AOBA Show Division
5435 W. Mount Carmel Rd.
Fredericksburg, IN  47120
Phone/Fax: 812.472.8203
aobashows@hughes.net

              2008 Handbook - Major Change

           Greetings AOBA Show Division Members!  The AOBA Show Division continues its unrivaled growth due to YOUR continued support and enthusiasm!  THANK YOU!

THE most valuable resource for rules and changes remains YOU, the membership!  Thank you for sending in your suggestions to the AOBA Show Division Office!  Rest assured ALL suggestions and comments received in writing by the Show Division Administrator were collectively and anonymously presented in one “review document” to the Show Rules Committee at their annual Face-to-Face review of the Handbook. 

            It’s important for the Show Rules Committee (SRC) to view each suggestion and proposal from every perspective and with this in mind, the SRC asks the Judges Advisory Committee, the Judge Training and Certification Committee and various AOBA Committees to share their experiences, insights and concerns.  Last, and certainly not least, the AOBA Board of Directors, having the final say on adopting the AOBA Show Division Handbook rules, continue to support the AOBA Show Division, its members, its committees and all efforts to maintain the ultimate success of the Show Division in holding true to the AOBA Show Division Mission Statement.

Although the 2008 AOBA Show Division Handbook has completed the approval process to go to the printer’s, receipt of the Handbook by AOBA Show Division Members is several weeks away.  To give all of you an opportunity to plan your 2008 show season it’s once again a pleasure to create a “2008 Handbook – Major Changes” document for your convenience.

Following are excerpts from the 2008 AOBA Show Division Handbook.  These excerpts follow the PART sections in the 2008 Handbook and are meant to give you a glimpse of the new rules and changes and do not replace the rules in the 2008 Handbook.  If a rule is not shown with its entire wording, it will be preceded or followed with several dots/periods (example: Seven AOBA members/AOBA Certified Judges ………).  Please note that although every effort was made to include the major changes herein, this document may not reflect all of the changes contained in the 2008 Handbook.  Also, if a rule is repeated globally throughout the book it is only referenced here once.  The 2008 Handbook PARTS & Section numbers will in many cases not correspond with the 2007 Handbook PARTS & Section numbers.

The 2008 AOBA Show Rules book will be published including a new cover and this 8th Edition of the AOBA Show Division Handbook is effective January 1, 2008.  Keep your binder to use for this year’s rules! =)

When you receive your copy of the 2008 AOBA Show Division Handbook please take the time to read it thoroughly and carefully.  All new rule and change excerpts herein are bolded just as they will be in the 2008 Handbook.

PART 1. INTRODUCTION TO THE AOBA SHOW DIVISION HANDBOOK.
Section 2.  The rules published are effective January 1, 2008.

AOBA Show Division
FAX: (812) 472-8204

PART 4. SHOW POSITIONS & OFFICIALS
Section 1. Halter Show Officials
A. Halter Judge (Required)

4. line up the alpacas in order of placement consistently from left to right facing the audience for each class.

5. give a comparative oral reason in an accurate and timely fashion of the top placing alpacas 1st through 6th place in each class based upon the Judging Criteria rules stated herein.

C. Event Coordinator (may also be called the Event Manager)(Required)

14.  be a Farm Member of AOBA and a member of the AOBA Show Division.

D. Halter Show Superintendent (Required)
14. may direct the Gate Steward to re-check the microchip number for each alpaca in a class held at the gate prior to entering the ring to verify the identity of the alpacas in the class.

21. shall be a Farm Member of AOBA and a member of the AOBA Show Division.

G. The Gate Steward (Required).
3. at the direction of the Show Superintendent re-check the microchip number for each alpaca in a class held at the gate prior to entering the ring to verify the identity of the alpacas in the class.

3.a. In the event that a discrepancy is discovered by the Gate Steward the Gate Steward shall immediately bring the error to the attention of the Show Superintendent.

Section 2. Fleece Show Officials
A. Fleece Judge (Required)
1. not hold any other position of Show Management.

C. Event Coordinator (may also be called the Event Manager)(Required).
13. be a Farm Member of AOBA and a member of the AOBA Show Division.

PART 5. Rules & Ethics for All Show Participants

NOTE:  Although this is a “new” PART in the book, the following Sections were pulled from other PARTS of the Handbook and placed into their own PART which is now PART 5.  The Sections pulled from other PARTS of the 2007 Handbook and put into this new PART 5 for 2008, are as follows:
Section 1. Ethics Relating to All Show Participants
Section 2. Rules for Exhibitors and Handlers
Section 3. Ethics Relating to Judges
Section 4. Ethics Relating to Show Superintendents

Section 2. Rules for Exhibitors and Handlers
C. No ranch names, alpaca names, or other identifying stud, farm, ranch, or personal logo (including ear tag numbers) shall be displayed on the exhibitor, alpaca handler or alpaca during the class in the show ring.

N.1.c. Superficial (outside of the fleece) rinsing with water to eliminate residue is permitted.  NOTE: Soaking in any type of pool or dunk tank is prohibited.

N.1.e. Staple length relative to the growth period will be considered.  Longer relative staple growth WILL be considered as a positive trait.

N.2.c. Superficial (outside of the fleece) rinsing with water to eliminate residue is permitted.  NOTE: Soaking in any type of pool or dunk tank is prohibited.

N.2.e. NOTE: Trimming fecal matter from the tail area is permitted.

N.4. Alpacas are pasture animals and as such their fleeces may be exposed to different environmental conditions, one from another.  Alpaca fleece should be shown in a naturally clean pasture condition with as little disruption to the fleece architecture as possible.  (Author’s NOTE: “paddock condition” was changed globally to “pasture condition”.)

N.5.a.  NOTE: Trimming fecal matter from the tail area is permitted.

P.2. Allowable surgical procedures performed and approved by a veterinarian acceptable to AOBA, who is not the owner of the alpaca, certifying that the procedure is not in conflict with the provisions of this section include (CAUTION: If as a consequence of an allowable surgical procedure the soundness of the alpaca is compromised the placing of the alpaca will be affected.)(See Appendix G for Procedures for Filing Vet Letter):

S. An alpaca/fleece is disqualified from competition if:

S.2. the alpaca/fleece, during the nine months prior to the date of the show, has been:

S.3. a shorn fleece is disqualified from ever showing in front of a Judge if:

S.3.a. the fleece was skirted by the Judge.

S.3.b. the Judge acted in any capacity to display, present or promote the fleece.

T.6. they are an employee or employer of the Judge.

U. An Exhibitor is prohibited from entering an alpaca’s fleece in a Fleece Show and showing fleeces in front of any Judge, judging at that fleece show if:

U.1. they co-own the alpaca with a judge judging at that fleece show.

U.2. they are an immediate family member of a Judge judging at that fleece show.

U.3. they are a domestic partner of a Judge judging at that fleece show.

U.4. they are a business partner of a Judge judging at that fleece show.

U.5. they are an employee or employer of a Judge judging at that fleece show.

V. Exhibitors are required to complete and sign an Exhibitor’s Disclosure Statement to be submitted with their Show Entry Form.

Section 3. Ethics Relating to Judges
X. An alpaca/fleece is disqualified from competition if:

X.2. the alpaca/fleece, during the nine months prior to the date of the show, has been:

X.3. a shorn fleece is disqualified from ever showing in front of a Judge if:
X.3.a. the fleece was skirted by the Judge.

X.3.b. the Judge acted in any capacity to display, present or promote the fleece.

Y.6. they are an employee or employer of the Judge.

Z. An Exhibitor is prohibited from entering an alpaca’s fleece in a Fleece Show and showing fleeces in front of any Judge judging at that fleece show if:

Z.1. they co-own the alpaca with a judge judging at that fleece show.

Z.2. they are an immediate family member of a Judge judging at that fleece show.

Z.3. they are a domestic partner of a Judge judging at that fleece show.

Z.4. they are a business partner of a Judge judging at that fleece show.

Z.5. they are an employee or employer of a Judge judging at that fleece show.

Section 3. Ethics Relating to Show Superintendents

PART 6. AOBA CERTIFIED ALPACA SHOWS
Section 1. Alpaca Show Certification Procedure
A. ………The completed Show Certification Application(s), certification fee(s), a copy of the proposed entry form(s), the class schedule(s) and a draft of the premium book(s) must be submitted to the Show Division Administrator at least 120 days prior to the date of the show.

Section 2. Rules Governing Certified Shows
A.1. Exhibitors who are not registered with the AOBA Show Division must pay a $75.00 fee per farm per event for exhibiting in an AOBA Certified Show (Halter, Fleece, Performance, Spin-Off and 2-Ounce Fleece Sample).  ….

I. Multiple Judges per Class:

I.1. Each Halter Class shall be judged by only one judge.  Multiple judges are not allowed.

I.2. Every class within a gender in a color group shall be judged by the same judge and the same judge SHALL also judge the Color Championship.

I.3. Multiple judges can co-judge the Optional Halter Classes.

J. Judges are required to submit a copy of their current Disclosure Statement with their signed Judge’s/Show Contract.

Section 3. Judge’s Fees and Estimated Time Required
B. Estimated minimum time required for Halter Shows is based upon the average of 160 alpacas per day per judge (NOTE: in figuring the average you MUST include ALL alpacas in your Halter, Championship, Group and Performance Classes).  In the event that an apprentice is being trained these figures should be adjusted to reflect an average of 140 alpacas per day per judge.

PART 7. COLOR RULES
Section 1. Color Definitions

B.1. Definition of Solid Color alpacas shall be defined as animals with solid color blankets and may have the presence of minimal, not easily recognizable, secondary color regardless of the color on the head and extremities.
B.4. Definition of Grey Alpaca:  Grey is identified by matching to the ARI Color Chart.  It is typically a mixture of colored fibers occurring in a wide range of shades.  Rose Grey is a reasonably uniform distribution of brown with white/grey and/or black fiber; …………...

PART 8. ALPACA HALTER SHOWS

Section 1. Alpaca Halter Show Levels

or entered the previous year, color class combining purposes only shall be based separately on the number of Huacayas or Suris entered in the show …….

The Level of Show shall be determined by adding the total number of Huacaya entries with the total number of Suri entries for a combined total for the show and rules for the determined Level of Show shall apply equally to Huacaya and Suri.

Section 5. Halter Class Descriptions
A. Full Fleece Halter.

A.2. Suri (January 1st through December 31st):

A.2.b. Yearling 3” – 9” (Must have been shorn within 12 Months of the 1st Day of Scheduled Judging): Minimum of 3 inches and maximum of 9 inches on the blanket, neck and legs.

A.2.c. Yearling 3” – No Maximum (Not previously shorn): Minimum of 3 inches and no maximum on the blanket, neck and legs.

A.2.d. Two Year Old and Mature: Minimum of 3 inches and maximum of 9 inches on the blanket, neck and legs.

Section 6. Optional Halter Classes

A. Get of Sire Class
A.3. Both genders can be represented, but must be from three different dams.

F. Open Gelding Halter Class.
F.7.b. There will be no minimum number required to hold a Gelding Champion.

PART 9. FLEECE SHOWS.
Section 1. Fleece Show Rules
NOTE: This applies for Color Combining Purposes Only.  Although the level of show shall be determined by the approximate number of total alpaca entries expected or entered the previous year, color class combining purposes only shall be based separately on the number of Huacayas or Suris entered in the show.

Section 2. Show Format
A. Fleece Show Levels – The Level of Show shall be determined by adding the total number of Huacaya entries with the total number of Suri entries for a combined total for the show and rules for the determined Level of Show shall apply equally to Huacaya and Suri.

F. Length of Fiber:
F.3. Suri: Minimum length of entire fleece presented to be 3” with No Maximum under 2nd Birthday, with a maximum of 9” for 2nd Birthday and older.
H. Fleeces shall not be washed, artificially enhanced or trimmed/blocked (see full Rules prohibiting enhancement in Ethics & Rules for All Show Participants – does NOT include “dryer sheets” used for moth/pest control).

Section 9. Alpaca Fiber – (2 ounce Samples)
B. Classes shall be offered according to the rules in PART 9. Fleece Shows, Section 2, Show Format, B through E.
C. Fleece Lengths shall comply with PART 9, Fleece Shows, Section 4. F. Length of Fiber.

PART 10. HALTER CLASS JUDGING CRITERIA.
Section 2. Judging Conformation, Soundness and Balance.
B.3. Serious Faults

B.3.f. Luxating patella.

B.4. Disqualifying Faults …

B.4.i. Toes pointed extremely laterally; severely splayed toes, fused toes; extremely pigeon toed; extra toes.

B.4.k. Ectopic testicles; gonadal hypoplasia; cryptorchidism in Yearlings & Older.

Section 3. Traits for Judging Fleece in Halter Classes
A. Positive traits for unshorn Huacaya Fleece:

A.4. STAPLE LENGTH: the average length of fiber in a fleece measured from the skin to the tips of the individual fibers.  Longer staple length relative to growth period is a positive trait.

A.6. CHARACTER/STAPLE TYPE/CRIMP:

A.6.c. Crimp refers to the natural wave formation that results from the growth of individual fibers organized and aligned within staple groups.  The expression of crimp is determined by genetics, and is influenced by overall fleece fineness, density and uniformity of length in the staple.  Variations in crimp styles can be observed in the amplitude (the distance from the midpoint of a wave to the maximum or crest) and the frequency (the number of crimps that occur within a unit of measure).  Crimp styles exist along a continuum from poor (no visible crimp wave), to average/good (easily observable wave amplitude and frequency), to excellent (highly advanced fiber alignment with deep wave amplitude in relation to frequency).

A.10. NATURAL PASTURE CONDITION: the general health of the fleece which may include evidence of a natural dust line.

B. Positive Fleece Traits for unshorn Suri Fleece:
B.8. STAPLE LENGTH: the average length of the fibers in a lock measured from the skin to the tip.  Longer staple length relative to growth period is a positive trait.

B.10. NATURAL PASTURE CONDITION: the general health of the fleece which may include evidence of a natural dust line.

C. Negative Traits for unshorn Huacaya Fleece …..
C.12. Lack of Natural Pasture Condition.

D. Negative Traits for unshorn Suri Fleece …..

D.13. Lack of Natural Pasture Condition.

PART 13.  ETHICS AND PROTESTS
Section 1. Authority to Regulate “Show Division Related Activities”.
A. ……….A person with a grievance with any show Division Related Activity may choose to file either a complaint or a protest.  NOTE: Level 3 Infractions must be filed as a protest.

The complaint procedure is intended to create a less formal form of grievance.  After initial submission to the Show Division Administrator (SDA) all written Complaints will be sent to the Show Rules Committee (SRC).  The SRC will review, and complaints shall be handled at the SRC level which may include forwarding to a Complaint Review Committee (CRC).  The CRC shall be comprised of one member from each of the three Show Division Committees 1) JAC, 2) SRC, 3) JTCC plus the AOBA Show Division Administrator, the JTCC Administrator and the Show Division AOBA BOD Liaisons.
A. Filing Fee: There is no fee for filing a complaint.

B. All complaints shall be held in confidence by the SDA, SRC and committees.

C. The CRC will investigate the facts and:

C.1. File a report with the Show Division Committees.  The report shall be in summary form and not include the names of the individuals involved or the specific show involved.  This report will direct proposed action to the appropriate Show Division Committee, or;

C.2. In the event the CRC makes a referral to the Resolution Procedure Administrator (RPA), the matter shall remain confidential and the requirement that the 15 day time requirement to file a protest will be waived.  The committee will transfer the investigation file to the RPA along with any recommendation they may have.  The RPA shall contact the complainant that a protest recommendation was received from the CRC and a $100 filing fee and 15 day time frame is mandatory to move forward with the formal protest procedures as herein outlined.

C.3. The CRC shall be empowered to make an investigation of the complaint including gathering written statements and interviewing the parties to the incident.  The written record of the complaint investigation shall be maintained by the Show Division Office.

C.4. Complaints shall be filed in writing with the Show Division Office.

D. Complaints must be filed within 15 days of the last day of the show.

Section 3. Protests
A.4. Cruelty and mistreatment of alpacas at an AOBA Certified Show, as defined by the Colorado State cruelty to animal statute.

A.6. Falsification of information required by the Show Division or any Certified Show ………, or filing false statements with the RPA.

Section 4. Protest Procedures
A.1. Protests must be submitted in writing, signed by the person who raises the issue …….., and a reference to the specific rules allegedly violated must be included.  The RPA is:
Kathleen Gormley
Gormley Law Firm, LLC

340 Ivy Street
Denver, CO  80220
Tel: 303-478-2676, Fax: 303-780-9220
Email: kjgormley@msn.com

A.2. Signed Protests must be delivered ……. .  “Delivery” means reasonable documented proof that materials were delivered in writing within the specified time frame. ….. The protest document must be signed ……

A.4. Anonymous letters of critical intent will be ignored.  Telephone conversations will not be considered as evidence.  Email messages will not be considered as evidence.

A.5.  ….. The Resolution Procedure will be resolved within 6 months of receipt.

A.6. All protests shall include the name of the show and the class of the show (if applicable) in which the violation is alleged to have occurred.  The status of the person filing the complaint shall be included, i.e. Exhibitor, Handler, Judge, Show Management, and a representation of how the person filing the complaint obtained their knowledge of the alleged complaint.  Protests based on heresay will not be considered.

Section 5. Guidelines for Penalties
B.1.e. abuse or cruelty to an alpaca that is minor in nature.  Abuse or cruelty shall exclude common husbandry techniques.

B.1.h. show management or judges not providing timely documentation to the AOBA Show Division Administrator’s Office or the AOBA Office.

B.2.f. making public information considered confidential to the AOBA Show Division, Resolution Procedures, Show Rules Committee, Judges Training and Certification Committee, Judges Advisory Committee or other committees designated by the AOBA Show Division.

D.2. ………. and a show may be temporarily or permanently denied certification.  Infraction by exhibitors may result in permanent suspension from exhibiting at all AOBA certified shows.

Section 6. (Exhibit A) Resolution Procedures.
A.3. “Pool” means that certain pool of twenty (20) alpaca breeders ………. Selected confidentially by the RPA from a list of not fewer than fifty (50) alpaca breeders nominated by the entire AOBA Board of Directors …..  Each member of the Pool shall commit to serve for a maximum period of one (1) year ….. and will sign and execute a Disclosure/Compliance Notification.

C. The RPA shall contact the AOBA Show Division Administrator to determine if the allegation(s) submitted are factual and consistent with the show records.  The AOBA Show Division Administrator shall review the AOBA Show rules to determine whether the applicable rules are cited for the allegation submitted and provide a written response (Email is acceptable) to the RPA.

PERSON(S) OF THE Investigative Matter.  This notification will include the name(s) of the filer(s) of the Protest, the name(s) of the “accused” and the circumstances or allegations of the Investigative Matter.

E. ……. The confidential investigation of the facts and circumstances alleged by the Protest shall include written response(s) to include the “accused” person(s) of the Protest.  … the investigation Committee shall report to the RPA in writing whether or not the matter alleged as the Investigation Matter can be confirmed as having occurred.

G. Following the written report …….

H. For Conformed Matters, the RPA shall promptly, following receipt of the Investigation Committee written report shall notify in writing any persons whose actions are the subject of the Confirmed Matter. ……. The RPA will provide the subject of the Confirmed Matter a copy of the Arbitrator’s written findings prior to the subject of the Confirmed Matter filing a defense with the Arbitrator.

L. The members of the Pool, the members of all Investigation Committees, the Arbitrator and the subject of the Confirmed Matter shall all be required to maintain the confidentiality of all matters and records with which they are involved hereunder.

PART 14.  FUTURITY SHOWS
Section 1. Definitions
B. Age of Alpacas: Alpacas shown must be less than 2 years of age.

C. Participation: Participation is limited to offspring of registered (nominated sires) or (at the option of show management) entries (sires) that are “self nominated” by the participant/exhibitor.

D. Cash Awards: In order to remain a certified AOBA Futurity, at least $125,000 in verifiable prize money must be awarded.

E. Self-Nominated Herd Sire: An exhibitor who wants to enter an offspring of a Herd Sire who is not nominated by the owner of that Herd Sire.

F. Nominated Herd Sire: A Herd Sire who is nominated by the Owner(s) of that Herd Sire.
Section 2. General Rules for Futurities
B. Judging shall be based on current AOBA Show Rules used in all AOBA shows.

B.1. Other than those rules “Specific to Futurities” all other AOBA Show Division rules shall be enforced.

Section 3. Rules Specific to Futurities
A. The general rules for Halter Shows will apply with the following exception:

C. Color Championships.
C.1. All AOBA Futurities, at the option of show management, shall ………..

D.  Judges judging at the futurity must provide to show management their AOBA Disclosure Statements.

D.1. In addition to their AOBA Disclosure Statements Judges judging at the Futurity will also include the names and ARI Registration Certificate numbers of all herd sires in which they have full or partial ownership.

E.1. These “premium awards” shall be made known to the AOBA Show Division Administrator at the time of application for certification.

F. Herd sires fully or partially owned by Judges judging at the futurity can NOT be nominated for the futurity.

G. Offspring sired by a herd sire owned fully or in part by a judge who is judging at the futurity may participate in the futurity only if show management allows “self nomination” of a herd sire entry, and only if the herd sire entry is “self nominated”.

G.1. Any offspring of “self nominated” herd sires owned fully or in part by a judge who is judging at the futurity are prohibited from being shown in front of that judge.

G.2. The names and ARI Registration numbers of the “self-nominated” herd sires can not be published in the show program or reported in futurity show results.

H. All Self-Nominated Herd sires are not eligible for Herd Sire of the Year awards or cash awards.

I. Futurity exhibitors are subject to the AOBA Exhibitor Disclosure requirements as set forth by AOBA Show Rules.  Failure to comply may result in expulsion and/or suspension.

PART 15. AOBA JUDGE TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION
NOTE: This PART 15. is now a separate JTCC Supplement.  This said JTCC Supplement can be found on www.alpacashows.com under Rules.  This PART 15. remains a substantial section of this AOBA Show Division Handbook.

PART 16. GLOSSARY
Cryptorchidism: Failure of one or both testicles to descend into the scrotum.

Family Member: Family Member is hereby defined as: owner, spouse/domestic partner, parents, children, children’s spouse or any other family member living with you.

Luxating Patella: Condition where the kneecap dislocates out of its normal anatomical location.

PART 18. (APPENDIX B) Auxiliary Fleece Competitions
Section 2. Mill-spun Skein
B.2.d. Novelty Yard – Boucles, Thick & Thin, Beaded, Etc. be well constructed, and comprised of at least 50% alpaca.

PART 21. (APPENDIX E) COMPLIANCE MANUAL

Section 2. Procedures
C.6. Correct Class (Fleece Length – Shorn/Unshorn) for Yearling Suris?

PART 22. (APPENDIX F) Composite Show – Procedures

Section 1. Composite Forms

A.   Composite Entry Form

1. A unique Entry Form for Composite Entries is required.
   1. Along with usual Halter Show information, columns for “entry/exhibitor number”, “this shearing date”, “last shearing date” and the “# days of growth” must be included.
      1. The Age Division of the fleece shall be the same as the Age Division of the alpaca as entered into its respective halter class. (i.e. it is possible that a yearling alpaca in its halter class will have its juvenile fleece from its most recent shearing, and this juvenile fleece shall be judged under the yearling fleece criteria.)
      2. The Halter Show Superintendent shall receive the Composite Entry Forms and assign the Entry/Exhibitor Number on the Entry Form for each alpaca entered into the Composite Class.
      3. The Halter Show Superintendent shall be responsible for copying and forwarding the Entry Forms to the Fleece Show Superintendent once the Entry/Exhibitor Number is assigned.
   2. Entry Number
      1. The Entry Number for Composite Classes shall be the same number for both the Halter Class and the Fleece Class, and shall be determined by the Halter Show Superintendent.
      2. The Halter Show Superintendent shall provide two copies of the Entry Number for each exhibitor.
             2.a.) one for the Exhibitor to wear     into the ring for halter conformation     judging, and
             2.b.) one to be placed into the clear     plastic bag with the respective     alpaca’s fleece.
      3. It is highly recommended that the Entry Number for the Exhibitor/Alpaca to wear into the ring and the Entry Number being placed into the clear plastic bag be printed on bright yellow cardstock.
   3. Composite Fleece Show Entry Tag
      1. A unique Composite Fleece Show Entry Tag is required and it is highly suggested that it be printed on bright yellow paper and is required to be completed by Exhibitor.

Section 2. Composite Team (CT)

1. The CT is comprised of the Halter Show Superintendent (HSS) and the Fleece Show Superintendent (FSS).  Frequent and open communication is paramount to the success of the Composite Classes.
   1. Halter Show Superintendent (HSS).
      1. The HSS is responsible for forming the classes for the conformation judging in the halter rings.
   2. Fleece Show Superintendent (FSS)
      1. The FSS is responsible for setting up the fleece show judging area..
   3. Although the classes are created by the HSS the Fleece Show will determine the color of the fleece.
      1. If during color compliance in the Fleece Show area, a class change becomes necessary, a Color/Class Change Form shall be completed by the FSS and given to the HSS. 
      2. The Halter Show Superintendent shall make the class change adjustment to their Halter Classes according to the new color as stipulated on the Color/Class Change Form received from the FSS.
2. The HSS and the FSS shall fully understand the procedures, rules and processes and communicate these to each other and staff/volunteers.

Section 3. Composite Fleece Judging Procedure

• The Composite Fleeces shall be judged one day prior to the conformation halter judging.
• The fleece shall be judged using the Fleece Show ABSOLUTE judging criteria.
  1. A Judge’s Score Card shall be completed in INK for each fleece and placed in each respective fleece bag.
  2. A Judge’s Worksheet shall be completed for each Class and signed in INK by the Fleece Show Judge.
• A Composite Show Tally Sheet (Example Included Herein) shall be created for each class and attached (stapled) to the individual Composite Fleece Show Judge’s Worksheet(s).
  1. The Composite Show Tally Sheet shall contain the Class Number & Name, Exhibitor/Entry #, Total Fleece Score for each individual entry transcribed from the Judge’s Worksheet for each fleece in the class and final placing.
• The Composite Show Tally Sheet attached to the Fleece Show Judge’s Worksheets shall be given to the Halter Show Superintendent at the conclusion of the Fleece Show judging.
• Disposition of Fleeces once Fleece Judging is complete.
  1. The Fleece Show Superintendent and Event Management shall determine the disposition of the fleeces once fleece judging has concluded.
  2. Composite Fleeces can be distributed using one of the following methods:
     • Fleece can be brought ringside and distributed at the conclusion of each Composite Halter Class.
       1. If the fleeces are brought ringside to their respective Composite Halter classes, they can be given to the exhibitor when the class is placed and the exhibitor exits the ring.
     • Fleeces can be distributed from the Regular Fleece Show area upon conclusion of all of the Composite Halter Classes (including Color Championship Classes if they’re offered) as long as the Composite Fleeces are in an area separate from the Regular Fleece Show.
     • Composite fleeces can remain in the Regular Fleece Show area and distributed at the conclusion of the Regular Fleece Show.

Section 4. Composite Halter Judging Procedures:

• Halter Show Superintendent.
1. Arranges the Composite Show Tally Sheets in Class Order
• The Judging Process
  1. The Composite Halter Judge:
     1. examines and places the alpacas in each class using 100% conformation comparative judging.
     2. places the alpacas in the class ranked in order 1 through 15.
     3. Once the alpacas are placed conformationally, the Judge will be given the Composite Show Tally Sheet to write the placing for each alpaca according to their Exhibitor/Entry Number on the appropriate line entitled “Halter Show Placing”.
     4. Will add together the placing point score from the Fleece Show and for the Halter Show for each of the placed alpacas (1-15) and put score in the line entitled “Total Composite Score”.
        1. IF there is a tie score in the line entitled “Total Composite Score”, the Judge shall look at the Fleece Score Total of the “tied Total Composite Scores” and the Fleece with the highest fleece score will win the tie.
     5. The Judge will write in each alpaca’s placing in the class on the line entitled “Overall Composite Placing Results”, with the lowest score winning the class
        1. IMPORTANT NOTICE: Fleece Class starting with a 2nd Place ribbon:  If the Fleece Show starts with a 2nd Place as no fleece scored 60 points or higher, the “Overall Composite Placing Results” shall also start with 2nd place, even if the Halter portion of the judging starts with a 1st place.
        2. IMPORTANT NOTICE: Halter Class conformation judging starting with a 2nd Place ribbon:  As long as the Fleece scores in the class start with 1st Place, the Judge at their discretion can start the “Overall Composite Placing Results” with 2nd place.
     6. The Judge uses the “Overall Composite Placing Results” and readjusts the placing line of alpacas into the final placing results.
     7. The Judge signs and dates the Composite Show Tally Sheet & Final Placing Card and possession then passes to the Halter Show Superintendent.

The Judge concludes the composite class as normal with oral reasons.

PART 23. (Appendix G) Filing Allowable Surgical Procedure – Vet Letter.

Section 1. Procedure for Filing Vet Letter:

B. The Show Superintendent will keep the “letter of release” on file with the alpaca’s ARI Registration Certificate copy.

C. If the judge inquires about the injury during the individual examination, the exhibitor can tell the judge there is a Vet letter on file with the Show Superintendent.

D. The judge will approach the Show Superintendent who will verify there is a Vet letter of release on file and can verify the nature of the surgery.  (NOTE: The letter, which will contain alpaca and owner information must not be given to the Judge to read as this would put the Judge and Show Superintendent in violation of rules prohibiting alpaca/exhibitor show information being made available to the judge).

         The AOBA Show Division fee is an annual fee and separate from your AOBA Membership and is not pro-rated.  The AOBA Office will be sending out the AOBA membership renewal forms to you shortly with instructions on how to join.  AOBA Show Division Membership pays for itself in just one show and includes one complimentary Handbook!

Your AOBA Show Division extends a HUGE thank you to:

• All faithful exhibitors who continue to support the AOBA Show Division.
• All faithful Show Sponsors who year after year bring you the best AOBA Certified alpaca shows.
• All faithful show volunteers who work behind the scenes to organize the shows, and those who work on the front lines to help you park, help you to your stalls, help compliance check, work as the Gate Stewards, Ring Stewards, Announcers, Clerks, Barn Managers, Show Superintendent, and more.
• Each volunteer committee member of AOBA who, in service to you, dedicates and shares their knowledge, experience and expertise along with thousands of accumulated hours of work.
• Each of our AOBA Certified Judges, who, in service to the alpaca industry dedicate themselves to AOBA through continued education and by putting themselves “on the front lines” every time they step into the ring.
• Each of you who took the time to send in your suggestions to the AOBA Show Division Administrator.

Together we will continue to improve the AOBA Show Division making it the premier Show Division in which to participate!  See you “in the ring”!

Sincerely and respectfully,
The AOBA BOD
The Show Rules Committee (SRC)
The Judge Training and Certification Committee (JTCC)
The Judges Advisory Committee (JAC)
The Show Division Administrator