Coronavirus and ADGA Shows – Update 3-15-2020

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Recommendations for ADGA Shows

In the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic, the 2020 ADGA show season may face some unique challenges. Because numerous large events have been cancelled, many questions have been asked regarding the occurrence of local dairy goat shows. As recommendations are changing nearly by the hour, it may be difficult to decide what to do if you are a local club hosting a show, particularly in the next month. Decisions need to be made on a show-by-show basis by individual show committees. To that end, listed below are a few suggested recommendations for show committees, judges, and exhibitors.

Show Committees

  • If you feel the need to cancel your show, please give exhibitors a 1-2 week notice at minimum. If you do cancel, contact the judges with plenty of notice.
  • If you have an out of state judge that is flying in, contact them and ask if they still feel comfortable flying to the show. A young judge may have living situations where they live with an immunocompromised or older adult and may not feel comfortable traveling. Check with local judges to see if they may be able to act as a replacement if the out of state judge does not want to travel.
  • Be flexible. If you need to reduce the number of rings from 4 to 3 due to a judge being unable to travel, let your exhibitors know.
  • Communicate with exhibitors prior to the show to be mindful. If they are sick, STAY HOME. Emphasize handwashing. Cancel the show potluck or dinner that is typically hosted. If exhibitors are worried about getting sick, tell them to STAY HOME. Goats shows, though fun, are not essential travel.
  • Provide hand sanitizer ringside and a bucket of soapy water to wash hands and paper towels.
  • Be in contact with your venue to ensure there are adequate handwashing facilities and that they haven’t decided to close/cancel events

Judges

  • Many judges fly to judge shows. If as a judge, you have concerns about traveling due to your own personal health, age, persons you live with, contact the show committee to see if a local judge could be asked as a replacement. If you or the committee cannot find a replacement, you are not required to fly, especially if you are concerned about your health or a loved one’s health. If you purchased a ticket and are concerned about the financial loss of that expense, contact the airlines to determine if vouchers or refunds are available.
  • At the show, WASH YOUR HANDS. If you are sick, notify the show committee and stay home. Ask for hand sanitizer to be ring side or bring your own. Ask for a bucket of water with soap and consistently remember to wash your hands

Exhibitors

  • Stay home if you are sick or if you are concerned about getting sick. If you want to go, wash your hands frequently and bring hand sanitizer.

These are simply recommendations and considerations as show season approaches that clubs and judges should consider. Each show must do what it feels is within its exhibitors’ best interest. Hopefully the Coronavirus will subside as more measures are being taken across the nation. Above all, we want our members to be safe.

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