Rules and Regulations  and   Child Protection Policy

1. Intending Exhibitors are requested to peruse the Rules carefully and not enter anything for Exhibition unless they are prepared to comply with regulations.
2. The last day for receipt of Entries in all Classes - Tuesday May 6^th .
3. This closing date gives our printers only the shortest possibe time to print the Show Catalogue, and Exhibitors are earnestly requested to send in their entries much earlier.
4. A person entering an Exhibit and failing to send same for Exhibition, shall forfeit entry fee. 
5. Exhibits in Eggs, Horticulture, Domestic and Arts & Crafts, must be staged before 4:00 pm. on Saturday 17^th May. Eggs, also staged the morning of the show. Judging of eggs on Sunday morning at 10.30 am. Exhibits in Horses, Cattle, should be in Show Grounds not later than 10:00 am on the morning of the Show. Exhibits may be removed from the Show between 4:30 pm and 6:00 pm. No responsibility will be taken for any items left in the shed. Please don't forget your poultry and indoor collection cards.
6. One person only will be admitted free with each Livestock Exhibit, but two persons may be admitted with a Bull. Exhibitors in all Classes (except holders of Members Badges and Attendants as stated) must pay full admission fee to the Show.
7. No prize given unless two compete. No second prize unless three compete. No third prize unless five compete. No fourth prize unless eight compete, except when the judges consider there is special merit and record the same in their books at te time of judging.
8. The Judges are requested to select such Horses in each class for veterinary examination as they may consider eligible for prizes of commendation, but not to determine the order of merit of such Horses until they receive the report of the veterinary surgeon's examination. Should an objection be made to any successful animals in any class on the score of age or height, the Stewards of the class shall have the animal examinined by the veterinary surgeon, whose decision shall be final.
9. The Judges are instructed to withold a prize where sufficient merit does not appear. The acceptance of any entry fee by the secretary shall not be regarded as an admission that the Exhibit is to compete or to receive an award. The award of prizes by the Judges shall be final otherwise provided for in these rules notwithstanding any error that may be made by a Steward or other official of the Society, in placing a prize card on an Exhibit.
10. Objections in any class (except in Jumping Competitions) must be lodged in writing before 3.30pm on the day of the Show. Those in Jumping competitons must be lodged before 6pm. Objections will be considered at a subsequent meeting of the Committee of the Show and those in general classes must be accompanied by a fee of  €50 and Jumping by €30. Fee will be returned on the objection being upheld.
11. A parade of prize winning horses and cattle will take place at 3.30 pm approx.
12. Only Judges, Stewards, Attendants-in-charge of exhibits and persons engaged on the grounds in preparation for the show on the following daywill be admitted on Saturday May 17^th. Exhibits and Attendants are requested to leave the grounds when their Exhibits have been staged. The Society reserves the right to refuse entry to Show Grounds at all times.
13. The Society will not be accountable for any accident that may occur to any persons attending the show, whether as an Exhibitor, Visitor or otherwise.
14. Enclosed limited parking grounds for cars and bicycles (at owners risk) are provided.
15. Full catering facilities are available on the grounds at nominal charge.
16. The Prize Schedule is issued subject to the General Rules and Regulations of the Society.
17. The Society will not be accountable for any loss or damage to Exhibitors, Exhibits or Trade Stands.
18. Bandon Agricultural and Show Society Ltd is a member of the Irish Shows Association, Irish Side Saddle Association and the Irish Pony Society.
19. Until a cup is won outright, the person to whom it is awarded shall give an undertaking to the Society that the Cup will be delivered up to the Secretary in as good condition as it was received, at least 30 clear days before the date of succeeding show.
20. The Society reserves the right of altering the time and conditions of competition for any of these cups for future Shows, or witholding a Cup if the Judges do not find sufficient merit.
21. Horseriding is a dangerous sport and all Competitors in Ridden classes are strongly advised for their own safety, to wear appropriate headgear with complies with up-to-date safety standards.
22. Exhibitors of animals are requested to have their own Insurance Cover & Public Liability
23. The Irish Shows Association Levy of 5% will be deducted from all prize money in the relevant sections: horses, ponies, cattle.
24. Winners of qualifiers are themselves responsible for entering their animals (or exhibits) for the FINAL. On completion of judging, they must attend the Show Secretary’s Office within ONE HOUR, and complete the necessary documentation and pay entry fee for the FINAL.

Bandon Agricultural & Show Society Child Safeguarding Statement

Organising and staging an Annual Agricultural Show

Organisation details:

• Name: Bandon Show Society.

• Sport: Equestrian Sport

• Location (National/Local level): Local Level

Activities: Showing Classes which includes Horses, Cattle, Arts & Crafts, Horticulture and various other sections which include Classes for Children. Also entertainment on Show Day for young and old.

Section 2 - Principles to safeguard children from harm

Bandon Show Society is committed to safeguarding children and by working under the guidance of our Safeguarding Policies our staff, both volunteers and employed, working with our young people, throughout the organisation, seek to create a safe environment for young people to grow and develop within sport. The following set of principles should be adhered to:

• Importance of childhood - The importance of childhood should be understood and valued by everyone involved in sport.

• Needs of the child - All children’s sport experiences should be guided by what is best for children. This means that adults should have a basic understanding of the emotional, physical and personal needs of young people.

• Integrity in relationships - Adults interacting with children in sport are in a position of trust and influence. They should always ensure that children are treated with integrity and respect, and the self-esteem of young people is enhanced.

• Fair Play - All children’s sport should be conducted in an atmosphere of fair play. The principles of fair play should always be emphasised, and organisers should give clear guidelines regarding acceptable standards of behaviour.

• Quality atmosphere & ethos - Children’s sport should be conducted in a safe, positive and encouraging atmosphere.

• Competition - Competition is an essential element of sport and should be encouraged in an age appropriate manner. A child centred ethos will help to ensure that competition and specialisation are kept in their appropriate place.

• Equality - All children should be valued and treated in an equitable and fair manner regardless of ability, age, gender, religion, social and ethnic background or political persuasion.

Section 3 - Risk Assessment

This Bandon Show Society written Risk Assessment document indicates the areas of potential risk of harm, the likelihood of the risk occurring, and gives the required policy, guidance or process documents require to alleviate these risks.  The list of risks identified and procedures to manage these risks are contained in the following categories:

Section 4 – Procedures

Our Child Safeguarding Statement has been developed in line with requirements under the Children First Act 2015, (the Children First: National Guidance, and Tusla’s Child Safeguarding: A Guide for Policy, Procedure & Practice and the Children (NI) Order 1995). In addition to our Risk Assessment document described above, there are further procedures that support our intention to safeguard children while they are availing of our activities.

Bandon Show Society has the following procedures in place as part of our Safeguarding Policies:

• Procedures for the management of allegations of abuse or misconduct by staff or volunteers against a child availing of our activities.

• Procedures for the safe recruitment of staff and volunteers to work with children in our activities.

• Procedures for access to child safeguarding training and information, including the identification of the occurrence of harm.

• Procedure for reporting of child protection or welfare concerns to Statutory Authorities.

• Procedure for maintaining a list of the persons (if any) in the relevant service who are mandated persons.

• Procedure for appointing a relevant person.

Please note that all procedures listed are available on request.

The Mandated/Relevant Person for Horse Sport Ireland is Paul Hayes.

Section 5 – Implementation

We recognise that implementation is an ongoing process. Bandon Show Society is committed to the implementation of this Child Safeguarding Statement and the procedures that support our intention to keep children safe from harm while availing of our activities.

Please note the following:

• That all staff have been furnished with a copy of this statement.

• This statement is available to parents/guardians, the Agency and members of the public on request.

• This statement will be displayed in a prominent place by Bandon Show Society.

The Bandon Show Society Child Safeguarding Plan including all policies and procedures is available on request or at the following webpage for download: www.bandonshow.com

You can also email bandonshowpr@gmail.com if you would like any information sent to you.

This Child Safeguarding Statement will be reviewed on 1.01.2026.

Signed:       Claire O’Rourke                                                             Date: January 14^th 2025.

(On behalf of Bandon Show Society)

Name:            Claire O’Rourke.                                                        Phone no:  087/7721023             

For queries on this Child Safeguarding Statement, please contact Claire O’Rourke