Dear Show Promoter:

We would like to take the opportunity to thank you for your support of GroomTeam USA, Inc.® (GT USA)

GroomTeam USA, Inc.® has made changes in sanctioning requirements affecting the 2026 -2027 contest circuit. Guideline updates are an ongoing effort to comply with accepted international rules as well as professional industry protocol.  Application for sanctioning must be received by June 1, 2025 for the 2026-2027 contests.

GroomTeam USA, Inc.® Sanctioned Open Division Classes

  1. Wire Coats Class (Hand Strip)

  2. Sporting Class, (Spaniels and Setters)

  3. Poodles

  4. Other Purebreds, (Scissoring)

Only GroomTeam USA, Inc.® Sanctioned Open Division class placements are eligible to receive points. GroomTeam USA, Inc.® does not award points to Group placements or Best All-Around Groomer. Bonus points are awarded to Best in Show winners provided their entry is from a sanctioned class.

Show Structure

Structure of the show, such as three tier, two tier or single tier, as well as special awards such as Group awards and Best All Around Groomer awards remain the show promoter’s decision. All class rules not specifically designated as GroomTeam USA, Inc.®   Sanctioned, remain the show promoter’s decision. Designation of Level requirements (other than Open Division, which is open to any competitor), remain the show promoter’s decision.

Procedures, Policy, And Protocol

All show policies regarding awards, check in times, pre-judging, entry fees, coat growth requirements, disqualification criteria, withholding awards, specific tool use, ring policies, entry closing dates, judging system, dog qualification (other than breed specific for the four sanctioned classes), etc. all remain the show promoter’s decision.

Sanctioned Classes

GroomTeam USA, Inc.® will provide the specific rules for the sanctioned classes. GroomTeam USA, Inc.®   will determine, acceptable breeds, acceptable trims and allotted time per class.

Sanctioning

  • To qualify for sanctioning, the show promoter must offer the contestant the opportunity to enter each of the following classes: Wire Coats (Hand Strip), Sporting (Spaniel and Setters) Poodle and Scissoring (Other Purebred).

  • Show promoter must provide the four classes independent of one another. Only non- sanctioned classes may run simultaneously with sanctioned classes.

Application And Acceptance Criteria

  • To be eligible for sanctioning, show must have been operational for two years and demonstrated dependable sustainability.

  • Show must offer the four GroomTeam USA, Inc.® sanctioned classes using the GroomTeam USA, Inc.® sanctioned rules and parameters for these classes.

  • Show promoter must submit a signed GroomTeam USA, Inc.® application form to the corresponding secretary, in the year prior to the next two-year cycle.  

  • Sanctioning is a two-year commitment by the show promoter.

  • Show Management must agree to abide by the GroomTeam USA, Inc.® Conflict of Interest Policy.

  • Failure to abide by GroomTeam USA, Inc.® criteria could result in loss of future GroomTeam USA, Inc.®Sanctioning.

  • Show Management must provide Links to the official GroomTeam USA, Inc.® Rules, Grievance Form, Conflict of Interest Policy, Code of Conduct and Standards of Conduct and Sportsmanship Rules on their Contest registration/information page.

  • Show Management must keep a minimum of one written copy of current GroomTeam USA, Inc.®policies and rules at the contest ring check in desk.

  • Show Management must agree to enforce these official GroomTeam USA, Inc. ® Rules.

  • Once GroomTeam USA, Inc.® Board of Directors has issued written approval, show promoter may advertise their show as a GroomTeam USA, Inc.® Sanctioned Show.

  • Show Management must clearly record sanctioned class results and complete all information requested on the GroomTeam USA, Inc.® official results form. Form can be downloaded from this page and filled out.

  • Form must be submitted to the GroomTeam USA, Inc.® Board within fifteen days following the last day of the show. (While we have been lenient in the past we will hold you accountable moving forward).

  • Show Management should retain judging sheets for the GroomTeam USA, Inc.® sanctioned classes for a minimum of forty-five days following the close of the show.

  • All published awards must be distributed in a timely manner.

  • Show management is required to confirm dates and location with GroomTeam USA, Inc.® six months prior to show date to be published on our website.

  • If show management receives a grievance regarding any GroomTeam USA point holder it must be shared with the Board of Directors of GroomTeam USA.

  • Beginning in 2026, GroomTeam USA will implement a streamlined judging process. Limited to the maximum of three (3) assignments per class. Judges are not allowed to judge the same open level class per year.

  • This adjustment (exclusively to GroomTeam USA-sanctioned classes) aims to ensure consistency, uphold the integrity of evaluations, and enhance overall efficiency during competitions. Example: Judge A has judged 3 open level poodle classes this year, they are ineligible to judge anymore open level poodle classes for the remainder of the year at any sanctioned show.

  • In collaboration with show promoters, GroomTeam USA Board and judges working together to ensure the integrity and fairness of the competitive ring. In order to hold and protect accountability a spreadsheet of judges is available on groomteamusa.org

  • Show management must add a check box to Sanctioned class contest application stating the contestant’s acceptance of the GroomTeam USA, Inc.® Code of Conduct.

  • Failure to abide by GroomTeam USA, Inc.® criteria could result in the loss of future GroomTeam USA, Inc.® sanctioning.

De-Sanctioning Procedures

Lodging a Complaint

a

Any association, organization, person or persons may submit a complaint against a sanctioned show for alleged noncompliance of sanctioning requirements.

The GT USA Board of Directors, Advisory Board will have the power to investigate alleged noncompliance of sanctioning requirements.

The Board of Directors by a majority vote, may vote to dismiss the complaint, remove sanctioning or continue sanctioning in good standing.

GT USA will not involve itself in arguments, disputes or disagreements of a personal nature between competitors, judges, show promoters or vendors.

If after such review, the Board of Directors believe that sufficient evidence exists to warrant a counseling session, a session will be held for both Oral and Written Disciplinary Actions. If more advanced discipline is required, they shall appoint an investigative committee. The investigative committee shall perform their investigation independent of the GT USA BOARD.

revised 12/2024