Florida 4-H Program Handbook
SECTION 8: Competitive Events
Your Role in Developing and Using Competitive Events
Competitive events are just one of the many teaching methods used by 4-H leaders and Extension agents. You are encouraged to keep competitive events in the proper perspective, making sure the event or award does not become an end in itself. The emphasis should be placed on providing an educational experience for the 4-H'er and not on the importance of winning an award. It is imperative that we, as agents, realize that the "real winner" is the 4-H'er who learns something about being a more responsible member of society.
County, District, State, and National Competitive Events
Competitive events within the 4-H Program occur at county, district or area, state, and regional or national levels. Most competitions require some qualifying level of participation. This progression may be one of the following:
county - district -state
county - district - state - national
county - state
4-H Horse Shows:
county - area - state - regional
How do you know what events are held and the qualifying requirements?
The Florida 4-H Program Events and Activities Handbook is produced bi-annually and outlines the rules under which all 4-H district and state events and activities are conducted. It may also serve as a guide for conducting club and county events. Copies of this publication (4HVOM 70) are available in quantities for use by your 4-H volunteers, parents and youth.
When and Where are Competitive Events Held?
Many of the competitive events provide a system of competition and incentives from the county, district, state and national levels. This system of competitive events generally requires previous levels of qualifying participation. In Florida, these events are conducted and referred to as the following:
County Competitive Events
Competitive Events can be held throughout the year with one level of qualifying preceding the next. The Calendar of Events provides the detailed listing of these but a simplified version to help get the sequence around the typical 4-H program year is identified in the appendices of this section.
Most counties have a "County Events Day" to conduct demonstrations and speeches held in a contest setting for Juniors and Seniors in various categories. The County Events Day may include all competitive events that require County qualifying prior to the next District level or other days may be planned at the county level for a particular event. Ribbons are awarded and judges give evaluative comments. Qualifiers for the District level events are selected at the County level.
District Events Day
District Competition in the demonstration and speech categories occur at what is usually referred to as the "District Events Day". Events held in each district may vary somewhat and may not be limited to speeches or demonstrations/ illustrated talks but may include all competitive events that require a District qualifying level prior to State. Senior qualifiers in these areas will go on to compete in state level competition, typically occurring during State 4-H Congress. Check the Florida 4-H Events and Activities Handbook for age criteria.
State Competitive Events
State level competitive events are either held in conjunction with Florida 4-H Congress the last week in July or at other designated times during the year. Listed in the Florida 4-H Events and Activities Handbook are those events held on the District, State, or National Level. Each county is responsible for choosing those events which will complement their educational program.
Competitive events are a planned part of the 4-H curriculum, designed to allow youth to:
- gain experience and develop skills in gathering, preparing, and presenting educational information.
- enhance decision-making capabilities.
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make public presentations.
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learn standards by which comparisons are drawn.
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develop good sportsmanship.
Resources: Planning and conducting 4-H events can be a challenging task. The Guidelines for Extension Agents in Planning and Conducting 4-H Events is a publication sent to 4-H Agents every year to help with the coordination of competitive events and activities. Any questions concerning 4-H events should be directed to the State 4-H Events Office.
For a complete listing of the times and dates and when they typically are held review the Florida 4-H Events and Activities Handbook and the Florida 4-H Calendar of Events. The time and location of some State events are subject to change from published ones. If there are questions regarding dates contact the Florida 4-H Events Office or the specialist-in-charge listed as the contact person in the Florida 4-H Calendar.
