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:

1. 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.
2. Undertake to ensure the correct collection and return of qualifier cards and entry fees.
3. 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.
4. 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:

1. Selected Shows should hold a separate class for each qualifier from which the highest placed animals will qualify.
2. Shows must ensure that the qualifiers are held strictly in accordance with the relevant rules.
3. No other sponsor may be involved in qualifying classes.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Where shows debar class winners from further competitions, this rule must not be applied to qualifiers.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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. 1
11. 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. 12.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:

1. Exhibitors accept that the Judge's decision is final in all cases.
2. 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.
3. Exhibitors should be familiar with the Irish Shows Association Disciplinary Policy as published on our website and annual guidebook.
4. 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.
5. Winners of qualifiers will compete in the final.
6. 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.
7. Shows and competitors must contact the ISA for details of any championships and not the sponsor involved.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.

Please take note of the following administration information for entries to the show.