Rules & Regulations - Carbery Show Society

We want everyone to have an enjoyable day! To help us to achieve this, please abide by the rules, obey safety officers and stewards, and listen to announcements.

Rules and Regulations

Intending Exhibitors are requested to peruse the Rules carefully and not enter anything for Exhibition unless they are prepared to comply with regulations.

The Closing date for receipt of Entries in all Classes is Wednesday 8th July 2026.

This closing date is to allow our printers time to print the Show Catalogue, and Exhibitors are earnestly requested to send in their entries on time.

A person entering an Exhibit and failing to send same for Exhibition, shall forfeit entry fee.

Exhibits in the Indoor Section - Horticulture, Flowers, Cookery and Arts & Crafts, must be staged before 3pm on Wednesday 15th July. Exhibits may be removed from the Show from 5pm. No responsibility will be taken for any items left in the indoor hall.

Exhibits in Horses, Cattle, should be in Show Grounds not later than 10am on the morning of the Show.

One person only will be admitted free with each Livestock Exhibit.

The Judges are requested to select such Horses in each class for veterinary examination as they may consider eligible for prizes of commendation, but not to determine the order of merit of such Horses until they receive the report of the veterinary surgeon's examination. Should an objection be made to any successful animals in any class on the score of age or height, the Stewards of the class shall have the animal examined by the veterinary surgeon, whose decision shall be final.

The Judges are instructed to withhold a prize where sufficient merit does not appear. The acceptance of any entry fee by the secretary shall not be regarded as an admission that the Exhibit is to compete or to receive an award. The award of prizes by the Judges shall be final otherwise provided for in these rules notwithstanding any error that may be made by a Steward or other official of the Society, in placing a prize card on an Exhibit.

Objections must be lodged in writing with the I.S.A. representative at the show and the Show Secretary within half an hour following the completion of judging, together with a fee of €50, or other stated fee, which is refundable in the event of the objection being upheld.

A parade of prize-winning horses and cattle will take place at 4pm approx.

The Society reserves the right to refuse entry to Show Grounds at all times.

The Society will not be accountable for any accident that may occur to any persons attending the show, whether as an Exhibitor, Visitor or otherwise.

Full catering facilities are available on the grounds at nominal charge.

The Prize Schedule is issued subject to the General Rules and Regulations of the Society.

The Society will not be accountable for any loss or damage to Exhibitors, Exhibits or Trade Stands.

Until a cup is won outright, the person to whom it is awarded shall give an undertaking to the Society that the Cup will be delivered up to the Secretary in as good condition as it was received, at least 14 clear days before the date of succeeding show.

The Society reserves the right of altering the time and conditions of competition for any of these cups for future Shows, or withholding a Cup if the Judges do not find sufficient merit.

Horse-riding is a dangerous sport and all Competitors in Ridden classes are strongly advised for their own safety, to wear appropriate headgear with complies with up-to-date safety standards.

Exhibitors of animals are requested to have their own Insurance Cover & Public Liability

The Irish Shows Association Levy of 5% will be deducted from all prize money in the relevant sections: horses, ponies, cattle.

Winners of qualifiers are themselves responsible for entering their animals (or exhibits) for the FINAL. On completion of judging, they must attend the Show Secretary’s Office within ONE HOUR, and complete the necessary documentation and pay entry fee for the FINAL.

GENERAL RULES FOR IRISH SHOWS ASSOCIATION CHAMPIONSHIPS 2026

Eligibility of Shows to host Qualifiers:

Shows wishing to participate in the Championships and be eligible to hold qualifiers must:

Have collected the Championship Fund (currently 5%) from Horse, Pony, Cattle, Sheep & Goat class prize money for the previous year and forwarded the amount so collected, in full, to the Irish Shows Association within the stipulated period of not more than 30 days from the date of the show. Alternative methods of meeting this obligation are not acceptable. Any show or competitor in breach of the rules set out will be disqualified from participating or competing in these Championships.

Undertake to ensure the correct collection and return of qualifier cards and entry fees.

These General Rules and those relating to individual championships (where applicable) should be published in the show schedule and catalogue of the participating shows and must be strictly observed.

For horse, pony, cattle and sheep qualifiers, qualifying rounds must be at least 10 days before the date of the final. For indoor, poultry and dog finals, qualifier rounds must be at least 7 days before the date of the final.

Responsibility of Shows holding Qualifying Rounds:

Selected Shows should hold a separate class for each qualifier from which the highest placed animals will qualify.

Shows must ensure that the qualifiers are held strictly in accordance with the relevant rules.

No other sponsor may be involved in qualifying classes.

Shows may charge a set entry fee for each qualifying class. The I.S.A. will award a rosette to the successful exhibit(s) on appearance at the final.

No show hosting a Championship Final may hold a qualifying class for that championship on the day of the final other than by agreement with the Irish Shows Association.

Shows who hold qualifiers for Horses, Ponies, Cattle, Sheep & Goats may ask exhibitors to enter the exhibit in at least one other class at their show on the day. Shows should not undertake to host a qualifier unless they have an equivalent class.

Where shows debar class winners from further competitions, this rule must not be applied to qualifiers.

Animals qualified for finals are not eligible to enter in any other show class at the show where the final is held, other than a qualifying class for another championship.

Shows should appoint competent, well-briefed people to act as stewards, who must ensure that only animals (or other exhibits) which are eligible to compete and whose documentation is in order, are allowed to proceed to the judging ring.

On completion of judging, Stewards must inform the successful competitors to visit the Secretary's Office at the show within one hour and complete the necessary paperwork and pay for entry to the final.

The show must appoint a well-briefed officer who will be available at the Secretary's Office to assist exhibitors to complete the entry cards for participation in the final and collect the entry fee.

Qualifying cards must be fully completed and the qualifying fee paid on the day of the show. Once both conditions are met, then qualifying cards may be signed by board members.

Responsibility of Exhibitors:

Exhibitors accept that the Judge's decision is final in all cases.

Any abuse of Judges will not be tolerated. Where a dispute or case for complaint arises, the matter should only be dealt with under 8 below.

Exhibitors should be familiar with the Irish Shows Association Disciplinary Policy as published on our website and annual guidebook.

Winners of Qualifiers are themselves responsible for entering their qualifiers (or exhibits) for the final in accordance with the rules above, within one hour of qualifying.

Winners of qualifiers will compete in the final.

The Irish Shows Association in conjunction with the sponsors reserve the right to alter or amend the rules of the competition as may be necessary where appropriate.

Shows and competitors must contact the ISA for details of any championships and not the sponsor involved.

Any exhibitor who makes a false declaration or misrepresents a fact regarding themselves or their exhibit is liable to disqualification and/or forfeiture of any prizes awarded.

If a qualified exhibitor does not turn up to an ISA final without giving prior notice to the ISA office or to a board member, he or she will incur a financial penalty.

Responsibilities of Shows hosting Championship Finals & All-Ireland Finals:

Where shows are paying out prizes for horse, pony, cattle and sheep finals, a deduction of 5% of the prize money will be collected by the show and forwarded to the ISA within 30 days of the Final.

Championship finals must start not later than 2pm on the day of the show and the advertised time must be adhered to as far as possible. If necessary, other show classes should be either postponed or relocated to allow for this.

Shows should cooperate with ISA personnel and judges appointed to officiate at finals.

Selection of judges for All-Ireland championships should be handled by the relevant sub-committee of the board of the ISA.

EXTERNAL DISCIPLINE POLICY

The Irish Shows Association expects and will insist upon appropriate behaviour from all Exhibitors and others participating in any of the activities at our Member Shows and will not tolerate inappropriate behaviour.

Inappropriate behaviour shall include but not be limited to the following:

Profanity, coarse or vulgar language or gestures towards judges, exhibitors or other Show officials

Harassment or bullying, including using words or actions that threaten, intimidate or undermine judges or other officials before, during or following Member Show activities.

Failure to follow rules and/or obey instructions

Abusing any animal.

Disciplinary Procedure:

Complaints of misconduct against an Exhibitor, Spectator or other participant at an affiliated Show or any event organised by The Irish Shows Association, or alleged breaches of the rules and standing orders of The Irish Shows Association, shall all be investigated and adjudicated upon by a Disciplinary Committee appointed by the Board of the Irish Shows Association. All complaints must be submitted in writing and must be signed by all parties submitting the complaint. The Disciplinary Committee shall seek to ensure the existence of consistent, effective, fair, and transparent complaint procedures and shall act in accordance with natural and constitutional justice. Hearings of all committees shall be confidential and held in private, unless the committee decides otherwise

Disciplinary Committee:

A Disciplinary Committee shall be established by the Board of the Irish Shows Association to determine alleged misconduct, or alleged breaches of the rules and standing orders of The Irish Shows Association. The Disciplinary Committee shall consist of five (5) persons all being Directors, of the Irish Shows Association. One of these five shall elected as Chairperson of the Disciplinary Committee. Each member shall be appointed on the basis that he or she is able to hear issues referred to the Disciplinary Committee under these General Rules fairly and impartially. The Disciplinary Committee has the power to hear and determine all issues referred to it in accordance with the General Rules of the Irish Shows Association.

Disciplinary Process:

The Disciplinary Committee shall appoint one of its members as Disciplinary Officer. All alleged complaints of misconduct or breach of General Rules shall be referred to the Disciplinary Officer who will determine if the matter should be referred to the Disciplinary Committee. In making this determination the Disciplinary Officer may consider any evidence he or she deems worthy. The Disciplinary Officer shall have the right to make enquiries of any individuals, seek further information in relation to the matter and seek guidance as he or she shall consider appropriate to determine whether the matter should be investigated further, dealt with otherwise or brought forward as an alleged breach of these General Rules.

Where the Disciplinary Officer determines that a breach of General Rules should be alleged, the Disciplinary Officer shall notify the Secretary of the Irish Shows Association of this decision and the Secretary shall refer the matter to the Chairperson of the Disciplinary Committee. Where the Disciplinary Officer determines that a breach of General Rules should not be alleged, the Disciplinary Officer shall notify the Secretary of the Irish Shows Association of this decision and the Secretary shall take such action as he or she believes appropriate.

Hearing Procedures:

Upon receipt of a referral from the Secretary of the Irish Shows Association, the Chairperson of the Disciplinary Committee, or a Vice-Chairperson, if necessary, shall form a hearing committee to consider the issue. A hearing committee may consist of either three or five persons as the Chairperson or a Vice-Chairperson deems appropriate. A hearing committee will not have powers to award costs. Subject to these General Rules a hearing committee shall have the power to regulate its procedures. The Hearing Committee will appoint, from within its members a person who will be responsible for recording the proceedings of the hearing and for sending a copy of same, duly signed by all members of the hearing committee, to the National Secretary, within 2 days of the hearing.

Any person against whom a complaint has been made shall be entitled to an in-person hearing. Hearings of the hearing committee shall be confidential and held in private, unless the hearing committee decides otherwise. The hearing committee shall have the power to decide on the admissibility, relevance and weight of any evidence and shall not be bound by any legal rules in relation to such matters. Facts may be established by any reliable means, including admissions.

Each party to the proceedings shall have the right to present evidence, make submissions, call witnesses, and cross-examine the witnesses of the other party and, subject to the hearing committee's discretion to accept testimony by telephone, written statement, or submission, whether by fax, email, or other means. The hearing committee, at the request of one of the parties to the proceedings or on its own initiative, may require one or more parties to the proceedings to supply it and/or the other party or parties to the proceedings, within such time as the hearing committee determines, with further particulars of the case of that party, including details of all witnesses that party intends to call at any hearing together with details of the evidence to be given by those witnesses and that party shall comply with that direction. The hearing committee, at the request of one of the parties to the proceedings or on its own initiative, may direct one or more parties to the proceedings to make any property, document, or other thing in that party's possession or under its control available for inspection by the hearing committee and/or any other party and that party shall comply with that direction. Any failure by any party to the proceedings to comply with any requirement or direction of the hearing committee, including those requirements or directions to be complied with within a truncated time schedule, shall not prevent the hearing committee from proceeding and such failure may be taken into consideration by the hearing committee when making its decision. A failure by any party or their representative to attend a hearing after notification shall not prevent the hearing committee from proceeding with the hearing in their absence.

All hearings shall be recorded and the Irish Shows Association shall retain the record. The hearing committee may postpone or adjourn a hearing.

The hearing committee shall have the power, at its absolute discretion, to appoint an expert to assist or advise it. The person chosen as the expert shall not be involved in the matter before the hearing committee and shall be free from any conflict of interest. The decision of a hearing committee shall be final and binding on all parties, unless appealed in accordance with these General Rules. The decision of a hearing committee shall be notified to the Secretary of the Irish Shows Association who shall ensure that the all the necessary parties are notified of the decision within five working days from receipt of the decision from the hearing committee. the Secretary of the Irish Shows Association shall ensure that the decision is enforced.

Penalties:

The hearing committee shall have the power to impose one or more of the following penalties for misconduct or for a breach of these General Rules:-

A formal warning;

A formal reprimand;

A suspension of a person from entering or competing in any competition organised by the Irish Shows Association for a period up to and including one calendar year.

Appeals:

A decision of the Disciplinary Committee may be appealed. An appeal may be lodged by any party to the original decision. A notice of appeal must be made in writing to the Secretary of the Irish Shows Association, within fourteen (14) days of the date of issue of the original decision. Upon receipt of the notice of appeal, the Secretary shall refer the appeal to the Chairperson of The Irish Shows Association who shall form an appeal committee to consider the appeal. The Appeal committee shall consist of three Directors of the Irish Shows Association. The Appeal committee shall not include any members of the Disciplinary Committee who were involved in the hearing at first instance which is the subject of the appeal. Subject to these General Rules the appeal committee shall have the power.to regulate its procedures. The Appeal Committee shall have the power to approve, amend or overrule the decisions of the Disciplinary Committee. The appeal committee shall have the power to impose any penalty it deems appropriate upon a person found on appeal to have breached these General Rules or the rules of a show section/ subcommittee. The decision of an Appeal committee shall be final and binding on all parties.

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

HORSES AND OTHER EQUINES

Premises Registration

As from 1 May 2012, any premises (which includes shows, fairs and markets) where horses or other equines are gathered must be registered with the Department.

Owners/persons in charge of such gatherings are required to submit a completed application form for registration and to keep records of movements on/off their premises. (This rule does not apply in Northern Ireland)

Records must be retained for at least 3 years as they may be required by the Department for the purposes of tracing disease.

Records required are:

The name and address of the owner/person in charge of the premises from which the equine came.

Premises registration number from which the equine came

Passport number/UEL number of the animal

It is important therefore that Show organisers should contact their local District Veterinary Office in advance so that consideration can be given to compliance with the requirements outlined above.

Any further information on the requirements for moving horses and equines to shows will be provided on the Department’s website at: http://www.agriculture.gov.ie/animalhealthwelfare/animalidentificationmovement Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

HSI SHOWING SERIES REGULATIONS

HSI/DAFM funding will only be provided for animals registered in a studbook with a breed code recorded. This can include main section studbook equines OR supplementary section studbook equines. Animals with breed code ‘UNK’, whether breeding is recorded or not, will not be eligible for funding under this initiative.

Notices of interest to championship participants Irish Law EU Directive)

Under Irish Law all horses moving from one location to another must be accompanied by their passports. It is in your own interest to ensure this is the case. Failure to do so is an offence under Irish Law and is liable on summary conviction to result in a fine up to €3000. All passports must be registered with the name of the current owner.

Embryo Transfer:

Where a foal is produced by this method the dam’s passport must bear a declaration dated, stamped and signed by the stallion owner (or accredited practitioner where AI is involved) stating the date on which the dam was last covered (or inseminated) and the name of the covering stallion.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Horse-riding is a dangerous sport. While mounted, all competitors and ride judges are required, for their own safety, to wear appropriate head gear that complies with up to date safety standards and is securely fastened.

Exhibitor Rules : If a qualified exhibitor does not turn up to an ISA final without giving prior notice to the ISA office or to a board member he or she will incur a financial penalty.

CATTLE

Cattle Specific Requirements

Important Notice to Animal Owners involved in showing Animals at Shows

The Irish Shows Association recommends that all animal owners with insurance ensure their coverage extends to include their animals while participating in shows. This extension may come at little to no additional cost, depending on your insurer.

This advice is given because, if your animals were to injure someone or damage property, and it is determined that the animal was beyond your control at the time, you could be held fully or partially responsible for any injury or damage caused. As a result, you may be liable for all or part of any court award or settlement.

Note for Information regarding Movement of Bovine to Shows

The Department of Agriculture implemented a number of changes on 4th February 2019 which changed the procedures and criteria applicable when applying for a Certificate of Compliance for the movement of cattle. These also impact on the certificate which is required when moving bovine to a Show.

The following sets out the criteria applicable:

The movement of cattle to and from an Agriculture Show within the State must be recorded on the Animal Identification and Movement System (AIM).

In line with these changes, specific certificates of Compliance for the “Movement of Bovine from a Single Holding to a Show” must now be requested prior to the movement of animals concerned.

These certificates can be created by (i) applying on-line using their agfood account or (ii) where the keeper is not on line the certificate can be generated by the local Regional Veterinary Office following receipt of a NBAS31K with issue of the certificate being subject to normal criteria applicable. This form will be available on the Department’s Website and will also be included with the Show Circular when issued.

When applying for this certificate the destination herd / or Show number is not required. The certificate generated will include an “S” symbol.

The Certificate of Compliance for a Show will continue to be valid for a period of up to 30 days. As is currently the case these can be used for the movement of animals to a number of shows during the validity period of the certificate.

Please also note—Calves which are less than 10 days cannot be moved to a Show.

As is currently the case the Movement Notification Section of the Certificate should be Completed by the Keeper and the Show Secretary who must clearly indicate the Show Number. The Show movement should be recorded on the passport. Ultimate responsibility for fulfilling these requirements lies with the Show Secretary. If the animals move to a herd other than the source herd, the new destination herd must complete and sign the certificate also.

Completed forms should be sent by the Show Secretary to the local RVO within 7 days of the Show.

Animal Identification and Movement (AIM) Division, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

* Irish Shows Association Notice *

Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine Certificate of Compliance Requirements

On the day of the Show, the Certificate of Compliance should be presented to the Show Secretary.

The keeper and the Show Secretary will then sign the Movement.

Notification section of the Certificate Must be sent to the local RVO for recording onto the AIM system.

Important Notice

The Carbery Show CLG Committee, acting by itself or through its Agents/Officers, re- serves the right to reject or cancel any entry or entries made by or on behalf of any person, corporate or other entity and may direct the removal of any animal or other exhibit from the showing ring or display area and/or from the Showgrounds, if the Committee and/or its Agents/Officers shall deem it fit to do so, without offering any explanation or reason for so doing and without incurring any liability whatso- ever to any such Applicant/Exhibitor or his/her/its Agent.

Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

It is vitally important that all Show Secretaries comply with the rule & make sure to send back the Certificate of Compliance to your Local RVO Office within Seven Days of your Show taking place as failure to do so is causing untold problems to exhibitors.

After submissions from affiliated Shows on Judging of Calves & the need judged them by weight rather than by age at Shows

The Irish Shows Association Cattle Sub Committee have put forward the following recommendation on use of live weight for calf classes e.g. Calves under 12 months not to exceed 460 kg (Autumn born calves and Calves under 6 months) it recommends that the weight should not exceed 320kg)

Another suggestion is to use no more than 1.7kg live weight gain per day from the birth date to the show date.

New Rule for Exhibitors

If a qualified exhibitor does not turn up to an ISA final without giving prior notice to the ISA office or to a board member he or she will incur a financial penalty

Pedigree cattle, whether registered or not, cannot be presented in Commercial Cattle Showing Classes.

ISA reserves the right to check the Genotype details