I, the undersigned participant, hereby acknowledge and agree to the following terms in connection with my entry into Groomfinity 2025:
Eligibility:
Entry to Groomfinity Competitions is open to Australian and New Zealand permanent residents, citizens, and individuals with a right to work in Australia aged 16 and over.
All dogs must be of sound health and welfare should be of the highest priority when selecting a dog. The recommended age is 1-10 years but younger or older dogs may compete if they meet the health and welfare requirements. Dogs should be free of parasites and unmanaged skin conditions and be comfortable being groomed for an extended period in a busy environment.
Injuries
In the event of an entrant's accident, injury or illness of an entrant or dog during the competition, they must alert a Groomfinity representative as soon as possible. First aid will be offered and the entrant may continue if it is safe to do so. Time will not be stopped while receiving first aid. If a dog is injured by a groomer's negligence such as a nick with scissors, poor restraint resulting in jumpig from the table and hurting a limb, etc the groomer will not be eligible for any placings. At the judge's discretion, the groomer may still complete their groom and receive a feedback sheet to still receieve constructive crtiticism for the other elements of their groom.
Breaks
Entrants may request a toilet break for themselves or their dog at any time, and must raise their hand to alert Groomfinity representatives. A steward will escort the entrant to the toilet and hold thier dog on leash while they are in the bathroom. Time will not be stopped for toilet breaks. A 10 minute break in the middle of each session will be given to all competitors and dogs with time paused however.
Materials in the Ring
Entrants may bring into the ring a single A5 page of hand written notes or drawings to reference to while they groom. This must not include any photographs, digital drawings or typed notes. If utilising these notes, entrants must declare during prejudging so the notes can be checked to ensure they are within the rules.
Judging and Complaints
All entrants have the opportunity to receive feedback sheets from the judges if they wish. These may be brief due to the number of entries but may assist in areas to be approved upon in future. Judging marks will be given in proportion to the class being judged and the standard of work expected.
Any complaints can be made in writing within 7 business days of the closing date of competition and complainants must pay an administrative fee of $50 AUD. Complaints can relate to judging, competitor conduct, legitimacy of entries (eg believing an entry that has placed has been entered into the wrong experience level to the advantage of the competitor) and will be investigated thoroughly.
Model Dogs
Model Dog Classes can use model dogs previously used in competitions but cannot use Model Dogs previously placing 1st in any category, at any competition with more than 1 entry.
Judging of model dogs will be conducted as anonymously as possible with all entries being assigned a number for judging rather than an entrant’s name.
Model Dog entrants do not have to attend on the day and may drop off model dogs to Urban Furdo Pet Styling at 8 Horne St, Elsternwick during regular hours before November 9. Models must be labelled with the entrant's full name, phone number and mailing address. Models must be picked up from Urban Furdo Pet Styling or postage organised by the entrant before November 24 or the model will be considered abandoned and forfeited.
Entrants may enter once in each model dog category. Juniors may enter once and may enter a head or body in the junior category. Juniors are considered under the age of 16.
Refunds
In the event that the competition is cancelled entrants will receive a full refund of their fees within 14 business days. In the event the competiton is rescheduled, entrants will be given the option to keep their entrance or they may request a refund. Refunds will be assessed on a case by case basis for change of mind, injury to the entrant preventing them from competing, etc. Requests must be made On or before the competiton date, with as much notice as possible given so the organisers can possibly find a replacement entry.
Sponsors
Competitons would not be possible without the generous support of sponsors. We do ask when making posts to social media with win photos, that entrants thank sponsors and tag/ mention specific sponsors where possible.
Code of Conduct
Respect for Others
Show respect for the diversity of participants, regardless of their age, gender, race, religion, nationality, sexual orientation or skill level.
Encourage a positive and inclusive atmosphere for all participants.
Do not engage in unsportsmanlike conduct, including cheating, harassment, inflammatory or offensive social media posts about the competition, its judges, its organisers or its entrants or any form of disrespectful behaviour.
Safety and Well-being
Prioritise the safety and well-being of yourself, others and dogs on site
Follow safety guidelines and instructions provided by the organisers at all times.
Report any unsafe or concerning situations to the event organisers immediately.
Compliance with Rules
Familiarise yourself with and follow all competition rules and guidelines.
Accept the decisions of judges, and event officials with grace and without dispute.
Honouring Results
Accept the outcome of the competition graciously, whether you win or lose.
Congratulate the winners and acknowledge the efforts of all participants where applicable.
Do not engage in disrespectful behaviour or unsportsmanlike conduct after the competition.
It's normal to feel disappointment if you do not achieve the result you desired. Please save discussions or complaints with friends or family for private messages or in the car after the competition. You don't know if the person you're complaining about has a sister, friend or peer standing behind you- save venting for private places.
If you wish to make a complaint about a result, please follow the complaints procedure and do not make a scene at the competition. Complaints can be submitted in writing to groomfinity@gmail.com within 7 days of the competition, and complainants will be issued with an invoice of $50 to cover the administrative efforts to investigate any complaints. If you feel the complaint must be addressed immediately on the day, please ask to speak privately with one of the organisers.
Respect for Equipment and Facilities
Treat all equipment, facilities, and fencing at the venue with care and respect.
Do not vandalise or misuse competition equipment or property.
Follow any guidelines for equipment usage provided by the organisers (Eg ensuring H frames are properly secured on lended tables)
Responsible Behaviour
Refrain from the use of alcohol, illicit drugs, or any prohibited substances during the competition.
Maintain a positive and responsible attitude throughout the event.
Report any violations of this code of conduct to the event organisers.
Privacy and Consent
Respect the privacy and consent of others, including the use of images, videos, and personal information. Groomfinity will post images and names of winners to our facebook and instagram pages. If you do not wish for your surname to be used, we can use a first name and suburb instead and can remove your face if you only wish your groom to be posted and not your image. Please notify Groomfinity organisers of any requirements regarding media at check in on the day.
Always obtain permission before sharing or using any personal information of others, including sharing full names to social media, of any competitors if you are not a Groomfinity organiser.
Due to it being an industry event, spectators may photograph or video competitors in the ring.
Conflicts of Interest
The Grooming industry is small and close-knit, as a result it's not uncommon for competitors to know each other and/ or the judges. Competitors may enter under a judge so long as they have not worked for or with them within 12 months of the competition. Competitors may enter under a judge that shares the same sponsor, so long as neither the judge or competitor owns or plays a role in the sponsoring company. Competitors must decalre to the organiser if they believe a conflict of interest may be present with one or more judges. In the event a conflict of interest exists with one judge, an entry may still be accepted. The competitor will still be judged by both judges, but rather than have their scores combined, the judge with the conflict of interest will not have their score counted and the remaining judge(s) scores will be projected to come to a final score and judgment. If it is discovered on the day that a competitor is unable to be judged by either judge, the competitor will not be eligible to receive any placements or prizes but may still opt to compete and receive score sheets for learning purposes.
Reporting Violations
If you witness or experience any violations of this code of conduct, report them to the event organisers or officials promptly.
Do not retaliate against individuals who report violations in good faith or attempt to identify an individual who has made a report.
Consequences of Violations
Violations of this code of conduct may result in warnings, disqualification, suspension or expulsion from the competition, as determined by the event organisers.
Organisers will ensure fair and just consequences for violations while prioritising the safety and fairness of the event.
Assumption of Risk: I understand that participating in this grooming competition involves small inherent risks, including but not limited to, potential injury to myself, my dogs, and others. I voluntarily assume all risks associated with my participation.
Release of Liability: I hereby release, waive, discharge, and hold harmless Groomfinity, its officers, agents, volunteers, and affiliates from any and all liability, claims, demands, or causes of action that may arise from my participation in this event, including any injury, loss, or damage to my person or dogs in my care and any damage caused by myself or any dogs in my care to another person or dog. Groomfinity recommends competitors carry their own public liability insurance to protect themsleves for any injury caused to or by a dog in their care during the competitoon.
Indemnification: I agree to indemnify and hold harmless Groomfinity from any claims, damages, or expenses arising out of my participation in the competition.
Responsibility: I certify that my dog is in good health and free from any illness that could pose a risk to other animals or participants. I am solely responsible for the care and control of any dogs in my care during the event and agree to be liable for any loss or damage caused by a dog in my care. If I bring children under 18 to the event, I agree to be responsible for them at all times or have another adult responsible for them while competing in the ring. I agree to be liable for any loss or damage caused by the actions of any minors in my care. I acknowledge that any attempt to deceive, manipulate or cheat in the competition may result in my entry being revoked and a ban or suspension from competing.
Media Release: I grant permission to Groomfintiy to use any photographs, video recordings, or other media taken during the event for promotional purposes without compensation. I will inform Groomfinity organisers on the day if I do not wish for my full name and face to be posted on social media.
Acknowledgment of Rules: I have read and understood the rules and regulations governing the competition and agree to comply with them. By signing below, I acknowledge that I have read this waiver and fully understand its contents. I voluntarily agree to the terms and conditions outlined herein and all other updated rules and regulations whoch mya be released prior to the competition.