General Information and Rules

Model your training sessions and contests after the format of the State Contest. This gets the team accustomed to what is expected of them and helps them learn to manage their time in each class.

A poultry judging team is composed of 3 or 4 members. The combined scores of the 3 high team members will be counted as the team score. All 4-H teams that compete at the state contest must have participated in a qualifying event or training activity.

The National Team will be selected using the following selection procedures:

1. The highest scoring team at the State Contest will represent Pennsylvania at the National Contest in November. This trip is expense paid from PSU to Louisville and back for the team and coach.

2. The highest scoring 4-H member (18 years of age or older not a member of the State Team) at the State Contest will represent Pennsylvania at the National Contest in Louisville, KY. This trip is expense paid from PSU to Louisville and back for this individual.

Rules

1. Prior Registration is required. All teams must be registered by June 1 to be eligible for the contest. No late entries will be accepted.
2. All team members must be enrolled in a 4-H project to participate.
3. Each Unit can only enter two (2) teams or eight (8) youth in each division. At least one (1) adult from the Unit must be in attendance for every two teams entered.
4. The two age divisions are as follows:
1. Division I: 4-H Intermediate: 4-H youth 10 years to 13 years of age as of December 30, of the contest year.
2. Division II: 4-H Senior: 4-H youth 14 years of age and not older than 18 years of age as of January 1, of the contest year.
5. Placing cards will be provided for all contestants when they check in. Each contestant will write the placing on the proper card and hand it to the monitor before shifting to the next class.
6. Teams will be divided so that no two contestants from the same team will be in the same group. Each group will remain together throughout the contest.
7. Ten minutes will be allowed for placing each class. Also, a maximum of two minutes will be allowed each contestant for giving oral reasons. Qualified judges will listen to and score oral reasons on a production class. Using notes while giving reasons will not be permitted.
8. After the contest is finished the official placings and further training will be provided and dinner will be served.
9. Awards will be handed out at the end of the program.