In the TICA (The International Cat
Association) Junior Achiever program, the Junior handler is judged
on many things. Some of them are:
-
his/her ability to handle their cat
-
their ability to answer basic questions according
to their age and Level of Achievement about basic feline
husbandry, the standard of their breed and their cat's attitude
during showing and grooming
-
and
basic TICA rules.
Juniors must present their cats in perfect condition,
with meticulous grooming and understand how to present the best
qualities of their cat to the judge.
The purpose of the Junior Achiever Program is to
encourage youth to be interested in feline welfare, husbandry and
competition.
TICA hopes to inspire a better understanding of the workings of the
JA program and the cat fancy organization
to its participating youth.
The Junior Achiever Program adults mentor and encourage kids to
learn about showing as an exhibitor, the responsibilities of being a
member of a Junior club and TICA, and how to better understand
the planning and execution of a TICA show.
In that regard the Northeast Junior Achievers have
joined with Mysticats to host our first show for the 2007-2008 TICA
Northeast season. Myself, and the other JAs are getting first-hand
experience in putting on a TICA show and learning about everything
from organizing and ordering the rosettes (winners’ ribbons) to
feeding a hungry crowd for two whole days. We are also helping
coordinate the vendors for the show – both cat items and local
crafts and goods, and will be organizing and selling all the food
for the judges, clerks, and stewards, show committee, exhibitors and
spectators. We will be working on a full breakfast and lunch menu
for both days and hope that many of the JA families
including parents and siblings can come and help out with the food
concession. The JAs will also be keeping the Judges’ rings well
stocked with cleaning items and cold drinks as well as rosettes for
each show day. The JAs will be presenting their cats in one of the
TICA Judge’s rings on Saturday between 12:30 and 1:30 PM and we hope
exhibitors and spectators alike will join us for our special cat
handling program event, which we call a "JA Ring". We are always
looking for new TICA youth (and spectators who want to get involved
in showing cats) to join our program. There are quite a few
benefits in being a JA: You gain the respect of other exhibitors,
you learn about cats and the cat fancy, and sometimes get discounts
on entering shows and other fees! So if you are a cat
lover and between the ages of 7 and 17, join us for this amazing
show and first
event
of its kind in Rhode Island
