Grooming Contest Division Rules Navigate GROOM’D competitions like a pro.

Competition Level Divisions

GroomTeam Sanctioned Class rules will apply to all levels with the following exception:

Entry Division

ONLY Entry Division may use clippers, scissors and thinning shears when the bodywork is typically hand stripped and/or carded for the show ring in the sporting class and the wire coat class. The contest time will be reduced by 15 minutes.

WPA shows are GroomTeam sanctioned. Please refer to the full GroomTeam Rules.

WPA shows are GroomTeam sanctioned. Open Division is the only GroomTeam Sanctioned competition where GroomTeam awards points to the Open Division placements only. These shows are Three-Tiered, Multi‐Division competitions. Intermediate Division and Entry Division compete simultaneously for the titles of 1st, 2nd and 3rd in each division. Winners from each division then compete against each other for Group placements. Group placements are calculated to determine the Best All Around Pet Stylist in Show. 1st place from every Group will then compete for Best Pet Stylist in Show. Group placements, Best Pet Stylist in Show and Best All Around Pet Stylist in Show, are from the four regular classes.

Divisions

Open: (GroomTeam Points) Open to all Competitors/Stylists/Professional groomers. A contestant placing and defeating someone in open division at any show is prohibited from competing in intermediate or entry division. If you have competed in open division, but have not placed, you may be eligible to go back into Intermediate division.

Intermediate: Restricted to competitors who have not won:

  • (3) Three Best in Show or (3) three Best All Around groomer titles from the intermediate division at any show.
  • OR (6) six 1st placements from the intermediate division at any show. A minimum of four contestants must be entered and judged for class first to be considered in level advancement protocols.
  • OR (4) four Group placements from a tiered show.
  • If you have competed in Intermediate division, but have not placed, you may be eligible to go back into Entry division.

Entry: Restricted to competitors who have never competed, or who have not won:

  • A Best in Show or Best All-Around Groomer Title from any division at any Grooming show.
  • Or (4) four 1st placements from the Entry Division at any Grooming show. A minimum of four contestants must be entered and judged for class first to be considered in level advancement protocols.
  • Or (1) one Group placement from a Grooming show
  • Owners, handlers, or breeders who have “finished a Champion,” instructors, pet styling contest judges, and certifiers must compete in either the Intermediate or Open Division.
  • A contestant placing and defeating someone in intermediate division at any show is prohibited from competing in entry division.