Policies

Kentucky 4-H clubs and affiliated 4-H organizations are to follow the policies set forth at the federal level. Although the guidelines allow states to leave the statement "18 USC 707" off of internal documents, Dr. Joe Kurth made a decision that Kentucky 4-H will use the emblem with "18 USC 707" for all internal and external documents. For a quick summary, go to www.national4-hheadquarters.gov and click on "4-H Name and Emblem," then legal guidelines.

See also "Marketing 4-H". http://www.ca.uky.edu/agcollege/4H/resource/Market-Promo02.htm

The question of out-of-state 4-Hers participating in Kentucky is raised quite often. This is our stated policy in Kentucky:

1. Youth meeting age requirements for 4-H shall reside in and/or attend school in the Commonwealth of Kentucky to be eligible to participate in multi-county or state level 4-H programs.

2. Youth meeting the above requirement, and participating in 4-H programs in two states may not participate or compete at multi-county or state levels in the Commonwealth where the same project or activities are being done in both states, e.g., horse, beef, sheep, dog, demonstration contests, shooting competition, etc.

3. Youth meeting the age, residency and project requirements may not compete at multi-county or state levels in the Commonwealth for awards or trips that have been received from the other state in which the youth holds membership, e.g. National Meats Judging, National Land Judging, National Conference, etc.

4. Deviations from the above guidelines for participation at the county level must have the agreement and support of the county 4-H programs. This agreement must be in writing and on file in both county Extension offices.

If deviations are agreed to, this would involve county programs only and would not change the eligibility for youth participating in state level 4-H programs. This agreement must be in writing and on file in both county Extension offices.

State 4-H registration fees will be refunded on a limited basis.

Requests for refunds will be reviewed on an individual basis and a decision made based on funds already committed for meals, lodging, etc. and the reason for requesting a refund.

Counties will be billed for reservations made, for which money has not been received, if the individual(s) do(es) not attend the function and pay at that time.

Once a child has arrived at 4-H camp, there are no refunds. A county is responsible for the payment in full of all fees for children who arrive at camp.

4-H Membership should be in the county where the person is a resident. Membership in a county program other than the county of residence has been allowed under the following circumstances:

• The member attends school and participates in a school based program in another county.
• A program in which the 4-Her is interested in is not available in the home county.
• If the county is in another area, once the agreement has been made between the counties, the 4-Her participates in area activities in which the county of participation is located.

Extension Agents with major 4-H responsibility and the 4-H councils of both counties are to have an agreement in writing outlining the details of the arrangement.

STATE CONTACT
Robert J. Coleman
Extension Horse Specialist
912 Garrigus Bldg.
Lexington, KY 40546-0215
phone: 859-257-9451
e-mail: rcoleman@uky.edu

The Kentucky 4-H Horse Program strongly encourages all riders to wear protective headgear passing or surpassing current applicable ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials)/SEI (Safety Equipment Institute) standards with harness secured while riding. Any exhibitor may wear protective headgear (ASTM-SEI) in any division or class without penalty from the judge.

Riders in all timed event and jumping classes will be required to wear an ASTM-SEI Equestrian Helmet. Harness must be secured and properly fitted. Any rider violating this rule at any time must immediately be prohibited from further riding until such headgear is properly in place. Classes requiring such helmets include: Barrels, Poles, Flags, Keyhole, Calf Roping, Breakaway Roping, Team Penning and all Jumping Classes, etc.

It is the responsibility of the rider, or the parent or guardian of the youth exhibitor to see to it that the headgear worn complies with appropriate safety standards for protective headgear intended for equestrian use, and is properly fitted and in good condition. The Kentucky 4-H Horse Program, Show Committees, Officials and Judges are not responsible for checking headgear worn for such compliance.

The Kentucky 4-H Horse Program makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, about any protective headgear, and cautions riders that death or serious injury may result despite wearing such headgear as all equestrian sports involve inherent dangerous risk and as no helmet can protect against all foreseeable injuries.

A show committee must bar riders without protective headgear from entering the ring for classes in which protective headgear is required, and may bar any entry or person from entering the ring if not suitably attired.