ANSC 4-H Companion Animal Challenge

Mark Your Calendars!
2017 4-H Companion Animal Challenge
has been scheduled for
Saturday-April 1, 2017

 
Contestants, all entry forms must be returned to
Lisa Karr
UNL, C204 Animal Science Building
Lincoln, NE 68583-0908
by Friday, March 10, 2017.

*A Brown Bag Lunch is available through a preorder form located with the other entry forms.
*T-shirts need to be pre-ordered in order to secure a shirt. The order form can be found with the other entry forms.

2017 Schedule

8:30 a.m. – Registration
9:00 a.m. – Quiz Bowl
9:45 a.m. – Intermediate Demonstrations (Individual)
10:15 a.m. - Senior Demonstrations (Individual)
10:30 a.m. – Intermediate Demonstration (Team)
10:00 a.m. – Senior Skill-A-Thon
11:00 a.m. – Intermediate Skill-A-Thon
Noon – Awards
*Note – times may be adjusted based on flow of contest and to ensure all youth may participate in events.


Entry fees are $5.00
*Maximum of $20.00 per Dog Quiz Bowls Team, 5th team members and alternates are free. *

When sending in contest entries, please include 1) the completed contest entry form(s), 2) the Contest Summary form, and 3) one check for all of the contests. Remember, contestants, all entry forms must be returned to:
Lisa Karr, UNL, C204 Animal Science Building, Lincoln, NE 68583-0908 by Friday,
March 10, 2017.
Note: you now have a choice of printing off a pdf form and filling it out and mailing it in or you can fill out each form electronically print it and mail it in with the check.
Contest Summary Sheet (PDF 99 kb)
Demonstration Contest Entry Form (PDF 100 kb)
Art & Photography Contest Entry Form (PDF 295 kb)
Skill -A-Thon Contest Entry Form (PDF 88 kb)
Intermediate Dog Quiz Bowl Contest Entry From (PDF 82 kb)
Sr. Dog Quiz Bowl Contest Entry Form (PDF 92 kb)
T-Shirt Pre Order Form (PDF 77 kb)


Results from Contest 2016 (PDF 211 kb)



RULES

GENERAL GUIDELINES

CONTESTANTS AND ELIGIBILITY

  • Contestants must be enrolled in the 4-H dog, cat, rabbit, or companion animal project areas in the county they represent (with the exception of the Art and Photography Contests).
  • Nebraska 4-H dog/companion animal show dress code required. Exhibitors must follow dress code regulations as described in the Nebraska 4-H Dog Show Manual (4-H 420) and State Fair Companion Animal Show Rules with the following exceptions: An exhibitor may wear the event t-shirt, a non-county specific 4-H shirt or a State Fair t-shirt. Shirts with specific county 4-H notations are not allowed to be worn in contests. Long jeans/pants are required for cat, dog and small pet exhibitors. While hard soled shoes are not required for the cat, dog and small pet shows, exhibitors are required to wear closed toed shoes with non-slip soles. No hats, caps or other types of headgear are to be worn in the show ring. Exhibitors shall not display local, county, commercial or other identification while showing their animals - except official 4-H and show ID tag. 4-Hers will be judged on the neatness of their appearance. This includes but is not limited to: shirt tucked in, appropriate size of clothing, tied shoe laces, etc.
  • Contestants may participate in all contests during the 4-H Companion Animal Challenge.

AGE DIVISION

  • Senior division contestants must be 14 to 18 years old on January 1 of the current year.
  • Intermediate contestants must be 10 to 13 years old on January 1 of the current year.
  • Junior division contestants must be 8 to 9 years old on January 1 of the current year.
    (Note - only art and photography contests are open to Junior division youth)

TEAM MEMBERS

  • All POTENTIAL team members and alternates MUST be listed on the contest entry form.
  • Entry forms MUST be returned by the contest deadline.
  • NO additional team members can be added the day of the contest.
  • County staff/Coach will designate teams at the time of contest check-in.

MULTIPLE TEAMS

  • Counties may enter multiple teams. All team members must be from adjacent counties.

DEMONSTRATION CONTEST RULES

Youth may enter the demonstration as either an individual (division A) or team (division B). Open to intermediate and senior youth only.

A. Individual

B. Team Competition (2 contestants on a team)

CONTESTANTS AND ELIGIBILITY

  • Contestants must be enrolled in their county 4-H dog, cat, rabbit, or companion animal project.
  • Intermediate contestants must be at least 10 years of age and under 14 years of age on January 1 of the current year. Senior contestants must be at least 14 years of age and under 19 years of age on January 1 of the current year.
  • See General Contest Rules to determine the number of teams that are eligible from each county. A team consists of two members.
  • Contestants must not have participated in official post-secondary (university, college, junior college, or technical school) competitive events of a similar nature in the same subject matter area. Neither can the contestant be a member of a post-secondary team undergoing training in preparation for an event.
  • Contestants will be notified of their demonstration times one to two weeks prior to the contest. Demonstrators will be contacted directly by the contest superintendent.
  • Many demonstrators in the Demonstration Contest have given demonstrations in other contests. This is fine; however previous demonstrations may not be used verbatim for the 4-H dog, cat, rabbit, and companion animal demonstration contest. It is okay to use the same ideas from a demonstration previously delivered in competition, but in must be 4-H dog, cat, rabbit, or companion animal related. Enough changes should be made to make the demonstration new to the demonstrator and the audience. 4-H demonstrators may not use an old demonstration written by a sibling, other 4-H member, or anyone else.

THE CONTEST

  • Contestants will conduct a demonstration or illustrated presentation on a subject pertaining to the dog, cat, rabbit, and/or companion animal industry or be species related. The demonstration should be original, factual, and related to one of the following 4-H Strategic Plan Outcomes: 4-H Science, Agricultural Literacy, Career Development/College Readiness, Citizenship and Leadership, and Healthy Living. Live animals may not be used!!!
  • Contestants may use notes. However, excessive use of notes may be counted against the contestants. This will be at the discretion of the judge(s)
  • A public address system will not be used during the contest.
  • At the event, contestants may introduce themselves with name of county, brief background and topic.
  • Ten to fifteen minutes will be allowed for each demonstration with points subtracted for too little or excessive time. One point will be deducted from each judge's score card for each minute under ten minutes or over fifteen minutes.
  • Contest will be provided one easel and one table. Other equipment needs must be arranged by the contestants and all audio visual aids used in the demonstration must be done solely by the contestants.
  • Contestants should cite their major references after the conclusion of their demonstration. This will not be counted in the allotted time.
  • Two or more judges will be used. Only the judges may ask questions of the contestants in the contest. Question time will not be counted in the allotted time. Contestants should repeat question that are asked and then answer the question.

Demonstration Score Sheet PDF (130 kb)

ART CONTEST RULES

OBJECTIVES

To encourage the youth to broaden his/her horizons and utilize creative talent within the dog, cat, rabbit, or companion animal projects.

To increase awareness of the dog, cat, rabbit, and companion animal projects through exhibition of drawing or forming art items.

CONTEST RULES

Age divisions:

  • Junior – 8 to 9 years old as of January 1 of current year
  • Intermediate - 10 to 13 years old
  • Senior – 14 to 18 years old
  • Entrants do not need to be enrolled in the 4-H dog, cat, rabbit, or companion animal projects.
  • Only one entry per exhibitor permitted. All exhibits are to be original works of the exhibitor and relate to the dog, cat, rabbit, or companion animals.
  • Items may be framed or ready to be displayed on a table. Item size: minimum 9"X12" and maximum 18"X24". This indicates the finished matted size.
  • Media may include: watercolor, oil and acrylic, pencil, chalk, charcoal, pen and ink, crayon or pastels. (no photos allowed) ***** Items may be made of: Wood, glass, metal, ceramic or tile, fabric, mixed media items, felted wool, cotton linter, batik, weaving, fabric dyed by exhibitor, clay, sculpted cardboard, plaster of paris, quilting, etc... Designs may also be influenced by another culture
    • Art items may also be made from recycled items such as common objects or material combined in a creative way to depict companion animals.
  • Presnetation: All work must be matted with suitable matting board, with a maximum 3" border. Matting may be black, white or colored. No glass or frames allowed. Upright items must be able to be displayed on a table for judging and viewing.
  • All items must include on the back: name, address, county and age as of January 1 of the current year.
  • It is recommended that all hanging entries have a secure hanging device attached to the back for display purposes.
  • Entries failing to meet the contest rules will be dropped one ribbon placing.
  • Exhibits must be delivered to the south entrance of the Animal Science Building before 8:00 a.m. Saturday, of the contest.
  • Judging will take place during the 4-H Companion Animal Challenge between 8:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. Exhibits will be available for pick-up Saturday by 2:30 PM unless prior arrangements are made.
  • The Champion and Reserve Champion exhibits of the senior age division will be retained for use in the State 4-H Companion Animal program.
  • The Nebraska 4-H Companion Animal Program will use diligence to ensure the safety of articles entered for exhibition after their arrival and placement. However, they will not be responsible for damage or loss by fire, theft, etc.

EVALUTION CRITERIA
Originality, Use of Imagination, and Creativity Composition, Balance, Harmony, and Overall Design Craftsmanship, Completed Appearance, and Neatness Use of Materials, Skill Level and Appropriate Selection Presentation.

INTERMEDIATE & SENIOR DOG QUIZ BOWL CONTEST RULES

OBJECTIVES

The primary objective of Dog Quiz Bowl contest is to provide an opportunity for youth enrolled in 4-H dog projects to demonstrate their knowledge of dog-related subject matter in a competitive setting where attitudes of friendliness and fairness prevail. These contests will provide an educational experience for both participants and spectators.

CONTESTANTS AND ELIGIBILITY

  • Open to intermediate and senior youth only.
  • See General Rules to determine how many teams each county may send. Each team consists of three to five contestants. One team member will be designated as the alternate if five are entered.

DOG QUIZ BOWL QUESTIONS

Format & Categories

At the discretion of each county, questions may be submitted for the State Contest. These should be submitted by the time the county entries are due. Please use the following format. Send questions to Lisa Karr at lisa.karr@unl.edu

Each team may submit 100 questions (10 questions per category) using the following format:
Category: Breed, Breed Associations, Colors & Markings
Q. What colors are recognized by AKC for Labrador Retriever Dogs?
A. Yellow, Black, and Chocolate - Source: (AKC Labrador Retriever Breed Description)

Category: Showing & Show Procedures
Q.List 4 different agility obstacles used in Level 2 & 3 courses?
A. bar jumps, short dog walk, pause box or table, chute, tunnel, solid panel jump, tire jump - Source: Nebraska 4-H Dog Rule Book 4H 420, page 40.

Categories:

  1. Nutrition & Feeds
  2. Breeding, Genetics & Reproduction
  3. Anatomy
  4. Physiology & Endocrinology
  5. Breed, Breed Associations, Colors & Markings
  6. Showing & Show Procedures
  7. Diseases & Health Care
  8. Parasites
  9. Training & Behavior
  10. Equipment & Housing

Questions and the correct answers should be typed in the above format and submitted electronically to Lisa Karr at lisa.karr@unl.edu (Microsoft Word preferred). Questions should be organized according to the categories outlined above. Questions should come from the official sources only and must include the reference source and page number.

The only sources for questions will be:

RESOURCES AND STUDY GUIDES:
  • 4-H Dog Manuals (Manuals 1 & 2 for Juniors; Manuals 1, 2, & 3 for Seniors)
  • American Kennel Club Breed Book
  • www.akc.org
  • Educational materials on the 4-H Dog web page, and general information about dogs that is available on the Companion Animal eXtension web page.

Question Type & Point Values:
All questions have a 5 second time limit.

Each round of the quiz bowl will consist of 12 one-on-one questions and 12 regular questions.

A. One-on-One Questions are those to which specific individual contestants may respond. These points will count toward individual and team scores. Contestants will earn 1 point for a correct answer. Incorrect responses during the one-on-one round will not be penalized. However, if the contestant buzzes in and fails to respond in the form of an answer, a 1-point penalty will be assessed. If no answer or an incorrect answer is given, the moderator will finish reading the question and the other team has the opportunity to answer. 

B. Regular Questions are those to which any individual contestants may respond. These points will count toward individual and team scores. Contestants will earn 1 point for a correct answer. An incorrect answer will result in - 1 points. If no answer is given or incorrect answer, the moderator will finish reading the question and the other team will have the opportunity to answer.

Equipment

  • Game Panels - An appropriate device will be used which will provide a clear indication of which contestant responds first to a question.
  • Time Recorders - A stop watch or other appropriate time device will be required.
  • Signal Device - A signal device will be used by the time keepers and will have a noticeably  different sound than that of the game panel.
  • Score Keeping Devices - Two devices will be needed: one, such as a blackboard, flip chart or electronic light display, will be used to maintain team scores visible to the contestants and, if possible, to the spectators; a second device will be required with which to maintain a record of individual contest scores.
  • Equipment Failure - It shall be the responsibility of each contestant to assure themselves that all equipment is operating correctly at the start of the match.
    • If the device being used ceases to function during a match or is believed to be malfunctioning, a "time out" may be called by any contestant, the moderator, or by either coach.
    • If after checking it is determined that there is an equipment malfunction, the faulty part(s) will be replaced and play resumed.
    • Scores accumulated up to the point of the "time out" shall stand and all further points awarded during the remainder of the match added to or subtracted from this total.
      • If both referee judges or one referee judge and the moderator deem it advisable, points awarded for the two questions asked immediately prior to determination of equipment failure may be recalled and two additional questions used.
    • Under no conditions shall there be a replay of a match in which there was equipment failure.
  • Recorders, Cameras, Cell Phones, & Beepers
    • Tape recorders may not be used at any time during the conduct of a match.
    • No recording devices such as videotape, movie cameras, or any other type of camera may be used during the conduct of a match.
    • Photographs will be permitted only before or after a match and then in only such a manner as not to be disruptive of the contest.
    • Please turn off cell phones and beepers when in the contest room.

Officials

  • Moderator (Quiz Person) - The moderator shall assume the direction of the matches within that particular room, ask all questions, designate contestants to answer questions and accept or reject all answers unless the questions and/or answers are challenged. The moderator may indicate when a contestant has exceeded the allocated time for a question. The moderator will declare the match winner and shall at all times be in control of the matches.
  • Referee Judges - At least two referee judges are recommended. The judges must be knowledgeable dog persons. One referee judge (or the moderator) should, if possible, be a veterinarian. The referee judges rule jointly on the acceptability of any question or answer. In cases of challenge to questions or answers in matches with two referee judges, either both referee judges or one referee judge and the moderator must agree on the acceptability or rejection of any question and/or answer. With only one referee judge, both the judge and the moderator must agree on actions to be taken.
  • Time Keeper - Unless this duty is assumed by the moderator or by a referee judge, the time keeper will monitor all time intervals and designate when time of response has been exceeded and will handle all controls of the game equipment. It is strongly recommended that neither the moderator nor a referee judge be used as a time keeper.
  • Score Keepers - At least two individuals shall be used to keep score for each contest. The individual maintaining team scores shall do so in such a manner that all points awarded or taken from each team may be checked and the scores are clearly visible to the moderator and to the contestants. The second score keeper shall be used to maintain a record of the individual scores of each contestant. An assistant to the score keeper maintaining individual records is suggested.

TEAMS (NOTE: Senior Teams may have Intermediates on their team, but they must compete at a Senior Level)

  • Each team shall consist of not less than three (3) or more than five (5) members.
    • Members may compete on a Junior or Senior team.
      • Intermediate Division contestants must be 10 – 13 years of age
      • Senior Division is 14-18 years of age
  • Only four (or three in the case of teams with only three members) contestants shall be seated at the panel at any one time.
  • Each team will submit a seating order to the moderator at the orientation meeting. The seating order will not be changed throughout the contest.
    • In the case of a three member team, the vacant position in the team seating arrangement will be the fourth seat position. (The designated team captain will always be seated in chair one nearest the moderator.)
    • During any match, one team member only may be replaced at the panel when:
      • The moderator deems it impossible for one of the seated members of the team to continue in the contest, or:
      • The captain or coach of a team requests the replacement of a team member.
      • The team member removed from a match becomes ineligible to return to that particular match. The team member removed and the replacement member are both eligible to participate in further matches.
  • Alternates may be substituted during the regular and toss up question segment of a match. They may NOT be substituted during the one-on-one segment.

Procedures of Play

Match Procedures:

  • The Dog Quiz Bowl Contest will be a double elimination contest.
  • Bracketing of teams will be done by random draw.
  • Each match will be divided into two halves based on number of questions.
    • One-on-One Competition - In the first half of the match, during the one-on-one competition, only one member of each team will be eligible to respond to a question. This eligibility will rotate with each question beginning with the number 1 players on each team, and passing to the number 2, 3 and 4 contestants of each team, respectively, until all the one-on-one questions have been asked. The number of questions asked during the first part of the game should be evenly divisible by 4 to assure each team member an opportunity to respond to the same number of questions.
      • The moderator shall clearly indicate the start of the one-on-one play.
      • Each question shall be addressed to only one member of each team, beginning with the number 1 contestant of each team and progressing with subsequent questions to the number 2, 3, and 4 contestants, respectively.
      • The moderator shall indicate prior to the reading of each question which two contestants are eligible to respond.
        • If any contestant other than the two designated contestants responds, that individual and the team will lose two points.
        • If any contestant responds more than twice to questions directed to another contestant, they shall be replaced at the panel by the alternate, if available. If no alternate is available, the remainder of the match will be played with less than the full team, and all questions normally addressed to the eliminated contestant will be addressed only to the opposing contestant.
        • In the case of teams playing with only 3 members, the seat position that is vacant will forfeit answering the questions given to team members in that position. The question will be asked unopposed to the team member in the corresponding seating position on the opposite team.
      • There will be no bonus questions asked during the one-on-one period.
      • The point value of a response to a one-on-one question will be as follows:
        • Correct response = +1 points
        • Incorrect response = no point loss if incorrect response is given, loss of 1 point if no response.
        • Opposing team may answer, no point loss if incorrect answer
        • If both contestants, to whom a question is addressed, fail to signal an intent to attempt an answer in the 5-second allowed time, neither contestant nor team shall lose or gain any points.
  • During the second half of the match, regular questions are open for response by any member of either team.
    Regular Questions
    The moderator shall clearly indicate the start of regular questions and of a toss-up question.
    The point value of a response to a regular or toss-up question shall be as follows:
    • Correct response = +1 point
    • Incorrect response = -1 point
    • Opposing team may answer, incorrect response = -1
    • If no contestant signals an intent to attempt an answer in the 5-second allowed time, neither contestant nor team shall lose or gain points
  • If a question is thrown out either due to poor reading by the moderator or a decision of the referee judges, it will be replaced by another question so that the total number of questions to be asked remains constant.
  • The team captain, the coach, or the moderator may call for a "time out" for clarification of a rule, to permit replacement of a team member, or to allow for unexpected problems. These "time outs" may be called only after a question has been answered and before the start of the next question.
  • Failure to answer after signaling intent is an incorrect answer.

Conduct of the Match

  • An isolation room will be provided for contestants prior to their competition in each round.
  • Teams are assembled and seated in their respective panels and each contestant given the opportunity to check their equipment.
  • A team captain is designated and will be seated nearest the moderator in position number 1.
  • The moderator reads the first question (as with all succeeding questions) until the completion of the reading of the questions or until such time as a contestant activates a buzzer. If a buzzer is activated during the reading of any question, the moderator will immediately cease reading the question.
  • The contestant activating the buzzer shall have five seconds after having been recognized by the moderator to begin the answer to the question.
    • The repeating of the question by the contestant shall not be considered the initiation of an answer.
    • It shall be the responsibility of the moderator and the referee judges to determine if an actual answer is started within the 5-second period.
  • If the answer to a question is begun during the 5-second allowable time and the answer is incorrect, that team and individual loses the point(s) associated with that question.
  • If the answer to any question, whether read to completion or not, is incorrect, the moderator will move on to the next question.
  • Answers to questions answered incorrectly will only be read the last match of each round.

Completing the Contest

  • The moderator will continue reading questions until all questions have been asked.
  • Following the final question, the team with the highest number of points shall be declared the winner of that match.
  • In the event of a tie after the designated number of questions, five additional regular questions will be asked. If a tie still remains after the overtime, additional regular questions will be asked and the first team to win a point (or because of a loss of a point by the other team, has a 1-point advantage) will be declared the winner.
  • Once the moderator has declared a winner based on the scores, there shall be no protest.
  • There shall be no protest of any questions or answers following the declaration of the winner.

Protesting

  • The protest of question or answer to a question may be made only by the team captain or the coach and then only at the time a particular question is read or the answer is given. The moderator and the referee judges will consider the protest, and their decision in all cases is final.
  • When a protest is made, play will be suspended until the protest is resolved.
    • The protesting team and coach will be given 3 minutes to support their protest.
    • Reference source material will be available in the contest room for their use.
  • If a protest is sustained, the moderator will take on of the following actions as is deemed appropriate:
    • A question is protested before an answer is given and the protest sustained -- discard the question. No loss or gain of points will result for either team.
    • An answer is protested (either correct or incorrect) - at least one of the referee judges and the moderator or both referee judges determine the validity of the protest. Points will be added or subtracted as appropriate.
    • A question is protested after an answer is given (correct or incorrect) - at least one referee judge and the moderator or both referee judges determine the validity of the protest of the question. The question may then be discarded at no loss of points or the question may be allowed with the appropriate gain or loss of points.
  • If a question is discarded, it will be replaced by another question so that the total number of questions to be asked remains constant.
  • Abuse of protest provisions may result in one or more of the following:
    • Dismissal of team coach from the contest area.
    • Dismissal (or replacement) of team captain.
    • Dismissal of entire team with forfeiture of any points or standing.
  • Spectators, parents and visitors may not protest any question, answer or procedure during the course of play. They may, however, submit in writing to the contest officials any suggestions, complaints or protests at the conclusion of the contest. Unseemly behavior, unsportsmanlike conduct or any actions which are generally accepted as detrimental to the contest may subject the perpetrators of such actions to dismissal from the immediate area of the contest. No writing of questions references.
  • No source of information is infallible. There may at times be answers given to questions which are in agreement with the recommended sources which are in fact erroneous. Every effort shall be made to eliminate such questions, but in the event of such occurrence, the referee judges and moderator may challenge the answer and if there is unanimous agreement, may elect to accept only the correct answer or to discard the questions with no loss or gain of points to either team.

Awards

Team Awards - (Depending on participation)

  • The winning team in the final match shall be Champion and the other final team Reserve Champion.
  • The rank of teams will be determined on the basis of their position within the elimination brackets. To place teams eliminated in the same round, the losing team will the smallest margin of defeat for the round will be awarded the higher rank.
  • Each team competing will receive either a Purple, Blue, Red or White ribbon. Ribbon awards will be determined at the discretion of the contest superintendent.

PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST RULES

Age divisions

  • Junior – 8 to 9 years old as of January 1 of current year
  • Intermediate - 10 to 13 years old
  • Senior – 14 to 18 years old

Photographs should focus on the following categories

  • Careers with companion animals
  • Animal health and/or nutrition
  • Good husbandry/grooming
  • Training and showing
  • Human-animal bond
  • Companion animal service or citizenship

GENERAL PHOTOGRAPHY RULES

  • Individuals may enter up to three exhibits.
  • Entry Tags: Entry Tag must be securely attached to the upper right hand corner of displays or prints.
  • A photograph may only be used on one exhibit and may be taken with a film or digital camera.
  • Photos must be shot between April 1, 2016 and the contest date.
  • Securely attach photos. Photos that are unattached with be disqualified.
  • Do not use photo corners, borders, or place coverings over the exhibits. Do not include negatives.
  • Personal Data Tags are required for all classes. Glue the tags securely to back of exhibits.
  • All exhibit prints are 8" x 10" prints mounted in 11" x 14" (outside size) cut matting (no frames) with a sandwich mat-board backing (not foam board); rectangular or oval inside matt opening.
  • Exhibits must be delivered to the south entrance of the Animal Science Building before 8:00 a.m. Saturday, of the contest.
  • Judging will take place during the 4-H Companion Animal Challenge between 8:30 AM and 12:00 PM. Exhibits will be available for pick-up Saturday by 2:30 PM unless prior arrangements are made.
  • The Champion and Reserve Champion exhibits of the senior age division will be retained for use in the State 4-H Companion Animal program.
  • The Nebraska 4-H Companion Animal Program will use diligence to ensure the safety of articles entered for exhibition after their arrival and placement. However, they will not be responsible for damage or loss by fire, theft, etc.
  • Exhibits not following these rules will not be considered for awards.

Personal Data Tag

  • Name:____________________
  • Age:_____
  • County:____________
  • Camera Description (digital/film, fixed/auto/SLR)
  • Film Speed/(ISO or ASA)Setting
  • Camera Setting (Flash, Natural or Artificial light used)
  • Filter Used (if any) (ex: color, screen, etc.)
  • Special Lens Used (if any)
  • Focus Type (Automatic, Manual, Fixed)
  • Aperture Type/F Stop Setting (Adjustable, Non-Adjustable)
  • Shutter Speed Setting (Adjustable, Non-Adjustable)

Answer the following questions:

  • How was the photo was taken and printed (describe equipment and software used)?
  • Describe any changes made to the picture using computer software.
  • What did you intend to capture and what do you like about this photo?

DOG SKILL-A-THON CONTEST RULES

AGE DIVISIONS
  • Intermediate (10-13yrs of age)
  • Seniors (14-18 yrs of age)

RULES

  • This is an individual contest. No teams.
  • While a contest is in progress, contestants shall not communicate with others, except as directed by the Superintendent of the contest. Participants will be informed of regulations at the beginning of each contest.

GUIDELINES

  • The contest will consist of a series of stations that are designed to test your knowledge of dogs.
  • Stations will include identification of breeds and equipment as well as hands on demonstrations of youth's knowledge of handling and other dog related knowledge.
  • Focus breed groups:
    2016 - Sporting Group
    2017 - Toy & Stock Found/Misc. (A-D)
    2018 - Hound
    2019 - Herding
    2020 - Working
    2021 - Terrier
    2022 - Non-Sporting & Stock Found/Misc. (E-P)
    2023 - Sporting & Stock Found/Misc. (R-W)

Stations will cover

  • Breed identification pictures from the Focus Group (majority of focus)
  • Breed identification pictures from all other groups (a few)
  • Conformation
  • Dog Body Language
  • Behavior
  • Grooming
  • Parasites
  • Nutrition
  • Life Stage
  • Obedience
  • Agility
  • Equipment – collars, leashes, grooming equipment, and items used for general care, etc.
  • Anatomy
  • Body Systems

RESOURCES AND STUDY GUIDES

  • 4-H Dog Manuals (Manuals 1 & 2 for Juniors; Manuals 1, 2, & 3 for Seniors)
  • American Kennel Club Breed Book
  • www.akc.org
  • PAWSitively Youth: A Guidebook about Dogs for Community Outreach Leaders, Cornell University Educational materials on the 4-H Dog web page, and general information about dogs that is available on the Companion Animal eXtension web page.

AWARDS

  • 4-H members participating in the skill-a-thon will be recognized as follows:
  • P-B-R-W to all contestants.
  • Champion and Reserve Champion will be awarded in each division.
  • Placing ribbons- 1st through 10th High Points, will be awarded in both Intermediate and Senior divisions.

RESULTS

  • Results tabulated and submitted by the Superintendent are final.
  • Results of the 1st through 10th highest point individuals will be posted after the contest.