DOs
- 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!
DON’Ts
- 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 without permission.
- 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.
