AFRMA Show Etiquette

Rat and Mouse Show DOs and Don’ts

DO bathe and groom your rats before a show.
DO arrive early.
DO lend a hand setting up.
DO take your animals out of their carriers and hand them to the Health Checker—this is less stress on the animal and prevents the Health Checker from getting nipped.
DO ask the Show Secretary any questions you need answered.
DO be friendly and courteous to other exhibitors.
DO ask questions and make friends.
DO listen for your animal’s class to be called.
DO ask the judges questions when they are between classes or through judging.
DO show good sportsmanship whether you win or lose.
DO congratulate winners.
DO accept congratulations gracefully.
DO lend a hand wherever you can.
DO have a fun day and a great time!

DO NOT pluck, dye, or otherwise alter the appearance of your animals—they will be disqualified.
DO NOT bring sick animals to a show.
DO NOT argue with Health Checkers. They are doing their job for the health and benefit of all the animals at the show.
DO NOT expect the Show Secretary to sort through all your entries the morning of the show and then put them in their proper classes (time is limited).
DO NOT touch other people’s animals.
DO NOT be loud or disruptive while near the judging table.
DO NOT speak to the judges while they are judging.
DO NOT ever disagree or argue with a judge about the placement of an animal. This is considered the worst breach of etiquette at any animal judging event.
DO NOT storm away from the judging table if you do not win.
DO NOT say or do anything to let the judge know which animal is yours.

Updated October 4, 2018