Show Room Etiquette

If you've never shown rabbits before, or have only been to a show or two, you surely do not know what behavior is really expected of exhibitors.  Most beginners make several mistakes without realizing it - we all do at first - here are some common mistakes and how to avoid making them.....

General Show Room Etiquette

• Don't park where you will block others - of course you may pull up and temporarily park to unload, but be sure to quickly move your vehicle to an actual parking stall! 
• Don't open, close or adjust doors in the showroom that affect light/airflow for others, without first checking with the show committee for permission.
• Be considerate where you set up-be sure to leave a 'path out' for all the exhibitors around you.
• Don't set up right in front of someone who is obviously set up in what is considered the 'front of the line', this only irks people.....
• WATCH YOUR KIDS - a biggie!  Really...-do not let them run through the showroom, roller-skate, throw things or be disruptive to others around them - this supervision also includes the parking lot, eating areas and restroom areas!
• Clean up after yourself - the show committee should not have to pick up your trash and hairballs after you leave!
• Don't talk about other people negatively - this will only bite you in the butt someday.  It is quite easy to get talking to another breeder and make a less-than-stellar comment about another person showing, or their rabbits-but don't do it, bite your tongue!  I think the show atmosphere sometimes makes it too easy to slip into this bad habit simply because show days can be long and people become tired and less tolerant of others.

Show Table Etiquette

• Pay attention to when your class is up and get your rabbits to the table on time!  You'll hold up the judging if you aren't paying attention!
• If you need to 'scratch' a rabbit from a class, be sure to let the writer know right away so the whole class is not waiting for you to appear.....
• Don't go behind the judging table at all - put your rabbit on the table from the spectator's side.
• Help watch not only your rabbit, but rabbits within your reach-some active little buggers will try to escape their show boxes, visit with neighboring rabbits, and even fight with other rabbits - all of which is distracting to the judge.
• Don't point out your rabbit to the judge or make the mistake of talking about recent wins your rabbit had - the judge is not supposed to know who owns each rabbit he or she is judging.
• If your youth is showing, please stand away from the table and allow all the youth exhibitors a spot so they can watch their rabbits being judged!
• Hold back your negative comments about the judging - if you disagree or don't understand why your rabbit placed the way he/she did, privately ask the judge after the class or breed judging.
• Be quiet during judging! Not only do the writers need to hear the judging comments, the other exhibitors usually want to hear what the judge has to say about each rabbit.
• Promptly remove your rabbit from the table after he or she is judged.
• Congratulate the winners!  Whether you agree with the judge's decision or not - you should always congratulate the winners - Good sportsmanship should be taught to your youth exhibitors too!  Don't try to diminish someone else's win with negative comments, especially comments within their earshot.