Regulations — First Steps in the Ring

Official regulations of the „Primii Pași în Ring” (First Steps in the Ring) contest — Entry Level Handling for children, an educational programme of the Club Federal Chinologic – Royal.

Art. 1 – Purpose of the contest

The First Steps in the Ring contest is educational, formative and non-eliminatory in nature, intended to familiarise children with the show environment, with the basic rules of presenting a dog in the ring, and with the values of respect towards animals.

This contest does not pursue competitive performance, but rather a positive experience, the development of the child’s confidence, and the encouragement of a harmonious child–dog relationship.

Art. 2 – Participants

(1) The contest is open to children aged, as a guideline, between 3 and 10 years old. (2) Participation is permitted regardless of the child’s level of experience. (3) The child may present:

• their own dog, or

• a dog that is familiar and used to the presence of children.

(4) The dog must be:

• balanced, sociable and accustomed to the show environment;

• fit from a sanitary-veterinary point of view.

Art. 3 – Running the contest

(1) The contest takes place in a separate ring or within a dedicated time slot, in a calm and friendly setting. (2) Children enter the ring individually or in very small groups, depending on their age. (3) The child is accompanied, if needed, by:

• a parent,

• a responsible adult,

• or a designated member of the organiser.

(4) There is no strict time limit and no rigid order of presentation is imposed.

Art. 4 – What is being observed

The assessment is indicative and positive in nature, with no numerical score. The judge or assessor observes:

• the way in which the child interacts with the dog;

• the naturalness and joy of taking part;

• attentiveness towards the dog;

• the ability to follow simple instructions (walking a few steps, stopping, basic positioning).

The following are not penalised:

• emotions;

• hesitations;

• mistakes that are natural for the child’s age.

Art. 5 – The judge’s role

(1) The judge has an educational and encouraging role, not a punitive one. (2) The judge may:

• speak directly with the child;

• briefly explain what is happening;

• help the child feel safe and appreciated.

(3) The judge will continually adapt the interaction to the child’s level of understanding.

Art. 6 – Safety and welfare

(1) The child’s safety and the dog’s welfare are the priority. (2) The organiser reserves the right to stop the participation of a child–dog pair if:

• the child becomes emotionally overwhelmed;

• the dog shows signs of stress or discomfort.

(3) The decision is taken solely in the interest of the child and the dog.

Art. 7 – Awards

(1) All participants receive:

• a participation certificate;

• possible symbolic prizes.

(2) No strict rankings are established. (3) Special mentions may be awarded, such as:

• „Most attentive presenter”

• „Most beautiful child–dog bond”

• „Courage and joy in the ring”

Art. 8 – Final provisions

(1) The First Steps in the Ring contest is part of the CFC-Royal educational programmes. (2) Participation implies acceptance of these regulations. (3) The regulations may be adapted on specific points by the organiser, according to the nature of the event, while respecting the basic principles.