move up and compete with the adults
I\'ve noticed that some of the Jr\'s that are really into the fancy (buying, breeding, caring for, etc. thier own birds) enter birds into both our Jr show and Open show. I also know some show clubs, that also have two shows, allow Jr\'s to only exhibit in one...either the Jr show or Open, but not both.
I know some show clubs have people judge their Jr shows that aren\'t licenced judges. That doesn\'t seem right to me since they pay the same entry fee to show a bird in either show.
Although our show is sanctioned by the APA and ABA that really means only our Open show is fully \"sanctioned\". A few top exhibitors in the Jr show win ribbons and recognition, but are not eligible for APA or ABA member points toward master exhibitor status or whatever that are offered to winners in the Open (sanctioned) show. By having all birds in the Open show all exhibitors would be eligible.
Yes, the Jr\'s would still be eligible for \"Special\" Jr exhibitor awards on top of everything else, but I don\'t mind that since it may help to encourage them.
Some of these Jr\'s have better birds and know a lot more about exhibiting than many adults that are new to the fancy.