A. Definitions

1.the "Association" is the term used to refer to the Feline Control Council of Queensland Inc. in the Constitution or Rules of the incorporated association.In these By-Laws it is more often referred to as Council or by either of these two acronyms ‘FCCQ’ or ‘FCCQ Inc’.

2. The "By-Laws" as defined in the “Constitution” (Rule 42) refers to the regulations in this By-Laws document.

3. "Constitution" or “Rules” refers to the legal document of the FCCQ as an Incorporated Associations.

4. "Council" in these By-Laws refers to a Management Committee Meeting.

5. "Code of Ethics for FCCQ Hobby Breeders" and/or “Code of Ethics” refers to Appendix A of these By-Laws.

6. "Higher Status" refers to the elevation of cats through competing and exhibiting at Championship Cat Shows.

7. "Management Committee" as defined in the “Constitution” (Rule 1 & 18) means the full compliment (or a majority) of the Office Bearers(i.e. President, Vice-President, Secretary, Membership Officer, and Treasurer) together with the Committee Members, all who have an equal vote at any management committee meeting.In practical common usage, the terms Executive or Executive Committee shall have the same meaning as ‘Management Committee’.

8. "Membership” as defined in the “Constitution” (Rule 5, 6, & 7) states there are two (2) classes of membership, namely ‘Individual membership’ and ‘Affiliate membership’; in these By-Laws, unless contrary intention appears, “Club” means any Affiliate Member/Affiliate Club.

9. "Quorum” as defined in the “Constitution” (Rule 24(1)) states that more than 50% of the committee members as at the close of the last management committee meeting of the Association forms a quorum

10. "Registered Breeder” in these By-Laws refers to an individual who applies to register litters of kittens born from their Pedigree Parents who are recorded on the FCCQ Registry. In so doing they have agreed to abide by and comply with the “Code of Ethics for FCCQ Hobby Breeders” (in some circumstances, where approved by the Management Committee, there is joint registration as a couple; two or more individuals; or family, in these circumstances they are considered to be only one Individual Member for the purposes of voting).

11. "Registered Owner” in these By-Laws refers to owners, of registered pedigree cats and/or non pedigreed cats, who do not breed but wish to show their cats and apply for “Higher Status”. Where the cat is Pedigreed it shall be recorded on the FCCQ Registry and issued an FCCQ registration number.A non-pedigreed Registry shall also be maintained for accurate records.

B. General By-Laws Relating to Affiliate Member (Clubs)

1. Club Rules.

The provisions of the Constitution (Rules of the Association) shall so far as applicable form part of every club’s rules in the same manner and to the same extent, as if they were duly adopted by the members of each club. Any club seeking membership must provide a copy of that Club’s rules/constitution to the Management Committee before the Club is accepted.

2. Membership [Pursuant to Rules 5 & 7 in the Constitution]

• Every applicant Club shall acknowledge in writing that it, and all members of the said club, agrees to be bound by the provisions of the Constitution, By-Laws, Rules and Regulations of the Association (FCCQ Inc.), and every decision of the Council, Management Committee or Officers of the Association made pursuant to and under the Association’s Constitution, Rules & By-Laws.
• Any applicant or affiliate club shall furnish a list of its current financial members within 14 days of a request for such a list by the Management Committee.

Membership fees from Affiliate shall fall due at the beginning of each financial year [i.e. 1st May]. Notice may be issued in the April minutes as a reminder. The payment must be in the hands of the Treasurer by the 1st June each year to be eligible to vote.

The Council shall provide show dates to affiliated clubs for their use from time to time. At all times the Show dates remain allocated to, and in the control of, the FCCQ. No member shall retain the use of a Show Date without Management Committee approval. A list of FCCQ Show Dates is set out in Appendix D.

5. Discipline.

The Council shall have the right to exercise disciplinary powers over affiliate clubs and their members and Individual Members in accordance with the Association’s Constitution, Rules and By-Laws. (refer also to Section V of these By-Laws)

6. Affiliation of Executives of an Affiliated Club.

To avoid conflict of interest, the Executive Officers for each Affiliated Club with FCCQ are required to be a financially current Individual Member; that is either an FCCQ Registered Breeder (and duly register all cats & kittens with the FCCQ) or if not a Breeder, they must be an FCCQ Registered Owner.The Management Committee may approve other individuals on a case by case basis. In this instance Clubs should contact the Secretary beforehand with details and a request.

No Individual may hold the position of President for more than one Club (Affiliate Member) at the same time.

C. General By-Laws Relating to Individual Members (Breeders & Owners registered with FCCQ)

1. Becoming an FCCQ registered Breeder (or Owner).

• All applications to FCCQ for registration as a Breeder and/or Owner are subject to approval of the Management Committee and ratification by Council.
• The Membership Officer should email the name of prospective member to the Secretary who will then forward that name to the Management Committee for approval. If no objection is received by Secretary within five (5) days the Membership Officer can then proceed with processing the application.
• Each registered Breeder (or Owner) shall, by signing their initial application, agree to be bound by the provisions of the Constitution, By-Laws, Rules and Regulations of the Association (FCCQ Inc.), and every decision of the Council, Management Committee or Officers of the Association made pursuant to and under the Association’s Constitution, Rules & By-Laws.
• Any Breeder and/or Owner shall furnish a list of its current cat population (entire or not) including such supporting documents, pedigrees, breeding contracts, and certificates to satisfactorily prove their ownership status within 14 days of a request for such a list by the Management Committee.

2. Membership of other organisations

• Each Breeder and Owner shall be given the opportunity to join one or more of the Affiliated Clubs.
• Providing there is no other conflict [such as Section I.B.6, above], FCCQ does not generally require a registered Breeder or Owner to register exclusively with FCCQ.
• The Management Committee may deem it necessary for conditions to apply to some individuals (ie: they may be approved only where they agree to register with FCCQ exclusively) on a case by case basis.

3. Licence fees for registration as a Breeder with FCCQ shall fall due at 1st June each year and should be paid by 30 June.

4.Discipline.

The Council shall have the right to exercise disciplinary powers over registered Breeders and Owners in accordance with the Association’s Constitution, Rules and By-Laws.(refer also to Section V of these By-Laws)

Office Bearers Functions. [Pursuant to Rules 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22.]

Decisions may be made between meetings by the Office Bearers. At the next Management Committee Meeting the President shall table all decisions since the last Council meeting.

The Office Bearers shall deal with matters referred to it by the Council. In dealing with such referred matters the Office Bearers shall act, where possible, in accordance with Council policy. The Office Bearers resolutions on these matters are operable immediately they are made; however such resolutions may be revised by Council. FCCQ will indemnify the Office Bearers to the full extent of any liability incurred by them as a result of any such decision provided that the said decision was made in good faith and in accordance with FCCQ policy and the Rules & By-Laws of the Association. [Pursuant to Rule 30]

In an emergency the Office Bearers may deal with any matters affecting the good of the Council and, provided that the resolution was made in good faith and in accordance with the Rules and By-Laws, the Association will indemnify the Committee to the full extent of any liability incurred by the Committee as a result of such a resolution. [Pursuant to Rule 28]

Committee Members shall be given speaking rights at all Club meetings.

B. Duties of Office Bearers

1. President.

• The President shall be official head of Council.
• The President shall sign documents requiring the signature of the Official Head of Council.
• The outgoing president shall present to the Annual General Meeting a written report on the activities of the Association during the period of his/her term of office.
• Shall delegate sections of the nominated duties to various assistants as appointed by Council from time to time

2. The Secretary.

The Secretary shall:

• Make arrangements for all Council meetings.
• Prepare the agenda for Council meetings.
• Keep a file of minutes of all
• Keep an index of motions relating to By-Laws.
• Keep a file of all correspondence received and forwarded.
• Be responsible for the writing up of all minutes and be responsible for seeing that the said minutes are an accurate and impartial record of the proceedings of Council meetings.
• Attend to all correspondence with the exception of matters directly affecting other office bearers.

3. The Treasurer.
The Treasurer shall:

• Be responsible to Council for all the financial affairs of the Association.
• Present a financial statement to each Council meeting.
• Present a financial report and audited balance sheet annually to the Annual General Meeting.
• Answer all correspondence relevant to the financial affairs of the Association.
• Be responsible for the books of account of the Association.

4. The Vice-President.

The Vice-President shall:-

• Assist the President in carrying out his/her duties and shall be the usual deputy for the President and shall have such other duties as the Council may prescribe from time to time.

5. Membership Officer
The Membership Officer shall:

• Keep an accurate list of all current financial members.
• Keep a register of breeders and maintain the Prefix Register
• To present an annual report of registrations to the Annual General Meeting

C. Election of Officers to the Management Committee. [Pursuant to Rules 19 & 31]

1. Procedure before the AGM

• Nominations for all positions may be given to the Secretary any time after the March Meeting.
• Nominations must be received by the Secretary before the 1st. Friday in June each year.
• Two scrutineers shall be appointed at the June meeting of council to supervise the conduct of the elections at the Annual General Meeting of Council.

FOR CLUBS -The Membership Officer shall prepare and send balloting lists to each Club for marking by each club to indicate their preferred candidates. The ballot papers are to be sent with two envelopes, a small one marked ‘Ballot Paper’ and a larger one addressed to the ‘Returning Officer’. The marked ballot paper is to be sealed in the small envelope. The inside flap of the large envelope is to bear the Club’s name and the signatures of its President and Secretary. The small envelope shall be enclosed in the large and returned to the ‘Returning Officer’ by post, or by the delegate personally, so as to be in the hands of the Membership Officer five days before the date of the AGM of Council. This shall constitute the Affiliate Member’s vote. The “BALLOT PAPER” envelopes shall be handed unopened to the scrutineers, who shall open them, count the votes and write down the names of the new Office Bearers, they will then announce the name of the new President (who then becomes Chairperson), the scrutineers then give the results to the chairperson, who announces the outcome of the vote for the other Office Bearer positions

FOR INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS – The Secretary shall prepare a brief Resume of each candidate which together with a ‘Ballot Paper’ will be sent with the Renewal Form sent by Membership Officer to individual members when membership becomes due. Individual votes are eligible to be counted at the AGM in one of three ways:

• 1.The Member is present at the AGM and puts their ballot into the Ballot Box when asked to do so by the President witnessed by the outgoing Membership Officer.
• 2. The Member returns their completed Ballot by post with their renewal to the Membership Officer in a sealed envelope addressed to the ‘Returning Officer’ who will keep them until the AGM.
• 3. The Member may pass on their completed Ballot to a Proxy (who is also an Individual Member) who they know will be present at the AGM. The Proxy must present the completed and signed proxy form together with the sealed envelope (containing the completed Ballot) addressed to the ‘Returning Officer’ to the Membership Officer who will put them unopened into the Ballot Box.

Eligibility to be nominated to any Office Bearer position [pursuant to Rules 18(5), 19(1)(a), 19(1)(f)]

An incumbent Office Bearer is eligible for re-election, including the same position.

Before a delegate is eligible for an Office Bearer position they must have satisfied each of the following:

• 1.been a financial Member (breeder or owner) for a period of 24 months; and
• 2. been a member of an Affiliate Member (Club) for a period of 24 months; and
• 3. been a duly appointed Delegate for a period of 24 months prior to nomination.

A delegate who is not otherwise eligible, may be appointed pursuant to Rule 21 where necessary.

3. Procedure at the AGM

Refer to Section IV.A.2

4. Term of Office

The Office Bearer positions that comprise the Management Committee may be held consecutively by the same delegate no more than two (2) terms [subject to Rule 19 (1) (f)].

A. Delegates

1. Appointment of delegates

• The governing body of the Association shall be the Management Committee which will be guided by the Council which shall consist of Office Bearers voted in at each AGM plus the duly appointed club delegates, some of whom become Committee Members.
• Each Club shall advise in writing, the name of a delegate prior to the first meeting of the Council attended by that delegate.
• The Council may reject any proposed delegate as unsuitable, in which case, an alternative delegate shall be appointed by the Club.

2. Rights of Delegates [Pursuant to Rules 18 (2)]

• Only Management Committee Members (or their backup delegate, at the meeting) shall have speaking, moving and voting rights.
• The Council will permit a second Delegate to attend meetings on the condition that he/she has speaking rights only by permission of the chairperson

3. Duties of delegates.

• To attend at least 70% of Council meetings. (Will be removed if they are absent from 3 consecutive meetings)
• To remain a financially current Individual Member (and therefore registered Breeder or Owner).
• To act in a responsible manner at meetings of the Council.
• To present to Council such matters as directed by their Club.
• To prepare a report for his/her Club after each Council meeting . This report to be delivered to the first Club meeting following the Council meeting.
• To represent Council and FCCQ professionally and in an appropriate manner to the wider Cat Fancy.

4. Removal of Delegate from Office.

The Council shall have the power to remove from office:-

• Any delegate who is guilty of misconduct at any meeting of Council or its committees.
• Any delegate who commits a serious breech of the requirements placed upon him/her by the Rules and By-Laws. [Rule 10.] In the event of a delegate being so removed the Club concerned must appoint a replacement delegate.

B. Registrar

1. A Registrar shall be appointed by the Council for a three [3] year term and be eligible for re-appointment.

2. Duties.

The duties of the Registrar shall be:-

• To keep a register of pedigreed cats and kittens.
• To keep a register of non-pedigreed de-sexed cats (Which would include both Group 4 Cats being shown from time to time & any non-registered cats used in any approved Breeding Programs)
• To conduct the registers as per the system adopted by Council.
• To present a statement of Registration to each Council meeting.
• To present an annual report of registrations to the Annual General Meeting.

C. Auditors

• The Council shall appoint an auditor or auditors to audit the books of account of the Association, and to audit the annual balance sheet of the assets of the Association.
• The auditor or auditors shall also be responsible for auditing the financial affairs of the Registrar of Cats and any other accounts of the Association.

D. Judges

• The Council shall appoint an Association of qualified Judges.
• The Association of Judges shall be the subject of Council rulings and standards as may be determined from time to time by the Council or the Management Committee.
• It shall be the responsibility of the Judges’ Association to supervise the training of judges, to set examination papers and to recommend to Council the appointment of qualified judges
• The Judges’ Association may propose candidates to Council however the selection of candidates shall be at the discretion of Council.
• The Judges’ Association may be represented on Council by a representative without voting rights.
• Judges must be an active and financial member of at least one Club affiliated with FCCQ Inc
• Judges must be available to Judge a minimum of three (3) times per year as requested by FCCQ Inc
• Judges must remain active in the Cat fancy and keep current their knowledge of the cats they Judge
• Judges must be a financial member of the ACF Inc Judges Guild

E. Judges’ Candidates.

1. Training & Qualifications.
Judges Training and Requirements are set out in Appendix E to these By-Laws. It is customary that all FCCQ Inc Clubs make their shows available to any Trainee Judges undergoing training. Tutor Judges will liase with Show Managers

2. After Qualification.

After completing training; Junior Judges and FCCQ Open Judges (for the six [6] months probationary period following elevation from Junior Judge) may not accept appointments in country areas and/or with other Councils in any area.

In order for FCCQ to endorse further elevation, application must be made to the Judges Association by the Judge who shall furnish all necessary proof of qualification. Eligibility for listing on any National or International Panel of Judges will be based on criteria set by ACF Inc as the relevant organisation.

Judges must remain active in the Cat Fancy and be an active and financial member of an affiliated member/club.

A. Annual General Meeting [Pursuant to rules 31, 32, 33, & 34]

1.Time of Meeting.

The Annual General Meeting shall be held before the 1st August each year.

2. Procedure

The procedure shall be:

• The President opens the meeting.
• The Secretary shall record those present and their status in terms of Membership.
• The Secretary shall read the minutes of the previous Annual General Meeting and these shall be confirmed.
• The President shall deliver his/her annual report.
• The Treasurer shall deliver his/her annual report.
• The Registrar shall deliver
• The Membership Officer shall deliver his/her annual report.
• A delegate shall move a vote of appreciation of the services of the out going officers.
• The Chairperson shall call for an election of Office Bearers for the coming year.
• [Pursuant to Rules 19(1)d, e, f, g, & 31, 32, 33, 34, 40] The election shall be conducted according to the procedure set out herein:
  • The Membership Officer has possession of the Ballot Box as well as a voting list of Financial Members. Inside the empty Ballot Box is then placed 1. any Ballot forms received via post, these Ballot forms are still within their sealed envelopes. The Members names whose Ballot Forms are in the Box have their names ticked on the voting list. 2. all Members present have their name ticked on the voting list as they place their Ballot form in the Ballot Box (these may be sealed or unsealed). 3. any Proxies, present their proxy form to the Membership Officer for verification, then the Member’s Name (who has sent a proxy) has their name ticked, and their proxy places their sealed envelope containing the Ballot form in the Ballot Box.
  • The Ballot Box is then handed to the scrutineers who will retire off to one side (or adjourn to another room) for counting/tallying of votes.
  • When the Scrutineers have determined the identity of the incoming Office Bearers, and have double checked the count, they shall return and announce the name of the incoming President, and give to him/her the list showing the names of each of the incoming Office Bearers. The President shall then announce the rest of the Office Bearers and then name the balance of the Committee Members, one from each Affiliate Member (Club)
• There being no further business, the AGM can be adjourned. Where applicable a Meeting of the new Management Committee may follow.

B. Management Committee Meetings [Pursuant to the Rules 23 & 24.]

1. Times of Meetings.

A meeting of the Council shall be held at least once a month during the period February to December each year unless otherwise determined by Council. Meetings of FCCQ. At a meeting where other important business is to be discussed ‘suspension of standing orders’ may be called for to discuss this business and the normal business of the meeting shall follow.

2. Procedure.

The procedure at an ordinary meeting of the Council shall be as follows:

• Delegates present. The Secretary shall prepare a list of delegates and their relevant Clubs. Record apologies.
• Minutes. To confirm the minutes, they may be taken as read on a motion.(There should be no need to read the previous minutes as it is expected that all Delegates have reported back to their respective Club Members; including making available to them the minutes of the previous meeting. Any enquiries, errors and omissions, business arising, etc should have been reported to the Secretary in time to have been included on the Agenda for the next meeting). Once the minutes are confirmed, Business arising from the minutes shall be dealt with.
• Correspondence In. The inward correspondence as listed in the Agenda shall be read or summarised as appropriate. This correspondence shall be received.
• Correspondence Out. The outward correspondence shall be listed in the Agenda and where necessary referred to, but not read in detail unless called for. The outward correspondence shall be endorsed.
• Treasurer’s report. The Treasurer’s report shall be read and accepted.
• Registrar’s Report. The Registrar’s report shall be read and accepted.
• Membership Officer’s Report. The Membership Officer’s report shall be read and accepted.
• Other Reports. Where applicable, other report shall be read and noted or discussed.
• General Business. Matters may be put forward by delegates of Affiliate Member Clubs or Individual Members.
• General discussion.

3. General Notes

a) Agenda.

Preferably all Club business should be in writing or emailed to the Secretary five [5] days before the meeting to allow an agenda to be prepared, otherwise matters may stand over till the next meeting.

b) Address for Correspondence.

All correspondence to Council, including schedules for approval and judging appointments for approval must be sent to the Secretary. This may be done either by email or to the official postal address.

c) Records available for perusal.

At each meeting the Secretary shall have available (for perusal):

• Inward Correspondence. For the month
• Outward Correspondence. For the month
• FCCQ Judges’ appointments. (which are subject to approval)

C.Special Meetings [Pursuant to the Rules 35 36 37 38 39 40 41.]

The Secretary of Council may convene a Special meeting to consider any urgent matter.

1.Procedure

• The President shall open the meeting.
• The Secretary shall record the delegates present and list their respective Clubs & record apologies.
• The Secretary shall state the purpose of the meeting.
• The meeting shall then discuss this specific matter only.

A. Disciplinary Procedures & Matters

1.Membership of Disciplinary Committee.

There shall be a Disciplinary Committee consisting of the Office Bearers and any or all of the remaining committee Members that make up the Management Committee; provided that no person shall sit on the Disciplinary Committee where he/she is the complainant or the defendant on a disciplinary proceeding.

2. Powers of the Committee

The Disciplinary Committee shall have the power to enquire into and deal with any complaint which may be made against any person or Club bound by the Rules and By-Laws of the Association in respect of any matters presented to it.

3. Examples of Behaviour considered actionable.

• Any breach of the provisions of the Rules or By-Laws of the Association, or breach of any decision made pursuant to and under the Rules and By-Laws of the Association, by any person or Club so bound.
• Any conduct likely to prejudice the reputation of, or orderly conduct of a Club, or of the Council. Specifically this includes any Member or Delegate who indulges in malicious or disruptive behaviour or refuses to follow acknowledged FCCQ Inc. rules and procedure (as set out in Constitution, By-Laws, and Council/Management Committee decisions), they shall be liable to disciplinary action which may result in summary expulsion from FCCQ Inc.
• Any inappropriate discussion about the progress of Judge’s training. This is between Tutors and Trainee.

4. Penalties

If any complaint made under subsection 3 of this section is proved to the satisfaction of the Disciplinary Committee, the Committee shall have the power to inflict any one or more of the following penalties:

• To suspend the person/persons/Club from taking part in any shows held under the auspices of the Association for such period as decided upon by the Disciplinary Committee.
• To reprimand the person/persons/Club concerned.
• To suspend any and all Services
• To remove them from any position within the ‘FCCQ Inc’
• To take any other action deemed necessary, including expulsion.

5.Lodgement of Complaints.

Any member of a Club, any delegate to the Council, any Club, any Individual or Affiliate Member, or any officer of the council may lodge a complaint. The charge shall be in writing and shall specify:-

• The alleged breach of discipline, including supporting material.
• The time, place and manner of the alleged breach of discipline.
• The name of the complainant.

6.Filing of Complaints

Charges shall be filed with the Secretary of Council and shall be heard at the next Management Committee Meeting, wherever possible no more than thirty days after filing.

7. Notice/s to Defendant.

Wherever possible they should be contacted by phone or in person to explain the procedure being followed by FCCQ Inc. In the first instance a letter shall be sent to the Defendant outlining the nature of the complaint and asking for further information including an explanation of their perspective of events. The following paragraph (or similar) shall be included in this initial letter:

Important note - Please take the time to respond to this letter in writing by <insert date> (ie:2 weeks from date of letter). Should you choose not to reply and no response is received by the Secretary, this Council reserves the right to inform < XYZ Inc & ABC Inc (ie: other Cat Councils) > so that they are fully informed as to our attempts at resolving this matter and your response, or lack thereof will be advised to them also. Should they request further details we reserve the right to furnish what information we currently have in order that they can be as fully informed as possible. Should you have any questions please include them in your written response.

If no response is received in the designated timeframe; the disciplinary committee are to discuss the matter and decide upon a course of action, depending on the circumstances. They are to recommend a course of action to the Management Committee (where different) who will then either organise for further letter/s to be written or organise to convene a disciplinary hearing.

Where a Disciplinary Hearing is deemed necessary, Not less than ten [10] days before the date appointed for the hearing of the charge the Secretary shall give due notice in writing to the defendant of:-

• The charge as in Section V Part.4
• The time and place appointed

8. Representation

The defendant shall be entitled to be represented before the Disciplinary Committee by any person who is a member of an affiliated club or a delegate to Council.

9. Hearing.

• The Disciplinary Committee at its discretion may adjourn to a fixed date for the hearing of any charge.
• Subject to these By-Laws, the Disciplinary Committee shall, in the presence of the defendant, hear such evidence as the complainant and the defendant shall advance. It shall permit such cross examination as it deems necessary to establish the facts.
• If, without reasonable explanation to the Disciplinary Committee, the defendant does not appear at the time and place appointed for the hearing against him/her, the charge shall be heard in his/her absence.

10. Right of Appeal

• Any person convicted, under sub-section 4 of this section of the By-Laws, may appeal to the first Council meeting following the delivery of the decision of the Disciplinary Committee.
• The appeal may be against the conviction itself or against the severity of the penalty. The appeal must be in writing stating the grounds of the appeal and filed with the Secretary before the council meeting.
• If the Council is satisfied that the conviction or penalty was unreasonable, the Council shall refer the matter to an independent Arbitrator appointed by the Council for the purpose of hearing such an appeal.
• The person convicted and the Chairman of the Disciplinary Committee shall then put their arguments and cases before the Arbitrator whose decision shall be final and conclusive.

General Rules

Applications for registration will only be accepted for registration with FCCQ Inc. according to the following conditions:-

1. Full Register.

• The Breeder must have complied with any Breed Rules specific to the Breed [ see Appendix F ]
• Before a litter can be registered the dam will have to be registered with the Feline Control Council of Queensland. If the breeder is also the owner of the sire , then the sire will also have to be registered with the FCCQ If the breeder is not the owner of the sire and the sire is not registered with the FCCQ then a copy of his pedigree must be supplied on the back of the combined Service/Litter/Multiple Registration form.
• Before a litter can be registered the Combined Service/Litter/Multiple Registration form must be completed, even if the breeder is the owner of the sire.
• All the living progeny in the litter must be registered at the one time on the one Combined Service/Litter/Multiple Registration form. Kittens may be registered in the breeder’s name or the name of the new owner.
• No cat’s name should exceed twenty-five [25] letters, including the breeder’s prefix. Breeders please note, the common name must be included in the application for registration.
• When selling a registered kitten the breeder is obliged to lodge the Combined Service/Litter/Multiple Registration Form as soon as possible. If the kitten or cat has already been registered in the breeder’s name a completed Transfer of Registration Application, together with the Registration Certificate, should be forwarded immediately. Where breeding stock is sold, a copy of the pedigree should be given to the purchaser. Registrations cannot be effected on a Pedigree Certificate alone. In the case of pet stock the breeder may withhold papers until proof of desexing has been provided.
• Black cats that have been previously registered as Bombays from an approved breeding programme shall continue to enjoy this status and that future generations also enjoy the title of Bombay with the FCCQ Inc.
• The name and registration number of the sire and dam must be quoted on the combined Service/Litter/Multiple Registration form. The breeder must be the registered owner of the dam.
• Only cats of proven pedigree, up to four [4] generations, will be accepted on full register.

2. Experimental [Supplementary] Register.

This register is for new breeds or where a breeder wishes to increase the gene pool of a Breed that already has full registration status.

• Before breeders can register cats or kittens on the Experimental register written application must be made to the Council, outlining the breed and breeding program.
• Only kittens bred by approved breeders can be registered. If a person purchases a kitten from an approved breeder, the kitten can be registered in the name of the new owner, but the new owner must apply to the Council for permission to carry out experimental breeding before any resulting progeny from the said kitten can be registered.
• Breeders are expected to find homes for kittens not used for breeding.
• Inexperienced breeders are discouraged from embarking on experimental breeding.

3. Re-registration of Cats or Kittens.

a) With No Change of Ownership.

• A cat/kitten can only be re-registered if it is already registered in the owner’s name with another council. An application for registration completed in full [except breeder’s declaration], the previous registration certificate and copy of pedigree must be sent to the registrar. Where the kitten is being transferred from outside this state, a certified pedigree must be provided.

b)With Change of ownership.

It must be made clear that when an animal changes ownership, this change must be registered with the original registering body, before the animal can be re-registered with another council.

c) Re-registration of Breeding Cats Already Registered in the Owner’s Name with Another Council.

• The fee, if any, for transferring a full cattery shall be determined by the Registrar and the Management Committee

4.Registration of Breeders & Prefixes.

The Council has established a Breeders’ Register and annual prefix maintenance.

• Breeders are required to pay an annual fee as determined by Council from time to time for continued registration as a Breeder and for Prefix maintenance. Application should be on the appropriate form available from the Registrar.
• All registered Breeders are requested to agree to abide by “the Code of Ethics for Hobby Breeders” (see Appendix A) and to sign the renewal notice accordingly.

5. Litter Registration.

Litters may only be registered with FCCQ by breeders holding financially current FCCQ Breeder registration.

All living progeny of the litter must be registered.

All Kittens to be registered are to be recorded into the registry based on Genotype.

It is the breeder’s responsibility to ensure that Litter Registration forms (and any required accompanying documents) are received by the Registrar within nine (9) months of the date of birth. All kittens of every litter will be registered as ‘Pet Only – not to be bred from’ unless the breeder has indicated otherwise to the Hon. Registrar and provided details including the New Owner/Breeder’s name, contact details, Prefix and such other proof that they are suitably registered to own and breed from pedigreed cats.

B. Use of Forms.

1. Cattery Prefix or Affix.

This form must be used when applying for registration of a prefix or affix. The form is available from the registrar.

The Following Rules Pertain:-

• No breeder may apply a prefix or affix without having the word registered as a prefix or affix.
• Every breeder is required to register a Cattery prefix (which they may use as an affix also should they choose to).
• No breeder may use the prefix or affix of another breeder, either for their prefix or affix or in the registered common name of the cat.
• ‘common name’ refers to the pedigree cats ‘registered name’ excluding any prefix and/or affix
• A minimum of six [6] names, in order of preference, are to be submitted on the application for Cattery Prefix/Affix form and applicants are requested to select all names carefully, as prefixes/affixes will not be changed once they have been checked and approved. More than four names may be submitted.
• It is best to make up words for use as a prefix/affix [i.e. a combination of letters from your names, your family names, or your address]. Do not submit names of flowers, jewels, colours or famous people for selection.
• Affixes must be preceded by the word ”of”. generally the word ‘of’ is unacceptable for use in common names for cats because it indicates the word after the ‘of’ is a registered affix/prefix)
• Applicants will be notified as soon as checking has been completed.
• The registered common name of an Exhibit [Registered Cat or Kitten] may only be changed if the sex has been incorrectly advised to the Registrar. In that event, the name can only be changed to the nearest possible to the previously registered name.
• Applications for any change of registered common name will be assessed on a case by case basis by the Hon. Registrar and the Management Committee.

2. Combined Service/Litter/Multiple Registration Form.

The first section of the form [Certificate of Service] is to be completed by the stud owner and retained by the breeder [owner of the dam] until the litter is born, when the second section of the form [date of birth and progeny] is completed. The breeder can either, hold this form until the kittens are sold and then register the kittens straight into the new owner’s name, or register the kittens in the breeder’s name and transfer to new owners name at a later date. The completed forms should be forwarded to the Registrar as soon as possible.

3.Transfer.

• This form is only used when the kitten/cat has already been registered and has a registration number with FCCQ otherwise an application for registration is used and must be accompanied by a copy of the pedigree. Registration certificates must accompany both transfers and application for re-registration.
• Upon sale, exchange, gift or lease of a cat registered with the FCCQ an application for transfer, signed by the vendor, must be lodged with FCCQ, together with the original registration certificate. This also applies when the cat/kitten is to be re-registered with another council; i.e. transfer must be made with the original council before re-registration.

C. Other Information.

1.Certified Pedigrees.

• Kittens/cats sold interstate should have a certified pedigree supplied with the registration.
• Breeders may supply typed pedigrees, complete with registration numbers on three generations and full breed and colour description throughout the pedigree for certification.
• Alternatively pedigrees can be typed for you.

2.Fees.

• Please note the scale of fees printed on each form and send the remittance accordingly. Payments should be made to the Feline Control Council of Queensland Inc.
• If using forms that have been on hand for some time please check that the fee shown is still current.

A. General Show Rules.

1.Schedules.

Schedules for approval must be sent to the Secretary at least thirty (30) days prior to date of show. Schedule will then be emailed to all delegates and if no objections are made within five (5) days, it will be presumed that the Schedule is approved. If an objection is made, that schedule will then be presented at the next available meeting of FCCQ for discussion. (where minor this may be dealt with via email). On approval the schedule will also be passed on to the Webmaster for inclusion on FCCQ website.

No distribution of schedules may be made prior to approval being granted.

2. Breed Groups.

The Council has adopted Groups 1, 2, 3, & 4 as the nomenclature of breed groups.

The groups are constituted as follows:-

a) Group One
Persian, Exotic Shorthair, Birman, Turkish Van, Norwegian Forest Cat, Maine Coon, Ragdoll, Siberian.

b)Group Two:-
Siamese, Foreign White (Shorthair & Longhair), Balinese, Oriental (Shorthair & Longhair).

c) Group Three:-
British (shorthair), Manx, Cymric (loghaired manx), Scottish Fold (Shorthair & Longhair), Scottish (Shorthair and Longhair), Russian, Abyssinian, Somali, Burmese, Cornish Rex, Devon Rex, Korat, Bengal, Tonkinese, Australian Mist, Bombay, Burmilla (Shorthair and Longhair), Ocicat, Singapura, Japanese Bobtail (Shorthair and Longhair), Selkirk Rex, Sphynx, Egyptian Mau.

[Breeds in the ACF standard book for Group 3 but not yet registered in Queensland with FCCQ: Chartreux, European Shorthair, German Rex (these breeds may be shown, however before allowing breeding from these breeds, the breeder would need to apply to FCCQ for permission)]

d) Group Four

Household Pets, Companions, Domestic cats of indeterminate ancestry, preferably not pedigreed. Referred to in the ACF standard book as Companion Pets

Note: Desexed cats compete with entires for “Best in Colour” &/or “Breed”; but, with the “Best in Show” awards, the entire and desexed compete separately within the main Group sections.

Desexed kittens compete with entires for best in show. Desexed kittens still have their own Age Classes, where classes are being used in the show. [Eg. Neuter & Spay.]

3. Supreme Exhibit

Where a Club chooses to award a ‘Supreme’ exhibit; this award is to be awarded to the best exhibit i.e.kitten-cat-desexed taken from Groups 1, and/or 2, and/or 3 in a specific ring or over all rings. Not to be awarded in any other way ie: within a group as this would detract from the importance of this Award.

Entry Rules

• All cats & kittens over 16 weeks (4 months) of age must be registered. This does not apply to domestic exhibits.
• Registration numbers must be quoted on cats and kitten’s entered in experimental sections.
• Kittens under ten [10] weeks of age cannot be shown. Kittens cannot be entered in cat events. All exhibits will be the actual age on the day of the show. [Months mean “calendar” months.]
• Any kittens for sale at the show must observe the rules of the show and remain in their cage until the end of the show.
• Change of status must be notified to the Show Manager five [5] clear days before the day of the show.
• All entries must be fully paid before cats are judged.
• Any exhibit which has been domiciled at the home of a judge within the preceding three [3] months may not be shown under that judge.
• Any entry may be refused without stating a reason.
• Any person, whose entries are unacceptable to the Feline Control Council of Queensland Inc., is excluded from benching exhibits on behalf of other show exhibitors.

4. Veterinary Inspection.

• All cats and kittens must pass veterinary inspection before being placed in cages.
• No exhibit shall enter the hall if it has, at any time during the period of thirty [30] days immediately preceding the show, been in a cattery affected with feline enteritis or other infectious or contagious disease.
• The Vet Steward must immediately inform the Show Manager of any cat which has been vetted out . This person must enter the exhibit as “Vetted Out” on the absentee list. The other exhibits belonging to that owner must also be entered on the absentee list.
• Any male cat over 9 months of age, found by the officiating veterinarian, on the day, not to have two testicles of approximately equal size and normal texture, permanently positioned in the scrotum, is not eligible to compete for Challenges, Best of Breed or Best in Show.
• The show veterinarian’s decision is final.
• Where an exhibit is fractious at the vetting table, its number should be noted by the Vet Steward and subsequently given to the Show Manager who will advise the judge that caution may be necessary at that cage.

5.Caging.

• The cages should be disinfected by the Club at set up.
• Exhibitors may not use their own disinfectant in the hall, or other substances i.e. Lavender – Glen 20. If detected shall be confiscated by Stewards (or Show Manager or Club Member or FCCQ Council Delegate) during the duration of the Show.
• Entire males should not be caged side by side.
• All exhibits after passing veterinary inspection (if applicable) must be placed in cages prior to judging, and there shall be little or no interior or exterior decorations or distinguishing objects. Kittens under four [4] months can have a plain litter tray. No foodstuffs to be allowed in cages before judging.

6. Presentation of Exhibits.

• All exhibits must be brought into the show hall securely contained in an adequate carrying container. In the case of adult cats there shall be no more than one cat per container. Kittens are exempted.
• All cats and kittens claws must be clipped.
• No powder to be used in the judging ring. Grooming area is provided.
• Exhibits upon which there is any colouring matter or powder will be disqualified.
• Exhibits obviously in kit will
• Sedated exhibits must not be shown, if detected the exhibit will be disqualified.
• Exhibitors must check that their exhibits’ cage numbers and catalogue entries are correct. Any errors must be notified to the Show Manager before judging starts. Exhibits cannot be re-judged after judging has ended.

7. UTJ

• An exhibit will be disqualified as UTJ [Unable To Judge] when it cannot be handled sufficiently by the judge to proper judging.
• A cat is disqualified from all shows if UTJ on three different occasions.
• If an exhibit is declared UTJ in one ring in a multi-ring show it will be automatically withdrawn from further judging on that day. [This is to protect the cat from multiple UTJ’s on the one day.]

8. Removal of Exhibits & Collection of Challenges

Exhibits are required to remain in their cages until the completion of the all rings of the show and once all Challenges have been awarded. Exhibitors are expected to collect their Challenges (and also any trophies, rosettes, prizes) in person, except in exceptional circumstances. It is suggested that each show manager announces these requirements when calling for the floor to be cleared before judging starts or have a clearly worded sign at the front desk of the show.

9. Disorderly Behaviour.

Exhibitors and visitors are expected to behave in an orderly fashion and are also responsible for the orderly behaviour of their children. Failure to comply will result in expulsion from the show. Clubs are advised to post a notice to this effect in the Show Hall.

10. Insurance.

The Council public liability insurance policy covers shows held by FCCQ Inc. & its affiliated Clubs who are acting on behalf of the FCCQ Inc. In the event of an accident involving a claim, the Council must be advised immediately, so that the insurance office can be notified, and a claim lodged by the Association. The premium for this policy is paid by the Association.

11. Other

• Judges’ decisions are final. Protests may be made in writing to the Show Manager on the day of the show or within fourteen [14] days together with a $20.00 fee which shall be returned of the protest is upheld.
• Any grievance or complaint by an exhibitor to this Council shall be in writing, addressed to the Secretary and accompanied by a fee of $20.00 which shall be refunded should the complaint be found to be justified.
• Disciplinary action shall be taken by this Council against any person or persons, exhibitor or exhibitors, who shall [by their actions] insult, abuse or intimidate any judge or judges officiating at a show run by the FCCQ or any FCCQ affiliate club, or any judge on the FCCQ panel [in particular regarding special awards.] THE JUDGES DECISION IS FINAL.
• Any person &/or immediate family whose entries are not acceptable to the Feline Control Council of Queensland Inc. are precluded from membership of any FCCQ affiliated club.

12. Allocation of Show Dates

From the designated show dates, [ see Appendx D ] Council will allot to each metropolitan club one show date. Any remaining FCCQ dates in the Combined Show Calendar period will be used/not used at Council’s discretion

B. Schedule.

SCHEDULE FRONT

The following details should appear in the first section of the schedule:-

MUST PROMINENTLY DISPLAY ‘Affiliated with F.C.C.Q. Inc ‘.. (for insurance purposes the full counciL name head every schedule page)

• DATE OF SHOW
• NAME OF CLUB. (may be preceeded by ‘hosted by’ or ‘presented by’)
• TYPE OF SHOW
• VENUE AND ADDRESS OF SHOW.
• OFFICIATING JUDGES & NOTE - “Extra judges may be appointed if needed”.
• SHOW MANGER, ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER.
• DATE ENTRIES CLOSE.
• ENTRIES MUST BE SENT IN AN APPROVED MANNER - EITHER WRITTEN OR EMAIL AND REACH SHOW MANAGER BEFORE DUE CLOSING DATE. LATE ENTRIES ARE AT THE DISGRESSION OF SHOW MANAGER
• ALL ENTRY FEES MUST ACCOMPANY ENTRIES
• FULL DETAILS OF ALL FEES.(Including Catalogue etc)
• ALL EXHIBITS MUST ENTER AGE/STATUS CLASS. [This includes litter kits and domestic entries]
• START OF JUDGING.
• INDICATE COMPULSORY RINGS. (If applicable)
• EXHIBTS ARE TO REMAIN CAGED UNTIL 3pm WHEN CHALLENGES ARE COMPLETED
• THE SHOW MANAGER RESERVES THE RIGHT TO ALTER JUDGING ASSIGNMENT
• ENTRY TO VENUE MAY BE REFUSED AT THE DISCRETION OF THE SHOW COMMITTEE
• THIS SHOW IS RUN UNDER FCCQ SHOW RULES AS PER www.fccqinc.org.au OR CAN BE INCLUDED IN THE SCHEDULE

1. Show Rules

[A Summary is to Appear on the Show Day on the Noticeboard. (see Appendix C) ].

a) General Rules

• Any entry may be refused (ie entry fees outstanding) without stating a reason.
• No exhibit shall enter the hall if it has in any time during the period of thirty (30) days immediately preceding the show been in a cattery infected with any infectious or contagious diseases. (ie ringworm, ear mites, feline enteritis etc)
• Change of status must be notified to the Show Manager five [5] clear days before the day of the show.
• All cats and kittens over 16 weeks (4 months) must be registered with a recognised council.
• Domestic exhibits over 9 months must be de-sexed and where possible a registration number (for records).
• Kittens under the age of ten [10] weeks cannot be shown. Kittens cannot be entered in cat events. All exhibits will be the actual age on the day of the show. Any kittens for sale and on display at the show must observe the rules of the show and remain in their cage until the end of the show.
• No exhibit to be removed from the venue before the end of the show without the express permission of the show manager.
• Any exhibit which has been domiciled at the home of a judge withi
• All exhibits must be brought into the show hall securely contained in an adequate carrying container. In the case of adult cats there may be no more than one animal per container. Kittens are exempted.
• All reasonable care will be taken of exhibits. FCCQ Inc and the organising club, there officials and members accept no responsibility for any loss or damage to any person, feline, or property whatsoever.
• Stewards can confiscate for the duration of the show any potentially dangerous substance (ie: lavender, Glen 20).

b)Veterinary Inspection (If the club has elected to have Vetting:)

• Where a club elects to have veterinary inspections, or vetting committee, the schedule must clearly detail this.
• The show veterinarian’s decision is final. The Show Committee on recommendation will back up decisions.

c) Caging.

• All exhibits must be placed in cages prior to judging. Kittens under four [4] months can have a litter tray. No foodstuffs to be allowed in cages before judging.
• Exhibitors must check that the cage numbers are correct and also the catalogue entries. Any errors must be notified to the Show Manager before judging starts. Note: Exhibits cannot be rejudged after judging has ended.
• No exhibit may be removed from its cage before end of show without the express permission of the Show Manager. Please adhere strictly to this rule.

d) Grooming.

• All cats and kittens claws must be clipped. No powder to be used in the rings or Judging area. A separate grooming area is available. Exhibits upon which there is any colouring matter or powder will be disqualified. Disqualification will also apply to exhibits obviously in kitten. Sedated exhibits must not be shown and if detected will be disqualified.

e) UTJ

• An exhibit will be disqualified as UTJ (Unable to be Judged) when it cannot be handled sufficiently by Judge to allow proper judgment. A cat is barred from being shown with all councils shows if UTJ on 3 different occasions. If an exhibit is declared UTJ in one ring in a multi-ring show it will be automatically withdrawn from further judging on that day.

f) Judges’ Decisions

• Judges decisions are final. Protests may be made in writing to the Show Manager on the day of the show, or within 14 days, together with a $20 fee which shall be returned if the protest is upheld.

2. Definition of Classes [To Appear on the Show Day on the Noticeboard with the Show Rules.].

Kitten. Male/Female exhibit at least ten [10] weeks old and under nine calendar months on the day of the show. Current Registration numbers required if over 16 weeks. Effective from May 2003 Clubs may either have Kittens compete within Breed, Colour, Gender, irrespective of age or in the below age classes. The Schedule should clearly indicate the Clubs chosen method for exhibitors.

Cat. Entire exhibit nine [9] calendar months and over on the day of the show.

Neuter. Male cat or kitten that has been desexed.

Spay. Female cat or kitten that has been desexed.

Litter. To consist of two or more kittens representing all the living progeny of the one birth and belonging to the one person or joint owners, not exceeding the age of four [4] months on the day of the show. Kittens may be accompanied by their dam who must be entered in at least one class. The litter must be registered. The number of kittens must be stated on the entry form.

Challenge Classes – Groups 1, 2, & 3.

• Open Class. This class must be entered by all cats nine [9] months and over [except Gold DGC’s & above titled exhibits]. The cats are entered according to breed, colour & gender. Eleven (11) Points are gained for a challenge, plus an extra point for each beaten Cat. Should the exhibit be awarded Best in Show Twenty (20) are awarded instead.
• Gold DGC / GDGC Class. This class is for cats who are GDGC’s with FCCQ and Gold GDGC’s with other recognised councils. GDGC’s are awarded challenges without points, and need ten [10] challenges from FCCQ shows to become a Platinum DGC with FCCQ. GDGC’s are eligible for Best in Show. They compete according to breed, colour, and gender.
• Prestige Class. This class is restricted to cats who have previously achieved Platinum status with FCCQ or any recognised councils. All Exhibits titled above Platinum/PDGC with any recognised councils also compete in the Prestige Class. Challenges are awarded marked ‘Prestige’, and ten [10] challenges from FCCQ shows are requires to be elevated beyond the FCCQ PDGC level to become; in order; a FCCQ Sapphire, Ruby, Emerald, or Diamond DGC. Prestige exhibit’s are eligible for Best in Show. Prestige exhibit’s compete by breed and gender with all colours judged together.
• Note:- GDGC, PDGC, and Higher Levels are unique to each of the Councils. FCCQ does not accept other council’s challenges above Platinum towards FCCQ titles. All Gold, Platinum, Sapphire, Ruby, Emerald, & Diamond compete with all other exhibits for “Best in Show”.

Certificate of Merit Class - Group 4 Cats

• Domestic. A cat/kitten, entire/desexed which is preferably not pedigreed. These exhibits are not judged to official standards, but on general condition, coat quality, general appearance and temperament. The cats are entered according to colour & sex. Ten (10) Points are gained for a Certificate of Merit, plus an extra point for each beaten Cat. Should the exhibit be awarded Best in Show Twenty (20) are awarded instead.

Age and Challenge Classes – Groups 1, 2, 3, & 4.

C. Judges

1. Proportion of FCCQ Judges

Judges should be included from the FCCQ panel where possible. Therefore FCCQ Inc licensed Judges should make themselves available for at least three (3) FCCQ Inc shows per year.

2. Application to Council regarding Judges for shows

a. Suitability and selection of Judges for shows & approval of show schedule:

FCCQ reserves the right to refuse permission to clubs to use any judge that Council thinks not satisfactory without explanation or justification.

Clubs should only consider inviting Judges approved and recognised by FCCQ Inc (if unsure show managers should contact the Secretary or President first) Of course those Judges Qualifications granted by FCCQ Inc are recognised and approved. Also, as a general rule any judge listed on the ACF Inc or CCCA Inc Panels are deemed acceptable, on the basis that their qualifications are recognised by either ACF Inc or CCCA Inc.(ie: this also means FCCQ Inc do not necessarily recognise Judges qualifications earned by one of the CCCA member bodies, until it is also recognised by CCCA.) After this, each judge should then be officially invited in writing by the Club. Once ascertaining that a suitably credentialed judge is available for the show and getting acceptance (preferably by return of a signed contract). If an invited judge has not replied within 14 days, then another judge should be appointed. The Clubs are required to forward a draft of the schedule including the proposed Judges and their respective Judging assignments to the Secretary (preferably via email). The Secretary will forward this to the Council of Delegates for pre-approval of the schedule. If any delegate picks up any spelling errors, omissions, etc that are relevant to FCCQ Inc (given that Clubs are free to set price, number of rings etc) then they should email to the Secretary those errors and omissions for the Club’s attention.  Therefore if the Secretary receives no feedback within approx 5 working days the schedule is to be considered approved for all intents and purposes and may be put up on the website and issued by that Club. 

b. Acceptance of appointments by FCCQ Judges:

• In accepting appointments, in the same area [for the same breed section] within a three week period, the judge must inform the clubs concerned. The judge will abide by any limitations requested by the club whose invitation was issued first.
• An FCCQ judge receiving an invitation from any club, but especially a club not affiliated with FCCQ, should notify Council on receipt of the invitation. An email to the President and Secretary is sufficient (details provided should be the date, the Club, the council or governing body, the Group/s being judged) If overseas the Judge should obtain from the Secretary an ACF Sash to take with them as an honorary award that they can present.

3. Changes

Any change to already approved judges must be emailed to the Secretary as soon as possible for Council approval. [With the exception of unavoidable last minute changes]. When judges are changed notice of such change must appear on the noticeboard on show day and in the Catalogue where possible.

4. Standards

When a judge from another council is invited to judge he/she should be provided with a copy of the approved Standard for perusal, otherwise the judge will judge to the standards of his/her council.

5. Judges’ Show Schedules & Catalogues

All clubs must forward a show schedule to each judge prior to the show. After the show all officiating judges are entitled to a catalogue with the Best in Show page marked.

6. Listing in Catalogue

A list of judges officiating at a show must appear in the show catalogue.

7. Judges’ Room

No unauthorised person shall be permitted in the judges’ room or area at a show.

8. Judges Exhibiting

Judges may exhibit in any ring other than the Ring they are judging ( a Judge cannot judge their own cats). When a judge is exhibiting, his/her entries should (wherever possible) be benched by someone appointed by the Club.

• Any exhibit which has been domiciled at the home of the judge within the preceding the three months may not be shown under that judge.
• It is inadvisable for close relatives to judge one another’s cats, as this leaves the judge open to adverse comment. This is for the judges’ protection.

9. Other Requirements regarding Judging

• Where possible no judge should be expected to judge more than approximately sixty exhibits at any one show.

10. Travel & Accommodation Arrangements for Judges

The following should be arranged for interstate or overseas judges:-

• Air travel with a fixed time of travel not flexifare. [Note ‘fixed time’ cheap fares available.]
• Motel accommodation & meals unless the judge chooses private arrangements.
• Reimbursement of all travel costs. [Eg. bus fare, petrol money, airport parking etc.]
• A reasonable time before their departure all judges must be supplied with a show schedule and where applicable full travel details and particulars of accommodation arrangements.

For Judges invited to Judge at FCCQ Council (not Club) Shows: FCCQ Inc considers a Judge to be an honorary position.  If invited to officiate the Judge should know that no reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses (or free entry fees to cat shows) is considered necessary by FCCQ Inc. for a Judge to accept an appointment for a judging assignment.  In extreme circumstances the Show Manager running an FCCQ Inc Council Show may choose to put a request to Council; which if approved, the Show Manager may then offer no more than $20 towards out-of-pocket expenses (this includes petrol)

D. Stewards

1.Examination

Stewards & Scribes are to be examined by the judges association following FCCQ Scribes & Stewards training.

Once qualified they will be presented with a badge which indicates FCCQ qualification. All floor stewards should wear their steward’s badge at shows. Assistant Floor Stewards [e.g. Runners] do not have to have completed training.

2. Stewards & Scribes

Where possible, each judge must be allocated an FCCQ qualified Scribe as well as an FCCQ qualified Steward. The Show Manager may fill these positions prior to the show. However, where all qualified Scribes & Stewards have been asked and allocated to judges, and vacancies still remain the Show Manager may request a suitable exhibitor to stand in on the day.It should be noted it is inappropriate for any Judge (whatever the affiliation) to Steward for another Judge. A Judge may Scribe.

3. Conduct of Stewards & Scribes

• Stewards & Scribes must give no indication to the Judge that any exhibits are known to them.
• Stewards & Scribes must avoid excessive chatter when on the floor.
• Stewards & Scribes must not depart their post without permission of the judge
• Stewards & Scribes are warned that judges remarks and decisions are not to be repeated. Stewards or Scribes who do not abide by this rule will have their FCCQ qualification revoked.
• Stewards should not wear
• After each exhibit is judged, the table & Stewards hands must be sprayed with disinfectant provided & wiped dry.
• Preferably Stewards should not handle their own cats. Where unavoidable the Steward must not show or give any indication to the Judge that the exhibit is theirs. Any breach of this rule may lead to the disqualification of the steward and the exhibit concerned.
• Scribes are to check for any cross-judging and must ensure that the judges slips are completed correctly.
• Scribes, upon completing the Challenge & other Certificates, are to place them upside down on the relevant cages.
• Scribes must ensure Best in Show Challenges are amended to Twenty (20) points & initialled by the judge.
• Scribes & Stewards can distribute the awarded prizes in accordance with the Judge’s instructions. All prizes and certificates should be removed before next ring of judging commences.

E. Show Committee, Show Manager (or if applicable Veterinarian)

• It is the show committee’s responsibility to exclude from the show any exhibits suffering from any infectious or contagious condition which [in their opinion on the day] poses a risk to other exhibits present at the show.
• It is left to the committee’s discretion whether to exclude from the show of all exhibits belonging to the owner of an animal vetted out.

F. Show Manager.

1. Catalogue

• All exhibits must be listed in the catalogue. If late entries are accepted after the catalogue is prepared a “late entry” sheet must be available at the front desk and available for the Scribe table. If the Show Manager is unable to do the late listing, it should be allocated to another club member.
• It is the Show Manager’s responsibility to ensure that all judges receive catalogues at the show, after judging.
• At the conclusion of the show all duplicate judging slips to be made available to the cat of year recorder.

2. Acceptance of Entries

• The Show Manager is responsible for the acceptance or refusal of entries, but the final decision to refuse an entry should be made by a show committee consisting of the show Manager and two other club members. No entry to be judged without the entire entry fee having been paid.
• Where there is any doubt about accepting an entry from an exhibitor, the Show Manager should ask for and defer to the decision of the FCCQ Secretary or President.

3. ACF Awards

The ACF Award Certificate is awarded to the highest placed Male, Female, Neuter, Spey in each Group provided:

• they place in the Top Five (5)
• they are a breed recognised by ACF
• the Judge determines they warrant an ACF/National award (feasibly a Judge could award a challenge and withhold an ACF certificate)

G. Challenge Rules.

1.Points System for Higher Status.

Points are awarded on the basis of ten [10] points for the challenge plus one [1] point for each cat judged in the class. [E.g. one cat in the class is eleven points, three cats in the class is thirteen points.] The maximum number of points that can be awarded to a cat at any one judging is twenty [20]. A cat winning “Best in Show” is automatically given the maximum twenty points. Excess points may be carried between changes of status.

Points needed to achieve:-

Class	Competes in the Class within these categories	Title	Required Points
Open	Breed, colour, pattern, gender	Untitled to Champion	60 points
Open	Breed, colour, pattern, gender	Ch. to Grand Champion	60 points
Open	Breed, colour, pattern, gender	GC to Double Grand Champion	60 points
Open	Breed, colour, pattern, gender	DGC to Bronze Double Grand Champion	100 points
Open	Breed, colour, pattern, gender	BDGC to Silver Double Grand Champion	100 points
Open	Breed, colour, pattern, gender	SDGC to Gold Double Grand Champion	100 points
Gold	Breed, colour, pattern, gender	GDGC to Platinum Double Grand Champion	100 points
Prestige	Breed, gender	PDGC to Sapphire Double Grand Champion	100 points
Prestige	Breed, gender	Sapphire DGC to Ruby Double Grand Champion	100 points
Prestige	Breed, gender	Ruby DGC to Emerald Double Grand Champion	100 points
Prestige	Breed, gender	Emerald DGC to Diamond Double Grand Champion	100 points
Group 4 follows the same point system, but the title earned is ‘Premier’ substituted wherever applicable in place of ‘Champion’. A standard Challenge Certificate can be used, or a customised Certificate of Merit.			100 points

2. Platinum DGC, Sapphire DGC, Ruby DGC, Emerald DGC, Diamond DGC.

The Prestige class exhibits compete irrespective of title, all competing for the one breed/gender Prestige Challenge. This Class is unique to FCCQ. To become higher than a Platinum DGC requires an excellent type exhibit as it must compete against all other exhibits of the same breed and gender irrespective of colour or pattern. This award is unique to FCCQ and each other recognised Council has similar higher levels for which only their own challenges count..

3. Other Directives

• When a cat is desexed it retains its existing status. Points “in hand” at the time of desexing may be used towards the next change of status. Similarly with ACF or other national Awards; the cat retains its status.
• When applying for Higher Status copies of challenges won at other than FCCQ Inc. shows must be forwarded to the Registrar
• Challenge Certificates awarded by other Councils must be photo copied and forwarded with Higher Status Applications. FCCQ Inc. Challenge Certificates need not be as the Registrar has a marked Catalogue from each Show which is used for verification.
• Each elevation must be applied for as the cat becomes eligible for that Award.

H. Multi-Ring Shows.

1. Definition

Shows that have Multiple All-Breeds and/or Specialist Rings in addition to the normal all-breeds rings.

2. Compulsory Rings

Clubs have the option of making all rings compulsory. When all rings are compulsory every exhibit must be in all rings, with the exception of exhibits belonging to officiating judges.

Points for both the Cat of the Year and the Perpetual Breed Awards are given in all rings irrespectively (with the exception of Specialist Rings where only FCCQ Challenges are awarded). Specialist Rings do not receive points for Cat of Year or Best of Breed.

I. Council Awards.

1. Points Tables in Catalogues

Space in catalogues must be allocated to record the points given at each show towards these awards. [Clubs are provided with a preferred format.]

2. Cat of the Year.

Points will be awarded at each show towards “Cat of the Year” for kitten, entire cat & desexed cat respectively in each of the Breed Groups One, Two, & Three. In the case of Group Four there is only one award for Exhibit.
Note:- The CoY award is based on 100 points for “Best in Show”, 75 points for “Reserve” and 50 points for “Third Cat in Show”. The winner must have at least 300 total points to get the award. In the event of a tie the award is given to the cat with the most “Best in Shows”. Points counting towards CoY will be awarded in each ring with the exception of Specialty Rings. For Shows that hold an all breeds ring, the Show Manager must in addition to the placings of that ring provide judges slips that requires judges to place the exhibits of this ring (Best, reserve, & third) within the Groups. Best of Breed Judges slips should also be provided for this ring. Failure by the Show Manager to do this means that ring cannot be counted by FCCQ towards CoY.

3.Best of Breed - Perpetual Awards.

Points will be awarded at each show for “Best Exhibit” in those breeds as set out in Section VII.I.3

To qualify for Best of Breed the minimum requirement for achieving this award is winning this class over 3 different shows and having competed against at least one other of the same breed.

The BoB award is based on 1 point being allocated each time an exhibit is awarded Best of Breed in a ring.

4. Prefix of the Year.

Note:- For a breeder to score ANY POINTS at all it is essential for that breeder to have an entry present at the show with their Prefix. They will earn points whether they are the current owner or not.

This award will be presented each year separately for each of Groups One, Two & Three. At the end of each year Winners will be presented with a certificate of achievement.

Points will be awarded in each ring of multi-ring shows, except ‘challenge only’ rings. To qualify a breeder must have an entry placed in the top awards in a ring by a Judge. This means that for every cat/kitten/desexed exhibit bred by that breeder (whether owned by the breeder or not), which gains a place in an Age/Challenge class at the show, will give the breeder at least one point.

Points to be calculated based on the number of exhibits in Top Awards. (ie: 10 points for 1^st Place ‘Best in Show’ working down to 1 point for 10^th placed exhibit). Where the top awards are less than 10 exhibits, the points would be adjusted. Where a Judge elects to award less that 10/5, then the points cease where the Judge chose to stop. So in a top 7 a first place exhibit will earn 7 points (not 10).

A. Experimental Breeding.

• To start experimental breeding the breeder must obtain permission from Council. See also under Registration [Section VI A Par 2.]
• Longhair progeny from Exotic breeding that conform to the Longhair standard will be registered as “Longhair from Exotic Breeding”.
• Cats on Experimental register are eligible for challenges which will read “ER Challenge” and their higher status will read “ER ..........”. They are eligible for all awards including ACF Awards.
• Variants in any breed may be shown as” Variants” and may compete with other exhibits in Miscellaneous Classes. However, Shorthaired variants from Balinese, Semi-Longhaired Oriental or Somali breeding may be shown in full competition with Siamese, Oriental or Abyssinian respectively in Age/Challenge classes as appropriate. The full registration number must be quoted.

B. Stud Master’s Responsibility.

1. Queen for Mating.

It is the opinion of this Council that responsibility lies with the owner of the queen out to stud, to ensure that the stud quarters are secure. If the queen is an escape artist, the stud owner should be told. Provided a service fee is not accepted the owner of the stud is free from moral obligation. The accepted rule is that queens are taken for mating and all care will be exercised, but no responsibility accepted. It is also the Stud Master’s responsibility to ensure that only queens registered as entire are to be accepted.

C. Breeder’s & Owner’s Responsibilities.

1. Code of Ethics.

The Feline Control Council of Queensland Inc. has adopted a “Code of Ethics for Hobby Breeders”. All registered breeders and owners are provided with a copy and the Council expects all registered breeders and owners to observe this Code and to be in possession of a copy of the Code.

D. Notes on Standards and Breed Classification.

1. Type Description & Scale of Points.

The Standard used for judging felines at all FCCQ Inc affiliated shows will be as set out in Appendix B.

2. Coat & Eyes.

Coat colour to become ”Coat Colour, Condition & Texture”. Eye colour to become “Eye Colour & Shape”.

3. Semi-Longhair Orientals.

Semi-Longhair Orientals to be known as such. [Not Javanese or Angora

4. Challenges

Challenges are issued to every recognised breed of cats.

5. Colours

All Breeds will be separated into their recognised colours.

6. Cameo Persians & Cameo Exotics.

Cameo kittens will be classed as “Cameo” only, but after the age of 9 months they will be classified according to the shades of Cameo.

7. Tabby Cats All Breeds.

In all breeds of cat, Tabby kittens and cats must stipulate what coat pattern the feline displays.

8. Mating of Foreign White Cats.

Foreign White cats with “only” Siamese behind them shall be mated to “like” or to Siamese and the blue eyed white progeny shall be known as “Foreign White”. When Foreign White are out crossed to Oriental the blue eyed white progeny shall be known as “Blue Eyed White Oriental”.

9. Tongue Fault.

It is a fault if a cat’s tongue protrudes permanently beyond the line of the lips. Such a fault incurs withholding of a challenge in a cat or first prize in a kitten.

10. Temperament.

Judges are empowered to penalise cats for poor temperament on the day.

11. Definitions.

• A variant is a cat/kitten which appears in a breeding program but does not conform. E.g. Somali variants, Balinese variants & Semi-Longhair Oriental variants are shorthaired cats which may carry the L/H gene and Rex variants are straight coated cats which may carry the “Rex” gene for curly coat.

A. Relationship of FCCQ with other Bodies or Organisations.

1. State - within Queensland

It is the intention of FCCQ to maintain cordial professional relations with other organisations that have similar aims and objectives. Generally breakaway groups would not be tolerated as the Cat Fancy would benefit more from resolution of issues rather than splinter groups being formed. Where possible the interest of FCCQ Clubs and FCCQ Breeders and Owners will be considered as the highest priority.

2. National - within Australia

In February 2005 FCCQ Inc applied for and was granted provisional affiliation of ACF Inc. (the Australian Cat Federation Incorporated). This was ratified at the ACF AGM in June 2005 and FCCQ became a full voting member of that national advisory/recommendatory Body. From 2005 FCCQ adopted the use of the ACF Inc Book of Standards.

[ refer to ACF website – www.acf.asn.au ]

FCCQ Inc was a founding member of the CCCA Inc (Co-ordinating Cat Council of Australia Incorporated) until February 2005 when FCCQ resigned to join ACF Inc.

3 International.

Through it’s affiliation with ACF Inc, FCCQ has a connection with the World Cat Congress and it’s International Member Bodies which includes: FIFe (Federation Internationale Feline, Headquarters in Luxembourg), WCF (World Cat Federation, Headquarters in Germany), CFA (The Cat Fanciers' Association, Headquarters in USA, claiming The world's largest registry of pedigreed cats), TICA (The International Cat Association, Headquarters in USA, claiming The world's largest genetic registry of pedigreed cats), NZCF (New Zealand Cat Fancy, The primary cat registry and governing body for cat clubs and their members in New Zealand). [refer to website – www.worldcatcongress.org ]