1. EXHIBITORS: Each exhibitor without Federation show numbers must register before making entries and will be given an exhibitor's number. There is no entry fee.
2. NUMBER OF ENTRIES: There will be no limit on the number of entries an exhibitor may enter in any class unless otherwise specified.
3. CLASSIFIED DAHLIAS: Dahlias will be exhibited as classified in the most recent issue of the ADS Classification Book or the Federation's supplemental listing in the most recent ADS Classification Book or the current year’s Federation Show Annual. The Federation supplement will take precedence in cases of conflict. A minor fault will be assessed for undersized or oversized blooms.
4. UNCLASSIFIED DAHLIAS: Dahlias not listed in the classification books will be shown in the appropriate size, type, and color class. Size categories are:
Giant (AA) Dahlias over 10"
Large (A) Dahlias over 8" to 10"
Medium (B) Dahlias over 6" to 8"
Small (BB) Dahlias over 4" to 6"
Miniature Dahlias 4" and under
Ball Dahlias over 3 1/2"
Miniature Ball Dahlias over 2" to 3 1/2"
Pompon Dahlias 2" and under
Exhibitors unsure of proper classification should have the entry tag marked by the CLASSIFICATION COMMITTEE or ANY SENIOR JUDGE. An entry cannot be disqualified for incorrect classification if it is so marked.
5. SUPPORTING STEMS: The use of any material above the top of the container to support dahlias will disqualify the entry.
6. SHOWING RULES: Except in the arrangement and seedling sections, all blooms shown in competition can be entered with either a name or number, and must be grown by the exhibitor. Blooms must be shown disbudded and with at least two leaves that complement the bloom.
7. ENTRY TAGS: Entry tags supplied by the show committee must be completely filled out (including true name of dahlia) by the exhibitor and attached to each entry. Exhibitors will use the following color code:
Novice - Pink Tags, Amateur - Yellow Tags, Open - White Tags
8. JUDGING INSTRUCTIONS: The Chairman of Judges shall instruct each judge as to the classes he shall judge. The judges will follow the standard system of judging as defined by the American Dahlia Society (refer to the Guide to Judging Dahlias, a Manual of the American Dahlia Society) unless other provisions are stated in this schedule. No person shall judge any class in which he has a special interest, but shall step aside until judging of such class is complete.
9. DECISIONS OF THE JUDGES: The decisions of the judges are considered final; however, the Chairman of Judges may call for the re-judging of any class. This can be done within two hours following the conclusion of judging and only if a signed complaint has been registered with the Chairman of Judges.
10. FILLER: Each exhibitor will be responsible for the filler used in his containers.
11. RIBBON PRIZES: The ribbons will be blue for first and red for second except in Seedling Sections. (The judges may give only a second award if no entry merits a first.) Only blue ribbon winners will be eligible for further awards. Best-of-Type and Section Champion ribbons will be awarded where designated.
12. BEST DAHLIA IN SHOW: The Best Dahlia in the Show will be selected from the best single entry in Sections 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27 29, 31, 33, 35, 59 & 61. Best Triple entry in show will be selected from the best triple entry (of same variety) in Sections 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, 59 & 61.
13. MULTIPLE BLOOM ENTRIES: All blooms in any multiple-bloom entry such as triple entries or five bloom entries (arrangements not included) must be one variety unless otherwise stated.
14. BASKETS: No minimum number of blooms is required in any entry, unless otherwise specified, but the number of blooms must be in proportion to the size of the basket. The blooms in a basket are not required to have a set of leaves; other greens are allowed. One or more varieties are allowed in all classes.
15. SEEDLINGS: Seedlings and undisseminated dahlias entered in the Seedling Sections shall be judged on their individual merits and not in competition with each other. The judges shall award a SEEDLING OF MERIT ribbon to each worthy entry in Section 56. American Dahlia Society rosettes will be awarded in Section 57. Once a seedling is entered in ADS competition at any dahlia show, it is no longer eligible to compete in Section 56. There is a 1/2” tolerance for size on mignon single dahlias.
16. REMOVAL OF ENTRIES: No exhibit or any part of an exhibit may be removed at any time during the show; however, the show committee reserves the right to remove any exhibit which is inferior in condition, detracts from the general quality of the show, or is exhibited in a leaking container.
17. RESPONSIBILITY: The club shall not be responsible for loss or damage to the exhibits or the exhibitor's personal property; however, the utmost care will be exercised for same.
18. ADDITIONAL RULES: The Show Chairman may make additions or changes in the rules which are deemed necessary for the proper conduct of the show. Any rules so made shall be as binding as though they were a published part of these rules.