| Policies and Guidelines |
Maine 4-H Program |
C.2.1 Guidelines for 4-H Animal Shows at Agricultural Fairs
Maine 4‑H members who wish to show animals at Maine Agricultural Shows must abide by the current Regulations for 4-H Shows at Maine Agricultural Fairs. These regulations include, among other things, allowing leased animals in 4‑H Shows and requiring exhibitors to present the standard Approval Form for 4‑H Animal Shows.
The Approval Form for 4-H Animal Shows certifies that the youth is an enrolled 4-H member in good standing and that the animals listed on the form are the ones being used in the project on the date the form was signed by the appropriate Extension staff member. The 4‑H leader must sign the form on the line immediately below the last animal listed. The 4‑H educator or professional in the county where the member is enrolled in that particular animal project must sign the form on the signature line at the bottom. An embossed photocopy of the Approval Form for 4-H Animal Shows is then given to the 4‑H member and the original is kept on file in the 4‑H office in the county where the member is enrolled in that project.
Ownership/Lease dates (Being developed)
Agricultural Fair 4‑H Shows support the 4‑H programs being conducted in that fair's county. 4-H shows are developed by the county 4‑H educator or professional who works with the Fair's board. The county 4-H educator or professional and the members of the board who devise the show are responsible for the creation and enforcement of any rules not covered by the State 4‑H Show Guidelines. However, these rules must be published in a timely manner and available to all interested parties.
Individuals who work with 4-H shows (Superintendents, Judges, Gatekeepers, and so on) are encouraged to be positive and well mannered in their interaction with 4‑H youth. Critiques and directions should be phrased in a positive manner that helps build the young person's self‑esteem.
Contests and awards are to be developmentally appropriate.
4-H members must fit any animals they show.
Safety rules and regulations are strictly enforced.
3/19/07