Conformation Showing Rules
Each Exhibitor must be a member of good standing with an URSA club.
All rats shown in the show must be NARR registered by the time entries close (October 13.) No rats with pending NARR status will be entered into the show catalogue or allowed to show.
Each rat on the premesis must be on the general health check list, whether being shown or adopted.
All sales must be pre-arranged before the show. Anyone attempting to bring a rat that is not on the general health check list into the show premesis will be expelled, along with all other animals owned by that person.
Neutered rats are not permitted to be entered into the conformation show.
Neutered rats, and rats missing other body parts (legs, eyes, etc) who are in otherwise good health may be entered into the Pet show.
Price per Adult Conformation rat entry is $1.50 each.
Youth Class Rules
Rats 16 weeks or younger must be submitted to the Youth Conformation Class. All Youth rats are entererd into Does and Bucks. Each class is judged separately, and the best Buck and Doe go head to head for Best Youth.
All Conformation Class rules apply. All Youth rats must be NARR registered, registered for the show, pass health check, and be in good condition with no missing body parts.
The Best Youth bracket is worth 5 points to being a young rat's showing career.
Price per Youth Conformation rat entry is $1.00 each.
Pet Show
For those wonderful rats who may not be show queens but who rule our hearts nontheless!
Each Exhibitor must be a member of good standing with of an URSA club.
Like the conformation show, all rats must be submitted to show - no rats who have not been entered into the show will be allowed into the show room!
Pet rats do not need to be NARR registered, but we encourage participation in that organization.
The categories are Friendliest, Most Relaxed and Sweetest Face. The judge will judge all entrants against these three categories and award ribbons to the three winners!
Pets with special challenges such as missing legs, torn ears, or partial tails are welcome on the Pet show table - we know those things don't change how wonderful they are! Neutered pets are also welcome on the table. Each rat must pass a general health check before being allowed into the show room.
Price per Pet rat entry is $1.00 each.
Photo Contest
Display your fun, imaginative photo talents and the beauty of your rats in this completely safe venue for rat showing!
We aren't looking for just pretty portraits of your rat on a clean cloth background! This contest will reward imaginative backdrops, fun settings, costumes, and whimsical sense of fun!
Photomanipulations are not allowed - these must be actual photographs of actual rats.
All photos must be transmitted digitally, in .jpg or .png format.
Entries should be as large as possible - crop if you need to, but don't compress!
You may enter as many photos as you wish.
You do not need to be a member of URSA to participate, and there is no entry fee.
Entries will be printed and displayed at the show, where the judging will take place by common vote among the show judges present. The winner will receive a rosette ribbon as a prize, and the winning photo may be displayed on the RFL annual calendar or other promotional material!
Entries should be emailed to Shows AT ratfanciers.net with the subject line of RAT SHOW PHOTO CONTEST. One entry per email please!
Please include your real name, address, and the following with your entry (cut and paste is fine):
By submitting this photo I confirm that I am the owner of this image. I retain ownership and full rights to all images submitted, but grant the Rat Fanciers of the Lakes the right to use my image in both printed and web material, provided that full photo credit is always supplied.
Exhibitor and Visitor Behavior
* Doors open at 8:30am. If you arrive before that, please remain in your car until doors open and health checks begin.
* Setup will be handled by the RFL show staff.
* No animals will be allowed inside the show room unless they are listed on the health check list and have passed health check.
* Due to the public nature of the facility (we are in a separate room which will not be open to the general public) please remain quiet and respectful while outside of the show room.
*Places to eat and socialize will be provided outside of the rooms, please keep loud conversations there.
* Any rats who do not pass health check or are asked to leave the show facility for any reason can not remain in a car unattended.
* Any exhibitor or visitor with children who become rowdy or disruptive will be asked to leave the show facility.
* No other animals will be allowed within the show facility aside from certified helper animals. Please inform the show secretary that such animals will be attending the show in advance.
* Please do not handle animals that do not belong to you. Exhibitors are asked to keep their rats confined and at their tables unless they are being shown. Please do not walk around the facility carrying rats, in order to keep contact and possible disease transmission to a minimum.