Rules

Rules

• Anyone may enter the show that complies fully with the rules and procedures set by MAS and the show site.
• No limit of entries shall be imposed upon any participant.
• Each entry can be entered in only one class. However, any entry may be eligible for the special awards.
• Each entry must be placed in a separate tank. The only exception is entries from class 1. A plant entry may be placed with another entry from any class except artistic classes.
• Each entry must be the property of the exhibitor.
• The majority of classes are single species classes.
• So that the fish may look their best, exhibitors may include more than one fish for schooling fish. It is a judges discretion to select one fish from school for judging or to judge the school in aggregate.
• No deformed livestock shall be exhibited. Exceptions are made only to those species that are historically recognized (such as artificial forms of livebearers and goldfish) and newly recognized (hybrid class).
• Aquatic plants must be displayed as grown (e.g. emergent plants may not be displayed submersed).
• Only MAS labels are allowed to display a species name and the entry number. Exhibitors are not allowed to add any written material to an entry until judging is complete. Once judging is complete, an exhibitor 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.
• Nothing may be added to or removed from any entry beginning at 11:00 pm Friday until the judging is complete and show opens to public at noon Saturday.
• 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.
• The Show Chair or committee will attempt to reclassify any mis-classed entry. However, the responsibility of placing an entry into the correct class falls upon an exhibitor.
• All participants in the show 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 responsible for his or her property.
• Sexually dimorphic fish may be shown together. However, if both fish are placed in one tank and one of the pair is damaged, then MAS reserves the right to remove the damaged fish from display. Typically, a display is removed by covering the tank, not removing damaged fish from tank.
• MAS members are allowed unlimited entries at no charge.
• Non members will be charged $5 for one entry, $10 for two or three entries and $15 for four or more entries (at this point the non member becomes a member)

Equipment/Requirements:

• Commercial glass cleaners and ammonia solutions are not allowed in the show room. Aquarium glass may be cleaned with dilute vinegar or lemon juices solutions.
• All aquatic entries must be displayed in flat-sided containers of good clarity. Bowfront tanks are not acceptable.
• Gravel: Optional, but strongly recommended.
• Backgrounds are required. (Any opaque material will suffice.) The Killifish and Betta classes are exempt from this rule.
• Lighting is required for all entries. Judges will have flashlights available but are not required to use them.
• All tanks must be covered. Food grade plastic wrap is not allowed.
• Heaters are optional.
• Water will be available on site. MAS does not warrant the suitability of the water that is available. Exhibitors may bring their own water.
• Air will be provided for all tanks on MAS show racks. Each person must provide ample airline tubing. Freestanding tanks and dealer entries will not be provided with air.
• Electricity: two outlets per tank may be enforced. Bring your own (marked) extension cords.
• MAS will provide tank racks for tanks up to 20 gallons. All 20 gal tanks will be placed on top row, 10 gal tanks may be placed on top row or lower row. All tanks of less than 10 gal will be placed on bottom row. Any tank over 20 gallons requires that the exhibitor bring their own stand.

Judging

• 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.
• Entries are judged in accordance with the judging criteria.
• Exhibitors are not allowed to discuss entries with the judges before or during judging.
• Exhibitors may provide reference material for uncommon species. This material will be placed on reference table - no direct contact with the judges is allowed.
• In the case of ties, judges will be asked to rejudge only those fish that are tied.
• Judges decisions are final.
• 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

• We welcome dealer participation at the show.
• The show chair's decision is final as to what qualifies as a dealer display.
• 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.
• Literature (maximum size 8.5 x 11) may be distributed immediately in front of the display.
• A dealer display is considered a form of advertising. Any dealer wishing to display a tank will contact the show committee 30 days prior to the show.

Junior Entries

• Juniors must be 17 or under, as of the first of the month of the show.
• The entry form must be marked as "Junior Participation entry" and be entered on time.
• 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.
• Junior Participation Awards will be given to all juniors who enter, whether they are members of MAS or not.