Etiquette For The Juniors Rings

From the archives of The Canine Chronicle 

Click here to read the full article in our digital edition.

By William Given

In the competitive world of Junior Showmanship, your overall success will be influenced not only by the perfection of your handling skills but also by the perception others have of you as a sportsman. Showing dogs has always been considered a sport for gentlepersons, with rules of behavior that all participants have been expected to learn and exhibit. In our sport, “the rules of etiquette,” are based on the elements of common courtesy and apply to all of us in the way we treat one another and not just at the shows but in our everyday lives.

Be Courteous to the Stewards

You should pick up your armband at least fifteen minutes before your class is called. I recommend about half an hour before in order to observe your judge and get a feeling for his or her ring procedure. I highly encourage you to use a phrase something like this, “May I have Open Junior armband number 1007, please?” After it is handed to you, don’t forget to say thank you. You have shown you are both polite and professional. You have impressed the stewards and quite likely the judge if he or she is nearby in two ways. Not all young people are good at using please and thank you, and even fewer juniors come to the ring knowing their armband number. They have to take the time to look it up in the steward’s catalog. You have demonstrated you are prepared and more professional.

If you are going to be absent from the juniors ring due to a direct conflict in the breed ring, please take the time to let the ring steward know. If you think you may be late getting from the breed ring to the juniors ring inform the steward ahead of time. That will give the steward the opportunity to inquire of the judge how he or she wants the steward to admit late arrivals.

Be Courteous to Your Competitors

Showing courtesy to your competitors is important inside and outside of the ring. Be mannerly as you enter the ring. It was once common for the juniors with large dogs to go in first and those competitors with small dogs went in last. Today, almost all judges want you to enter the ring in catalog order. It is easier for the judge and steward to check armbands and properly record absentees. The judge will then send the faster moving dogs to the front of the line and the slower moving dogs to the back of the line where they will not hold up the rest of the class while moving around the ring.

To the fullest extent possible make sure you are leaving fair space between your dog and the dog in front of and behind you. Be prepared to make a space for a late arrival to the ring or for a competitor the judge places in front of or behind you. Be vigilant when gaiting your partner to ensure you do not run up on the dog in front of you and watch to make certain your dog is not over run from behind.

Be Courteous to the Judge

Be patient and deliberate in the ring, always. Be respectful and keep a close eye on the judge when stacked, relaxed and waiting, or gaiting your partner, as the judge may give additional instructions. If the judge gives directions that you do not understand, politely ask the judge to repeat them.

Most judges use the same ring procedure throughout the day. Pay attention and follow the instructions he or she may give. When the judge asks you to do a down and back, go down, turn and come back. Recently we are seeing far too many juniors go down, free bait for a bit and then come back. That was not what was asked for and more judges are now considering that, and appropriately so, as a failure to follow instructions.

When you are awarded with the class win or a placement, be quick to acknowledge it. Eye contact and a simple nod of your head will let the judge know that you understand he or she has made their decision. When you are handed a ribbon, make sure you say thank you and move directly out of the ring.

Wear Appropriate Attire

Your choice of what to wear in the juniors ring can affect your performance and contribute to your success. Make sure your ring apparel fits well, and is clean and pressed. When you look good, you feel good. When you feel good, you perform better and naturally achieve greater success.

It is a good choice to wear a dark outfit if your partner is white or a light-colored dog. If your dog is black or dark-colored, wear neutral colors. Make sure to choose an outfit that does not clash with your dog or provide a poor backdrop. For example, if you are a young lady and your partner is a Dalmatian, you don’t want to wear a white dress with black polka dots nor a white dress if your dog is a Maltese. A young gentleman should not want to wear a black suit if his partner is Belgian Sheepdog. Remember, also, that a black dress, skirt or suit will seemingly attract and show all of the dust, dirt and dog hair that can find it.

You should avoid both tight and loose fitting clothing. Tight clothing can limit your freedom of movement in the ring. You need to be free to bend over, kneel and rise gracefully. Loose fitting attire can flourish about while you are gaiting your dog and distract from the smooth movement you want to show in the ring. It is a good idea to have a pocket in which to place a comb, brush or bait. Keep that in mind when you are shopping for the clothing you are going to wear in the juniors ring.

A suit, or dress shirt and tie with sport coat is always the best choice for young men to wear in the ring. Young ladies have more options, a skirt and blouse, pants and blouse with a blazer, or a nice dress. Skirts and dresses should not be too short nor the top low-cut. It is not quite appropriate for 12 year-old girls to dress like they are 16 year-old young ladies, and 16 year-old young ladies should not dress as if they are 20 year-old women.

Select comfortable, well-fitting shoes with non-slip soles. The faster you gait your dog the more important good shoes are. I do understand the desire to be fashionable in the ring but the risk of slipping and injuring yourself or your partner is just not worth it. You should avoid sandals, and flip flops are definite no-no.

I don’t believe it is as important for young men to have a close haircut as it once was. A good trim is satisfactory but make sure your hair is combed or brushed. Young ladies should have a fashionable but youthful quaff. If you have long hair, consider putting your hair up in a bun, braid or pony-tail to keep it out of your eyes. Young ladies should use make-up sparingly and avoid mascara altogether. A naturally youthful appearance is still expected.

Wearing simple jewelry is okay. A ring on each hand for example. A broach or lapel pin is quite acceptable. Avoid dangling earrings and bracelets, and long necklaces as they can easily get tangled in your lead. Having to take the time to get untangled will draw attention to you that you do not want.

Golden Rules for the Juniors Ring

• Exercise your partner shortly after your arrival to the show grounds. It is also a good idea to provide him with the opportunity to relieve himself a half-hour or so prior to your ring time to ensure he does not have an accident in the ring.

• Whether gaiting or waiting your turn to have the judge go over your dog, do not crowd the dog and handler in front or you nor hinder the team behind you.

• Do not cause a disturbance in the ring with a clicker or squeaky toy. It can distract the dogs of your competitors. Use you squeaky toy or clicker only when the judge is examining your dog.

• Do not allow your partner to create a disturbance in the ring. Your dog can have a bad day and act up. How you choose to deal with it can have a significant impact on your performance. You could be excused from the ring or appropriately rewarded with the win or a higher placement for taking quick action to calm him and get him back on his game.

• Do not allow your ring partner to jump up on the judge. He could be wearing his best suit or she, her favorite dress. The judge might see it as an inability to properly control your dog.

• Do not engage in a protracted conversation with another junior while you are in the ring, nor with anyone who is outside of the ring. If noticed by the judge, he or she could assume you are not paying attention or are not really all that interested in what is going on in the ring.

• Do not engage the judge in a conversation, and do not volunteer any information about your recent wins. It is, of course, appropriate to answer his or her questions or ask clarifying questions about any instructions you do not understand.

• If you do not win or place in your class, do not exhibit any behavior that could be mistaken as poor sportsmanship. Congratulate the winner on your way out of the ring. Should you win your class, don’t shout out or do the happy dance in the ring. It too could be perceived as poor sportsmanship. I recommend that you practice self-control. Shake hands with those who placed behind you and graciously accept the congratulations of your competitors who did not place.

Dressing in good taste and behaving appropriately are at the core of good sportsmanship. Proper courtesy should be extended to your fellow competitors, the stewards, the judge and all with whom you come in contact at every show. Follow all of the “rules of etiquette” for the juniors ring and you will enhance your standing in the junior showmanship community and increase your chances of winning.

From the archives of The Canine Chronicle 

Click here to read the full article in our digital edition.

Short URL: http://caninechronicle.com/?p=20035

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