Open Class:
Wire coat, Sporting, All Purebreds and Poodle Classes

• 1st Place – $300
• 2nd Place – $150
• 3rd Place $75
• Best In Show $1,000

Novice Class:
Wire coat, Sporting, All Purebreds and Poodle Classes

• 1st Place – $100
• 2nd Place – $50
• 3rd Place $25
• Best In Show $500

1st Timers Class:
Wire, Sporting, All Other Purebreds, Poodle, Creative Tag Team (does not move to Best In Show)

• 1st Place – Rossette
• Best In Show $300

Fun Class:
Clipper Classic & Salon Freestyle

• 1st Place – $50
• 2nd Place – $30
• 3rd Place $20

Creative Tag Team Challange:

• 1st Place – $250
• 2nd Place – $75
• 3rd Place $50

Judy Hudson and Christina Pawlosky will serve as the dynamic duo co-judging the Open Category to enclude Wire Coat, Sporting, All Other Purebred, and Poodle, Novice, 1st Timers, and Just For Fun. These categories include Wire Coat, Sporting, All Other Purebred, Poodle, Creative Tag Team Challenge, Clipper Classic, and Salon Freestyle.

**Check-In:**
Registration commences one hour before the contest initiation and concludes 15 minutes prior to the designated start time. Upon arrival, connect with the contest coordinator to receive your table assignment and number. It is essential to have a before photo taken during this process.

**Pre-Judge:**
In the pre-judging phase, judges will visit participants to confirm their correct class/division and ensure awareness of the allocated time frame. Any issues with the dog, such as missing coat or sores, will be duly noted.

**Break:**
A mandatory break is scheduled one hour into the competition. All participants must temporarily remove their dogs from the grooming area during this intermission.

**End:**
As the competition concludes, promptly clear your table. Ensure a comb is readily available for the judge’s use during the evaluation of your groom. Light use of styling spray is permitted to maintain the coat’s position and minimize static; however, extensive spraying and reshaping are strictly prohibited. Keep your dog stacked until the judge completes the evaluation of the class. Every competitor must take an after photo once the judge has concluded their assessment.

GroomTeam USA Sanctioned Class Rules

https://groomteamusa.us/sanctioned-class-rules/

Salon Freestyle

Contest Time Limit: 17” and under – 1:45 (1 hour, 45 minutes)
Over 17” – 2:00 (2 hours)

Divisions: Open, Entry

Acceptable Breeds/Styles:  Any dog of mixed parentage, such as a Doodle or a Shih-Poo.. Any AKC purebred dog distinctly NOT styled to breed standard. Examples of acceptable styles include, but are not limited to: Poodle (no shaved feet or face) in a Kerry trim, Poodle (no shaved feet or face) in a spiral trim, Shih Tzu in a panda trim, trending styles such as Asian Fusion, the Poodlington, unique pet styles, and breed trims created on alternative mixed or any AKC purebred dogs. May use multiple bows for tie-ups, small amounts of color (10%  or less on dog) may be added with chalk, blow pens or markers. Show topknots may be pre-banded, including hair extensions and curlers prior to the start of the class, however spray up products are prohibited prior to the start of the class.

Final Judging:  Judge will evaluate the following: balance, symmetry, finish and mastery of the trim. Contestants will be evaluated on the mastery of above criteria while showcasing each dog according to his/her body type, structure and coat type. For scissored dogs, this evaluation includes creating a plush overall appearance without scissor marks, for hand-stripped and/or carded dogs, proper technique to achieve a natural appearance, and all clipper work should be smooth and free of  marks and irritation. Difficulty will be evaluated with regard to the amount of coat removed, coat type, texture, quality and quantity, and the overall design or style chosen and its suitability for the dog. If color is used on your entry, the color will not be considered in judging. Accessories, such as decorative collars are allowed, however must be removed per the judge’s request during final judging.

Clipper Classic

Contest Time Limit: 2:00 Hours

Divisions: Open to all competitors at any level

Acceptable Breeds: Any purebred or mixed breed. All dogs must have a minimum of 8 weeks coat growth.

General Rules: This is a Solo Clipper class. This class will challenge groomers to style any breed using only clippers.  Feel free to follow the breed standard or create a unique style to accentuate the dog’s conformation. The hair may be lifted with combs or fingers and any kind of clippers (with or without snap-on combs) is allowed. Scissors are not allowed during this competition, with the exception of the final 10 minutes for final touches. The use of scissors at any time during the competition other than the designated “Scissors Up” period will be cause for disqualification. All clipper work must be done in the ring during the allotted competition time. There is no pre-clipping allowed in this class. Pads and sanitary areas are to be done prior to the contest start time. For Poodles, clean feet and faces must be done during the competition time frame. All dogs must have a minimum of 6 weeks coat growth.

Final Judging: Entries will be judged based upon adherence to the rules. Groomers should strive to complete a balanced groom that highlights their clipper work. Judge will evaluate the following: Balance, symmetry, uniformity and style of the trim. The ability of the groomer to execute the style chosen which suits the dog according to his/her body type, structure and coat. Clipper work should be smooth and free of irritation. Difficulty will be assessed with regard to the amount of coat removed, difficulty of the coat type, texture, quality and quantity.

“Two groomers, one dog, groomed to perfection”  -WPA

RW GroomX Creative Tag team/ Duo

Judge: Shannon Tupes
Each competitor must register for the Creative Tag Team (Duo) Challenge. The purchase price is per competitor not per team.
Competitors need to register as the highest level of each of the competitors (1st Timers have not competed in a creative competition, Just for Fun one or both competitors have entered a creative competition in the past)
The Creative Tag Team challenge is an exhibition of colorfully staged, uniquely presented, and exquisitely groomed dogs using props and music for the presentation performed by two groomers.
Two groomers will work simultaneously on one dog.
Contest Time Limit: 3 hours.
Divisions: Entry: anyone who has not placed 1st in any live dog Creative Contest.
Open:  open to all competitors
Acceptable Breeds/Styles:
Any purebred or mixed breed dog can be used. For Poodle styles, face and feet must be shaved during competition time frame.
Competitors are permitted a designated 5’x5’ space for prop set up. Exhibits exceeding 5’x5’ will be disqualified.
All products used must be safe and non-toxic to the pet and stylist; Glue must be water-soluble.
Placement of large and/or heavy objects or any object that restrain movement on the pet is prohibited.
50% of the dog needs to be colored. This means no dyeing in the ring but up to 50% pre dye work is acceptable.
Competitors must title their designs.
If desired, music may be used during the presentation. Music used for presentation is the sole responsibility of the competitor.
DVD presentations are not permitted.
A maximum of 2 minutes is permitted per presentation.
Accessories may be used to enhance the style or theme of the groom- however they should not detract from the overall impression of the groom itself.
This is to be a creation from both parties/groomers, created specifically for this class. An individual’s creative design that has been competed with previously within the last year is not acceptable.
Final Judging: Originality and creativity of the design and theme. Quality of styling techniques. Sharpness and precision of clipper lines. Sharpness and/or blending of color. Quality of scissor finish. Quality and harmony of props and decorations in the final presentation. The Judges will evaluate the balance, symmetry, uniformity, and style of the trim. For scissored dogs, the execution of a plush overall appearance without scissor marks, unevenness, or unintended protruding coat. Clipper work should be smooth and free of irritation. Special considerations will be given for difficulty, combined teamwork, and the ability for the team to work cohesively together The Judges will evaluate the following: Balance, symmetry, uniformity, degree of difficulty and cleanliness of color work and adherence to the Duo’s chosen theme.

Notes to keep in mind when it comes to this competition:

Backdrops are highly encouraged but not required. Please do not exceed a 5’x5’ display of any sorts.

If you wish to dress to match your theme, please feel more than welcome to do so. This is not required in any way though.

Props are encouraged, but not required.

Absolutely no additional dogs on stage for presentation.

Absolutely NO bribing!