2024 Junior National Contest Rules

CONTEST AGE DIVISIONS

Senior: 17 and older • Intermediate: 13 - 16 • Junior: 12 and under
ages as of may 20, 2024

General Contest Rules

1. Participant ages for all contests will be based on the junior member’s age as of May 20, 2024.
   If a junior member is 21 years of age as of January 1 of the junior national year, he or she is eligible to compete at the Junior National.
2. Photo contest, graphic design and resume/interview submissions will be completed online by June 1 at 11:59 p.m. See contest specific rules and guidelines for complete submission instructions.
3. For quiz bowl, team fitting and team sales, mixed-age teams may be entered but will be classified by the oldest member of the team. All teams must provide team members’ names and ages to the AIJCA office by 9:00 a.m., on Monday, June 24. Every effort will be made to fill any incomplete teams.
4. All entries for the scrapbook, art, poster, and prepared speech contests must be turned into the registration desk by 12 p.m. Noon on Sunday, June 23. Entries in these contests will be available for pick-up by the junior member at Noon, Friday, June 28. Entries left will be disposed.
5. Participants in all contests must be present to participate.
6. Entries in the poster, graphic design and photo contests that are deemed inappropriate by a sifting committee will be disqualified.
7. The order of presentation for all contests (individual and team) will be randomly assigned within division and will be posted at the show office.

Art Contest

The art contest is designed to exhibit artistic talents of AIJCA members.
Contest divisions are as follows:

Senior, Intermediate and Junior.
General contest rules for all age divisions are as follows:

1. Entries must promote the Charolais breed in some way.
2. Any medium may be used: pencil, crayon, pastel, paint, fabric, metal, wood, clay, etc.
3. Originality is key!
4. One entry per person.
5. Contestants should attach the following information to the piece of art: brief description describing how artwork was made, contestant name, address, breeder number and age as of May 20, 2024.

Cook-off Contest

Anyone who enjoys preparing beef recipes should enter this contest. It is also an excellent way to educate and entertain non-participants, while promoting beef.
Each team will consist of 2 to 4 participants.
Contest divisions are as follows:

Senior, Intermediate, Junior and Adult.
General contest rules for all age divisions are as follows:

1. Teams must submit all names of cook-off contest participants, ages and birth dates along with 10 typed copies of the entry’s recipe to the registration desk no later than 12 p.m. Noon, on Sunday, June 23.
2. Participants will furnish all necessary ingredients (including meat) as well as cooking tools (i.e. grill, utensils, plates, tables, extension cords, etc.)
3. Participants may use any gas grill, charcoal grill, oven, toaster oven, crock pot, etc., as long as furnished by the participants—nothing will be provided for the preparation of any entry. Facility kitchen will not be made available to Cook-off Contest participants.
4. All entries must use beef as the main ingredient in the recipes. NEW! A panel of 2 judges will judge the Cook-Off Contest. Teams should prepare at least two servings for the judges. Extra servings will be made available for tasting by spectators. (A serving of meat is 3 cooked ounces.)
5. All contest participants should follow proper food safety procedures during preparation for the dish.
6. Accessories such as place mats, napkins, flowers, etc. are allowed.
7. No alcoholic beverages may be used in presentation or be presented to the judges. (Exception: when used in marinating or meat preparation.)
8. Participants shall stand away from table when judges are scoring or team will be disqualified.
9. Presentation to judges shall last no longer than 8 minutes per team.
10. All entries will be evaluated on two separate and distinct categories:
    1. SHOWMANSHIP — Team members will be scored on neatness, grooming, cleanliness, manners, enthusiasm and ability to answer questions about the beef product, its preparation, storage, sanitation and nutrition.
    2. RECIPE — The team’s presentation will be scored on the recipe provided, appropriate number of meat servings in dishes, economical factors, appearance of dish, taste, appeal to persons in various age groups and health conscious preparation.

Graphic Design Contest

This contest enables AIJCA members to use computer technology to design materials that promote the Charolais breed or a herd.
Contest divisions are as follows:

Senior & Intermediate
General contest rules for Senior and Intermediate divisions are as follows:

1. Entries must be created using computer technology.
2. There will be 2 categories:
   • Breed/Association Promotion: Highlight the value of Charolais in a successful cattle enterprise or the benefits of active membership in the Charolais Association.
   • Herd Advertisement: Suitable for promotion of your own herd or a fictitious (but realistic) situation.
3. NEW! Contestants will complete the graphic design contest submission form found online at www.CharolaisUSA.com and upload submissions before June 1 at 11:59 p.m. Entries should be sized to an 8.5” x 11” page and will be submitted electronically as a PDF or JPG file.
   One entry will be submitted in each form. When submitting a graphic design, you must include the following: contestant name, breeder number, age division as of May 20, 2024, and category of graphic design.
4. Contest is limited to 2 entries per person, one entry per category.
5. All work must be that of the contestant. Entries must be the contestant’s current year’s work and cannot have been presented for competition at a previous AIJCA Junior National.
6. Graphic design entries will be evaluated on: originality, message, ability to attract attention, use of space and design.
7. Judges will rank the top 5 in each category in each age division. Awards will be given to the top two in each category of each age division.

Herdsmanship Contest

Following are the state/affiliate herdsmanship judging guidelines:

1. Neatness and cleanliness of exhibit area
2. Availability of juniors to answer questions
3. Participation and involvement in grooming by junior members
4. Exhibition and promotion of entries
5. Cattle must be in stalls from tie-outs by designated time and shall not return to tie-outs until designated time.

Impromptu Public Speaking Contest

Contestants will present a speech on a subject for the livestock industry as randomly selected after the contest begins.
Contest divisions are as follows:

Senior Division – 3 to 5 minute speech.
Intermediate Division – 2 to 4 minute speech.
Junior Division – Up to 3 minute speech.
(Junior division participants may have assistance from an AIJCA Board of Director – assistance from anyone else will disqualify the participant.)

General contest rules for all age divisions are as follows:

1. The selection of topics shall be held 15 minutes (depending on order drawn) before the presentation. The participant will draw two specific topics, selected at random, relating to the industry of agriculture and/or the Charolais breed of cattle. After selecting the topic the participant desires to speak on, both topics will be returned to the pool for the next drawing.
2. The topics will be prepared by the AICA Staff.
3. Contestant will be given approximately 15 minutes to prepare their presentation. The Junior Division will have the option to use an outline prepared by the AIJCA Board.
4. Contestant will be given approximately 15 minutes to prepare their presentation. The Junior Division will have the option to use an outline prepared by the AIJCA Board.
5. Contestant will be asked to answer questions relating to their speech following their presentation. The question and answer session shall be a maximum of 3 minutes. Deductions of 20 points per minute will be taken from the score of each judge for any speech under the minimum or over the maximum time restriction.
6. Contestant will be judged on personal appearance.

Interview & Resumé Contest

This contest is designed to assist with career development of AIJCA members. Participants will be evaluated by 2-3 judges.
Contest divisions are as follows:

High School Division
(Members are eligible to compete in high school division through the summer following high school graduation.)
College Division

General contest rules for all age divisions are as follows:

1. Contest is only open to members 15 years of age and older, as of May 20, 2024.
2. Contestant will be scored separately on each of the following: cover letter, resumé and personal interview. A combined score from these three areas will determine the contestant’s overall score.
3. NEW! Contestants will complete the interview and resumé contest submission form found at www. CharolaisUSA.com. The following will be uploaded in PDF format: job description, cover letter and resumé. Materials will be submitted online by June 1, 2024 at 11:59 pm in order to allow judges time to review materials before the contest.
4. Contestants will submit one agricultural internship/job description and interview for that position. Divisions are as follows:
   1. High School Division Internships
   2. College Division Full-Time Jobs
5. Contestants will be judged on personal appearance.
6. Resumés and cover letters will be evaluated on content, grammar, design and overall appeal.
7. Each contestant will be interviewed for no more than ten (10) minutes.
8. Each individual will be evaluated on the following in the interview portion of this contest:
   • Education - Does applicant have the educational background needed for a position with the organization?
   • Leadership Potential - Does applicant appear to have the ability and motivation to advance in the organization?
   • Extracurricular Activities - Does the potential interviewer have sufficient experience in outside activities?
   • Work Experience - Does the applicant have sufficient job accomplishments, skills and experiences to relate to the position.
   • Communication Skills - How well was the candidate able to express his/her thoughts? Consider factors such as vocabulary, grammar, style of delivery, etc.
   • Career Planning - Did the candidate show evidence of career planning? (Example: setting goals for the future, alternative career paths, long-range plans for future self-development)
   • Motivation/Initiative - To what extent does the applicant show enthusiasm for the position being interviewed for?
   • Appearance/Personality - What kind of general impression does the applicant make? Consider dress, grooming, posture and presence.

Mentorship Program

Mentors: Recommended for junior members, 15 and older who have attended two or more Junior Nationals. In agreeing to be a mentor, you will help your mentee get to know others within the organization, answer any questions they may have and most of all—help them have a fun and interesting experience at Junior National.

Mentees: Recommended for young junior members and first or second time Junior National participants. In requesting a mentor, you will learn about the AIJCA and Junior National Show and Leadership Conference, meet new people from other states and most of all—have a great experience at Junior National.

General Mentorship Program guidelines and structure:

1. Mentor/Mentee partners will be assigned by the AIJCA Board.
2. The individuals who sign up to be a mentor or mentee will find out their pairings at the Mentor/Mentee Introductions, Sunday, June 23.
3. Junior members running for an AIJCA Board of Director position are required to be a Mentor and be present at Introductions unless prior written permission is granted from the AICA Youth Activities Director.

Photo Contest

The AIJCA Photo Contest is designed to provide juniors the opportunity to learn photographic skills and compete with other Charolais junior members.
Contest divisions are as follows:

Senior, Intermediate and Junior.
General contest rules for all age divisions are as follows:

1. There will be 2 categories:
   • Color: Highlighting Charolais cattle in a colored photograph
   • Black and White: Highlighting Charolais cattle in a black and white photograph
2. Judges will rank the top 5 photos in each category in each age division. Awards will be given to the top two in each category of each age division
3. Contest is limited to 4 entries per person, but no more than 2 per category.
4. Photos must highlight Charolais cattle on the farm, ranch or at an event. The cattle should be the dominant focus of the photo.
5. NEW! Contestants will complete the photo contest submission form found at www.CharolaisUSA.com and upload submissions before June 1 at 11:59 p.m.
   One photo will be submitted in each form. When submitting a photo, you must include the following: contestant name, breeder number, age division as of May 20, 2024, category of photo and title of photo.
6. Entries should be formatted to print high quality at 8” x 10” size. Photo files should not exceed 18 MB. Receipt confirmation e-mails will be sent once individual submissions have been processed
7. All entries must be original, untouched photos taken by the AIJCA member who enters the photo. Photos must be the contestant’s current year’s work and cannot have been presented for competition at a previous AIJCA Junior National.
8. Charolais Journal staff reserves the right to utilize any photos in the contest at the staff’s discretion.

Poster Contest

TThe AIJCA Poster Contest is designed to provide another fun, educational and competitive activity for interested individuals.
Contest divisions are as follows: Juniors Only.
General contest rules are as follows:

1. There will be 2 categories:
   • Breed/Association Promotion: Highlight the value of Charolais in a successful cattle enterprise or the benefits of active membership in the Charolais Association.
   • Herd Advertisement: Create poster suitable for promotion of your own herd or a fictitious (but realistic) situation.
2. Judges will rank the top 5 photos in each category in each age division. Awards will be given to the top two in each category of each age division.
3. Contest is limited to 2 entries per person, one entry per category.
4. Entries should utilize regular-size poster board (22” x 28”) and be suitable to hang.
5. There is no limit to the use or style of drawings or lettering, provided they are the design and handiwork of the entrant. Posters should not be made using computer-generated graphics or designs. Photographs, magazine clippings, stencils and adhesive letters may be used. If the judges question as to whether the work is computer generated, they may disqualify an entry.
6. Three-dimensional posters are allowed, however, 3-dimensional objects may not exceed 1/2”. If any objects exceed 1/2” or extend beyond the boundaries of the poster, entry will be disqualified.
7. Any poster that is not suitable to hang will be disqualified.
8. It is suggested that posters be laminated or covered with clear contact paper.
9. Posters must be the contestant’s current year’s work and cannot have been presented for competition at a previous AIJCA Junior National.
10. Contestants should write the following information in the upper left-hand corner on the back of the poster: category of poster, title of poster, name, address, breeder number and age as of May 20, 2024.

Prepared Public Speaking Contest

Contestants will present a speech on a subject for the livestock industry.
Contest divisions are as follows:
Senior Division – 6 to 8 minute speech.
Intermediate Division – 4 to 6 minute speech.
Junior Division – 2 to 4 minute speech.

General contest rules for all age divisions are as follows:

1. Contestant may choose any subject for the livestock industry. The speech is to be of original content and is to be composed solely by the junior speaker. Contestant is encouraged to have speech memorized but will be permitted to use notes.
2. Contestant will be asked to answer questions relating to his or her speech following their presentation. The question and answer session shall be a maximum of 3 minutes, with 1 question to be asked per judge. Deductions of 20 points per minute will be taken from the score of each judge for any speech under the minimum or over the maximum time restriction.
3. Contestant must bring to the Junior National, 3 typewritten, double-spaced copies of speech on 8-1/2”x11” white bond paper and deliver to the registration desk no later than 12 p.m. Noon, on Sunday, June 23.
4. Contestants are required to include a cover sheet to their speech that lists the following information: name, address, breeder number and age as of May 20, 2024.
5. Visual aids provided by contestant may be used.
6. Contestants will be judged on personal appearance.

Quiz Bowl Contest

Contest is designed to test team members’ knowledge of the beef industry and its numerous components.

1. Each team will consist of a minimum of 4 and maximum of 5 AIJCA members. There will be four members participating, with one alternate. There must be a member 14 years or younger participating at all times.
2. Brackets and team match-ups will be designated at random.
3. Scoring: The contest will be a single elimination competition. All questions will be worth 10 points for correct answers. No points will be taken away for incorrect answers.
4. Head to head questions involve no team discussion. There may be discussion among team members only for toss-up rebound questions.
5. A match shall consist of a predetermined set of questions depending on the number of teams. The first set of questions will be head to head questions (ie. contestant 1, team A vs. contestant 1, team B). The remaining questions will be toss-up questions. If a tie exists after the last question, three toss-up questions will be utilized in a tiebreaker.
6. Each individual/team will have 10 seconds to buzz in. Once a contestant has buzzed in, he/she will have 10 seconds to begin answering the question. If contestant gives an incorrect answer, the other team will have the opportunity for a rebound question. They must answer within 10 seconds. The speaker may only reread the question if the question was not read in its entirety before the first team answered. On toss-up questions, the rebounding team may discuss the question before offering their answer. On head to head questions, no discussion is allowed.
7. There will be judges and time keepers appointed by the AIJCA Board of Directors.
8. Note taking, tape recorders and/or phones shall be prohibited by anyone at the contest site. Any individual not conforming to this rule may be removed from the contest room.
9. Any noncompeting juniors or adults may not be present in the holding/waiting room at any time during the contest.
10. Spectators are allowed in quiz bowl rooms but are not allowed to leave until the round is completed.

Affiliate Scrapbook Contest

The AIJCA Scrapbook Contest encourages junior associations to keep a record of their achievements and highlights. The contest also provides a means for junior associations to show others what they have accomplished. Scrapbooks will be judged on content and appearance alone.

1. Scrapbooks must be completely created by current members of the state junior association.
2. The cover should incorporate the association name and should be creative—not costly.
3. TThe following categories should be covered:
   1. Junior officers, representatives, members, and advisors
   2. Meetings and activities
   3. Shows, displays, games, social activities, and work sessions
   4. Communications (newsletters, notices)
   5. Honors won by members (Bronze, Silver and Gold Merit Awards, Scholarships, etc.)
4. Each category should be arranged in calendar sequence (oldest to most recent). Scrapbooks should cover the most recent year’s activities.
5. Include photographs, (posed and candid), newspaper and magazine clippings, programs from special junior events, and minutes of meetings.
6. Be neat and organized. Have no loose pieces, caption all photos and type or write neatly.

Weaver Livestock Showmanship Contest

All exhibitors who exhibit cattle at Junior National have the opportunity to participate in the jackpot showmanship contest by registering on the Junior National registration form. There will be a nonrefundable $10 entry fee ($20 late entry fee) for each showmanship contest participant. No entries accepted after May 15 and no exhibitor substitution. Recognition given to Top 10 Showmen in each division.
Contest divisions are as follows:

Senior, Intermediate and Junior.
General contest rules for all age divisions are as follows

1. This contest is a non-fit competition.
2. The steer or heifer exhibited in the showmanship contest must be registered in that participant’s name.
3. The showmanship contest specific exhibitor number must be worn by the participant in the showmanship contest.
4. No bulls are allowed to be shown in this contest.
5. Junior National t-shirt is not required to be worn.
6. Any exhibitor who loses control of his/her entry twice in the showring will be required to remove the animal from the ring.

Skit Contest

A comic sketch or humorous story performed for the audience’s enjoyment. Skit scripts are to be approved by the Junior Board. Scripts must be turned into the AIJCA office prior to the Contest start. Skits viewed as containing inappropriate material will be disqualified by the judges. Awards will be given for Best Dressed Costumes, Best Comedy Skit and Most Creative Skit.

Talent Contest

A competition that offers participants the opportunity to showcase their creative or artistic aptitude through a variety of performances. Awards will be given to the top two performances for each age division.

Contest divisions are as follows:
Senior, Intermediate and Junior.

Sullivan Supply/Stock Show U Team Fitting Contest

Each team will consist of 3 or 4 members with a time limit of 20 minutes.
Contest divisions are as follows:

Senior Division

• No more than two individuals competing on a winning senior team may participate on the same team the following year.

Intermediate Division

• No sheephead clippers will be allowed.

Junior Division

1. No scissors or clippers of any kind will be allowed.
2. Each Junior team will provide a senior member or adult advisor to be stationed with them to offer safety advice.

General contest rules for all age divisions are as follows:

1. The use of any coloring agent, flock and powder is prohibited.
2. All supplies needed (blower, clippers (if applicable), adhesive, etc.) must be provided by each team. Full Chutes (no half chutes) must be brought up by the senior teams and left throughout each age division. No chute lights will be allowed.
3. Each team is responsible for providing their own animal for the contest – heifer or steer (no bulls).
4. Heifers or steers must be pre-clipped (head, tail, etc.) for the junior and intermediate contests. Heifers or steers may be pre-clipped for the senior contest.
5. Heifers or steers will be evaluated by the judge(s) prior to the start of each contest. All audience members must stay out of the area designated as contest space by the AIJCA Board during the contest.
6. Scoring will be based on:
   • Evaluation of animal and team questions prior to start
   • Use of equipment, skill level and general knowledge of team members in fitting of animal
   • Completion and final appearance of animal
   • Judge’s question(s) for team members including one public question
   • Presentation of animal by team. Final questions will be asked while the animal is being presented.
7. Intermediate and Junior contest may be conducted at the same time if space allows.

Team Sales Contest

Team Sales contest is designed to give AIJCA members experience in selling an animal exhibited at Junior National to potential buyers.
Contest schedule and divisions are as follows:

Junior Division – 2 to 5 minute presentation.
Intermediate Division – 5 to 10 minute presentation.
Senior Division – 5 to 10 minute presentation.

General contest rules for all age divisions are as follows:

1. Teams are to consist of three to four members.
2. Purebred heifers, bulls or percentage heifers may only be used in the sales contest.
3. Purebred heifers, bulls or percentage heifers chosen for team sales may be fit, however by AIJCA members only. Heifers fit in the team fitting contest may be used.
4. At the time of presentation, original registration papers of the animal must be presented to the judges. (Additional copies may be provided for all judges.)
5. Prohibited items include sales materials, extra promotional items (farm signs, posters, etc.), and props and incentive gifts to judging panel (key rings, caps, etc.).
6. Each teammate is required to speak during the presentation. Contestants engaging judges in the presentation are encouraged, but questions by judges should be held until the end of the contestants’ presentation.
7. Presentations should include but are not limited to the following:
   1. Pedigree Information
   2. Performance Information
   3. Visual Characteristics
8. A warning will be given when one minute is remaining in presentation time.
9. Contestants will be evaluated by the following categories:
   • Contents of Sales Presentation
   • Communication Skills
   • Team Organization
   • Overall Effectiveness
   • Knowledge and Response to Questions