Show of the Year Rules

1. The show will be held under the Rules of the Royal Pigeon Racing
   Association. All rings must be the property of the fancier entering them
   for a minimum of 14 days prior to date of show and registered
   as such in the records of the relevant Association/Union. Competitors entering pigeons over 10 years old must ensure that those rings have been registered correctly with the appropriate Association/Union. Any prize-winning pigeon found not to be correctly registered will be disqualified and the prize money forfeited.
   
   
2. All pigeons entered must be vaccinated against paramyxovirus with a DEFRA approved vaccine. No bird will be accepted into the show without a completed vaccination certificate.
   
   
3. Closing Dates: Classes 1 to 36 - 12^th December 2008 / Supreme Champion – 14^th January 2009. Entries will not be accepted after the closing dates.
   
   
4. Entries: Classes 1 to 8 & 21 to 32 - max 2 birds / 9 to 20 - max 1 bird / 33 to 36 & 37 (Stewards class) - unlimited. No duplicates will be allowed in any class.
   
   
5. Penning: Pigeons may only be penned in the presence of an official Steward. On arrival you must report to the Chief Steward’s Office where you must hand in your vaccination certificate and – if appropriate - your flown certificate and collect your pen numbers. Pen numbers will not be issued in advance although allocation of pens will take place after the closing date to ensure fair treatment for all. All penning must be completed by 7pm Friday 23^rd Jan 2009, except for entries to YF classes which must be penned before 7pm Friday 23^rd or between 9am - 10am Saturday 24^th Jan 2009.
   
   
6. Unpenning: No pigeon – except for YF - may be removed before 3.30pm Sunday 25^th January 2009.
   
   
7. Judging: Will commence at 7.30pm Friday 23^rd January 2009.
   YF classes will be judged the following morning.
   Judges may enter the show subject to RPRA rule 134.
   
   
8. Flown Classes: A completed flown certificate must be produced prior to penning for each entry to classes 21 to 30. No bird will be accepted into these classes without a valid flown certificate.
   
   
9. Young Fanciers: Entrants must be under 18 on 24^th January 2009.
   Birds must be penned before 7pm Friday 23^rd or between 9am - 10am Saturday 24^th January 2009.
   
   
10. BSRF Champion: Entries invited by BSRF committee.
    
    
11. Best in Show: To be judged from the winners of classes 1 to 16 inc. and 21 to 30 inc. plus winner of BSRF class. Winners of classes 17 to 20 or 31 to 37 inc. do not qualify for Best in Show.
    
    
12. Supreme Champion: Entries only accepted on official entry forms, signed by an official from the qualifying show. Class is open to overall winner of any Show of racing pigeons or show racers, held between 21^st January 2008 and 12^th January 2009, in which there were more than 500 entries on the day – not accumulative entries - fancy pigeon breeds do not qualify towards the 500 entries.
    
    
    The qualifying Show must have been organised by a Union recognised by the RPRA.
    
    Entry is free but no duplications are allowed. Entries must be received by 14^th January 2009.
    
    
13. Results: Will be published in The British Homing World.
    Objections must be made in writing to RPRA HQ, The Reddings, Cheltenham, GL51 6RN no later than 7 days after the date of publication.
    
    
14. Compensation: Every possible care will be taken of pigeons entered into the Show but all pigeons entered are left at owners’ risk. In the event of the loss of any pigeon, for whatever reason, whilst in the care of the Show Committee the maximum indemnity payable is £50 per pigeon.