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Helmet – Page 26 – Purebred PIGEON
Breed of the Issue - Helmet
HowtoEnterHelmets in a Show
by Bob Bollinger
M
any of you have seen the challenges that we face
at some of our meets regarding show paperwork.
It seems that Helmet exhibitors are not very
consistent with how they list birds on show entry forms.
Some people list a medium face crested (MFC) as “Hel-
met” or “Medium Face Helmet” or “Helmet MFC” or other
names. When plainheads and shortface are added to the mix it
is understandable that many show secretaries are confused.
Seasoned secretaries often know the exhibitors and can
guess at varieties. However, many shows are getting new
or less seasoned show secretaries. When they see all these
different names, they assume that they are all different breeds
or styles of Helmets and then they create many classes. I have
seen up to 3 different classes created for MFC Helmets at
some of our larger shows. There are even bigger challenges
with the shortface varieties.
When multiple classes for the same variety are created
at a show the paperwork is a mess, the cage groupings are
confusing, and it takes a long time to sort out and re-write
the judging sheets. We also risk missing birds or having to
re-judge classes.
In an effort to standardize our entries, several years ago
the AHA created a template for members to use as a reference
when filling out show entry forms. Basically, we use the name
Helmet followed by the variety as follows:
• Helmet MFC – medium face crested
• Helmet MFP – medium face plainhead
• Helmet SFC – short face crested
• Helmet SFP – short face plainhead
For muffed we would just add muffed after the above
designations.
If we follow a common format we will not only help out
the show secretaries, but we will make the book work much
easier, have less chaos, and more time to enjoy the shows.•
American
Helmet
Association
Since 1958
By Andy Hansen
T
he American Helmet Association has been around
since 1958!
Throughout the years, this club has had some
life long dedicated Helmet Breeders. These breeders are
some of the best in the hobby. None were more dedicated
than Vic Eshpeter. Sadly he passed away this year the day
before the NPA National: a show he rarely missed in the
last 40 years.
Living in Canada, sometimes it’s hard to get Birds
to shows the US but I have attended shows without my
birds, and had a great time with the group of people from
the American Helmet Association.
Join the AHA! Great breed! Great People! •
Longtime American Helmet members