RATIONALE:
Remaining true to the original intent of CWCCA Supported Shows, there is an expectation that supported shows must be special for not only the exhibitors but also the greater show community. They should present to the fancy the best we have to offer. There is an expectation that judges be knowledgeable and only the best dog (one that best conforms to the standard) goes on to the group. A win at a supported entry must be special and only one small step down from a national or a regional win. From a breed standpoint, the uniqueness of a supported entry is undermined when there are multiple consecutive days of supported shows especially when different dogs win each day. That implies a lack of consistency (or competency) in judging and/or consistency of quality of entry. One supported show per cluster should be the norm.
POLICIES:
- One supported show per weekend/cluster. Exception: supported shows with sweepstakes, sponsored by a regional club or parent club, in association with a regional specialty, limited to 2 shows for a weekend/cluster event.
- Supported shows distance and timing: Cannot be within 200 miles of another supported entry or must be more than 30 days out from another supported entry if within the 200-mile distance. No supported entries may be held within 30 days or 300 miles of the National Specialty, exceptions may be considered due to the timing and various locations of the National Specialty.
- All supported entry applications will have the prior year’s participation considered (if applicable) prior to approval by the show event committee. This is in the spirit of keeping the supported entries as a unique showcase of our breed. Considerations will be events that did not draw majors, a variety of dogs and exhibitors and/or did not have good participation in sweepstakes.
- All supported entry shows must include a Cardigan-specific judges and/or breeder education program. This should include ringside mentoring for breeders and fanciers as well as prospective judges by CWCCA approved Judges Education mentors whenever possible.
- Puppy/veteran sweepstakes are encouraged. To be approved as a sweepstakes judge, an individual must be active in Cardigans for a minimum of 10 years or be an AKC-licensed judge that is applying for Cardigans in the near future. The names of regular class judges may be submitted to the Chair of the Judges’ Education Committee. Should the judge be identified as one who has a letter of complaint listed with CWCCA by an approved mentor or be known to the JEC as not having significant knowledge of the Standard, the contact person will be encouraged to find another judge or the supported show may be denied. We encourage breeder judges or breed specialists whenever possible.
- No supported show other than a companion show will be approved for the same weekend as a national or regional specialty show.
PROCEDURE
- Download Supported Show/Sweepstakes form from the CWCCA website.
- Complete all applicable sections of the form and send (email or mail) to Show relations committee member identified on the form. The form should include the host kennel club’s permission letter to hold the supported entry/sweepstakes and any additional events. This form must be received no later than 7 months prior to the scheduled event
- Receipt of application will be acknowledged and distributed to the Show Relations committee members within 7 days. If any questions or concerns result from the review of the application, a member of the Show Relations Committee will contact the applicant. The event will be approved within 15 days of receipt once any questions/concerns are addressed.
- Approximately 30 days before the show, the Chair of the Show Relations Committee will send a letter to the regular class judge informing them of the supported show. This welcome letter will also include an introduction to the sweepstakes judge and the trifold from Judges Education.
- Best of Breed and High in Trial (if applicable) medallions are sent to applicant 2 – 4 weeks prior to date of show.
- Upon completion of the show, applicant will send results to designated Show Relations committee member and the website administrator, which will be verified and posted to the CWCCA website.
- Any exceptions to the above SOP will require the approval of the Show Relations Committee and Board of Directors.
Approved October 2011
Amended November 2024
