All Species Show

2006 Show Rules:

1. Anyone may enter the show that complies fully with the rules and procedures set by MAS and the show site.
2. A Junior exhibitor must not have reached their 18th birthday by the first of the month of the show.
3. Only dealers and wholesalers may enter the Dealer class. Individuals are free to enter any other class.
4. No limit of entries shall be imposed upon any participant.
5. Each entry can be entered in only one class. However, any entry may be eligible for the special awards.
6. Each entry must be the property of the exhibitor for at least 30 days.
7. The majority of classes are single species classes.
8. So that the fish may look their best, exhibitors may include additional fish in the display, as follows [Dither fish (will not be judged). [One to four fish: The exhibitor must specify which fish should be judged. If the judges cannot determine which fish to judge, they will randomly select one. [Five or more fish: This display is recognized as a school and the deportment score is based on how well they school. For the other judging criteria, the judges will randomly select a fish for each feature. Thus the scores of the school features will be averaged. Non-judged fish will not detract from the score unless they noticeably detract from the display.
9. No deformed, hybrid or crossbred fish shall be exhibited. Exceptions are made only to those species that are historically recognized (such as artificial forms of Livebearers and goldfish).
10. Aquatic plants must be displayed as grown (e.g. emergent plants may not be displayed submersed).
11. Classes may be split or combined as the show committee sees fit. Each new class will have at least five entries. Classes with three or fewer entries may be combined.
12. Only MAS labels are allowed to display a species name and the entry number. Exhibitors may add text or illustrations to point out additional information that is relevant to the public. The committee reserves the right to remove any information that it deems inappropriate. The committee may remove this information before judging.
13. Nothing may be added to or removed from any entry beginning at 6:00 am Saturday until the judging is complete.
14. The Show Committee reserves the right to remove from public view any dead, dying deformed or obviously sick fish. The committee reserves the right to take any reasonable action to preserve the life of any fish or aquatic animal in the display.
15. The Show Chair or committee may reclassify any mis-classed entry.
16. All participants in the show must understand that MAS, the Show Committee and any other person who may be associated with the show, shall not be held liable for accidents or for loss or damage to equipment or fish. Each person is ultimately responsible for his or her property.

Equipment/Requirements:

1. No window cleaner or any other material that may be harmful to aquatic life can be used near the displays. Vinegar or lemon juices are good substitutes.
2. Containers: All aquatic entries must be displayed in flat-sided containers of good clarity.
3. Gravel: Optional, but strongly recommended.
4. Backgrounds are required. (Any opaque material will suffice.) The Killifish and Betta classes are exempt from this rule.
5. Lighting is not required for any tank; however, it is encouraged. The judges carry small flashlights, but if the lack of lighting hinders the judging, that display could lose points or even not be judged.
6. All tanks must be covered to prevent fish from jumping. Plastic wrap is not acceptable.
7. Heaters are optional, but most exhibitors will want to use them.
8. Water will be available on site. MAS does not warrant the suitability of the water that is available. The committee recommends that exhibitors bring their own water.
9. Air will be provided for all tanks on MAS tables entered before the Monday deadline. Each person must provide ample airline tubing. Freestanding tanks, dealer entries and late entries may not have air.
10. Electricity: two outlets per tank may be enforced. Bring your own (marked) extension cords.
11. MAS will provide tables for tanks up to 20 gallons and up to 30" wide. Any tank over 20 gallons requires that the exhibitor bring their own stand.

Judging:

1. The judges will attempt to judge each entry. Judges may, at their own discretion, move or remove a small amount of tank contents (e.g. plants, rocks, etc.) as necessary for judging. If the judge is unable to adequately judge a fish, they have the right to not judge the entry or give lower scores.
2. Entries are judged on a comparative basis within each class and in accordance with the judging criteria.
3. Exhibitors must not discuss entries with the judges before or during judging.
4. To aid the judges, exhibitors may provide reference material for uncommon species. This material must be left with the entry - no direct contact with the judges is allowed.
5. In the case of ties, a judge may be called to "eyeball" the entries to break the tie.
6. Judges decisions are final.
7. The show committee reserves the right to disqualify or penalize for any of the following: sick/dying/dead fish, deformed fish, improperly displayed fish or any violation of the show rules.

Dealer Displays:

1. The show chairs decision is final as to what qualifies as a dealer display.
2. Signs or other advertising must be no larger than the front of the tank being displayed and must be in front of or next to the display.
3. Literature (maximum size 8.5 x 11) may be distributed immediately in front of the display.
4. All dealer entries are given Participation Awards.
5. The public, through the People's Choice ballots, will judge dealer displays.

Junior Entries:

1. Juniors must not be 18 as of the first of the month of the show.
2. The entry form must be marked as "Junior Participation entry" and be entered on time.
3. Junior Member Awards will be given to the top three entries overall by junior members of MAS. Junior entries compete with all other entries for all other awards.
4. Junior Participation Awards will be given to all juniors who enter, whether they are members of MAS or not.

Awards:

1. Each winning exhibitor shall receive one plaque and a brass plate for each placing entry the exhibitor earns. If an exhibitor desires, MAS will assemble the plaque and plates (to be available in a timely manner). The first place winners of the special awards will be awarded a special plaque.
2. First, second and third place awards are given for each class.
3. Winners will be announced, and the awards presented, at the Saturday evening Awards Banquet.

Special Awards and their descriptions:

(These are not classes. All qualifying entries will be considered. Not, all awards are used every year.)

1. Aquarium Beautiful: Any display that is notably aquascaped will be considered for this award. The award is given to the tank with the best combination of fish and aquascaping. First, second and third place will be determined by a qualified judge, based on the general criteria provided by the show committee.
2. Best In Show: Awarded for the display with the highest ranking entry (classes 1 through 23)
3. F.A.A.S Award: Awarded to the MAS exhibitor with the highest cumulative "placing points".
4. Best Cichlid in Show: Awarded to the highest-ranking Cichlid entry. (An A.C.A. award)
5. Best Livebearer in Show: Awarded to the highest-ranking livebearer entry. (An A.L.A. award)
6. Best Rainbowfish in Show: Awarded to the highest-ranking rainbowfish entry. (An R.S.G. award)
7. Best Killifish in Show: Awarded to the highest-ranking killifish entry. (An M.K.K.A. award)
8. Best Biotope: Like aquarium beautiful, this competition is open to any entry in any of the fish classes. In order to be recognized as a biotope display, the exhibitor must include a short write-up (up to a page) about the choice of fish and aquascaping used to reflect the environment of a known portion of the world. To qualify, an entry would have its aquascaping and all of its fish and plants limited to a particular biotope or region (no broader than a continent).
9. People's Choice: First, second and third place will be awarded to the entries receiving the most votes in a "peoples choice" ballot.

Special Classes:

1. COMMUNITY (class 1): Entries in this class contain a variety of species (at least three). Judging is based on such quantities as: variety of colors, shapes, sizes and lifestyles. Also considered are compatibility and appropriateness (such as shared water requirements).
2. PLANTED AQUARIUM (class 2): Since the judging of this class focuses on the plants, these entries are expected to be heavily planted. Fish are optional. However, to be considered for Aquarium Beautiful, the exhibit must include fish (either as a species, or as a community display). Ample and appropriate lighting is required. This class (and this class only) may be combined with the community class. This class will be judged (first, second, third) by a qualified judge, rather than a point system.
3. SHOW PLANT (class 3): This class will be limited to a single species of aquatic plant. Fish may be included in the display to help show off the plant, but the fish will not be judged. NOTE: poor quality fish can detract from the overall effect of the plant resulting in a lower score. Plants will be judged on such qualities as size, condition, color and applicable environment.
4. FAMILY/BREEDER (class 24): A family entry shows parental care with all members in the same tank. A breeder entry shows fry separated from parents by a divider, in both cases, the display must include the parents and at least five of their fly. Points are awarded only to the parents, but points may be docked for poor quality fry.
5. GADGETS & TECHNIQUES: The display should be similar to one at a science fair. The exhibitor will be asked to list its purpose and advantages. Photos, illustrations, text, demonstrations and background are encouraged. Exhibitors may leave their name and address so that others can contact them regarding their gadget or technique. This is an exhibition only class and is not judged Participation awards are given. Any display that requires more than 30 inches of space must obtain pre-approval from the show chair, and the exhibitors may be asked to provide their own stand.
6. ARTISTIC & THEME TANKS: This class includes most artistic items not included in Photographs or Drawings. It does not include performances. A fish or aquarium theme must be part of the exhibit. The committee reserves the right to disqualify and/or remove any exhibits that it finds inappropriate. First, second and third are chosen by a qualified judge.
7. PHOTOGRAPHS & DRAWINGS: These exhibits must be the work of the exhibitor and should relate to the aquarium hobby.

Please visit www.mn-aquarium.org .