The Buckeye Livestock Exposition is committed to the humane treatment of all animals exhibited. Every reasonable precaution is taken to promote the animals’ safety and well-being. The production practices in the livestock industry are based on good principles of animal husbandry. No one has a greater economic stake in the welfare of animals than the livestock producers and organizations involved in the promotion of agriculture.

1. Exhibitors are requested to report any rule violation to Show Management immediately so that appropriate action may be taken. The BLE board of directors reserves the final and absolute right to interpret these rules, and to settle and determine all matters, questions and differences in regard thereto or otherwise arising out of or connected with, or incident to, the BLE and to amend or add to these rules as its judgment may determine. Any exhibitor who violates any of the rules will forfeit all privileges and premiums and be subject to such penalty as BLE may order. 

2. The decision of the judges shall be final in all cases, except where mistake, fraud, misrepresentation, or collusion, not discovered at or before the time of award, is proven. Any objections to a judge must be submitted in writing to Show Management prior to the event in question.

3. All exhibits will be under the control and direction of BLE Show Management but BLE shall not be responsible or liable for any loss, injury or damage which may occur. The exhibitor will be solely responsible for any consequential or other loss, injury or damage done to, or occasioned by, or arising from, any animal or property exhibited by him/her. All owners and persons in charge of property or animals shall care for, guard, protect and preserve the same, as BLE does not undertake any obligation to do so and shall not be held responsible for any loss, shrinkage or damage to such property, animals or any owners or exhibitors thereof.

4. Exhibitors are responsible for knowing the times of their shows. Any exhibit not presented promptly will be ruled ineligible and barred from competition. No complaint or protest on the grounds that the judge overlooked projects will be considered. 

5. If any exhibitor, in any way, interferes with the judges during their adjudication, or shows any disrespect to them or the show, is subject to be penalized. Show Management may demand a proper apology from the exhibitor, may exclude him/her from competition, bar him/her from the grounds, and may also withhold any prizes that may have been awarded. 

6. Exhibitor and patron safety are a top priority. Therefore, Show Management or ring stewards may remove any unruly animal from the show at any time.

7. Show Equipment: Livestock shows provide an opportunity for the general public to be exposed to agricultural exhibits. Exhibitors should be mindful of the show equipment being used and the manner in which it is being used. Show Management or Livestock Committee Leadership/Ring Stewards reserve the right to decide what constitutes acceptable show equipment and how the equipment is being used by the exhibitor.

8. Buckeye Livestock Exposition reserves the right to drug test any animal exhibited for any illegal substances. 

9. Buckeye Livestock Exposition does not condone and will not permit aggressive behavior towards animals. Any exhibitor or anyone assisting an exhibitor is not allowed to aggressively pop, slap, hit, or strike any animal at any time during the show or any place on the show property. If such behavior is witnessed, it may result in immediate disqualification of the exhibitor, and/or forfeiture of all fees, premiums, and awards. In certain cases, the exhibitor may be banned from future competition. Protests are not permitted.

10. All electrical equipment brought onto the grounds (generators, fitting equipment etc.) must conform to all applicable safety regulations. 

11. No alcoholic beverages or smoking in the barns or arena allowed. 

12.  All exhibitors must follow and adhere to Ohio State’s Livestock Health Exhibition Rules Section 901:1-18, 901:19 in the Ohio Revised Code.