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 January 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:
Names of person(s) involved
Description of the concern
Situation and documentation
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.