General 4-H Information

4-H Program Participant/Parent/Guardian Code of Conduct

  • The primary goal of the 4-H Program is to help youth develop competency in their projects, confidence in themselves and others, connections to their community and sound character. Actions by persons (Parents, and 4-Her’s) involved with the 4-H Program will be consistent with the six core ethical values comprising good character: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, caring, fairness and citizenship. As a 4-H Participant/Parent/Guardian I will:
    Treat all people and property with respect, courtesy, consideration and compassion. Avoid and prevent put-downs, insults, name calling, swearing and other language or nonverbal conduct likely to offend, hurt or set a bad example.
  • Keep informed about 4-H program policies and projects and read materials pertaining to the county 4-H program.
  • Teach and model kindness and compassion for others. Recognize that all people have skills and talents which can be used to help others and improve the community. Teach and foster teamwork and discourage selfishness.
  • Practice fair-mindedness by being open to ideas, suggestions and opinions of others. I will make all reasonable efforts to assure equal access to participation for all youth and adults regardless of race, creed, color, sex, national origin or disability. Decisions will be made fairly and treat all individuals and families with impartiality.
  • Obey laws and rules as an obligation of being a good citizen. I accept responsibility for the proper treatment and care for other youth and adults, the program facilities and/or equipment.
  • Demonstrate the responsible treatment of animals and stewardship of the environment.
  • Not use alcohol or illegal substances (or be under the influence) while working with or participating in any part of the 4-H Program.
  • Provide a safe environment for all parties involved in 4-H. I will protect those involved from sexual harassment, physical force, verbal or mental abuse, neglect, or other harmful behaviors.

4-H Parents, Guardian and/or Youth who do not abide by the above code of conduct, may receive the following consequences:

  • Be asked to explain actions to the 4-H Council.
  • Be dismissed from an event at own expense.

Further disciplinary action determined by the 4-H Council, which may include:

  • Restriction from contacting 4-H families, volunteers, donors, and/or sponsors pertaining to any 4-H matter.
  • Becoming ineligible to attend any further 4-H activities.
  • Family may become ineligible to participate in the County 4-H Program.
  • Reimburse the proper entity for any property damage or for liability resulting from inappropriate actions. In the case of vandalism, guilty party may be required to reimburse 4-H and/or the facility.


4-H Division General Information

GENERAL: To be eligible to show in this department, a boy or girl must be enrolled as a 4-H member in their county of residence by the deadline set by their county. A 4-H member must be enrolled in the project in which (s)he exhibits by the enrollment date set by their county of membership. No 4-H exhibitor will be permitted to exhibit the same entry in Open Class. All projects should be made in the current 4-H year unless specifically stated otherwise in the exhibit class instructions. Each exhibitor is limited to one item per class (unless specified otherwise). All 4-H exhibits will be judged by the Danish System. Regulations not covered in the county fair 4-H rules will be governed according to the State 4-H rules. All participants in each contest will receive equal payments for equal placing in each contest. There will be no discrimination because of race, religion, economic status, sex, or handicap.
NO FIREARMS, ITEMS WITH A BLADE: (broad heads, knives, saws, etc.) or related items of any other kind, may be exhibited. This applies to actual items, replicated items and item parts. Shooting sports accessories are permissible as described in the Conservation, Wildlife and Shooting Sports Fair Book.
USE OF COPYWRITTEN IMAGES: Copyrighted writing, artwork, videos, and images may be used in 4-H educational exhibits under Fair Use for educational purposes of Copyright Law. In order to qualify for Fair Use, 4-H members must: 1) only use a small amount of the copy-written work, 2) add new meaning to the work to make it original, 3) rework it and use it in a totally different way, and 4) use it for nonprofit purposes (not to make money). Giving credit to the original creator is also recommended.

Clover Kids

The purpose of the Clover Kids program is to promote the positive development of youth to become competent, caring, contributing citizens. The learning experience is the primary reason for involvement in the program. Clover Kid exhibits are non-competitive and are not eligible for the state fair.
4-H Clover Kids participants receive participation ribbons only: No trophies, premiums or awards are given.
Exhibitors must be at least five years of age and not older than seven years of age by Jan. 1 of the current year.

Protest or Appeals Process

  • The respective superintendents at the county fair have the authority to make the appropriate decisions based on the County Fair Book.
  • A committee shall be appointed to serve as a protest group. All protests must be submitted in writing and signed.
  • Written protests must include:
  1. Names of person(s) involved
  2. Description of the concern
  3. Situation and documentation
  4. Specific action, rule, etc., in question

Disclaimer of Responsibility for Fair Exhibits

4-H exhibits at County and State Fair are entered and displayed at the risk of the 4-H member. The County/State Fair Board accepts exhibits and will exercise due care to protect them. However, 4-H and County/State Fair Board cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage due to the conditions imposed by large crowds, the arrangement of the buildings in which displays are housed and the great number of exhibits. 4-H’ers who have exhibits of great sentimental and/or monetary value should carefully consider whether such exhibits should be exposed to the hazards of the fair. The county Extension Office reserves the right to refuse to transport any item selected for State Fair that they feel is too large or fragile to deliver to Grand Island without damaging it.

4-H EXHIBITS RULES AND REGULATIONS

  • GENERAL RULE­—All Chase County Fair General Rules also apply to 4-H & FFA unless otherwise noted. It is the responsibility of the exhibitor and parent/guardian to be familiar with all applicable rules and regulations.
  • INTERPRETATION OF RULES—The Chase County 4-H Council reserves to itself the final and absolute right to interpret, amend or add to these rules and regulations as its judgment may determine, and to settle and determine all matters, questions and differences in regard hereto or otherwise arising out of, connected with, or incident to the fair.
  • VIOLATION—All exhibitors are bound by the most current editions of the Chase County Fair Rules and Regulations set forth by the Chase County 4-H Council. Any violation of these Rules and Regulations will be subject to disqualification of project; forfeiture of all awards including ribbons, trophies, premiums, booster, incentives; penalties prescribed by law; and/or the exhibitor banned from future participation until such time a reinstatement is made by the 4-H Council. Penalties apply only to project area(s) involved in the incident.
  • DISPUTES & RULING OF DECISIONS & FORMAL PROTESTS—If any issue arises during the Chase County Fair, the 4-H Council President, Class Superintendent(s) and the Extension Staff will rule a decision. Formal Protests must be submitted in writing to the Extension Staff and follow the Chase County Grievance Policy.
  • SUBSTANCE ABUSE—Use or possession of tobacco, alcoholic beverages or drugs (except for medical purposes) by any exhibitor who is participating in 4-H or FFA at the Chase County Fair will result in immediate disqualification of that exhibitor’s entry.
  • COURTESY & COOPERATION—All exhibitors and families are expected to extend courtesy to other exhibitors and their projects. Any questions that may arise should be referred to the Superintendent of your division.
  • WHAT DOES ENROLLMENT MEAN—Youth are enrolled when they are on the membership records in the Chase County Extension office by June 15 of current year. University of Nebraska—Lincoln Extension will recognize 4-H members and volunteer leaders of the county in which they are enrolled in 4-H irrespective of their place of residence. A member cannot enroll in the same 4-H project area in more than one county or state in the same year. Example: beef (bucket calf, feeder calf, market beef and breeding beef are among those listed with the beef project area), clothing, horse, foods, etc. Regulations not covered in the County Fair 4-H rules will be governed according to State Fair 4-H Rules.
  • COUNTY FAIR PRE-ENTRY DEADLINES—All entries must have been made during the 2025-2026 club year. Exhibits can be exhibited only in classes listed in the 4-H Fair book. Those exhibits incorrectly entered or identified will become ineligible. Entries must be entered according to the printed 4-H Fair book and pre-entered on the Chase County 4-H Registration form turned into the Extension office by July 10, 2026 and must be accompanied by all fees (if applicable) or entry will not be accepted. To be eligible to compete at the Chase County Fair, all enrollment and entry deadlines must have been met. No exceptions will be made.
    900 Numbered Classes are County Only: They are NOT eligible for State Fair.
    Exhibitors may enter ONE project per Class in the Exhibit Hall.
  • ELIGIBILITY OF EXHIBITORS—Only those youth enrolled in 4-H and FFA in Chase County are eligible to exhibit in the county fair 4-H & FFA areas. To participate, youth (4-H and FFA) must be enrolled no later than June 15, of current year and in the project area they are exhibiting in. Enrollment must be done annually.
    Chase County Age Divisions, unless stated otherwise under the Divisions, are as follows:
    Senior: 15–18 as of Jan. 1 of the current year.
    Intermediate: 12-14 years old as of Jan. 1 of the current year.
    Junior: 8 -11 years old as of Jan. 1 of the current year.

State Fair—In classes where presence of the 4-H’er is required for judging purposes such as animal exhibits (excludes horse), judging contests, presentations and fashion show; a 4-H member must be 8 by Jan. 1, of the current year, or become 9 years of age during the current year. The last year of eligibility is the calendar year the member becomes 19. You must notify the Extension office by the deadline (see 4-H newsletters) if you want your exhibit to go on to State Fair. This applies to all advanced entries which include: livestock, dogs, poultry, rabbits, Fashion Show, presentation, and contests.
State Fair—A 4-H member must be 8 before Jan. 1, of the current year, or become 9 years old during the current year. The Exhibits that have the entry tag marked for State Fair, are eligible to go on to State Fair.

  • 4-H/FFA EXHIBITS­—Training offered by agricultural education/FFA and UNL Extension/4-H contributes to youth’s preparation for a future in agricultural production, agribusiness, and other areas. Simultaneous participation in both programs is acceptable and encouraged if the youth choose to do so. However, there will not be duplication of project animals or other production units. For purposes of exhibition, this means an animal can only be nominated and shown in one organization or the other, not both. Participants enrolling in the same project or enterprise in both organizations is permissible. Any animal shown as an FFA exhibit is ineligible for the show as a 4-H exhibit by any exhibitor and vice versa. An animal can be nominated for show in either 4-H or FFA, but not both.
  • RIBBONS AND PREMIUMS AWARDED—The Danish system of awarding prizes will be used throughout the 4-H and FFA Divisions. Clover Kids will receive a participation ribbon. Awards will be divided into groups of merit. Purple (P) ribbons designate an exhibit of superior quality that has met and exceeded all of the standards. Blue (B) ribbons denote an above average exhibit that has met almost all of the standards in a way that surpasses the norm. Red (R) ribbons indicate average quality and indicate that the exhibit has met the majority of standards in such a way that the benchmark was reached but not exceeded. White (W) ribbons indicate that the exhibit has not met the majority of the standards.
  1. All exhibits in a given class will be awarded ribbons based on quality of the exhibit regardless of the number of entries. This does not necessarily mean that each exhibit will receive an award. Exhibits MUST be of PURPLE quality to be named Champion and to qualify for related special awards. Whenever possible the judge will determine State Fair selections that are Champions. State Fair selections are not limited to Champions. Static exhibits must have a PURPLE ribbon to be eligible for State Fair selection based on State Fair classes and quotas. Awards are not available in every Department, Division or Class. All premium money listed is the maximum premium that may be paid. SHOULD FUNDS NOT PERMIT, A PERCENTAGE MAY BE PAID. You must complete your 4-H Achievement Application (Record Book) and turn into the Extension Office by September 20 of current year to receive booster and incentive money and to have completed your 4-H project year.
  2. Premiums: Purple $5.00 –Blue $4.00—Red - $3.00—White $2.00
  3. All premium checks must be cashed by Nov. 1.
  • JUDGES/JUDGING—If any exhibitor interferes with the judges in the performance of their duties by letter, act or otherwise he/she shall be excused from competition and exhibition for such period of time as the 4-H Council may determine and forfeit any awards received at this fair. Any person, not an exhibitor, who interferes with the judges in any manner during the performance of their duties, shall be asked to leave the fairgrounds.
  • DRESS CODE­—4-H and FFA exhibitors must wear the official 4-H shirt sold at the Extension Office or FFA shirt or a white sleeved shirt (or blouse) with the 4-H or FFA emblem and long dark colored jeans when person or project is being judged. With the exception of Public Speaking, Presentations, and Fashion Show. If a chevron is worn, it is to be placed only on the upper left side of the shirt front. No hats, caps, or other types of headgear are to be worn (with the exception of horse show). No gum. Hard-soled boots or shoes are suggested for livestock exhibitors for safety purposes. While hard-soled shoes are not required for cat, dog and small pet shows, exhibitors are required to wear closed toed shoes with non-slip soles. Shooting sports exhibitors in any gun disciplines are also required to wear safety glasses or protective eyewear and closed toed shoes with non-slip soles. Failure to follow dress code will result in dropping of one ribbon placing.
  • EXHIBITS RELEASED—(NEW in 2025) All general 4-H exhibits will be released on Sunday at 9:30 a.m., with clean up beginning at 10 a.m. All livestock will be released Friday at 7 a.m. No livestock is to be loaded out before that time. All exhibitors are responsible for cleaning in exhibit hall and cleaning stalls/pens in the livestock barns. Failure to participate in the Chase County Fair post fair clean up may result in loss of premiums/booster/incentive monies.
  • DISCLAIMER OF RESPONSIBILITY—4-H exhibits at the Chase County Fair are entered and displayed at the risk of the 4-H member. The Chase County 4-H Council, in cooperation with the Chase County Fair board and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension in Chase County accepts exhibits and will exercise due care to protect them. However, they cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage due to the conditions imposed by large crowds or the arrangement of the buildings in which displays are housed. 4-H’ers who have exhibits of great sentimental and/or monetary value should carefully consider whether such exhibits should be exposed to the hazards of the fair. While the greatest possible care will be exercised by the management to protect patrons of the County Fair, each individual will be held personally responsible for any injury.
    Nebraska State Fair exhibits are entered and displayed at the risk of the 4-H member. University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension 4-H Youth Development, in cooperation with the Nebraska State Fair Board accepts exhibits and will exercise due care to protect them. However, 4-H and the State Fair Board cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage due to the conditions imposed by large crowds or the arrangement of the buildings in which displays are housed. 4-H’ers who have exhibits of great sentimental and/or monetary value should carefully consider whether such exhibits should be exposed to the hazards of the fair. Large exhibits may not be able to be transported by the Extension Staff and the exhibitor will be required to get the exhibit to and from the State Fair.
  • COPYRIGHTED MATERIALS/USE OF 4-H EMBLEM­—Copyrighted materials are prohibited being used on 4-H exhibits. When using the official 4-H Emblem, it must follow approved guidelines, which can be viewed at: https://4h.unl.edu/name-emblem-guidelines

CHASE COUNTY GRIEVANCE/PROTEST POLICY

The Chase County 4-H Council (Protest Committee), is responsible for the Chase County 4-H Program and has the authority to make appropriate decisions on local 4-H disputes. These decisions will be formulated using state policy and national directives as formulated by this policy or as dictated by law.

All protests must be submitted in writing and signed by the protester.

The written protest must include:

  • Names of persons involved
  • Cause of complaint or appeal
  • Situation and documentation
  • Recommendations for correction
  • Specific action, rule, etc., in question
  • Additional persons who may be contacted for further clarification
  • Procedures and/or steps carried out by the person involved prior to submission of the protest to the Protest committee.

Membership of the protest committee will be the 4-H Council.
Verbal protests about contests, county fair or other events will not be accepted after the exhibit or event/activity is completed/released. Any verbal protest is required to be followed with a written protest submitted to an Extension Staff person within 24 hours.
The protest will be acknowledged after receiving the written protest and will be responded to in a timely manner.
Protests related to judges’ integrity, decision, placing or other evaluations will not be accepted.A $50 deposit will accompany the written protest, which will be forfeited if the protester does not attend the protest resolution meeting. The deposit will be returned upon completion of the process.
The committee will review the written protest. They will call for a face-to-face meeting with affected person(s) and event leadership to discuss the situation and the official ruling. Recommendations will be developed, followed, and communicated both verbally and in writing to the individual or group affected.
Failure of the protester to attend the face-to-face meeting with the Protest Committee will result in no action and forfeiture of the deposit.
In cases of protest, the 4-H member/parent/leader may continue to participate. Results of participation will be subject to change based on the outcome of the protest process.
The Protest Committee and event leadership reserve the right to withhold any award. The 4-H member/parent/leader may be excluded from 4-H if action warrants.

IMPORTANT—How to Read This Fair Book

  • General instructions for the entire department/division are listed at the beginning of each division. It is important to read this section completely before proceeding to the specific class you plan to enter.
  • Specific instructions for each class are listed next to the bolded exhibit title.
  • Exhibits entered without following the general and specific instructions for each division and class may be lowered one ribbon placing or disqualified from competition at the discretion of the judge, fair superintendent or Extension staff. (Please read your fair book carefully as content changes from year to year and contact the Extension Office if you have any questions.)
  • Classes listed with an asterisk (*) next to the class number are eligible for State Fair.
  • Projects without a specific exhibit listed may exhibit in the poster-open theme class (DEPT. B Division 155 Class 900).
  • All projects follow the state fair book that can be found at: https://4h.unl.edu/4-h-fairbook-nebraska-state-fair/

2026 Chase County 4-H Fairbook