code of conduct

Code of Conduct

Introduction

This Code of Conduct has been developed to set out the Singapore Kennel Club’s (“SKC”) expectations for all those taking part in or attending events under its jurisdiction along with general guidelines on the use of social media.

Why do we need this Code?

We are all under intense scrutiny in terms of the pedigree dog world and dog breeding generally. The advice and guidance offered in this document are not meant to penalize or cause difficulty but are there for the protection of all of us and particularly the dog – unity and co- operation is therefore vital.

What we expect from you

As with all sports, the SKC expects all exhibitors and competitors to conduct themselves in a responsible manner and to ensure that their dogs are properly taken care of throughout the period of the event and do not become a nuisance to other dogs or to other attendees. Below are the minimum expectations which should be followed. These are not exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with the relevant regulations, rules and by-laws of the SKC. Any breach of these provisions may be referred to the Governing Council for disciplinary action under the M&A or to respective Committees in accordance with the relevant regulations, rules and by- laws.

People

Conduct – participants have a duty both to their dogs and to others to make SKC related events friendly and welcoming, and are expected to be co-operative and above all create a safe environment for all to enjoy their time at licensed events.
Sportsmanship – participants should conduct themselves at all times in an appropriate fashion and should display decorum, good manners and respect towards other participants, show officials and to the judges.
Participants should only communicate with a judge after judging has taken place and do so in a polite and professional manner.
Abusive, aggressive, or hostile behaviour towards anyone at any SKC related event– in particular the judge, other participants, event management or other officials – will not be tolerated under any circumstances (further information appears later in this publication regarding harassment).
Interference with any dog whilst it is being judged is prohibited.
Smoking is not permitted whilst exhibiting or whilst a dog is under test or in breach of the law.
Mobile phones and other similar electronic devises should be turned off whilst exhibiting or whilst a dog is under test.
Participants are responsible for their own well being, and for the well being of those under their care. Not all dogs are friendly or approachable. Do not allow your children to approach or touch any dogs unless you have the permission of the owner for them to do so. Be aware of where your children are, and what they are doing, at all times. Take special care around benching areas where dogs may react to an unexpected approach.

Dogs

In shows, all dogs must be of the correct temperament to enable the judge to examine the exhibit, independently of the exhibitor’s assistance.
Sparring between dogs is discouraged.
The SKC may disqualify any participant whose dog is deemed not to be under control.
Dogs are not permitted to wear muzzles of any kind whilst being judged.

Harassment Use of Social Media

A Zero Tolerance approach

No-one should be subject to intimidation or made to feel threatened, alarmed or distressed or put in fear of reprisal. Harassment is a criminal offence. To that end the SKC has adopts a zero tolerance towards all type of harassment activity, which includes causing alarm, distress and anxiety and fear of physical violence or other threat, offensive statements, verbal abuse and threats.

Conduct may include speech, gestures, signals, body language, obstruction and so on. As such conduct may involve a criminal offence the police may be involved and it may be that the SKC will defer any action pending the outcome of such investigation and/or prosecution.

It goes without saying that the SKC expects courtesy and co-operation to be shown towards all judges, officials, staff and organizers at any SKC related licensed event. Whilst the pressures and tensions which arise at competitive level are understood, any harassment, including aggression or abuse towards those who are simply undertaking their jobs for the benefit and interest of the exhibitor/competitor and the audience and ultimately the dog itself, cannot be tolerated.

adapted from The Kennel Club