AGJA Code of Ethics & Rules
1. The showing of an unethically fitted animal is prohibited. This includes the use of an artificial tail head or tail fin, artificial poll, or adding any hair or hair-like substance to the animal, excluding false tail switches. Any problems will be directed to the AGJA Board of Directors for a final decision.
2. In order to promote the good management of show cattle; exhibitors, their parents, and sponsors have a serious responsibility to properly use animal health aids (drugs), growth promotants, and any other approved materials with great care. The American Gelbvieh Junior Association discourages the off-label or extra-label use of anabolic steroids, diuretics, tranquilizers, anti-inflammatory drugs, or other drugs used on any animal entered for competition. Furthermore, the alteration, whether internal or external, of the conformation and structure through any products or material including gas, solid, and liquid or the removal or attachment of tissue surgically to an animal for the purpose of deception is prohibited. The Board of Directors reserves the right to have urine, blood, saliva, hair and/or other tissue tests run on any animals entered for competition. An exhibitor of an animal(s) producing a positive analysis of drugs, unapproved medication, or chemical residues will be disqualified and barred from future competition at all AGJA-sponsored events. If the animal tests positive for any of the above drugs or chemicals, the exhibitor will not receive any premium money for that animal and must accept the consequences without recourse against the AGA, AGJA, Board of Directors or event sponsors.
3. All grand champion and reserve champion entries may be parent-verified through DNA testing. DNA samples may be taken from all 2026 champions and reserve champions including Cow/Calf (Owned and Bred & Owned), Female (Owned and Bred & Owned), 3rd – 5th Females, Bred & Owned Bulls and Market Beef from both Gelbvieh and Balancer divisions immediately following the show.
4. Any violation of the AGJA Code of Ethics & Rules will result in review of the infraction by the AGJA Board of Directors, advisors, and/or an AGJA panel appointed by the Board of Directors to determine the severity of punishment, which may include automatic disqualification from the specific contest or the Junior Classic.
5. AGJA members participating in any AGJA event, national show or regional show shall always exhibit acceptable conduct and sportsmanship. Unacceptable conduct includes reckless behavior that may affect the safety and health of other person and property as well as the liability of AGJA. In addition, foul language should be kept to a minimum if any at all. Any AGJA members found in violation of this rule may be subject to forfeit winnings and entries or other penalties up to the board. AGA staff advisors or AGJA board may disqualify AGJA members in violation of the rule. All procedures will happen in a timely matter. An appeal panel consisting of but not exclusive to a representative of each party and AGA legal counsel, a representative of the AGA board, and a representative of the AGJA board as well as AGJA advisor will be in place if members in violation of the rule should wish to appeal the decision.
6. The drenching, pumping or any other artificial filling method of any animal at any time for any reason during an AGJA sanctioned show immediately disqualifies that animal from showing in either conformation or showmanship classes. An animal may be drenched or pumped for medical reasons at the approval of the vet on call; knowing that above disqualification rule may apply.
The AGJA Rules and By-Laws govern all AGJA-sponsored activities. Please make sure to read them carefully. Request a copy from the American Gelbvieh Association office if you do not have a copy of the current AGJA Rules & By-Laws. American Gelbvieh Junior Association, 1001 S 70th Street, Suite 215, Lincoln, NE 68510. Email: martha@gelbvieh.org; or call 303-465-2333.
