IAO Rules

IAO Participants - Please Note

The 2008 International Alpaca Odyssey will use the last published version of the show rules.

2007 IAJS Rules - MS Word format
2005 IAJS Breed Standard - MS Word format

IAJS Rules for 2008

Revised 11.23.06 Copyright 12.1.04

The following rules pertain to the responsibilities of the four major groups involved in the preparation and conduct of the show; show conveners, judges, stewards and exhibitors. For a full understanding of the show rules, all persons involved in showing should familiarize themselves with all the material. The materials must also include the INTERNATIONAL HUACAYA AND SURI BREED STANDARDS that are used as the basis for determining the soundness of alpacas entered in I.A.J.S. shows.

WARNING: All participants in I.A.J.S. shows must be fully conversant with the rules and alpaca standards by which I.A.J.S. shows are run.

JUDGING CRITERIA - HALTER

All judgment of quality of Huacaya and Suri alpacas in the International Show Ring shall be done according to the International Standards for Huacaya and Suri alpacas.

The following two options shall be available for emphasis of judgment. Show management may choose the emphasis distribution that they wish to be implemented in their show but MUST indicate in the show information which option they have chosen :

Option 1

Allotment of % point allocation may be 60% Fleece and 40% conformation.

Option 2

Allotment of % point allocation may be 70% Fleece and 30% conformation.

A fully trained show steward prior to the commencement of the show shall scrutinize all alpaca entries for eligibility of entry. Any disputed decision shall be scrutinized by the judge where upon their determination or judgment shall be final.

RULES FOR SHOW CONVENORS/ORGANISERS/MANAGERS

A show should be organized by the show management team/convener according to procedures set down in the show schedule, with strict adherence to the Show Rules.
Only a judge certified through IAJS shall be authorized to judge an International Show using IAJS Show Rules. Find a list of certified judges at www.iajscouncil.com
Only a steward certified through IAJS shall be authorized to steward an International Show using IAJS Show Rules. Find a list of certified stewards at www.iajscouncil.com
The show convener/manager shall ensure that alpacas and fleeces are entered and exhibited in the correct sections as determined by the show management.
The show management /convener shall ensure that a show catalogue is printed that records each class, and details of every alpaca and fleece entered as exhibits. This catalogue will be provided free of charge to every exhibitor, with extra copies made available for spectators at the show who are not exhibitors.
Show management must be aware that the Stewards may need to consult with the judges for the settling of any dispute prior to the show commencing and prior to the printing of the show catalogue Access of the stewards to the judges shall therefore be made in a timely manner prior to commencement of the show.
Show management must ensure that the most effective lighting conditions possible are provided for the judging of both Halter and fleece classes in I.A.J.S. shows. If a show is judges in daylight then it is appropriate to stage the darker color classes at the beginning of the day when the light is good. If the show is held under lighting then the order of classes can be at the discretion of the management.
There will be a $100.00 fee paid to the IAJS Council from each international show to aid in the cost of website upkeep and administration fees. This fee is subject to change as number of International Shows per year change.

RULES FOR JUDGES

Only Internationally certified judges will accept an invitation to judge an International Show using the International Alpaca Show Rules laid out in this document.
A judge shall avoid accepting an invitation to judge alpaca classes at more than one show in an area within a period of six months; except in the case where no other judge is available.
A judge who, after agreeing to judge alpacas or alpaca fleeces at a show, receives an invitation to be the overnight house guest of any alpaca owner just prior to the show, shall make appropriate enquiry to establish whether that person intends to exhibit or handle alpacas or alpaca fleeces at that show, and shall decline the invitation if the person does so intend.
The judge shall not exhibit alpacas or alpaca fleece at any show at which he or she is judging both alpacas and fleece. However, a fleece judge may enter alpacas in halter classes at a show provided that he/she is judging only fleeces at that show. An alpaca judge may enter fleeces at a show provided that he/she is judging only halter classes at that show.
The immediate family of a judge may not exhibit alpacas at a halter show where the related judge is officiating as an alpaca judge. However, they may exhibit fleeces at that show. The immediate family of a judge may not enter fleeces at a show where related judge is officiating as a fleece judge. However they may exhibit alpacas in halter classes at that show.
On arrival at a show the judge shall proceed immediately to the show management office. No person other than a show official or show steward shall speak with the judge before judging commences.
A judge must not view the official show catalogue prior to or during judging and show management must ensure that no opportunity arises for the judge to see the show catalogue. The judge shall refuse to examine any catalogue that comes to his/her attention by any means until judging is completed.
No person shall accompany the judge into the judging ring except persons appointed for that purpose by show management or those apprenticing in the I.A.J.S. judges training program.
The judge may direct the immediate disqualification and removal from the judging ring of any exhibit whose handler addresses or attempts to address the judge while the class is being judged, except in response to a request from the judge.
The judge may in his/her absolute discretion direct the removal of an alpaca or person from the competition on the grounds of bad conduct.
The judge may in his/her absolute discretion direct the chief steward to remove an exhibit from the judging ring on the grounds of unsoundness or being unfit to compete.
A class that has been judged shall not be re-judged.
The decision of the judge is final and no protest shall be made in relation to it except on the grounds that a judge has committed a breach of these rules. Any protest must follow proper procedures as laid out elsewhere in these rules.
A judge may protest against an exhibitor in the case of an alleged infringement of these rules by lodging a written protest to show management within 24 hours of the event.

RULES FOR STEWARDS

Only Internationally certified Chief Stewards will accept an invitation to steward an International Show using the International Alpaca Show Rules laid out in this document
A Chief Steward, Inspection Steward or Ring Steward may not exhibit alpacas at a show at which they are officiating as a steward. A Fleece Steward may not exhibit fleece at a show where he/she is officiating as a score sheet recorder, working with the judge.
Stewards shall perform the official alpaca inspections, in a timely manner, before the commencement of judging.
Stewards' Inspection checklist
The steward's checklist for the inspection of alpacas shall include:
1. general health and soundness e.g. checking for lice
2. correct colour and age for class entered
3. disqualifying faults (These shall include all major faults as listed in the Huacaya and Suri International Breed Standards)
4. fleece length for huacayas minimum 50 mm (2") and maximum l50 mm (6")
  fleece length for suris minimum 75 mm (3")
  no shaping or clipping e.g. poodle/lion clips, shall be allowed in the show ring.
5. Identification:
  - Any microchip identification of an alpaca must be recorded clearly on the show entry form. All microchip identification must match the number entered on the show entry form at check in time.
  - Any ear tag identification must be recorded clearly on the show entry form. . All ear tag identification must match the number entered on the show entry form at check in time.
  - All registration certificates must match the color, age, type (huacaya/Suri) and sex of the alpaca at time of check in.
  - Copies of pending registration applications will be accepted for the junior age category only (7-12 mos) for identification of those alpacas that have not been registered with an official registry at the time of the show. However the copy of registration application must match with regard to color, age, type (huacaya/Suri), and sex of the alpaca.
During the official inspection, the only persons present for the inspection of an alpaca will be: The exhibitor or his/her nominated representative and the Inspection steward and information recording assistant recording/validating the inspection information.
The chief steward shall reclassify an exhibit entered in a class for which it is not eligible for age sex or colour immediately on becoming aware of the irregularity at the time of inspection. The reclassification shall be approved with the judge.
Classes may be combined at the combined discretion of the Chief steward and Judge. Combinations will be carried out in the following order of priority:
1. Colour,
2. Age,
3. Sex.
The chief steward or ring steward may disqualify an exhibit on the grounds of :
1. The Handler being incorrectly attired. (Organizing committees in individual countries may define their own dress code providing it projects an image of uniformity and professionalism. There will be no stud/ranch/farm, personal logo or identification displayed on either alpaca or exhibitor in any International Show ring.)
2. Exhibit being infested with lice, or other communicable diseases determined by the onsite Veterinarian at time of registration.
It is recommended that no identification of prize-winning alpacas will be disclosed prior to Supreme Champion Award. Spectators shall refer to the show catalogue for identification of exhibits. (On going show results shall be recorded immediately after tabulation on a results board at ring-side in a position that is not visible to the judge. This tabulation shall include the name of the owner of the alpaca, farm of origin and identification of alpaca as related to the show catalogue, alpaca name [optional].)

RULES FOR EXHIBITORS

At any show an alpaca is ineligible to compete if:
1. it is not registered in a register kept by the appropriate body for each individual country and the information on the registration certificate does not match the alpaca entered for the show.
2. It does not have copy of pending official registration application form and the information on the registration application form certificate does not match the alpaca entered for the show.
3. its identity cannot be verified to match the registration certificate.
4. it is of suri type entered in a class for huacaya alpacas.
5. It is of huacaya type entered in a class for suri alpacas.
An alpaca must be entered and exhibited in the name of the registered owner, or the owner represented on the pending registration form.
An alpaca is disqualified from competition at a show if:
1. the judge has a share of ownership in, or stands to make any financial gain from, the alpaca.
2. the alpaca during the six months prior to the date of the show has:
  1. been boarded or agisted on a property under the said judge's control
  2. been purchased from the said judge.
  3. been trained by the said judge.
Note: disqualification in b) above does not extend to an alpaca that has been under the control of the judge for mobile mating purposes.
A person who, during the six months prior to the show, has received from or paid to the judge any fees or other remunerations in respect of alpacas (with the exception of mobile mating) is disqualified from exhibiting at that show.
An exhibitor, or his/her nominated representative who is unavailable to assist with the inspection of his/her alpaca (s) at the designated inspection time may be disqualified.
No person or exhibit shall enter or exit the judging ring after judging of a class begins, until judging of that class has been completed and awards for that class have been presented except with the consent of the judge, or at the direction of the judge or chief steward.
In the case of prize winning exhibitors and their alpacas, all shall remain in the judging ring until the completion of the Judge's comments.
The handler of an exhibit in the judging ring shall remain with the exhibit until judging has been completed unless the Judge authorizes a change of handler or removal of the exhibit from the judging ring due to the handler's inability to control the alpaca.
Handlers shall be neatly attired and well groomed according to the dress code established by the show management committee in each country. There shall be no identifying stud/farm/ranch or personal logo displayed on either handler or alpaca in the show ring.
Every exhibitor, alpaca handler and groom of alpacas at a show shall behave respectfully toward judges, show officials, other persons involved in alpaca classes and the general public during the show.

CLASS CATEGORIES THAT ARE OFFERED UNDER INTERNATIONAL SHOW RULES

Halter classes that are offered for the competition of sound breeding alpacas.
Fibre/Fleece classes for the competition of fleece only off the alpaca.
Composite classes that combine the judgment of conformation of the shorn alpaca and the fleece shorn off that alpaca in the current shearing season of the age of alpaca presented for conformation judging.
Get of sire classes for the exhibition and competition of groups of three offspring of a designated alpaca herd sire.
Produce of dam for the exhibition and competition of groups of two offspring of a designated alpaca dam.

COLOUR CLASSIFICATION (See age/colour classification tables appendix 1)

There are two options offered under the color classification system for I.A.J.S. Shows. The show may be run under either option and will be dependant on the number of alpacas entered in the show.

Colour classification shall not be determined by the breeder but shall be the decision of the show stewards at the time of Steward checking for the show. Color classification shall be designated according to the six colour groupings offered under I.A.J.S. shows; white, fawn, brown, black, gray, fancy. The show steward shall place shades that do not conform to the main colour groupings in an appropriate class matching the most appropriate class for the shade. Where a color falls between two color shades on the color chart the alpaca will be placed in the darker color classification. Any arising dissention will be dealt with by the judges making the colour and class placement decision. The judges decision shall be final.

Option 1.

Solid Colour.
An alpaca is to be shown in the appropriate colour class, when it is predominantly the colour stated for the name of the class. The alpaca will be disadvantaged, at the judge's discretion, if it has any other coloured fibres present. e.g spots or any other colour markings. White includes pure white, cream or beige.

Alpacas with a predominant colour to the fleece that have small amounts of alternate colour interspersed throughout, shall be placed in the colour class appropriate for the solid or predominant colour of the overall fleece. Any dissention shall be settled by determination of the judges and that decision shall be final.

White, Fawn, brown and black shall be considered solid colour designations.
Multi Colour.
An alpaca is to be shown in the Multi class if it has any unusual or striking distribution of two or more colours that are distinct and immediately visible and are situated on the alpaca below the ears and above the knees. Appaloosas, pintos and alpacas with white rings around the neck are examples of this designation. The colour pattern of the whole alpaca, not just its blanket shall be considered. Any greys with spots bigger than the palm of an average hand (10cmx10cm) shall be put into the multi class.
Grey/roan Colour designation
The Grey Alpaca is typically a mixture of colored fibers occurring in a wide range of shades. Rose Grey is a mix of predominantly brown with white, grey and black fiber; Silver Grey is a reasonably uniform distribution of black and white and/or grey fiber. The traditional grey alpaca has what is referred to as a "tuxedo front" which means that it has white on the face, brow and the apron. There are also solid grey alpacas. The prime fiber may be a consistent shade of grey, or may exhibit small spots of secondary color. Any greys with spots bigger than the palm of an average hand (10cmx10cm) shall be put into the multi class
Alpacas with a predominant colour to the fleece that have small amounts of alternate colour interspersed throughout, shall be placed in the colour class appropriate for the solid or predominant colour of the overall fleece. Any dissention shall be settled by determination of the judges and that decision shall be final.

Option 2.

The following three solid colour designations may be used:

White (including beige)
Fawn.
Dark colours, browns greys, blacks, and fancies.

The alpaca will be disadvantaged, at the judge's discretion, if it has any other coloured fibres present. e.g spots or any other colour markings. The category of multi and grey will not be scrutinized for the prescence of alternate colored fibres.

All colour classifications shall be determined by the colour classification that is designated to the alpaca at time of registration in the registry of the country of residence where the countries registry provides this designation. In countries where a registry does not provide the colour designation of the alpaca on the registration certificate, the Chief Steward and Judge shall determine this classification, prior to the alpaca entering the show ring. Where a colour classification allocation on a registration certificate does not match that of the alpaca presented for registration, the colour classification shall be determined and agreed upon by the Chief Steward and Judge. All colour classification rulings shall be final and binding at the discretion of the judge.

AGE CLASSIFICATIONS FOR ALPACA HALTER CLASSES

(See age/colour classification tables appendix 1)

The following two options shall be available for age classification of alpaca halter classes:

Option 1.

Junior Male and Female 7 months to under 12 months
Intermediate Male and Female 12 months to under 24 months
Senior Male and Female 24 months to under 36 months
Mature Male and Female 36 months and over.

Option 2.

Age by dental development. (see appendix for age determination chart - drawings are in the works for this) This option is open for countries where traditionally this aging system has been used for centuries and there is no accurate record of births, breedings and deaths. This dental development is the most accurate method of determining age. Alpacas of less than one year of age are not usually shown in this system.

Category 1. MILK TEETH

Age group is 1 year to under 2.5 years. (The average age for the milk teeth to change is around 2.5 yrs)

Category 2. TWO TEETH

Age group is 2.5 years to under 3.5 years.

Category 3. FOUR TEETH

Age group is 3.5 years to under 4.5 (This change can take up to five years with much variation in completion time.)

Category 4. FULL MOUTH

Age group is 4.5/5 years an over.

HALTER CLASS CHAMPIONSHIPS

Grand Championships may be awarded in any designated colour category providing there are no less that 16 entries in that category and the exhibits have moved through their age grouping competition successfully.

Supreme Championships may be awarded where there are a minimum of 30 entries of one sex of Huacaya type competing in the show i.e. for a supreme Huacaya male champion there must be a minimum of 30 Huacaya males competing in the show and likewise for a supreme female huacaya champion.

Supreme Championships may be awarded where there are a minimum of 20 entries of one sex of Suri type competing in the show i.e. for a supreme Suri male champion there must be a minimum of 20 Suri males competing in the show and likewise for a Supreme Female Suri Champion.

In shows where the colour categories do not meet the required numbers stipulated to hold a colour Grand Championship, the first alpacas of the color groupings that do not qualify may move forward and compete for the Supreme Championship. In shows where there are not 30 huacayas of each sex or 20 suris of each sex there will be no Supreme Championship awarded.

FIBRE/FLEECE CLASSES

Fleece preparation.
All fleece exhibits shall be the blanket portion only, and shall be skirted of all short, stained and any fibre that does not conform to the quality of the blanket area. Contaminants such as vegetable matter and short cuts shall be removed. Poorly prepared fleeces shall be compromised at the discretion of the judge.
Age categories shall be as follows.
1. 6 to under 18 months.
2. 18 to under 30 months.
3. 30 months and over.
These categories shall not apply in the composite class where the halter class age categories will be substituted.
Composite class exhibits.
All composite class exhibits shall be eligible to enter a fleece show after they have been judged for the composite class. Therefore all composite class fleece judging shall take place prior to the commencement of judging of fleece classes.
Judging criteria.
Suri and Huacaya fleeces shall be judged for the following criteria:
1. Fineness and handle. 30
2. Lock formation and density. 15
3. Length of staple. 10
4. Uniformity of Colour 5
5. Brightness/ Luster Huacaya/Suri 5/15
6. Absence of Medulation. 5
7. Character: Crimp Huacaya 10
8. Impurities/Stain/Tip Damage 5
9. Clean fleece weight. 15
Fleece score cards.

Fleece score cards shall be provided for the judge by the show convener and shall be formatted individually for Suri and Huacaya fleeces. Each exhibit shall have its own score card and the score card shall remain with the fleece at all times. Identification shall be the official exhibit number issued by the convener at the time the exhibit is delivered for judging. No other identification shall be allowed on the score card or the fleece exhibit.

Work sheets shall be the property of the judge but may be photocopied for the records of show management.
Fleece fineness judgment.
The revised fibre fineness chart as determined by Cameron Holt shall be used to tabulate fibre fineness scores where a guideline is needed.
Clean fleece weight points.
Clean fleece weight points shall be awarded according to the revised clean fleece weight chart as determined by Cameron Holt.

COMPOSITE CLASS

This class will comprise of two sections, which must both be entered in to become a composite class winner. Halter class rules shall apply in the areas of fibre type, gender, age divisions, colour groupings and ideal colour groupings. The exception will be fleece length - see animal preparation. Fleece class rules shall apply for the fleece section of the class

Emphasis guide:

Conformation only of the shorn alpaca shall be judged in the show ring

Fleece shall be judged in stand-alone fleece classes held specifically for the alpacas entered in this class category. Animal preparation:

Fleece length - other than top-knots and tails, alpacas must be completely shorn with a maximum of l inch on the cheeks, neck, legs and blanket. Point allotment.

The following scoring system shall be used for the composite class.

The class placing awarded to the alpaca in the shorn section of the composite class shall be the point allotment for that section of the composite class. E.g. 1st place is allotted 1 point, 2nd place is allotted 2 points etc.)
The class placing awarded to the alpaca in the fleece section of the composite class shall be the point allotment for that section of the composite class.
1. and 2. score will be added together for the alpaca exhibited, with the lowest scoring accumulation winning the class.
The fleece scoring the lowest placing score in the fleece section shall break all ties.

SIRES PROGENY / GET OF SIRE

(Both Huacaya and Suri breeds are eligible to enter this class but shall be judged separately.)

The class is for three progeny by one sire.

Entry is made in the name of the sire.

Progeny may represent both sexes, but not geldings and must be from three different females.

The sire is not shown with this group entry.

The progeny do not have to be owned by the owner of the sire or by the same owner.

All entries must be fully fleeced.

All entries must have been shown in their appropriate halter class.

DAMS PROGENY / PRODUCE OF DAM

The class is for two progeny from the same dam.

Entry is made in the name of the dam.

Progeny may represent both sexes, but not geldings.

The dam is not shown with this group entry.

The progeny must be from two different sires.

All entries must be fully fleeced.

All entries must have been shown in their appropriate halter class.

OTHER CLASS OPTIONS

The IAJS does not recognize any other class categories as this time. Should show managers or convenors wish to include any other class in a show, they may certainly do so providing that the treatment of the alpacas is completely humane at all times. Classes such as gelding, costume and performance classes are not recognized as breeding classes and therefore may be held but it must be made clear through announcement in the show catalogue and publicly at the show that these are not IAJS recognized classes. They are being held as stand alone exhibition classes.

PROTESTS AND DEALING WITH MISCONDUCT

All shows run by the International Rules shall appoint a Show System Grievance Committee (S.S.G.C.) prior to the commencement of the show. Conduct that may be considered prejudicial to the industry may include but not be limited to:
1. a demonstration of dissatisfaction with a judge's decision, including refusal to accept an award or throwing an award on the ground,
2. altercations with officials or participants,
3. abusive or foul language in public,
4. mistreatment of an alpaca.
Judges who are the target of abusive language and under whom an exhibitor refuses to follow their instructions, as well as being insulted with any suggestive language, gestures or request should report directly to the Chief Steward or Show Convenor/Manager who shall then follow the appropriate disciplinary steps and code of ethics as set up by the Show System Grievance Committee.
Exhibitors who have a complaint, protest, criticism, comment or suggestion shall direct all or any of the preceding concerns to the Show System Grievance Committee of the current show Must be in writing and signed by the exhibitor who has an issue to be dealt with.
1. A rational and complete description of events that transpired must be included as well as stating names of those witnessing the transgression if possible and who would attest to the fact that such an act of misconduct occurred.
Any signed complaints, protests, criticisms, comments or suggestions must be postmarked within 15 days after the scheduled closing of the approved show and shall be held in the strictest of confidence.
A fee of $50.00 U.S. must accompany all written protests.
Anonymous letters of any critical intent will not be accepted or read. They will be ignored.
All signed complaints, protests, criticisms, comments and suggestions will be reviewed by the Show System Grievance Committee (SSGC) of the show and replied to by the SSGC in as efficient a manner as possible.
All written and signed decisions handed down by the SSGC shall be final and absolute.
Disciplinary Action will be required by the SSGC as necessary to deter further misconduct and to give incentive to others within the industry to maintain as high a level of integrity as possible. Any disciplinary action may include, but may not be limited to, the following:
1. Show Management
  1. Written warning
  2. Denial of future show approvals
2. Judges
  1. Written warning
  2. Removal from Approved Judges' List
3. Exhibitor
  1. Written warning
  2. Points and or awards revoked
  3. Denial of eligibility to participate in any approved show or event.
4. Handlers
  1. Written warning
  2. Denial of eligibility to participate in any approved show or event
  .
All participants including conveners, exhibitors, and judges agree that they will abide by the IAJS Code of Ethics (This will also be forthcoming shortly)