Glossary of Terms

Purpose

To establish uniform terminology for use throughout all registry documents, certificates, and communications. The goal is to prevent misunderstanding and ensure consistent interpretation of breed, procedural, and administrative language.

Glossary Terms (Alphabetical)

Advisory Council
Non-voting body providing long-term strategic guidance to the Founder/Managing Member.

Affiliate Division
Registry classification for goats meeting Silky type and conformation standards but lacking confirmed fainting heritage.

APHIS
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, a USDA agency that oversees national animal disease programs, including Scrapie identification standards for sheep and goats.

Archival Record

Internal or historical documentation retained by HSFGR for accuracy, lineage support, and long-term reference. Archival records are not public registrations and do not confer registry status, ownership rights, or eligibility for programs or titles. See: How HSFGR Works

Breed Standard
The official written description of ideal Heritage Silky Fainting Goat type, structure, coat, and behavior, as adopted by HSFGR.

Breeder of Record
The individual or farm listed as the breeder in the HSFGR database for a given animal, typically the owner at time of birth unless otherwise documented.

Certificate of Registration
Official document verifying an animal’s entry in the HSFGR database, including division/classification, lineage, identification, and ownership.

Certificate (Duplicate / Replacement)
A reissued copy of an existing certificate. A duplicate/replacement does not change the underlying record unless an official correction is processed.

Class
An age/sex grouping within a show division (example: 0–3 months Doe class). Classes are placed 1st–4th before champions are selected.

Code of Conduct
The official behavioral expectations for members, exhibitors, judges, and participants at HSFGR-related activities, including online conduct tied to HSFGR participation.

Committee
Advisory group appointed by the Founder/Managing Member to provide recommendations on specific areas of operation.

Complaint Form
Document used to file an official report of misconduct, rule violations, or registry concerns.

Conflict of Interest
Any personal, financial, or familial relationship that could reasonably bias an inspector’s, judge’s, or decision-maker’s actions.

Disciplinary Action
Measures taken following investigation of rule violations, ranging from warning to suspension or expulsion, as defined in the Rulebook.

Division
A registry classification under which a goat is recorded (example: Heritage Division, Affiliate Division). In shows, “division” may also refer to broader age groups (Kid/Junior/Mature/Senior) by sex.

Division Champion Drive
The return lineup where eligible class winners (typically 1st and 2nd place) compete for Division Grand Champion and Division Reserve Grand Champion.

Entry (Show Entry)
A submitted record for a goat to compete in a show, including correct registered name/number, age, and eligibility requirements.

Fainting Trait (Myotonia Congenita)
Genetic condition causing temporary muscle stiffness when startled or stimulated. Expression ranges from full collapse to mild “stall” response.

Flock ID / Premises ID
A unique identification number assigned through APHIS/state channels used to obtain official Scrapie tags and/or official flock tattoos for sheep and goats.

Founder / Managing Member
The legal owner and managing authority of HSFGR, responsible for final decisions, approvals, and governance oversight.

Founder’s Clause
Governing rule granting final decision-making authority to the Founder/Managing Member as defined in the Rulebook and Operating Agreement.

Good Health (Fit to Show)
General condition indicating an animal is healthy, safe to handle, and suitable for public exhibition. Specific show health requirements may be set by hosts, states, or event rules.

Grand Champion (GCH)
A division-level title awarded at HSFGR-sanctioned shows, selected from eligible class winners under an approved judge.

Herd Prefix / Herd Tattoo
A breeder’s registered herd identifier used in tattoos or naming systems. HSFGR standard tattoo format mirrors common registry practice: Right ear = herd/prefix; Left ear = year code + number.

Heritage Division
Registry classification for goats demonstrating Silky type and heritable fainting trait, meeting the HSFGR Breed Standard.

Historical Reference Entry (Deceased)

A non-registered, archival record maintained by HSFGR for deceased animals solely to preserve pedigree and lineage accuracy. Historical Reference Entries do not receive registration numbers or certificates and do not imply ownership, participation, or endorsement. See: How HSFGR Works

Judge (HSFGR-Approved Judge)
Certified individual licensed by HSFGR to officiate at sanctioned events and apply HSFGR standards, procedures, and conduct expectations.

Member in Good Standing
Member with current dues paid, no unresolved disciplinary actions, and compliance with registry rules and policies.

Mentor–Inspect–Evaluate (MIE)
HSFGR process for evaluating a goat’s structure, coat, and breed characteristics using standardized methods and documentation.

Mentor–Inspect–Evaluate (MIE) Scorecard
Standardized 100-point form used during an MIE evaluation.

Membership Dues
Annual fee required to maintain active membership status and access member services/benefits.

Multi-Registered (Registered in Multiple Registries)
An animal that holds registration/recordation in more than one registry. Each registry maintains its own records and policies.

National Grand Champion (NGCH)
Highest annual title awarded at the designated HSFGR Nationals to the top Doe and top Buck selected from the final same-sex lineup of Division Grand Champions.

National Reserve Grand Champion (NRGCH)
Title awarded at the designated HSFGR Nationals to the Reserve animal selected in the final same-sex lineup of Division Grand Champions (Doe and Buck).

Nationals (Nationals Finals)
Designated annual national-level event where eligible animals compete for National titles as defined by the Show Rules & Title System.

Official Identification (Official ID)
Identification recognized by USDA/APHIS and state animal health authorities for Scrapie compliance and traceability. Common official ID methods include official tags, 840 RFID tags, official flock tattoos, and registry tattoos when accompanied by required paperwork.

Operating Agreement
Legal document defining ownership, management authority, and operating rules of HSFGR, LLC.

Owner of Record
The individual or farm currently recorded as the legal owner of an animal in the HSFGR database.

Pet Only
Designation recorded by HSFGR for animals that are pet-only and not eligible for breeding or title pathways as defined by HSFGR policy. Pet Only status is permanent unless otherwise stated in the Rulebook.

Record / Recordation
Entry of an animal into the HSFGR database with documented identification and ownership or documented historical reference, depending on classification. Recordation is used as a general term for registry entry and does not override eligibility requirements set by division/classification rules.

Region
Geographic area designated for show coordination, inspections, and member support activities.

Regional Show
An HSFGR-sanctioned event held at the local or regional level that follows HSFGR class lists and ring procedures, uses an approved judge, and submits official results to the registry.

Regional Support Grant
Financial contribution awarded to approved regional shows or educational efforts in support of HSFGR programs.

Registration Number
A unique identifier assigned by HSFGR to an animal’s record in the database. The registration number links the animal’s identity, pedigree, titles, and ownership history.

Registry Office
Administrative function responsible for recordkeeping, communications, processing submissions, and issuing certificates.

Reserve Grand Champion (RGCH)
The Reserve title awarded in a Division Champion Drive at an HSFGR-sanctioned show, selected from eligible returning class winners under an approved judge.

Rulebook
The official governing document for all HSFGR operations, policies, standards, and enforcement procedures.

Sanctioned Show
Event officially approved by HSFGR that meets required rules, uses official class lists/procedures, and is officiated by an approved judge.

Scorecard
Official numeric grading sheet used for inspection and/or show evaluation as adopted by HSFGR.

Show Development Fund
Financial pool managed by HSFGR to support show growth, youth activities, education, and sanctioned event needs.

Show Sanction Number
A unique identifier assigned by HSFGR to an approved show for tracking, reporting, and title validation.

Show Year
The calendar period defined by HSFGR during which show wins/results count toward annual eligibility requirements (including Nationals eligibility), as described in the Show Rules & Title System.

Silky Coat
Long, fine, lustrous hair with soft texture and natural flow, distinct from coarse wool-type or cashmere-type fiber.

Structural Correctness
Sound structure, balance, and movement suitable for healthy function, reproductive soundness, and longevity.

Supreme (SUP) HSFG
Recognition title awarded to a Mature Doe or Mature Buck achieving three (3) Grand Champion wins under three (3) different judges, with at least one win earned after 36 months (3 years) of age.

Temperament
Demeanor and manageability consistent with breed expectations; calm, controllable behavior suitable for handling and showing.

Testicular Structure
Two equal, well-formed testicles with correct scrotal attachment; no significant splits or abnormalities.

Transfer
The official process of updating ownership of an animal in the HSFGR database from one owner to another, based on required documentation and fees.

Type
The overall combination of breed characteristics representing the ideal Heritage Silky Fainting Goat appearance and function, including structure, coat, and myotonic traits.

Udder Structure
Two distinct teats, strong attachments, and proper placement; critical for reproductive soundness and functional nursing.

Virtual Inspection
Remote evaluation using standardized photo and video submissions reviewed by a certified MIE evaluator.

Virtual Inspection Protocol
Official photo/video submission requirements and procedures for virtual MIE evaluations.

Wether
A castrated male goat. Wethers may be eligible for designated wether classes and awards but are not eligible for breeding titles or programs as defined by HSFGR.

Youth Handler
An exhibitor within the youth age divisions defined by HSFGR showmanship rules.

Statement of Purpose

“Language shapes clarity. Clarity builds fairness. Every word in this glossary ensures that our heritage is described, judged, and recorded the same way. Every time, everywhere.”