All Entry Forms must be filled in correctly, signed and a copy sent to the Show Manager prior to each show. The entry closing date and all other relevant information will be made available prior to each show.
The original Signed Entry Form is to be handed in along with all Entry Fees to the Show Manager or other assigned Steward on the day by the designated time. (Please refer to the current show schedule for the Exhibiting Fee)
Some shows are open to tested and untested goats depending on the State Regulations for individual shows. Where untested goats are permitted there will be biosecurity measures in place including separate areas for penning and exhibiting the goats.
In order to have your goats penned in the tested area a copy of the goats’ test results must be submitted to the Show Manager.
The Breed Standards and Height requirements for each breed can be found on the AAMBGS Inc. Website: www.aabmgs.org.au
All goats must hold a current Registration Certificate which will be sighted by the Show Manager or assigned Steward prior to or on the day of exhibiting. The Registration Certificate is considered proof of the goat’s identity and age.
The assigned Steward will view all goats prior to the commencement of judging and any goat which appears to be over height will be measured and their height recorded. Any goat deemed over height for the class entered, will not be permitted to be exhibited on the day. (Please refer to the current show schedule for the Height information).
All goats must have NLIS Ear Tags in place for identification purposes and these will be sighted on the day of exhibiting. The tag number must correspond with the information listed on the goat’s Registration Certificate.
Photographs and the results will be published on the AABMGS Inc. website and other forms of social media for promotional purposes and all Exhibitors are required to cooperate while photographs are being taken by the assigned Photographer on the day of showing.
All Exhibitors will be issued a Program and are required to check for any errors made regarding their goat’s names and classes. Exhibitors must notify the Show Manager of any errors prior to Judging so corrections can be made
Goats 4 years and over are required to be measured at the initial AABMGS Inc. Show where they are exhibited but are then exempt from the measuring-in process at future shows, unless there is an obvious change to their recorded height or if requested by another exhibitor. Exhibitors are still required to show the goats Registration Certificate for identification purposes at all future shows. The AABMGS Inc. will keep a record of all goats exempt from measuring in.
Exhibits
Presentation of each goat is dependent on the individual breed and at the discretion of the individual owner. Goats are required to be healthy, clean, well-groomed and free of lice, mites and ticks. Goats can be shown with their natural coat or clipped and hooves need to be neatly clipped. (Please also refer to Show Society/Biosecurity requirements)
Any goat deemed to appear unwell or injured on the day of Exhibiting will be scratched from the Program in consultation with the owner.
All goats must wear a collar or halter at all times and an adequate lead must be attached whenever a goat is being exhibited and not contained in a pen. All goats must be handled by a competent person at all times.
The AABMGS Inc. allows some breeds of goats with horns to be exhibited (Refer to Breed Standard) as long as the horns are neat and tidy and the goat is well behaved and not considered a danger to other exhibitors or spectators.
Any goat who is behaving in an unruly manner may be removed from the ring.
Bucks over the age of 12 months but under 24 months must be handled by a competent person over the age of 15 years.
Bucks over the age of 24months must be handled by a person over the age of 18 years.
All goats exhibited are entitled to accumulate points towards Australian Champion Titles as per the AABMGS Inc. Points System. Points awarded by other Miniature Goat Organisations are not transferable.
Once a goat has been awarded with the Title of ‘Australian Champion’ it is no longer eligible to be entered into its Age Class. An Australian Champion can be entered in Progeny Classes and compete in a Champion Challenge, if other titled goats are present.
Exhibitors
Exhibitors and exhibits must not display any form of identification while in the show ring, including their Stud name.
Exhibitors may have displays advertising their Stud and/or information as long as it is not placed in a manner where it can be seen by the judge prior to or during judging.
Exhibitors must present themselves in a neat and tidy manner with covered-in footwear.
AABMGS Inc. shirts will be made available for purchase and all exhibitors will be encouraged to wear them while exhibiting.
Exhibitors, family and friends are expected to behave in an appropriate manner which is respectful to all other exhibitors and members of the public. Unacceptable behaviour may result in being excluded from any further classes on the day.
No form of bullying or poor sportsmanship will be tolerated at any time.
Exhibitors must have their goats ready to enter the ring in a timely manner and are not to keep the Judge waiting. All exhibitors are to follow the directions of the Steward and the Judge at all times.
Exhibitors are not to speak to the judge prior to or during judging, except for when answering questions which the Judge may ask while exhibiting.
However, some Judges are more relaxed than others and will converse with exhibitors during Judging.
Exhibitors are to treat their goats with respect and compassion at all times. Any type of cruelty or abusive behaviour will result in the Exhibitor being excluded from further classes on the day and possibly all future AABMGS Inc. organized shows.
*Please see the below amendment to our show rules. 25/04/2023
Persons who have had their membership terminated, or have left the AABMGS due to conflict of interest, or have made defamatory remarks about AABMGS and/or members, are NOT welcome to enter nor attend Shows which are organized by AABMGS Inc. posted on AABMGS members pages by the secretary
Judges
All Judges must be a qualified Goat Judge.
A copy of the Show Rules and Breed Standards will be provided to each Judge when they are engaged.
The Judge’s decision is final and any disputes are to be directed to the Show Manager at the conclusion of the Show.
No classes will be rejudged for any reason. It is the Exhibitor’s responsibility to ensure they are present and prepared to enter the ring on time.
Any goat with disqualifying faults will be quietly passed over and will not be placed.
In the event of only one goat being entered into a class the Judge is not obliged to reward the goat with first place. The goat will be judged on its own merits and breed standard, and the Judge may withhold placement if the goat does not meet their breed requirements.
Stewards
A Steward can be any person who has a clear understanding of the show rules and the procedure. They need to be confident when communicating with and directing exhibitors. There may be more than one Steward depending on the number of exhibits and task requirements.
Stewards may have their goats exhibited on the day by another capable person.
The Ring Steward is responsible for calling classes, informing the Judge of the number of exhibits in each class and ensuring the exhibitors enter and assemble in the ring promptly to avoid delays
Show Manager
The Show Manager along with the Stewards are responsible for the smooth running of the show.
The Show Manager has the authority to enforce the Show Rules and exclude any exhibitor deemed in breach of the rules at any time.
Any complaints or disputes are to be directed to the Show Manager who will attempt to rectify any issues as deemed necessary.
The Show Manager is not required to rectify or address all complaints on the day of the show if they feel they need to consult with the AABMGS and Miniature Sheep Branch Inc. Management Committee to make a professional decision.
The Show Manager is required to report any complaints and disputes to the AABMGS Management Committee as soon as possible after the show.
The Show Manager is responsible for ensuring that a correct record of the show results is documented, and photos are made available.
The Show Manager may seek and appoint capable people to assist with the roles of Stewarding, photographing, and documenting information on the day of the show.
The role of Show Manager can be a shared position.
All AABMGS rules are in place to continue the standards of the group as a whole.