These rules govern Bird Shows hosted by The Gateway Parrot Club (GPC), and describe responsibilities of people (Exhibitors) entering birds (Entries) in a show. These rules are general and refer to specific requirements applicable to individual shows. These specific requirements are made available prior to each Show, and are available on our website and at registration.
Registration - Exhibitors should register as soon as possible during the announced registration period. At Registration, complete Exhibitor registration forms and obtain a Show Tag for each Entry. Show Tags are valid for one show only. The Exhibitor will receive two copies of the Registration Form. One will be left with Entries, when staged. The other is used to reclaim Entries after the Show.
Fees - The fee for each Show Tag is the only fee for an Entry in the show.
Possession - Exhibitors must have had the bird in their possession at least thirty days prior to the show date.
All birds must be in cages - Cage requirements protect the health and safety of all birds. Show Boxes are encouraged in all cases, but may not be required. Requirements may vary by show and/or division. The Show Manager may refuse any Entry they believe poses a risk to any bird. Consult specific requirements for presentation in the show/division in which you will participate.
Show Tags - will be displayed in a correct a uniform manner. Show Tag requirements will be determined by the Show Manager and communicated to the Exhibitor at registration. Failure to display a Show Tag properly may disqualify an Entry.
Staging Entries - Once Show Tags are completed and attached to cage/show box, Exhibitors should leave the Staging Area but remain close by in case the Steward needs to speak with the Exhibitor.
Identity – If, for any reason, the Exhibitor’s identity for an Entry becomes evident to the Judge, the Entry will be disqualified and any award forfeited. A Judge may not judge a bird they have sold within 12 months of the Show date. A bird purchased from the Judge, 12 months prior to the Show, may be entered, but the Judge may disqualify the Entry if the Judge recognizes the Entry as their breeding.
Reclassification – If the Judge feels a bird is entered in the wrong Class, it will be moved to the proper Class. If that Class has already been judged, the judge will either disqualify the bird or use this time to educate all spectators as to why it is in the wrong class and then take appropriate action. All birds receive a preliminary screening before any judging, but this does not limit the Judge’s prerogative to reclassify an entry during judging.
Judge’s decisions are final – The Judge’s decision is final in all aspects of the competition. The Judge is not required to award a prize if the Judge feels an Entry does not qualify.
Reclaiming Entries – All Entries will remain in the Show area until the Show Manager or Steward approves release. The Exhibitor must retain and present their copy of the Registration Form to reclaim their Entries. The GPC is not liable for release of Entries to anyone with a valid Registration Form. Failure to present the Registration Form will delay release of Entries until the Show Manager is available to resolve any ownership issues.
Affiliate Rules - Rules of the affiliating organization, if any, shall apply, except as they conflict with GPC rules, in which case GPC rules shall apply.
Bird Welfare – Any Entry perceived to be unhealthy or unduly stressed may be removed from the Show. This decision is solely that of the Show Manager. Entry fees may be refunded for birds removed due to health concerns.
Show Manager’s decisions are final – In all matters of Show operation, including but not limited to, registration, eligibility and personal deportment, the Show Manager may take appropriate action, including disqualification and removal from premises.
Update – Show rules are subject to change without notice. These rules were last updated, July 1, 2010.
Liability – Completion of the Registration Form declares Exhibitor’s agreement to abide by all rules and indicates Exhibitor has read, understood and agreed to the Exhibitor Agreement, releasing GPC from all liability related to the Show.
The following information may be unique for each Show. Show-specific information will be posted on the GPC website and made available with all show-related information.
Registration Hours
Consult individual Show information for registration times
Tag Fees
Consult individual Show information for specific fee information. Show Tag, or entry, fee is typically $3.00 per bird/entry, good for one show.
Show Tag Mounting Instructions
Consult individual Show information for specific mounting locations. Tags will be mounted securely to a specified location on the cage, in such manner as owner or identification, other than cage number is not visible.
Display Requirements
Consult individual Show information for Show Box or Cage requirements for specific shows. Show boxes are typically not required for GPC Shows. Show boxes are recommended, if available.
Cages – When permitted, cages must be clean, of appropriate size for the Entry, free of all decoration, food dishes and toys, contain only one perch and may not bear any mark that might identify the Entry or Exhibitor. The cage must contain a dish for food unless seed can be put on the bottom of the cage and a dish or tube for water.
Show Boxes – Show boxes must be clean, of appropriate size for the Entry. Show box floors must be covered with suitable material, such as seed, oats or pellets. A water source must be available.
