YES! Young Exhibitor's Scheme

The Governing Council of the Cat Fancy’s Young Exhibitors’ Scheme

THE YES! PROGRAMME - INTERMEDIATE LEVEL

Once the Novice Level has been recognised, Candidates may complete the application form for the Intermediate Level of the YES! Programme.

Website downloadable information includes the following - suitable for all Levels

Health & Safety at a Cat Show
Vetting In at Cat Shows
Second Stewarding Certificates
Table Work Certificates

Intermediate Level Information Sheets

Intermediate Level Evidence Record Sheet
Anatomy & Physiology
Pointed Cats
Tabby Patterns
Tortie Cats
Facial Markings
GEMS Codes
Pedigree Entry Form
Household & Pedigree Pet Entry Form
Reverse Entry Form for both Pedigree and Household/Pedigree Pets
Blank Entry Form
Judges Books & Slips

Intermediate Level Course Requirements

At shows or at home, the Candidate must COMPLETE ALL THE WORKSHEETS provided for the Intermediate Level. Work at this stage involves

a knowledge of the cats in different sections at shows
a knowledge of the parts of the cat referred to in the Standard of Points
a knowledge of GEMS codes and how they define a cat
a more detailed knowledge of coat length, quality, colour and pattern
judging slips and processes
a knowledge of how to enter a Pedigree and Household/Pedigree pet into a show
a basic knowledge of the different breeds recognised by the GCCF and where to find them in a show. (The worksheet ‘A list of cat breeds I found at this show’ will enable the Candidate to explore cats across the show hall and become accustomed to finding the different breeds.)

The Candidate should continue to keep up the MY Cat project, adding more information and knowledge as the scheme advances.

The Candidate must show their cat* (Pedigree, Non-Pedigree or Pedigree Pet) at a minimum of SIX GCCF shows, keeping a record of the entry and the results in their folder. They will need to help set up the show pen and ensure their cat is comfortably and safely settled, ready for judging when their cat is exhibited.

The Candidate must keep a DIARY recording their cat’s entry, results in every class, certificates gained etc. This should be maintained as evidence of experience, throughout the course from now on.

Remember it is the Candidates knowledge and experience which is being tested – not the cats achievements

The Candidate needs to produce a minimum of THREE Table Work Certificates and a minimum of THREE Second Stewarding Certificates at this stage. Certificates for show work and second stewarding should also be collected and filed.

The Candidate should participate in a minimum of FOUR presentations at Intermediate Level, gaining critiques from FOUR DIFFERENT judges. At this level the Candidate will be expected to have a more thorough knowledge of the listed subjects and be able to answer questions on these areas from the participating judge.

The Candidate should be responsible for

the majority of car for/she is showing – including grooming, feeding, general care and welfare*

The Candidate should be capable of demonstrating

a good knowledge of show preparation
a good knowledge of health requirements for Vetting In etc.
a good knowledge of show entry and setting up a show pen on show day, including what can be left in the pen during the day and what can not

Attendance at a BREED SEMINAR is a valuable means of increasing a Candidate’s knowledge of his/her chosen breed and there is a special evidence form to recognise this achievement. If you follow this link it will take you to the Show Calendar and Events page which lists the major club activities as well as the shows in the GCCF calendar.

Cat presentations at Intermediate Level

At Intermediate Level Candidates will have gained experience in presentation and can answer more searching questions about their cat and its breed, as well as presenting their cat with more poise and confidence. This level will be more formal and the Candidate will be expected to discuss their cat and its attributes without the need for as much prompting from the judge.

During the presentation the candidate should outline their cat's shape, size, coat quality, colour and pattern. They should know their cat's best features as well as being able to suggest which areas could be better or closer to the Standard for their breed.

Every Candidate will receive a critique on their performance. If a Candidate’s presentation is exceptional, the judge may make a Special Merit Award which will be indicated on the critique and claimed from the administrators.

Sample questions for candidates at intermediate level

How many presentations have you given at Intermediate Level?
What did the vet check when your cat was vetted in this morning?
Can you name a disease that a cat MUST be vaccinated against if they are shown?
At what age does a cat become an adult in GCCF?
How does a cat achieve titles in GCCF?
At which GCCF Show can a Grand Champion or Grand Premier win a UK title?
How many different Tabby Patterns can you name?
Can you name TWO breeds that can have a Tortoiseshell pattern?
Why do you think every pen should have just white blankets and show equipment at a GCCF show?
Which GCCF show allows exhibitors with cats in competition to drape and decorate their show pen?
Can you name a breed of spotted cat that has GCCF recognition?
What is important to remember about the pattern on a mackerel tabby?
Why would a breeder not allow their cat out, free to roam in the neighbourhood?
What is your favourite breed of pedigree cat?
In which Section at a GCCF show does that belong?
Which Section at a GCCF Show has the largest number of cat breeds?
What are the two sections in Household Pets?
What does a judge look for when they are judging Household Pets?
Which Breed Class is your cat entered in at a GCCF Show?
What is the GEMS code for your cat?
What should you write in the BOB Only box on a show entry form?
If the judge has two classes marked ‘A’ and ‘B’ in their judges book, what do they need to check?
What is the difference between a Household Pet and a Pedigree Pet?
What do you like best about showing your cat?

(*If the Candidate is working regularly with a cat NOT in their household, they will STILL be expected to be aware of the cats daily routine, its grooming and feeding regime, and vaccination date and type. Whether the cat is allowed outdoors, or has restricted access to an outside garden, what type of access and how the restriction applies.)