4-H Image and Honor - The Championships is a youth event highlighting a major component of the 4-H program in individual states and nationally. Its nature demands that all of us involved in the event from the match directors and state coordinators to the young people, parents and coaches participating must put forward the best image of the 4-H Shooting Sports Program and the 4-H program. To protect that public image, use of alcoholic beverages and any use of tobacco products by minors is not permitted on the grounds of the Championships. Violation of this policy is grounds for disqualification and dismissal from the Championships.
Knowledge of Rules and Procedures – Where possible, each event in this program has been associated with the appropriate National Governing Body (NGB) for that event. Exceptions to NGB rules are noted in the “Synopsis.” Participants and coaches are responsible for reading the rules, understanding procedures used in each event, and complying with the rules and standards involved. Questions are encouraged to clarify areas of confusion or misunderstanding. Ignorance of the rules does not obviate their existence. Participants are responsible for knowing the rules of their events and complying with them. Learning the rules is part of the educational process for shooting sports participants.
Dress Code - Participants and coaches are expected to dress appropriately for the events in which they participate. Team uniforms or shirts are encouraged but not required. Both young people and adults should wear attire appropriate for the weather while remaining modest. It is important to recognize and respect an individual’s choices which can at times bring unwanted attention either to an individual or to the group as a whole. All participants, coaches, parents, and family members must remember that they may be photographed or interviewed for use by local, regional, or national media. Let’s do all we can to make sure that is a positive image for 4-H!
Footwear Policy - Participants in any shooting event or activity, while on the shooting line, are required to wear shoes that completely cover their feet, including soles. Examples of footwear that are not acceptable include, but are not limited to: sandals, clogs, flip-flops, slippers, house shoes, and bare feet.
Behavior and Sportsmanship - All participants, coaches, and spectators will demonstrate the highest levels of sportsmanship, supporting the objectives and ideals promoted by the 4-H program in general and the 4-H Shooting Sports Program in particular. Participants or coaches will render aid and/or testimony if asked to do so by any match official. All participants, coaches, and observers are expected to conform to appropriate state 4-H Code of Conduct, expectations, or volunteer agreements, as well as to the National 4-H Shooting Sports Program Code of Conduct, not only to the letter, but in its intent.
Ceremony Celebration – Due to possible personal injury to spectators and participants, there will be NO throwing, tossing, or discharging of any items or devises during the opening ceremony parade of participants, or during awards ceremonies.
Fan/Spectator Support Items – The following items will NOT be allowed as fan/spectator support items at the Championships: artificial noisemakers, (including but not limited to horns, cow bells, bells, buzzers, shakers, clickers, thunder sticks, rattles), compressed air horns/sirens, and whistles. Sportsmanship, cheering, and support from the team are encouraged.