As we prepare for our own rabbit show event, inevitably some questions come up regarding sanctions. Exhibitors are often confused when trying to figure out which shows they want to go to based on “Sanction”. I wrote an article a while back which hopefully resolves some questions, I have updated it a little:
“Sanction” means a few different things:
Clubs will obtain a show sanction from ARBA, which locks the date and prevents multiple shows in the same area. This makes the show or shows on that date “Official ARBA shows”, of course provided they follow the ARBA Show Rules. Technically the ARBA sanction is the only sanction needed to make an “official” show. At this show any recognized breed or unrecognized breed / varieties with a working standard may be shown, unrecognized breeds / varieties cannot compete for Best in Show, Grand Champion legs etc.
Shows may also be “sanctioned” by a State Associations such as NYRCBA (New York),PaSRBA (Penn), OSRBA(Ohio) or Regional show circuits such as MARCS (Mid-Alantic Rab & Cavy) and NESC (New England Show Cicuit). Often these provide “sweepstakes” or competition points for shows within that state or circuit and other benefits that vary by association. NY, PA, OH state clubs currently offer state sweepstakes. I find it’s much better to say “It’s part of the XXX sweepstakes / show circuit” to avoid confusion.
The most common thing when exhibitors refer to the “Sanction” is the National Breed Club sanctions. The National Breed sanction confers points in the national competitions and in some cases requires the club to pay a “special” prize to breed winners, few clubs still do this.
It ‘s important to note that the national sanction IS NOT REQUIRED in order to show a particular breed at an ARBA show. This does lead to confusion often among new exhibitors and even some experienced breeders forget this, sometimes causing people that want to attend not coming because they didnt think they could show their rabbit because it wasn’t sanctioned.
The national sanction does tends to get more animals to be brought to a particular show, primarily because exhibitors recognize that the club or exhibitors are interested enough in the breed to obtain the national sanction. This often will become more important for the less numerous breeds.
If the host club can’t or does not wish to pay the sanction fees, exhibitors are encouraged to contact the club and offer to pay the sanctioning fee.