Conduct and ethics in the ring

CHAPTER: CONDUCT AND ETHICS IN THE RING

(extended, precise version, in conformity with WDF)

1. General principles of conduct in the ring

The ring is an official space, in which:

• the judge is the supreme technical authority
• the WDF delegate is the supreme procedural authority
• handlers/exhibitors must comply with the rules without discussion
• the ring commissioner ensures order and the correct flow of the examination

The regulations require exemplary, calm, disciplined, and sportsmanlike conduct.

2. Mandatory ethics and conduct for handlers / exhibitors

✔ 2.1. Total respect towards the WDF judge

Exhibitors must display:

• politeness
• silence during the judging
• respect for the judge’s decisions
• abstention from comments
• complete abstention from technical discussions

The rule:
No observation, question, or verbal objection is permitted in the ring.

✔ 2.2. Respect towards the other exhibitors

The following are mandatory:

• keeping one’s distance
• maintaining control of the dog
• avoiding conflicts between dogs
• avoiding provocative conduct
• sportsmanlike conduct

✔ 2.3. Respect towards the ring commissioner

Handlers must:

• follow the instructions
• present themselves on time
• respect the numerical order
• respond in a civil manner to the commissioner’s requests

✔ 2.4. Adherence to the presentation rules

Essential rules:

• a thin, non-aggressive lead
• a clean, prepared dog
• correct presentation, without constraint
• no illegal cosmetic substances

3. What handlers / exhibitors are not allowed to do in the ring

This is one of the most important subchapters. The regulations are very strict.

❌ 3.1. They are not allowed to speak to or influence the judge

Absolutely forbidden:

• comments
• discussions with the judge
• attempts at justification
• psychological pressure
• comments while the judge examines the dog
• unsolicited explanations

Consequence:
➡️ immediate exclusion from the show
➡️ a WDF disciplinary report

❌ 3.2. They are not allowed to criticise the judging in public

Prohibited:

• offensive remarks
• aggressive jokes
• verbal attacks
• ostentatious displays of dissatisfaction

❌ 3.3. They are not allowed to disrupt the judging

Prohibited:

• shouting
• whistling
• double presentation
• applause aimed at manipulating the dog
• sound signals
• instructions from outside the ring

According to the regulations:
The judge suspends the judging and requests the intervention of the WDF Delegate.

❌ 3.4. They are not allowed to manipulate the dog abusively

Prohibited:

• aggressive pulling of the lead
• forced pressing of the lumbar area
• rough handling
• locking the neck or muzzle
• violent movements of the limbs

This may lead to:
➡️ NJ
➡️ DSQ
➡️ removal of the handler from the ring

❌ 3.5. They are not allowed to use prohibited products

Prohibited:

• dyes
• powders for concealing faults
• stiffening substances
• cosmetic sprays that mask the structure
• oily or sticky substances

❌ 3.6. They are not allowed to express their dissatisfaction in the ring

Neither verbally nor non-verbally.
Any unsportsmanlike conduct = WDF discipline.

❌ 3.7. They are not allowed to present “out of competition” dogs in play-offs

Dogs without entitlement to titles cannot take part in CAJC, CAC, CACIB, BOB, etc.

❌ 3.8. They cannot present dogs at the shows they organise

Organisers are subject to an absolute prohibition.

4. The conduct and ethics of judges in the ring (essential for the manual)

The judge must observe:

✔ absolute neutrality

✔ impartiality

✔ strict application of the standard

✔ abstention from discussions with the exhibitors

✔ the prohibition of external interventions

✔ respect and calm in any situation

✔ clarity and professionalism in dictating the commentary

The judge must not:

• discuss the decisions
• give technical explanations in the ring
• allow themselves to be influenced
• accept pressure
• enter into verbal conflicts

5. Rules of conduct for ring commissioners

Ring commissioners must:

• be neutral
• not discuss the evaluation
• not influence the judging
• ensure quiet
• control the flow of entry into the ring
• complete the forms correctly
• inform the delegate of irregularities

6. Procedure in the case of unsportsmanlike or aggressive conduct

According to Art. 34–35:

1. The judge may stop the judging
2. The judge may request the intervention of the WDF Delegate
3. The Delegate may:
   • issue a warning
   • immediately exclude the person from the show
   • report to WDF
4. The case is examined for disciplinary action

At the same time:
The dog of the sanctioned person cannot continue the competition.

7. The supreme rule of conduct in the ring

In the ring it is the dog that is presented, not the handler.
The judge evaluates according to the standard, not according to human conduct.
Any inappropriate conduct by people has direct consequences for the dog.