North American Alpaca
Shearing Contest

100 points for the quality of the shorn blanket
100 points for the look of the finished alpaca
100 points for time

VOLUNTEER
Volunteers needed for:
Timer/Spotter
Fleece handling
Alpaca handling
Fiber clean up
Score keeping
Photographer and/or Videographer
Spectating
Register to volunteer today!

Accommodations:
Local Hotels

3 Classes of Contestants:
  Beginner: Less than 400 alpacas shorn/year
  Prizes: 1st  $200
             2nd $150
             3rd  $50

  Intermediate: Less than 1500 alpacas shorn/year
  Prizes: 1st $300
             2nd $150
             3rd $75

  Open: 1500+/year Contestants will have the option to move up a class but not down.
  Prizes: 1st  $600
             2nd $300
             3rd  $150

 NEW! Fiber Classing: To promote the commercial harvest of alpaca fiber. Click Here to Read More
  Prizes: 1st  $200
             2nd $125
             3rd   $75

           Best Blanket: $75
        
Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in each class.
Head to head heats of two or three shearers determined by a draw will be set up within classes until all contestants have competed.

Automatic disqualification:
Any injury to an alpaca beyond a nick that results in loss of utility or ability to breed, reproduce and raise young.
Examples: injury to teat, pizzle, vulva, tendons or ligaments.

QUALITY OF THE SHORN BLANKET
  Prime blanket removed:
  In one piece.
  With least amount of skirting required.
  With least amount of second cuts.

APPEARANCE OF THE SHORN ALPACA
  Look of the finished alpaca: symmetrical & neat head, stove pipe legs and fan tail.
  No tags of fiber .
  Skin cuts will result in points deducted by the judge under the appearance.

TIME
  Fastest time in the class equals 100% of the 33 points for time.
  Slowest time in the class will receive 50% of the 33 points for time.
  Times in between will be prorated accordingly to determine the points.

The clock will start with hand-piece off and with the GO command until the hand-piece is turned off.

Each competitor in a class will shear at least one alpaca which will be properly restrained before the time start.

Depending on the total number of competitors, one or more classes may shear more than one alpaca. If a second alpaca is shorn the time will be from the alpaca in the pen, gate closed until the alpaca is returned to the pen with the gate closed. If a third alpaca is shorn it will be again restrained prior to the start.

All competitors in a class will shear an equal number of alpacas.

The shearing competitor must provide:
  Shearing hand-piece(s)
  Combs and cutters
  Head holder (or recruit one at the competition)
  Takedown assistance (or recruit one at the competition)
Top Gun restraint ropes will be provided however competitors may use their own restraint system if preferred.

Additional Rules
  NO alcohol will be consumed during the competition.
  Smoking will be allowed only in an area designated by the host farm.

  Competitors enter and compete at their own risk.
  Competitors must report to the entry desk 30 minutes prior to the start of the event.
  Competitors must be suitably attired for safety with no conflicting sponsors for the competition and prize award ceremony.
  Competitors will be disqualified for conduct determined by the judge to be inappropriate. This will include but not limited to:
     Abusive or detrimental behavior toward competitors, officials, spectators or alpacas
     Unsportsmanlike conduct
     The use of foul language
     The use of drugs or alcohol
  Disqualified competitors will receive no prizes.
  Competitors should bring a first aid kit, needle and thread, glue and antiseptic.

Cancellation Policy:
If a cancellation is received 30 days prior to the event, registration fees paid will be applied toward a future AVA/LLE event. Cancellations within 30 days of the event will result in the forfeiture of the fees as expenses have been incurred and potential attendees may have been turned away. Thank you for your understanding.