• Contestants must enter though The GroomFest VA site and provide the name registered to staff at check-in.

• Be aware that check-in time may take place before the opening of GroomFest VA, please do not arrive earlier then the check-in time.

• Competition check-in station opens 30min prior to contest start time. 

• Contestants must bring their competition dog, and equipment to contest check-in station prior to entering the ring. 

• Contestants will be assigned a table.

• Check-in station closes 10 minutes prior to competition start time.

• Contestants who have not checked in 10 minutes before start time, will not be permitted to compete. 

• Dogs should be clean, dry, and free of matts and tangles.  Nails should be clipped and/or filed and ears cleaned.  Sanitary and pads may be clipped prior to competition.  All other grooming must take place during contest time frame, with exceptions as noted for poodles.

• Must be of an age appropriate for a competitive environment. Suggested age is between 1 and 10 years. 

• Must appear healthy, in good condition, and free of infectious diseases and parasites.

• Must not show obvious signs of pregnancy or nursing.

• Must NEVER be left unattended.

• Must follow applicable vaccination regulations for city, county, state, and country hosting the competition.

Judge(s) will evaluate, confirm, and note the following:

• Correct class

• Sufficient coat growth and evaluate preparation

• If pattern is pre-set

• Contestant comments, such as, but not limited to: ear infections, missing coat, moles, scars, healing injuries, etc

• Decorative objects, such as bows and scarves are not permitted in regular purebred classes

• Coloring, other than to enhance the natural coat color of the dog, is prohibited in purebred classes

• Hair extensions that are the same coat color of the dog are permitted and if used, must be applied during the competition time frame.

• Products such as hair sprays and styling gels may be applied during the competition time frame.  Spray is limited to “freshening up” once time is called.  Re-shaping, such as that done on Kerry Blue jacket, shaping or patting coat into place utilizing water or product, or shaping a show poodle headpiece may not be done once time is called.  Hair spray is prohibited on poodle tie-ups prior to competition time frame and after time is called.  

• Chalk, such as terrier chalk, may be applied prior to or during the competition time frame, to aid in hand stripping or enhance coat color.  It is prohibited to apply after time is called.

• Contestants should remove hair, tools, and equipment from grooming table.

• A comb should be placed on the table.

• Contestants may comb their dogs after scissors down, prior to, and after judging.

• Contestants may use finishing sprays to freshen up their dogs after scissors down, prior to and after judging, but ANY reshaping or styling with hairspray, products, or water is prohibited.

• Contestants should stack and present their dog to the judge(s).

• Overall uniformity of the trim.

• Balance, symmetry, and style of the trim.

• Purebred: adherence to correct breed profile.

• Freestyle: ability of groomer to create the best possible profile according to body type, conformation, and coat.

• Scissoring: plush appearance without scissor marks.

• Hand stripping and carding: smooth natural appearance and proper technique.

• Edges, such as cocker and poodle feet, removed, pattern created or followed, coat type, texture, quality, and quantity.

• Camouflaging conformation faults and accentuating profile attributes.

•  Post contest photos will be taken after technical evaluation has been completed.

• The contestant should take their name tag and dog to the photo station and then return to their table and await further instruction.

• Standing on tables or chairs.

• Beverages NOT in spill proof containers.

• Coaching by anyone, with the exception of mentors, at any time, during the competition time frame.

• Visual, audio, or written instructions.

• Smoking, flame devices.

• Hair dryers.

• Holding crates

• Contestants must provide all of their own equipment, including, but not limited to: grooming loops, scissors, clippers, blades, brushes, etc. 

• All personal equipment must removed from arena after each class.

• All grooming tools are permitted, such as snap on combs.

• Flat irons and curling irons are permitted.

• Appropriate grooming attire and shoes should be worn at all times.

• Open toe shoes are not permitted.

• Contestants determined to be dressed inappropriately will not be permitted to compete.

• Professional manner and attitude must be maintained at all times.

• Contestants must maintain a safe styling station at all times.  Example: open scissors left on the table for the dog to step on would be considered an unsafe styling station.

• Contestants must practice kind and safe handling techniques at all times.

• Dogs must never be left unattended.

• Contestants must apply technical skills with safety. 

• Nicks, cuts, and clipper irritations are considered unsafe technical skill application and will be penalized.

• Good sportsmanship must be displayed at all times.

• Poor sportsmanship is displayed when a contestant shows disrespect to fellow competitors, judge, contest dog, staff, sponsors, and spectators.  

• Professional conduct is also carried into the care and responsibility of your contest dog and the hotel grounds, rooms, and property. 

• 
  Contestants may receive warnings or notifications of disqualifications for rule infractions as described. 

• Judging panel will determine if rule infraction(s) result in disqualification, depending upon severity and cause. 

• Awards will not be withheld unless the judging panel determines there is a disqualifying factor.