A) - Disclaimer: In no way is this an endorsement that a local youth contest of showmanship be held. Nor is this an attempt to change any currently practiced method of showmanship. This is offered to help guide those showmanship contests that are currently held without standardized processes.
B) - Purpose: Showmanship is to demonstrate a working and practical knowledge of an effective examination, evaluation and posing of a rabbit or cavy, to explore critical thinking skills and to know and demonstrate what to check for and why.
C) - Basis in ARBA Exhibition: The ARBA method for judging rabbits and cavies is "judge based" not "handler based", as it is for most other animal species. The ARBA Judge poses and handles the exhibition animals. The judge is charged with giving the animal an opportunity to be its best. Showmanship is generally the handling and fitting of an animal for exhibition. ARBA Showmanship will combine the participant's ability to handle, pose and exhibit their animal to its best.
D) - Scoring: Participants will start with a clean slate and be awarded points, not deducted points, for their abilities and knowledge. It is recommended that when possible a written evaluation of the youth's performance be provided as guidance for improvement and constructive comments.
E) - Contestant's Appearance: Appearance or attire worn by the participant will not be weighed more than 10% of the total possible points allocated for the contest. In contests that require official uniforms, improper attire may result in the contestant's disqualification from winning any awards. In these contests appearance points should be relegated to the Physical Examination.
F) - Animal Quality: Appearance or quality of the animal used in showmanship will not be weighted more than 10% of the total possible points allocated for the contest.
G) - Knowledge Base: Verbal knowledge conveyed to the showmanship judge either through answering direct questions or during the course of the physical examination of the animal will not be weighted more than 20% of the total possible points allocated for the contest.
1) What to know:
a) Origin
i) When and from where the breed you are showing was introduced to the USA
ii) What was it's original use
iii) What are common uses today
b) Anatomy
i) Know the parts of the animal
ii) Be able to identify and name as many parts as possible
c) Confirmation
i) Know what the breed and variety you are showing should look like
ii) Know ARBA body types
iii) Know the Standard of Perfection for the breed
iv) Know any specific characteristics for the breed
d) Health & Diseases
i) Know common diseases, parasites and health concerns for your animal
ii) Know the normal gestation period for your animal
iii) Know something about basic first aid for your animal
e) Terminology
i) Know basic terms used concerning your animal
ii) Know specific terms used concerning the breed or variety for your animal
iii) Know terms used during and concerning the exhibition or showing of your animal
f) Your Showmanship Animal
i) Know about the individual animal used in this showmanship contest, its breed, variety, age,
gender, registration variety, etc.
ii) Know any exhibition faults your animal may have
iii) Know any exhibition disqualifications your animal may have
H) - Physical Examination: The ability to correctly control, handle, pose, properly evaluate the animal and to convey the reasons and purpose for what and why the contestant does with the animal will be weighted a minimum of 60% of the total possible points allocated for the contest. This examination process should be based on ARBA Standard of Perfection's photo articles Handling and Examination During Judging (for rabbits) and Handling A Cavy. The contestant should demonstrate an economy of movements, awareness of the animal and a thoroughness of the evaluation without stress. The contestant is doing the evaluation. They are not showing the animal to the showmanship judge. The judge is an observer to and evaluator of the process demonstrated by the contestant.
Based on the above standard showmanship guidelinesthe following sample would be a useable scoring system.
Sample Showmanship Form Contestants present one at a time. The contestant should express information and knowledge during the course of the Physical Examination and additional knowledge should be demonstrated in the answering of direct questionfrom the judge.
Physical Examination: 60 pts. Contestant does the following correctly, properly, and with ease
Carries animal to table
Places animal on judging table
Poses animal for initial evaluation
Evaluates the top side of the animal
Turns the animal onto its back with control at all times
Evaluates the bottom side of the animal while on back
Sexes animal using correct form
Safely and correctly returns animal to upright position
Repose and control animal during Knowledge interview
Remove animal from judging table and carry away under control
Knowledge Interview: 20 pts. Answers questions concerning their animal and the exhibition of their animal species/breed/variety inconcise, confident and accurate form over and above information conveyed during the Physical Examination
Contestant's Appearance: 10 pts. Dress is appropriate for task and overall appearance
Animal Quality: 10 pts.
Condition, faults, disqualifications and overall appearance
Total points possible 100 pts. Contestants present as a group.
Contestant does Physical Examination as a group without verbal exchange with judge. During the Knowledge Interview additional information should be conveyed to the judge demonstrating additional knowledge of the physical examination. When this approach is used the total points allowed for both the Physical Examination and the Knowledge Interview should be added together and then divided evenly between the two areas.
