NPA Show Rules

2011 GRAND NATIONAL SHOW RULES
San Diego, California Jan. 6-8
10-20-10

Ref: (1) Meeting results from Grand National Committee, representing SDMPC and LAPC
(2) ARTICLE B XII Section 1 of the National Pigeon Association Constitution and By-Laws

READ THOROUGHLY – DO NOT ENTER IF YOU CANNOT ABIDE BY THESE RULES

1.      Failure to recognize or abide by these rules will exclude entry without refund.
2.      The entry fee is $6.50 per bird for non-NPA members and $5.50 per bird for NPA members. The NPA will provide the host club with the most current membership list.
3.      This show only recognizes NPA approved bands. All birds must be seamless banded and within one size for that breed. All young birds (2010 banded) entered must be NPA banded.
4.      This show recognizes all breeds of NPA recognized standard-bred pigeons and ADA recognized doves.
5.      Specialty clubs have selected their own judges and their decisions are final. Open class judges have been selected by the host club and their decisions are final.
6.      Each pigeon entered must be the bonafide property of the exhibitor and must be shown in its natural condition. Proper trimming and preparation is considered natural condition. The right is reserved to disqualify all unworthy specimens.
7.      The show management will not be responsible for the loss of birds. However, the best security possible will be given.
8.      The Grand National officially opens on Thursday at 10 a.m. (see schedule below). Birds may be cooped beginning at noon on Wednesday. All birds must be cooped by no later than 4pm on Thursday. All entered birds must remain in the show hall until 5pm Saturday. Birds may be cooped in personal carriers at 4pm Saturday and will be released at 5pm Saturday after all exhibitors have verified that all their birds are in their possession.
9.      An NPA Show Catalog listing exhibitor’s names, placings (one past half the class) and awards will be printed and mailed to all exhibitors that are not NPA members for a fee of $25. NPA members will receive one at no charge.
10.    Clean water and feed shall be provided daily.
11.    An adequate amount of bedding shall be provided and shall be available for replenishment during the show.
12.    All birds entered in the show will be cooped individually. Coop cards are provided.
13.    No substitutions will be made prior to check-in at the show. Substitutions shown with specialty clubs will be allowed as the individual specialty club allows. The exhibitor must make the change on the coop card and give the change to the specialty club secretary prior to judging so the change can be made on the judging sheet. Open class substitutions will be permitted only when made in the same class, color, age and sex as the original entry.
14.    When a display award is given, the specialty club shall establish the method of scoring points.
15.    The number of placings in each class shall be determined by the Specialty Club.
16.    A Grand National Championship Certificate will be awarded to each breed exhibited where two or more exhibitors are showing.
17.    Specialty Clubs shall establish their own classes. Where no club agreement is in effect, classes shall be provided for Young hen, Young Cock, Old Hen, Old Cock.
18.    Vaccinations and illnesses. All birds brought into the Grand Hall must be vaccinated for the paramyxo virus. The show management reserves the right to reject unhealthy or diseased specimens received for exhibition. If sickness develops, the ill bird will be removed from the show hall.
19.    Selling exhibited pigeons. No birds shall be allowed in the show hall area on which an entry fee has not been paid. Entered birds may be sold but must remain in the show hall until all birds are released on Saturday. A bulletin board will be provided at a central location to post birds for sale. A For Sale section in the Grand Hall will only be provided if space allows (likely under 5,000 entries). Submit your name and information to the co-superintendent if you desire to buy coop space in the event a For Sale section is set up. No bird sale areas outside the Grand Hall will be allowed.
20.    Pigeon carriers. To enhance security, pigeon carriers will be stowed in a locked storage closet and not released until birds are allowed to be cooped. No birds may be kept in carriers without written permission from the Show Committee. No pigeon carriers allowed underneath the coops in the Grand Hall.
21.    A violation of these rules will result in a partial or total loss of rebate to the Specialty Club involved and under contract for this show. A consideration of the loss of exhibiting privileges may also be considered by the NPA Board. The Board’s decision in these matters is final.
22.    Displays/Decorations. Clubs are encouraged to compete in the Best Decorated Judging Area. However, the Town & Country does not allow banners/signs hanging on the walls. Free standing banners on/above cages or OK, or if you have something to hang from the ceiling, it requires advance arrangement and a set-up charge by the hotel.

NPA Grand National Show is “OPEN COMPETITION”. Birds will be shown with sponsoring specialty breed club.

NPA Grand National Show itinerary:
Receive birds:              Wednesday 12pm
Board meetings:           Thursday @ 7am & Friday @ 7am (other meetings scheduled as needed)
Start of Show/Judging: Thursday 10 a.m./judging various start times; birds cooped by noon
Membership meeting: Thursday 7 pm
Banquet:                      Friday 7 pm
Crating of birds:           Saturday 4 pm
Show closes:                Saturday 6 pm

Additional rules in the event of a For Sale section:
1.         The decision whether to have a sale section resides with the host club.
2.         The sale section shall be separated from the show area by a physical barrier.
3.         Ventilation, lighting and environmental controls shall equal that of the show area.
4.         Security for the sale section shall be the same as for the show area.
5.         The same rules regarding health and the removal of ill birds in the show hall shall be in effect.
6.         The care of birds regarding food, water and bedding are the same as those birds in the show hall.
7.         Birds may come into the sale section during the duration of the show but may not pass through the show area.
8.         Birds may leave the sale section during the duration of the show but may not pass through the show area.
9.         Maximum of two birds per hole in 4-hole cooping. Birds in 4-hole cooping must be of proper size for 4-hole cooping.
10.       Maximum of four birds per hole in 2-hole cooping unless the breed would normally require 2-hole cooping. If that is the case then a maximum of two birds per 2-hole cooping.
11.       Birds in carry cases in sale section must be afforded the same space as those in the sale coops. Overcrowding will not be tolerated and those people who overcrowd will be expelled from the sale section AND from the show itself.