, ride vouchers/coupons, food coupons, etc. become null and void following the last day of the fair.

PEPSI® Grandstand Concert Policy

  1. NEW IN 2012: STANDING ROOM ONLY (SRO)
    • The ground seats have been eliminated to create Standing Room Only (SRO). 
    • EXPLANATION: This change is due to an increasing number of injuries to patrons with ground seats in the grandstand.
    • The majority of these incidents have been due to patrons ignoring the safety rules and standing in chairs. In addition, patrons standing in front of their chairs creates viewing problems with patrons who do not wish to stand. 
    • These two issues create a very unpleasant experience for all involved. In an effort to make the ground area more enjoyable for everyone, we are eliminating the chairs.
    • Those who prefer to sit can buy tickets in the East, West, and North bleachers and those who prefer to stand can buy ground area Standing Room Only (SRO) tickets.
    • The small size of the venue allows good visibility for all seating and standing room areas.
  2. Gate Admission to the Fair is included in PEPSI® Grandstand Ticket when purchased online.  Concert seats are reserved and require a ticket, with exception of child (3 feet or less in height) when sitting in lap of ticket holder. Please refer to Gate Admission Fees for children.
  3. Beginning August 1 at 10:00 AM, PEPSI® Grandstand Concert tickets will be available on the Internet or by phoning eTix (toll-free) at 1-800-514-3849 during Phone Center hours.
  4. Limited Handicap seating may be available by calling eTix (toll-free) at 1-800-514-3849.
  5. Concert tickets are not available at BI-LO grocery outlets.
  6. Once on the eTix page, patrons may click on their desired seating section (Floor-SRO , East Bleachers, West Bleachers, North Bleachers) and receive the "best available" bleacher seats in that section at time of purchase.
  7. PEPSI® Grandstand Concert tickets may be purchased ONLINE until Noon of show day (as available) and at the PEPSI® Grandstand Ticket Booth 1 1/2 - 2 hours prior to each concert throughout the twelve (12) days of the Fair.
  8. The PEPSI® Grandstand will open 1 hour (60 minutes) prior to start of each concert.
  9. No "Re-Entry" to the PEPSI® Grandstand....for your convenience, concessions, rest rooms and first aid personnel are located inside the Pepsi® Grandstand area for each concert.
  10. No umbrellas, video cameras or recording devices allowed.
  11. No rushing the stage; Fire Code mandates the aisles be kept clear in front of the Pepsi® Grandstand stage; only SRO ticket holders allowed in this area.
  12. Photographs - Only SRO ticket holders allowed to take photos within the SRO area. Outside the SRO area, photos may be taken only from your seat.
  13. No exchange or refund of concert tickets.
  14. Please respect your neighbors space for an enjoyable experience for everyone.

Service Animals

Service Animals trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities are permitted; however, under the ADA, service animals must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered, unless these devices interfere with the service animal's work or the individual's disability prevents using these devices. In that case, the individual must maintain control of the animal through voice, signal, or other effective controls.

Gate Operating Times

All gate operating times (opening and closing) listed on the Daily Schedule of Events and are subject to change. In addition, Midway closing times may vary based on weather conditions and other influencing factors.

Liability

Due diligence will be used to insure the safety of animals or articles on exhibit, but The State Agricultural & Mechanical Society of South Carolina (South Carolina State Fair) expressly refuses to assume any liability for injuries to any person or damage to any property because of accidents, theft, fire, the elements, and other conditions. No claims for injury to any person or damage to property shall be asserted or suit instituted or maintained against the said State Agricultural & Mechanical Society of South Carolina, its officers, agents, or employees by any person having privilege to exhibit or license to operate on the fairgrounds or occupying any space thereon.

Competitive Exhibits General Rules & Regulations

Building Exhibit Departments: Fine Art, Student Art, Agriculture, Flower, Home & Craft

Livestock Departments: Cattle, Dairy Goat, Sheep, Smallstock, Swine, Youth Horse

Social Security Number Optional - Exhibitors, with exception of Student Art, who REFUSE to release their SS#, at time of entry registration, will be eligible to participate; however, they will forfeit all prize monies (premiums).

Application For Entry - All applicants for entry to exhibit any animal or article in the Fair must be registered using either (1) the Online Entry System or (2) mail an Official SC State Fair department entry form of the current year to the address indicated on the entry form, or (3) deliver to the SC State Fair Dowling Administration Building to be received by the time stated on the Entry Registration form (closing dates vary with each department).

Entry forms are available during the Open Entry Registration Period (July and August) on the SC State Fair web site Online Premium Guide and at the SC State Fair office. Entry forms may be duplicated. The Fair does not publish a hard copy premium guide (since 2001).

Entry Registration Periods (Open & Late) are noted (1) on the online Premium Guide Index Page , (2) on each department Index page, and also (3) on Official entry registration forms. Completed entry registration forms must be received during the Open or Late Entry Registration Periods. Entries received after these dates will not be accepted.

Late Entry Registration Period - A Late Fee of $25 per exhibitor will be imposed during the Late Entry Registration Period.

Exhibitor Fees & Entry Fees - (Link to Privacy Statement)

  • An Exhibitor Fee of $7.00 in addition to Entry Fees (which vary with each department) are required for the following departments/divisions: Open Dairy Cattle Division, Open Beef Cattle Division, Dairy Goat, Open Sheep Division, Smallstock (w/exception of Wildlife Division), Open Swine Division, Youth Horse.
  • There are no entry fees required in the following departments or divisions: Agriculture, Flowers, Home & Craft, Fine Art, Student Art, *Junior Dairy Cattle Division, *Junior Beef Cattle Division, and *Junior Swine Division (*exception if shown in name of farm) .
  • Exhibitor and Entry fees are defined in the Online Premium Guide on each department's Index page, department rules and regulations, and on entry forms.
  • Checks will not be accepted following the Open Entry Registration Period for entries in any department. Any fees owed past the Closing Date must be paid on the day of the show to the Superintendent in cash, Money Order, or major credit/debit (MasterCard or Visa) card.
  • Exhibitor and Entry Fees are non-refundable.

Delivery of Exhibits - Date, time, and location of delivery are defined in the Online Premium Guide, on each department Index page, and on the Official entry forms.

Release of Exhibits - Release dates and times are defined in the Online Premium Guide, on each department Index page, and on the Official entry forms. Unclaimed exhibits and awards become property of the SC State Fair and will be donated to charity.

Early Removal of Exhibits - Any exhibitor removing animals or other exhibits before official release date and time for that department, without written consent of the superintendent, will forfeit all prizes and premiums.

Limitations of Competition - Competition in all Open livestock shows is open to the world. Entries in the Agriculture, Flower, Home & Craft, Fine Art, and Student Art departments are limited to residents of the State of South Carolina.

Animal Health Requirements for Exhibitions are noted in the Online Premium Guide on each department Index page in the rules and regulations.

Judging of Exhibits - No unworthy animal or article will be awarded prize money. Judges are instructed not to award prize money to any animal or article solely because of its presence. No award will be given to any animal or article that does not possess high intrinsic merit. If only one (1) animal or article is exhibited in a class, the premium awarded is left to the discretion of the judges. When animals or articles are not deemed worthy, judges will not award prize money, whether or not there is competition in the class. Dates and times of judging are noted in the Online Premium Guide Index page of each department.

Protest and Appeal - No protest based on the statement that the judge or judges were incompetent will be considered. Protest upon any other grounds must be presented in written form to Fair Management within twenty-four (24) hours of the protested action. All questions of dispute with interpretation of rules shall be referred to Fair Management whose decision shall be final.

Payment of Prize Money (Premiums) - Only exhibitors listing a Social Security number at time of entry registration are eligible for prize monies. Prize money will be paid within thirty (30) days after the close of the Fair. No claim that prize money has not been paid, or that there was a discrepancy in payment of the prize money won, will be considered if made later than November 30 following the Fair. Checks not cashed in ninety (90) days of date issued become void and will not be reissued.

Rule Interpretation and Enforcement

The South Carolina State Fair reserves to Fair Management the right to interpret the above rules and regulations and determine all matters pertaining thereto; also the right to amend or add such rules as warranted. Violation of any of these regulations shall cause forfeiture of all privileges, prize money and the rights to further participation by the violator. This shall apply to all departments of the South Carolina State Fair.

In the event South Carolina State Fair rules conflict with other affiliated organizations/associations, the South Carolina State Fair management reserves the final and absolute right to interpret these rules and regulations and to arbitrarily settle and determine all matters, questions or differences in regard thereto, or otherwise arising out of, connected with, or incident to the South Carolina State Fair. It further reserves the right to determine unforeseen matters not covered by these rules, to amend or add to these rules as they, in their judgment, may deem advisable.

All exhibitors are expected to conform to the South Carolina State Fair Rules & Regulations. Any person who violates any of the following or special rules will forfeit all privileges and premiums and be subject to such penalty as the management may order (failure to comply may result in award(s) and premium(s) forfeiture; and/or dismissal from the Fairgrounds, and/or being barred from competition immediately in the department in which the violation occurred and/or from all departments entered; and/or in future competition in the South Carolina State Fair.). In the event of conflict between the general rules and the special rules governing the various departments, the special rules will govern.

The following due process will be used in the questions of a rule violation:

  • The exhibitor and/or parties involved will be questioned by the Department Superintendent.
  • If it is felt that a violation has occurred, the Department Superintendent will inform State Fair management.
  • Fair Managers will consider the violation and make a ruling.

SOUTH CAROLINA STATE FAIR DECISION REVIEW PROCEDURE FOR LIVESTOCK COMPETITIONS DEFINITIONS AND ESCALATION SEQUENCE:

  • Complaint (Verbal):
  • Express verbal opinion on a decision or matter;
  • Usually made to South Carolina State Fair staff (not necessarily Superintendent).
  • Complaint (Written):
  • Express written opinion on a decision or matter;
  • Must remit to Department Superintendent.
  • Protest:
  • Action requesting the review of a decision by a third party;
  • Must be requested in writing;
  • Must be initiated within prescribed timeframe;
  • Department Superintendent must address the situation with a formal ruling.
  • Appeal:
  • Protestor has the opportunity to address South Carolina State Fair management;
  • Appeal is considered by the General Manager and decision is final.

GENERAL PROCEDURE:

1. Verbal complaints may be conveyed at any time and are considered unofficial. Complaints will be considered by South Carolina State Fair employees but do not require immediate action.

 

2. Written complaints are considered official. A complaint issued during the event will be filed with the Superintendent and included in his/her final State Fair report. The action does not require immediate (during the State Fair) formal action or decision. Rather, written complaints may be evaluated after the conclusion of the State Fair and discussed within program reviews and/or considered while making program enhancements. Note: Written complaints may be hand-delivered to the South Carolina State Fair General Manager, Dowling Building, 1200 Rosewood Drive, Columbia 29201 or mailed to the South Carolina State Fair General Manager, P. O. Box 393, Columbia SC 29202. The General Manager may respond to the written complaint. To be considered, written complaints must be dated and signed by the party remitting the complaint, with complete contact information, and may be subject to open records requests. E-mail correspondence, telephone calls and/or voicemails are not acceptable.

3. A protest must be submitted in writing to the Superintendent. The written protest must include the specific concern and justification for the protest. The Superintendent may discuss verbally with protesting party but must respond in writing, explaining the rationale for any decision rendered. Superintendents must provide a copy of the protest and their response to the General Manager after the decision has been rendered or concern addressed.

4. An appeal to a Superintendent’s decision must be submitted to the entry office using an official South Carolina State Fair appeal document. All appeals will be considered by a review committee comprised of the General Manager, Assistant General Manager, Department Superintendent, and Show Chair, if applicable. The review committee may choose to speak with the protesting party and/or Superintendent to assist them in making a recommendation. The General Manager will summarize the recommendation of the review committee and communicate the final ruling on the issue.

In addition to the review committee, the South Carolina State Fair reserves the right to discuss the issue that is the subject of the appeal with South Carolina State Fair Board members, legal counsel or other parties relevant to assisting in rendering a satisfactory conclusion to an issue. The decision of the review committee is final and not subject to further appeal.

 

BEFORE AN ANIMAL IS SHOWN (i.e. - the actual competitive event):

If the show management suspects that a violation of the Show Ring Code of Ethics and/or published South Carolina State Fair rules and regulations will occur if an animal is shown, and that violation is reasonably well established before the animal is shown, the show management will submit a report to the show Superintendent. The Show Superintendent will discuss the potential violation with the exhibitor; and

  • If, at the exhibitor’s discretion, the animal in question is not shown, no violation will have occurred;
  • If the exhibitor wishes to challenge that a violation will occur/ has occurred, he/she will have the opportunity to appeal to the Show Superintendent and/or review committee. If the decision is not changed, the exhibitor will be denied the opportunity to exhibit the animal in question.

 DURING AND AFTER AN ANIMAL IS SHOWN (i.e. - the actual competitive event):

All animals are subject to examination prior to, during and after judging. A violation may be considered as a result of failure to comply with guidelines, rules and regulations as established by recognized breed associations, the judge, the review committee, and/or show management.

If an animal is exhibited and a violation is subsequently suspected, investigated, and determined to have occurred, the violation will be reported to the review committee and show management for action. The exhibitor will be notified of the violation and any supporting evidence and invited to defend or explain the allegations. Violations are subject to the disciplinary provisions of show management and the national breed association. Sanctions may include any one or a combination of the following:

  • Forfeiture or return of awards, prizes, premiums or proceeds;
  • Written letter of reprimand to the owner, exhibitor, fitter or absolutely responsible person;
  • Disqualification of the exhibition livestock from an exhibition;
  • Disqualification of the exhibitor from the show;
  • Publication of offense (as these actions may be subject to open records review).

Disqualification may include any or all shows and classes and may be for any number of years.

JUDGING / AWARDS REVIEWS:

1. A verbal complaint may be conveyed at any time and are considered unofficial. Complaints will be considered by South Carolina State Fair employees but do not require immediate action.

2. A written complaint is considered official. Written complaints pertaining to the qualifications or potential conflicts of interest of a judge must be made two (2) weeks prior to the judging date. The complaint must clearly state the issue(s) and/or concern(s).

The written complaint may be hand-delivered to the SC State Fair, General Manager, Dowling Building, 1200 Rosewood Drive, Columbia SC 29201 or mailed to SC State Fair, General Manager, P. O. Box 393, Columbia SC 29202. The General Manager may respond to the written complaint. To be considered, written complaints must be dated and signed by the party remitting the complaint, with complete contact information, and may be subject to open records requests. E-mail correspondence, telephone calls and/or voicemails are not acceptable.

The decision of judges will be final in all cases except where fraud, misrepresentation or collusion not discovered at the time of the award is proven. In such cases, the General Manager or his/her designee will consider relevant evidence and render a decision. The General Manager reserves the right to discuss this issue with South Carolina State Fair Board members, the South Carolina State Fair Superintendents, legal counsel or other parties relevant to assisting in rendering a satisfactory conclusion to an issue.

3. Protests and appeals against awards must be filed with the appropriate Superintendent within five (5) hours of the award being presented. An award is deemed to have been presented when the notation of the decision is entered on the official judging sheets. A protest must clearly and specifically state the facts upon which the protest or appeal is based. Overturning a judging decision will be considered when it is determined that an award has been made that may be in violation of the rules governing the exhibit.

 

Judges are selected through a formal process involving recommendations and proper due diligence prior to issuing a contract for services. In consideration of this, protests and appeals based solely on unsubstantiated concerns questioning the competency of judges will not be considered. Parties involved will be notified and given the opportunity to submit evidence before a final decision is made. All decisions are final and not subject to appeal.

 

ETHICS

  • Exhibitors agree to accept any and all testing systems/procedures selected by South Carolina State Fair to verify rule compliance.
  • Tampering, and/or inhumane treatment; and/or misrepresentation as to breeding, age, ownership, milk status of animals and any other irregularity in showing will be considered fraud and deception.
  • To maintain a high degree of confidence and integrity in the livestock shows, South Carolina State Fair reserves the right to disqualify any animal fitted in an unethical manner and disqualify the exhibitor. Unethical fitting shall include any injection of gas, solid or liquid to alter the normal conformation. Treating the udder internally or externally with an irritant or other substance to artificially improve conformation is prohibited. In addition, it shall include any cutting or tearing of the hide, cutting or tearing underneath the hide or removal of tissue in any attempt to alter the shape or appearance. It shall also include attempts to disrupt or change normal dental development, dyeing or coloring hair, adding artificial tail heads, switches, polls, hair and heels, as well as any attempt to change the conformation and degree of firmness by administration of fluids internally or externally in a liquid or solid state. The use of clenbuterol is prohibited. Setting teats or manipulating a teat to alter its normal position such as to unnaturally hold it plumb or alter its length is prohibited.
  • All exhibitors, their immediate family and any other parties involved in the unethical fitting, showing or misrepresentation of an animal will be subject to award(s) and premium(s) forfeiture, which may include the forfeiture of auction proceeds; and/or dismissal from the Fairgrounds; and/or being barred from competition immediately in the department in which the violation has occurred and/or from all departments entered; and/or in future competition in the South Carolina State Fair.

 

ANIMAL TESTING

As a condition for participation at the South Carolina State Fair, every exhibitor must agree to submit any animal entered to inspection by a veterinarian appointed by the South Carolina State Fair management, and agrees to have such animal submitted to any tests as may be designated and requested by the veterinarian. Exhibitors must agree the conclusion(s) reached by the veterinarian as to whether such animal is unethically fitted to be final. Tissue, hair and/or blood samples or carcass evaluations that yield a positive answer to tampering or an unethical practice will be sufficient evidence to remove the rights and privileges of the exhibitor(s) and to be subject to award(s) and premium(s) forfeiture, which may include auction proceeds; and/or dismissal from the Fairgrounds: and/or being barred from competition immediately in the department in which the violation has occurred and/or being barred from competition immediately in the department in which the violation has occurred and/or from all departments.

 

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 as well as open class 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 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:

  • 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.
  • Owners, exhibitors, fitters, trainers, or absolutely responsible persons shall provide animal health certificates from licensed veterinarians upon request by fair or livestock show officials.
  • Junior exhibitors are expected to care for and groom their animals while at fairs or livestock shows.
  • Animals shall be presented to show events where they will enter the food chain free of violative drug residues. The act of entering an animal in a livestock show is the giving of consent by the owner, exhibitor, fitter, trainer and/or absolutely responsible person for show management to obtain any specimens of urine, saliva, blood, or other substances from the animal to be used in testing. Animals not entered in an event which culminates with the animal entering the food chain shall not be administered drugs other than in accordance with applicable federal, state and provincial statutes, regulations and rules. Livestock shall not be exhibited if the drugs administered in accordance with federal, state and provincial statutes, regulations and rules affect the animal’s performance or appearance at the event. If the laboratory report on the analysis of saliva, urine, blood or other samples taken from livestock indicates the presence of forbidden drugs or medication, this shall be prima facie evidence such substance has been administered to the animal either internally or externally. It is presumed that the sample of urine, saliva, blood, or other substance tested by the laboratory, to which it is sent, is the one taken from the animal in question, its integrity is preserved and all procedures of said collection and preservation, transfer to the laboratory and analysis of the sample are correct and accurate and the report received from the laboratory pertains to the sample taken from the animal in question and correctly reflects the condition of the animal at the time the sample was taken, with the burden on the owner, exhibitor, fitter, trainer, or absolutely responsible person to prove otherwise. At any time after an animal arrives on the fair or livestock show premises, all treatments involving the use of drugs and/or medications for the sole purpose of protecting the health of the animal shall be administered by a licensed veterinarian.
  • Any surgical procedure or injection of any foreign substance or drug or the external application of any substance (irritant, counterirritant, or similar substance) which could affect the animal’s performance or alter its natural contour, conformation, 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.
  • 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.
  • Direct criticism or interference with the judge, fair or livestock show management, other exhibitors, breed representatives, or show officials before, 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.
  • 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.
  • The application of this code of ethics for absolute responsibility for an animal’s condition by an owner, exhibitor, fitter, 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.
  • The act of entering an animal is the giving of consent by the owner, exhibitor, fitter, trainer, or absolutely responsible person to have disciplinary action taken by the fair or livestock show for violation of this Code of Show Ring Ethics and any other rules of competition of the fair or livestock show without recourse against the fair or livestock show. The act of entering an animal is the giving of consent that any proceedings or disciplinary action taken by the fair or livestock show may be published with the name of the violator or violators in any publication of the International Association of Fairs and Expositions, including Fairs and Expos and any special notices to members.
  • The act of entering of 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 actions provided 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 statutes, regulations, or rules may be released to appropriate law enforcement authorities with jurisdiction over such infractions.