The Governing Council of the Cat Fancy

Show Managers' notices for the 2007/2008 Show season

Part 1: Pre-Show Miscellaneous Information:

Data Protection Act; Changes to Show Licence Details; Hall Hire Agreements; Advertising your Show; Keeping up to Date; Exemption Shows; Sanction Shows; Show Sponsorship; Breeds eligible for Exhibition; Hall Plans; GCCF Advertisements; GCCF Certificates; Biting/Scratching Pads.

Part 2: Schedule, Entry Form & Entries:

Schedule Contents (Registered ownership, Reference Register Cats, Titles, Advertising Cat/s at Shows, SOP not in current SOP Booklet, Show Preparation & Equipment, Shampoos/Stress Remedies, Vaccination, Veterinary Treatment at Shows, Hand Sprays, Class Definitions, General Guidelines on Entering Awards, Closing Date, Data Protection Act, Hall Details); Imperial Classes; Classes for Pedigree Pet Classes; Entry Forms; Breed Numbers on Entry Forms; Recognised Breeds; Entries of Overseas Cats; Non Pedigree Entries; Shared Show Entries; Entry Alterations; Neutered kittens; Amended colour/pattern.

Part 3: Judges & Stewards:

Booking Judges; Reallocation of Classes; Probationer Judges; Non-GCCF Judges; Specialist Breed Class Judges; Imperial and Grand Class Judges; Countersigning Certificates; Age Limits of Stewards; Mobile Phones.

Part 4: Vets & Veterinary matters:

Booking Show Vets; Information for Duty Vets; Duty Veterinary Surgeons Log; Requests for Duty Vet during Show; Vetting-in Stewards; Disinfectants; Vet Rejection Pads; ** (Changes to Section B of the Veterinary Rejection Form will be included in the March 2008/2009 Show Managers’ posting.); Vaccination Certificates.

Part 5: Show Catalogue:

Manuscript Additional Entries; Neutered Kittens; Deceased Cats.

Part 6: During Show Miscellaneous Information:

Sale of cats at show; Cooling of Halls; Balconies/Cat Pens; Cats left in Cars; Cats for sale; Visitors with Assistance Dogs; Biting/Scratching Incidents; Show managers’ Disqualifications; Awards prior to Rejection/Disqualification.

Part 7: Post Show Miscellaneous Information:

Marked Catalogue; Vet Rejection Forms; Biting/Scratching Forms; Unpresented Vaccination Certificate forms; Show managers Disqualifications; Disqualifications under Section 4 Rule 14; Details of Countersignatures; Show Returns/Insurance fees; Judges reports; Return of Prize Monies & GCCF Certificates; Early Removal; Financial Records; Emails and Office Fax Machine.

** Indicates sections are are new or amended.

Part 1: Pre Show Miscellaneous Information

Data Protection Act:

The Data Protection Office confirms that clubs holding any information about non-members on computer must be registered under the Data Protection Act whether or not this information is sold as part of a show catalogue or other publication. Registration packs are available from the main Post Offices.

Changes to Show Licence details:**

The GCCF Office must be notified in writing of any changes to Show Licence details, e.g. Show Manager, Joint Show Manager, Assistant Show Manager, Venue etc., for Executive Committee’s information and/or approval. Publication of any changed or new details in show schedules or GCCF Official Journal is not sufficient.

Hall Hire Agreements:

Copies should be sent to the Office each year even if the venue is the same as before, in case of any change to the conditions of hire, such as the public liability limit of indemnity, which may not be fully covered by the GCCF Insurance policies. Please note, when clubs sign agreements to hire halls they may not potentially be covered under the insurance – please ensure this is checked thoroughly. (N.B. Current limit of indemnity for GCCF licensed shows under the GCCF’s Public Liability insurance policy is £3 million; for venues requiring extra limit, additional cover can be arranged individually.)

Advertising your Show:

Shows MUST be advertised as being held under GCCF Licence and Rules on all relevant paperwork and on websites.

Keeping up to date: **

Show managers must check minutes and notices in the GCCF Official Journal and on the GCCF website for further updates of the GCCF Rules and of the status of any new breeds that may affect their show.

N.B. Classes for new breeds can only be included if the published closing date of the show is AFTER the Council meeting where preliminary recognition was granted. (see Part 2 - New Breeds)

Exemption Shows:

The GCCF Rules relating to shows apply to Exemption shows with the following exceptions:
Show Managers need not be qualified;
Open classes, including classes for Preliminary status breeds, may be split or amalgamated in the schedule; classes may be held for registered pedigree pet cats; there are no Assessment classes and no Certificates may be awarded so any Open class winner may be considered for BOB or BIS; Judges may be scheduled to judge any class.

Sanction Shows:

The GCCF Rules relating to shows apply to Sanction shows with the following exceptions: Show Managers need not be qualified;
Open classes may be split or amalgamated in the schedule without special permission;
Assessment classes must be scheduled for the relevant Preliminary status breeds and Merit Certificates offered, but no other Certificates may be awarded so any Open class winner may be considered for BOB or BIS; Probationer Judges may judge Open Adult and Neuter classes of their breed lists (but not Assessment classes).

Show Sponsorship:

Sponsorship may be acknowledged by printing the sponsor's name, prefix or club name on the prize or trophy offered as acknowledgement.

Cats on Exhibition:

With the exception of rescued cats, pedigree cats on exhibition must be registered with the GCCF and their details must be printed in the catalogue, as for cats in competition; if they have no breed number their description, as on their registration/transfer certificate, must be printed in its place to avoid any implication that their breed may be recognised by GCCF in the future.

Hall plans:

Show Management should prepare proper hall plans as it is possible that local fire officers may require wider aisles than the minimum specified in the GCCF Rules. It is also advised that final penning requirements are confirmed with the penning company at the earliest opportunity and that clear layout diagrams are provided.

GCCF advertisements:

As these are no longer issued automatically by the Office, please ensure that you request current copies of the GCCF and GCCF Cat Welfare Trust adverts well before your show in time to be included in your show catalogue and that only these copies are published. Alternatively, the adverts may be downloaded from the GCCF website. The cost of including GCCF adverts should be at Members’ rates, not Trade rates.

You may download the advertisements in .pdf format if you prefer:

• GCCF full page advertisement
• Cat Welfare Trust full page advertisement - free of charge please

GCCF Certificates:

Order your certificates when the number of entries is known; include spares in your totals and do not forget Intermediate Certificates for Provisional breeds and Merit Certificates and Assessment for Preliminary breeds if offering classes for these breeds. (Merit Certificates are allowed to be awarded with Assessment forms at Sanction Shows.) Unused or spoilt stock of all certificates and Assessment forms should be returned to the Office after the show with the show returns form.

N.B. Orders for certificates may be emailed to the GCCF Office.

Biting/Scratching pads:

These are not automatically issued to Show Managers except when there is a reprint and Show Managers should let the Office know when further stock is required. Pads of 10 certificates are free of charge.

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Part 2: Schedule, Entry Form & Entries

General reminders:

Please ensure that any information and instructions in both your schedule and entry form correspond and are up-to-date, i.e. Vaccinations required under GCCF Rules, Countersignatures, Class Definition,
** Guidelines for Entering Shows, etc. and a brief outline of the qualifications/experience of any overseas judges booked for your show.

Schedules should not be issued to exhibitors earlier than 3 months before the show date but may be sent to BAC Secretaries and the GCCF Office (with an entry form) prior to this and certain in the earliest possible posting. Where one person is the Secretary of more than one BAC, only one schedule need be sent.

Notes for inclusion:

The following information should be included in your schedule wherever possible:

Schedule Contents:

Section 2, Rules 4 - 4h: specify what details are required to be published in the schedule. The schedule must state clearly that the show is licensed by the GCCF and held under GCCF Rules.

The schedule must instruct exhibitors to obtain the current edition of the GCCF Rules from the GCCF Office price £2.00. Exhibitors who already have this edition may request an update sheet from the GCCF Office by sending an s.a.e., or may download the updates from the GCCF website. Exhibitors’ attention may then be drawn to specific rules, rather than reprinting them in the schedule, but if one is reprinted in the schedule, care must be taken that the current rule is reprinted in full. The schedule should also contain the advice that cats and/or kittens should not be sold at shows.

Registered Ownership:

Draw attention to Section 4, Rules 1e and 1f and to the notes on the Contents page

Reference Register Cats:

Draw attention to Section 4, Rule 1d. Other cats on the Reference Register may be accepted for Exhibition only.

Titles:

Draw attention to Section 4, Rules 11a and 11b. Add notes that
a) the title must be claimed before the higher class is entered
b) overseas titles do not qualify cats for higher classes, may not be used in front of the cat's name but may be placed in brackets after it in the catalogue
c) Cats which are registered with both the GCCF and the GCCF of Ireland and which gain the same title at shows organised by both organisations may use `International' titles once these are verified by both organisations.

Advertisements:

Exhibitors are to be reminded that the decisions of the judges are final. Any attempt to influence such decisions, or to identify a cat or ownership of a cat to a judge at a show before that judge’s engagement has been completed, may render the offender liable to disciplinary action (see Section 4, Rule 26).

Standard of Points:

Draw attention to Section 2, Rule 7i.
A copy of the SOP is required for cats whose SOP is not in the current SOP booklet. This inludes both Preliminary status breeds and breeds where new colours and/or patterns have been added to an existing class.

 

N.B. The new GCCF SOP, published November 2007, is available from the GCCF Office and stalls at shows.

Show Preparation & Equipment:

Draw attention to Section 4, Rules 4a – 4i, 6, 7a, 7b, 7c, 16, 17, 18.

N.B. Sewn cat beds are not permitted. State the start and ending times of vetting-in. Add a note that if a cat cannot easily be removed from its container, it may not be vetted in or it may not be possible to take it up for Best in Show.

Shampoos/Stress Remedies:

Draw attention to Section 4, Rule 22 and remind exhibitors that this includes the use of shampoos, grooming products, Scullcap or Valerian.
NB Show managers should make every effort to discourage stall holders from selling these products at shows.

Vaccination:

Draw attention to Section 4, Rule 5. Remind exhibitors that this applies to the latest vaccination/booster covering the date of the show being attended, not to previous ones, and that ‘Homeopathic vaccination’ is not acceptable under GCCF Rules. Advise exhibitors to ensure that the description of cat, owner and address on the vaccination certificate are completed in full and accurately before attending the show. Where vaccination is due to run out within the week prior to the show, this may be delayed until after the show provided this is covered by the extension allowed on the vaccination certificate.

Owner's Liability for Veterinary Treatment at Shows:

Advise exhibitors (owners) that they are responsible for the cost of any veterinary treatment required by their cat(s) in their absence from the show hall.

Disinfectant Handsprays:

Advise exhibitors that, while there is no specific ruling against the use of hand sprays at shows for disinfecting pens, the Executive Committee has emphasised that aerosols are not desirable and hand pump sprays should be used with discretion, particularly when there are cats in adjacent pens.

Class Definitions:

Include (from the 'Definition of classes') definitions of those classes held at the show, including the final paragraph on this sheet. Add a note that a Grand Champion/Grand Premier may be entered in any one or two of the three classes (Open, Grand, Imperial) for which it is eligible. Cats with Provisional status may be entered for BOB only and then considered in the same way as Championship breeds.

General Guidelines on Entering Shows:

Draw attention to Section 4, Rule 8a. Advise exhibitors that the leaflet 'General Guidelines on Entering Shows' is available from the GCCF Office on receipt of an s.a.e., or on the GCCF website. If the show is sharing a venue, draw attention to Section 2, Rule 8d.

 

Awards:

List the awards on offer at the show. If Best in Show is held, draw attention to Section 2, Rule 17. If nomination is restricted to BOB winners this should be stated (see Section 2, Rule 6).

Closing Date:

Publish the closing date prominently. Although entries may be accepted after the closing date, entries cannot be accepted for higher classes for which an exhibit qualified after the published closing date.

Data Protection Act:

Advise exhibitors, both in the schedule and on the entry form, that the details on their entry form may be processed by computer and state in the schedule that their addresses will be published in the catalogue.

Hall Details:

Provide a map and/or clear directions on how to reach the show hall: include the correct post code. This helps exhibitors to find the show more easily and draws attention to any change of venue. If disabled access to the hall is different to the normal exhibitor access, this should be noted.

Imperial Grand classes::

The suggested title for the Imperial class is 'Imperial Class for Grand Champions/Premiers only'. The classes to be held are as follows:

See also Grand Class Judges in Section 3 of these notices.

ALL Imperial Grand and Grand classes should be placed at the front of judges' books.

'Pedigree Pet' classes:

These classes may be offered at Exemption shows only, and should only include entries of registered pedigree cats and must not include entries of cats who are registered on the GCCF Reference Register. Under GCCF Rules, cats on the Reference Register may not be shown in competition. These classes may not be offered at Sanction or Championship shows – a special exhibition class for pedigree pets, which may include Reference registered cats (e.g. Variants), may be offered at Sanction and Championship shows but duplicate Open or Miscellaneous classes are not permitted.

Entry forms:

Include a note to say that, in addition to the classes entered, your cat may also be handled for the purpose of assessing candidates in the GCCF Judge Appointment scheme.

Use the words 'Registered owner/s' instead of 'Exhibitor/s' on your entry forms, where appropriate, to avoid any misinterpretation.

Avoid using the word 'Exhibitor' in the 'Breeder' column as this has been misunderstood by some exhibitors, resulting in disqualification of their cats.

Provide for Parental/Guardian Countersignature where the registered owner signs the Declaration on your entry form for those registered owners who are under 18 and include the necessary instruction.

NB. Show managers should never accept entries that are not submitted on an official show entry form and properly signed by the registered owner/s - arranging for signatures on the show day could be open to problems.

Keep photocopies of entry forms sent through the post for any reason, in case the originals are lost, and ensure that both the front and the back of the form is copied if both sides are used.

Retain your show entry forms for at least 12 months* as required under Section 2 Rules 20f and 20g, as they may be required for various reasons long after the show is cleared. (*see Part 7 - Financial Records)

Breed Numbers on entry forms:

Show Managers should not accept any entries which do not include the exhibits’ full registered breed numbers, if it is reasonably apparent that the registered owner(s)/exhibitor(s) are in possession of the registration details at the time of entry (by including the registration number for instance). Although only deemed to be a minor error, the full registered breed number is required to be included on the entry form so that it is included on all related show paperwork to ensure the exhibit is entered into the correct class (even if some breeds share the same Open class) and judged against the appropriate standard.

Newly Recognised Breeds:

If cats of newly recognised breeds are entered without a GCCF registration number, the Show Manager should establish with the owner that the exhibit conforms to the current registration policy for the breed (available on the GCCF website) to avoid post-show disqualification.

Entries of Overseas cats:

Show Managers should not accept entries of overseas cats whose entry is noted ‘GCCF Registration Applied For’ This is in case the registration of that overseas cat has to be put on the GCCF Reference Register because its breeding does not comply with the current GCCF Registration Policy for that breed.

Show managers should advise their duty vets in advance if an overseas cat is entered at the show to enable them to check the current regulations regarding cats visiting from abroad. Show managers should also obtain a copy of the regulations from their local DEFRA office, to have available at the show. (See Part 4 - Information for Duty Vets)

Non-Pedigree entries:

Non pedigree cats should only be accepted with normal pet names and attempts to give them pedigree type names complete with "prefix" should be resisted strongly.

Shows sharing date & venue:

Shared shows are no longer considered to be one show under Section 2, Rule 7j but it is recommended that Show Managers, etc, should not exhibit in competition at a shared show as this could be open to difficulties. Exhibits may be entitled to enter both shows provided Executive Committee permission has been granted. However, under Section 3, Rule 4f (Section 2, Rule 8d), judges (and members of a judge’s household) are still precluded from exhibiting in competition at shows at which they are engaged and at other shows held at the same venue on the same day, except that an exhibitor of pedigree cats may be engaged to judge household pets.

Entry alterations:

Any alteration to an entry by the exhibitor must be in writing and must be attached to the entry form by the show manager. Section 2, Rule 11f and Section 4, Rule 8 Note 3, allows Show Managements to accept corrections, at their own discretion, up to the close of the show (i.e. on SHOW day); such a change must not be a change of exhibit or a change of exhibitor/owner with the exception of changes from single to joint ownership or vice-versa provided that in the case of joint ownership both owners have signed the declaration.

Neutered Kittens:

Exhibitors should be advised that they must notify their show managers if a kitten entered into the show as an entire is neutered before the show even though re-registration or change of class may not be necessary. (see Part 5 - Neutered Kittens)

Amended Colour/Pattern:

Exhibitors should be advised that if an exhibit has had its registered colour and/or pattern amended, or an application to do so has been submitted, since entering the show, even if this occurred less than three weeks before the show, they should inform the Show Manager so that judges’ books may be amended, in order to avoid disqualification of the exhibit.

 

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Part 3: Judges & Stewards

 

Booking Judges:

This should be made no more than 1 year in advance; the offer of the judging engagement, the classes to be judged and the acceptance of these classes must be in writing for the judging contract to be binding. Show Managers are requested, when inviting judges to their own show, to advise the judges, particularly overseas judges, which shows ‘clash’, i.e. would attract the same exhibitors, to ensure they are not going to be booked for the same classes at shows in close proximity.

If a club has a show date change approved, judges who are booked for that show on its original date should be released from their contract if they are booked for another show on the new date or be allowed to renegotiate their engagement if they are booked to judge the same classes at shows being held in the close geographical vicinity within 3 months of the new show date.

Show Managers should not book judges nor include them in their show schedule in anticipation of their forthcoming appointments and/or promotions.

Please remember Section 2 Rule 8b of the GCCF Rules which states: “Judges should be asked to judge a maximum of 70 exhibits at any show. Each cat in Assessment will count as 2 exhibits.”

Re-allocation of classes:

It is also recommended that, in the event of a judge cancelling prior to a show and his/her Open classes having to be reallocated, the replacement judge should be notified as soon as possible. Only in case of emergency should a replacement judge be notified of reallocated Open classes on the morning of the show. Show Managers are reminded that they should not ask judges to withdraw if they have entries in their Open classes and that the reallocation of Open classes should be done in consultation with the judge concerned. Side classes are also important to Probationer judges as a certain number are often required by the Breed Advisory Committee.

Probationer Judges:

The Executive Committee would like all Show Managers to give special consideration to inviting ‘one breed’ Probationer judges who have limited opportunities for obtaining the required judging experience. Area club Show Managers are asked to consider including a single class from each Breed Club to help provide experience for Probationer judges. Show Managers are also requested to allocate Miscellaneous and Club classes to Probationer judges in the same section as Kitten Open classes. At Sanction shows, Probationer judges may judge Adult and Neuter Open classes as no GCCF certificates are awarded, but not Assessment classes as Merit certificates are allowed to be awarded at Sanction shows.

Non-GCCF Judges:

Under Section 2, Rule 9d, Show Managers should provide non-GCCF judges with a copy of the current GCCF Rules, the current GCCF SOP for each breed they are to judge in Open or Miscellaneous classes, a copy of the Code of Conduct for GCCF Judges and a copy of the official non-GCCF form. A non-GCCF judge’s form must be supplied, completed and signed every time a non-GCCF judge is invited to judge at a GCCF show even if the judge had been engaged at previous shows, as changes may have occurred. In accordance with Section 2 Rule 9a Show Managers must then send the completed and signed form(s) to the GCCF Office WITH THE SCHEDULE so that the Office can answer queries regarding the qualifications of the judge from BAC Secretaries or exhibitors.

Please note Section 2, Rule 9e: ‘A non-GCCF judge must not judge Open classes (including Grand, Imperial Grand and Assessment classes) which include breeds, colours or patterns which are not recognised by the organisation for which he/she is currently a Full Judge.’ Many overseas organisations do not recognise all colours/patterns of a breed which are recognised by the GCCF (e.g. Somalis, Asians, Orientals, etc) and the judge may not be a fully aware that additional colours are included here.

NB 1 Judges residing in the UK or the Channel Islands who are on overseas lists only are not eligible to judge at GCCF shows.

NB 2 Non-GCCF judges who are temporarily residing in the UK are eligible to judge at GCCF shows on the strength of qualifications gained with another registering body but only for a maximum of 6 months of their temporary residency; after that period the NB 1 above applies.

NB 3 If judges appear as full or probationer judges of any breed on the official GCCF Judges list, this confirms that they are 'GCCF trained' and are qualified to judge the breeds for which they are listed, as GCCF judges, and may not be invited to judge additional breeds.

Specialist Breed Class Judges:

Section 2, Rule 5f states that, at Championship and Sanction shows, these classes must be judged by a judge appointed to that list or to one of the lists where more than one breed is involved. However, there is no requirement for a cat of the breed to actually be entered in the class. This applies to specialist miscellaneous classes as well as club classes and the judge may be a Full or Probationer judge.

N.B. Tabby & White Persian classes must be judged by judges on the Tortie & White & Bicolour list.

Grand Class Judges:

Grand classes which include five judges’ lists may be judged by a judge who is a judge on two lists as a full judge and one or more other lists as a Probationer, as a reasonable interpretation of being on 50% of the lists. (This may be scaled to all Grands with an odd number of breed lists.)

This interpretation for the 2008/09 season applies to the Non-Self Persian, Any Other Semi-Longhair, and Original Foreign Shorthair Grand Classes.

Oriental Grand Classes must be judged by full judges of both Oriental Self and Oriental Non-Self cats.

Siamese/Balinese Grand Classes must be judged by full judges of both Siamese and Balinese cats.

Where two Grand classes are combined to constitute the breeds eligible for the Imperial Grand class (Persian, Semi-Longhair, Foreign), judges must be eligible to judge both Grand classes in order to judge the Imperial Grand class - the 50% rule does NOT apply.

N.B. At Specialist Breed shows, only those breeds for whom Open classes are held are eligible for the Grand and Imperial Grand classes. At these shows, judges who are eligible to judge all the breeds eligible to enter the Imperial/Grand class may be scheduled for these classes and Show Managers should take advantage of this.

Countersigning Certificates:

There is a contingency plan which allows a Full judge of a breed to countersign a GRAND/IMPERIAL GRAND certificate in the absence of a fully qualified judge of the Grand/Imperial Grand classes.

Please note amended Section 2, Rules 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f, including the information required from the exhibitor when a countersignature may be required due to a judge change at a previous show. Please note the information required by the Office of any countersignature inPart 7 - Details of Countersignatures.

Stewards:

Please make your judges aware that the minimum age for stewards is 16 years, as insurance cover is not available for under sixteens. Also, in order to help novice stewards, show managers should encourage judges to have second stewards, when available.

In addition, please note Section 3 Rule 10e, and ensure that judges do not change stewards during the day, causing infringement of this rule

Mobile Phones:

The Executive Committee have agreed that the use of mobile phones whilst judging is inappropriate, except in an emergency. Vibrate facility should be engaged and the ring tone switched off where possible.

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Part 4 - Vets & Veterinary matters

(The Veterinary Sub Committee, together with the Executive Committee, have decided to make changes to Section B of the Veterinary Rejection Form and this will be referred to in the March 2008/2009 show managers’ posting.)

Booking Show Vets:

Please ensure that your Duty Vet(s) have their own Professional Indemnity Insurance which will cover them for the show (the GCCF is no longer able to provide cover). A list of Veterinary Surgeons who vet in at cat shows is available from the GCCF Office if required. Section 5, Rule 1b gives details of requirements for letters of invitation to veterinary surgeons; also ask whether or not the veterinary surgeon requires a steward. The guidelines for payment of honoraria and expenses for show vets are currently as follows: 20p per mile; £50 for vetting-in; £100 for duty vet. At very small shows a reduced rate might be negotiated. Officiating veterinary surgeons should be supplied with a map, directions to the venue, details of parking, etc. All veterinary surgeons asked to officiate at GCCF shows must be registered as practising veterinary surgeons with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons; veterinary surgeons on the Retired List may not act as Duty Vets.

**Show managers must now send with their show returns a list of vets who officiated at their show, with contact details, and should also keep a copy for their own reference.

Information for Duty Vets:

Please ensure your Duty Vets are familiar with the GCCF Vetting-In Code to ensure the rejection forms are completed correctly and appropriate clearance forms issued. An information leaflet on veterinary procedures at cat shows is enclosed with Show Managers veterinary paperwork issued one week before the show; Show Managers are recommended to study this leaflet as it is their responsibility to ensure that all rejection paperwork is completed correctly, that cats rejected under Section B, C or D are removed to isolation, that , in the case of a Section C or D rejection, all cats from the household are also removed from the hall and that, if the owner is judging or stewarding, they should cease to do so. Show Managers are also advised to appoint a person to ensure that all veterinary paperwork is available throughout the show.

 

Show Managers are required to obtain details of a local veterinary practice and supply these to their Duty Vet in case an emergency should arise at the show. These details should include the surgery hours.

 

Show Managers should advise their Duty Vets in advance if an overseas cat is entered at the show to enable them to check the current regulations regarding cats visiting from abroad. Show Managers should also obtain a copy of the regulations from their local DEFRA office, to have available at the show.

Duty Veterinary Surgeon Log & Isolation Log:

Duty Vets should keep a log of cats examined and action taken; this log to be retained by the Duty Vet. A log should also be kept to provide evidence, if required, that cats in isolation were checked regularly; this log should be signed by the Veterinary Organiser and be kept by the Show Manager.

Vetting-in Stewards:

The handling of cats by the vetting-in stewards should be kept to a minimum.

Requests for Vets during Show:

Show Management should provide judges with official slips in order to call the Duty Vet under Section 5, Rule 6; these slips should include spaces for the pen number, the reason the veterinary surgeon is required and the name of the judge.

Disinfectants:

A copy of the Feline Advisory Bureau information sheet on disinfectants is enclosed with the Show Manager’s posting. The GCCF Veterinary Sub Committee have advised that the disinfectant used at shows should be one of the five recommended in the final paragraph of this publication - Parvocide, GPC-8, Virkon, Peratol or Trigene - and, whichever is used, the instructions about dilution must be followed carefully.

Vet Rejection pads:

A pad of 10 Veterinary Rejection forms will be issued automatically free of charge as well as copies of the current ‘Additional Form for Section D Rejections’ with the veterinary paperwork sent to Show Managers before their shows. Please ensure you have sufficient stock of all show paperwork, non-current stock should not be used.

Vaccination Certificates:

Vaccination certificates should be inspected by veterinary surgeons as they would have current knowledge of any changes to the policies and recommendations within the profession which a non-vet may not have. The requirements are detailed in Section 2, Rule 7c, Section 4, Rule 5 and Section 5, Rule 3. The last vaccination or booster must have been given between one week and one year + one week before the show; the interval between previous boosters is immaterial.

A pad of 5 sets of the 3 ‘Vaccination Undertaking’ forms will be included in the veterinary pack sent to Show Managers 10 days before the date of their show. Show Managers should also note the exhibit numbers of those cats for whom an undertaking has been made on the show Returns form in the space provided in the same section where the number of rejections and biting certificates issued at the show should be noted.

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Part 5 - Show Catalogues

Manuscript additional entries:

Section 2, Rule 11f details the requirements for manuscript alterations in catalogues. If an addition or substitution is made, evidence of valid entry i.e. the original entry form, written acceptance of entry for that particular cat or financial evidence of entry fees paid should be sent to the Office with the marked catalogue to support the Show Manager’s decision to allow entry into the show hall and competition. If this evidence is not available, the entry will be disqualified by the Office and the club would be expected to refund the entry fees to the exhibitors as it would be a Show Management error. Show Managers are, therefore, reminded that they must check the final copy of the show catalogue, i.e. the printed copy, against the entry forms, to ensure all cats have been included.

Neutered Kittens:

Neutered kittens should be entered in kitten Open and Miscellaneous classes but care should be taken that entire kittens are not misprinted as neuter kittens for the following reason: During show checking, when a cat or kitten is shown for the first time as a neutered cat or kitten, its registration record on the GCCF computer is noted accordingly. Therefore, if a printing error in the GCCF marked show catalogue ‘neuters’ an entire kitten, this will not be questioned and will be incorrectly noted on its record by the Office. The error may not come to light until, or unless, that cat is shown in an Adult Open class, or had a Certificate of Entirety requested for him (if male) or has a litter registered (if female), which would raise the query and require time-consuming investigation. Show Managers should ensure that all details in the catalogue correspond to those on the entry form before the catalogue is printed.

Conversely, if a kitten is entered as an entire kitten but is neutered before the show day, the Show Manager must be advised of this change to the original entry as soon as possible so that the judges’ books can be amended before judging commences and the marked catalogue duly noted for the GCCF records. This is quite important because cryptorchidism is a withholding fault in kittens of some breeds.

Deceased Cats:

The pen number and exhibit details of cats entered into a show, who, unfortunately, die after the published closing date for entries, may be removed from the catalogue but, as a record is required of the exhibitor having entered a show, an entry must be included in the list of exhibitors. A note should accompany the GCCF marked catalogue explaining that the particular exhibit has died.

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Part 6 - During Show Miscellaneous Information

Cooling of Halls:

See Section 2, Rule 3g. Show Managers are reminded that, if they decide to open outside doors to help cool very hot halls, the doorways must be netted or screen doors provided to prevent cats escaping and they should consult with the hall management prior to the show in order to comply with fire regulations, etc.

Balconies/Cat pens:

In order to avoid cats being disturbed by movement and/or bright light overhead, Show Managers are advised that balcony or gallery areas should be controlled to prevent people from disturbing cats situated below. It is realised, however, that this is very difficult to implement in some venues, in which situation covering the tops of pens could be considered.

Cats left in cars:

Show Managers should ensure that their exhibitors are reminded that cats should NOT be left in cars and that any such act which could be detrimental to the welfare of the cat(s) could result in disciplinary action.

Cats for sale:

Show Managers should ensure that their exhibitors are reminded that cats/kittens should not be offered for sale at shows and that any such act which could be detrimental to the welfare of the cat(s) could result in disciplinary action.

Visitors with Assistance Dogs:

Show Managers are advised that, should a person arrive at a show with an assistance dog, suitable provision should be made to care for the dog whilst the person enters the hall to visit the show. Such assistance as the visitor needs should also be provided where possible. It is hoped that, in this way, people with assistance dogs will not be precluded from visiting our cat shows.

Biting/Scratching incidents:

The issue of a Biting Certificate is NOT discretionary – any cat which bites or deliberately scratches at a show must be reported on the official Biting/Scratching certificate and the cat must be withdrawn from all further judging at that show immediately. If there are extenuating circumstances, the person reporting the injury may write a covering letter and send it direct to the GCCF Office. If bites or scratches are not reported it means that other judges and stewards may get injured later in the day as a result of the failure to make the first report. The report also ensures that the cat will be left undisturbed for the remainder of the day, thus reducing further aggravation to the cat. Cats do not have to be removed from the show bench after only one incident; they get a second chance, but exhibitors should be very careful about showing a cat again if it has deliberately attacked whilst at a show.

When such an incident occurs, the routine should ensure that the blood from the bitten/scratched person is contained carefully and that a copy of the Cat Bites & Scratches information leaflet is completed and handed to that person. This leaflet is included with the veterinary paperwork sent to Show Managers one week before their show, but should not be used as a Biting Certificate.

(NB The clipping of the tips of show cats' claws is considered desirable)

Show Managers' Disqualifications:

Section 2, Rules 19 – 19j detail the different reasons for disqualifying or not judging a cat, the actions to be taken and the person (Show Manager or judge) responsible for these actions. Please read these carefully.

With disqualifications under Section 2, Rule 19c or Section 4, Rule 22, Show Managers should ensure that all details are known and correct procedures are followed, i.e. completion of the relevant certificate issued with the veterinary paperwork, samples of hair if relevant, to be sent to the Office within seven days of the closure of the show for the Investigation Committee, under Section 2, Rule 20d. (See Part 7 – Disqualification under Section 4, Rule 22)

The Executive Committee have confirmed that anything, including products such as Scullcap and Valerian, which causes such changes outlined in Section 2, Rule19c/Section 4 Rule 22 comes within the terms of this rule.

Awards prior to rejection/disqualification:

Any awards made to an exhibit prior to that exhibit being rejected for veterinary reasons, or disqualified under Section 2, Rule 19b, still stand and should not be withdrawn by the judge or show manager.

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Part 7 - Post Show Miscellaneous Information

Marked Catalolgues:

These should be marked up in pen from your set of award slips. Marking and abbreviations should be consistent and suggested abbreviations are on the show Returns form by the list of certificates. Awards and positions should be clearly noted against the right cat, taking special care with the Grand and Imperial Grand classes. All countersignatures must be marked with the name of the countersigning judge.

Under Section 2, Rule 20c marked catalogues must be received in the Office within seven days of the show in order to keep the show checking and results entry up-to-date. This is particularly important over the period when the Supreme Show entries are being received up to the date of the show as, firstly, it has to be ensured that cats entered in the Supreme are moved to their correct classes, subject to their wins prior to the closing date and, secondly, because an accurate list of countersignatures required can only be produced if all the preceding show results have been entered into the computer. (Show Managers of shows being held between July and 30 November, please take note!)

Veterinary Rejection forms:

Only ONE copy (pink) of each rejection form issued at your show must be sent to the GCCF Office with a copy of the catalogue within three working days of the show. The second copy (green) should be kept with your show records. Full details of rejected cats (pen number, name, owner’s name and address, rejection section and reason for rejection) may be emailed to the GCCF Office to ensure early arrival in addition to submitted by post

Biting/Scratching certificates:

The GCCF copy of any Biting/Scratching Certificate issued at a show, together with any written explanation, should be sent to the Office within three working days of the closure of the show, under Section 2, Rule 20b. Full details of any cat(s) reported for biting/scratching may be emailed to the GCCF Office to ensure early arrival, in addition to submitting by post.

Failure to produce Vaccination Certificate:

The GCCF copy of each ‘Failure to Produce Vaccination Certificate’ form issued at your show must be sent to the GCCF Office with a copy of the catalogue within three working days of the show. Full details of cats for which no vaccination certificate was presented may be emailed to the GCCF Office to ensure early arrival, in addition to submitting by post.

Disqualifications under Section 4 Rule 22:

Details and completion of the relevant certificate supplied with the veterinary paperwork, together with samples of hair if relevant, should be sent to the Office within seven days of the closure of the show for the Investigation Committee, under Section 2, Rule 20d (see Part 6 - Show Managers’ Disqualifications). Please note that all fees and awards to cats disqualified under this rule shall be held in abeyance until the result of disciplinary action is decided.

 

Show Managers' Disqualifications:

Show Managers are reminded that, under Section 4, Rule 23 of the GCCF Rules, all disqualifications made by Show Managers under any of the rules in Section 4 must be notified to the GCCF Office, giving all relevant details (see Part 6 – Show Managers’ Disqualifications). These can be included with GCCF Returns.

Details of Countersignatures:

The following details of any countersignatures under Section 2, Rule 10d must be included with the marked catalogue:

1. Name of judge being regarded as a replacement judge.
2. Date of the first show where the previous certificate was awarded by that judge.
3. The published closing date of the subsequent show.
4. The date on which the cat entry was received.
5. The name of the countersigning judge.

 

Show returns/Insurance fees:

The Show Insurance fee balance should be paid at 25p per cat, present or not, after the show, sending it with the completed Returns form, marked catalogue and the Pen Insurance Premium, as required. (If a club owns their own pens, please make a note in the Pen Insurance section of the Returns form accordingly.)

Judges' reports:

Show Managers are reminded that, under Section, 2 Rule 21 and Section 3, Rule 4d, it is the responsibility of clubs to check and notify the GCCF of judges whose reports have not been published within three months of the club’s show. Any exhibitor’s complaint about non-publication of a judge’s report received by a club can be referred to the Office;

Return of Prize Monies & GCCF Certificates:

Any owners who fail to return prize monies and certificates, following disqualification, to Show Managers under Section 4, Rule 29, must be reported by the Show Manager to the Office.

Early Removal from Show::

Under Section 4, Rule 28 exhibitors may not remove their exhibits before the show closes without the Show Manager’s permission. Exhibitors breaching this rule should be disqualified from all classes and reported to the GCCF Office.

Financial records:

While entry forms and award slips are only required to be retained for 12 months after a show under GCCF Rules, it is advised that the financial records of a show are kept for at least 6 years in line with the Inland Revenue Department’s requirements of taxpayers. In addition, the Executive Committee have confirmed that the overall responsibility of a club’s finances lies with the Club Treasurer, who should be a signatory on the show account if only to allow him/her to have access to information.

Emails and Office fax machine:

The Office accepts some information, documentation or correspondence sent by email or fax but not normally any official forms where original signatures and/or fees are required. With regard to shows, the latter includes Show Licence applications, show Returns, veterinary rejection forms, biting/scratching certificates and veterinary clearances, vaccination certificate undertakings, Show Managers’ disqualifications, etc.

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