Eligibility
Membership in HSFGR is a privilege, not an automatic right.
HSFGR membership is open to any individual who:
- Has an interest in Heritage Silky Fainting Goats, whether as a breeder, exhibitor, youth participant, or supporter;
- Agrees to follow all HSFGR rules, the Official Rulebook, and the Code of Conduct; and
- Is willing to support ethical breeding, proper animal care, honest representation, and a constructive, respectful community culture.
Youth (Junior) members must have a parent or legal guardian responsible for their participation and compliance with HSFGR rules.
HSFGR reserves the right to accept, decline, suspend, or terminate membership in accordance with the HSFGR Official Rulebook.
Member Responsibilities & Grounds for Removal
All members, regardless of type, are expected to:
- Maintain accurate identification and records on animals registered or shown with HSFGR;
- Provide truthful information on all applications, registrations, transfers, show entries, and inspection requests;
- Adhere to the Code of Conduct and all applicable show, inspection, and complaint procedures
- Uphold ethical breeding and animal welfare practices, including compliance with relevant laws and health regulations;
- Treat other members, officials, judges, youth, and the public with respect, both in person and online;
- Avoid harassment, bullying, retaliation, or behavior that undermines the integrity or reputation of HSFGR.
Behavior that threatens the integrity of the registry, including but not limited to:
- Harassment, bullying, or serious unprofessional conduct;
- Fraud, falsification of records, or misrepresentation of animals;
- Repeated or serious violations of the Code of Conduct;
- Interference with registry operations, investigations, or events;
may result in actions as described in Penalties & Enforcement, which can include:
- Educational intervention or written warning;
- Temporary suspension of certain privileges;
- Suspension or termination of membership;
- Impact on registrations, titles, or eligibility for roles.
Final authority for membership suspension or termination rests with the Board or registry leadership as defined in; Governance Structure.
Membership eligibility and protection clause
HSFGR Membership Review & Protection of Community
HSFGR is committed to inclusiveness, education, and respectful community. At the same time, HSFGR reserves the right to deny, suspend, or revoke membership when necessary to protect members, events, and the integrity of the Registry.
Membership may be denied or terminated for cause, including but not limited to: harassment or bullying; threats; stalking; doxxing; repeated disruptive behavior; fraud or misrepresentation; repeated violation of the Code of Conduct; interference with registry operations; or conduct that creates a hostile or unsafe environment for members, judges, exhibitors, or staff.
HSFGR does not deny membership on the basis of any protected characteristic. Decisions are made based on conduct and compliance with HSFGR policies
Fair Review Process
When feasible, HSFGR will provide the member/applicant with notice of the issue and an opportunity to respond. The Registry Director/Registrar (or designee) may impose immediate temporary restrictions when safety or severe disruption is a concern. Final decisions may include conditions for reinstatement or reapplication.
Conditional Membership
HSFGR may approve membership with conditions (e.g., probationary period, restricted access to certain forums, communication limits through the Registrar only) when a history of conflict is known or when additional assurance of compliance is needed.
Core Expectations
In plain language, everyone involved with HSFGR is expected to:
1. Treat People with Respect
- No harassment, bullying, stalking, or targeted attacks.
- Disagreement is allowed; demeaning, intimidating, or retaliatory behavior is not.
- Keep conversations and behavior appropriate when youth are present or may read/watch online.
2. Treat Animals with Care
- Handle goats calmly and humanely at all times.
- Follow show and handling rules designed for safety and welfare.
- Never use rough or abusive handling to “prove” myotonia or force a fainting response.
3. Be Honest and Fair
- Be truthful in registrations, transfers, and show entries.
- Do not misrepresent goats, titles, records, or ownership.
- Judges and officials must avoid favoritism and conflicts of interest.
4. Use Social Media Responsibly
- Do not use online spaces to harass, smear, or gang up on individuals or farms.
- Avoid stirring drama around HSFGR shows, judges, or members.
- Take serious concerns to the registry through proper channels, not public pile-ons.
5. Support a Healthy Youth Environment
- Do not drag youth into adult conflicts.
- Speak and act in ways that are appropriate when youth may see or overhear.
- Follow the HSFGR Youth Program & Code whenever youth are involved.
HSFGR values inclusiveness and transparency. At the same time, participation in HSFGR is a privilege. Not an entitlement. HSFGR must protect its members, youth environment, events, and registry integrity.
HSFGR reserves the right to deny, suspend, limit, or revoke membership or participation privileges for cause.
HSFGR does not deny membership based on protected characteristics. Decisions are based on conduct and compliance with HSFGR policies.
This Is About Protecting the Registry, Not Picking Sides
The goal of our Code is not to control opinions or micromanage personalities. It is to:
- Protect the integrity of the registry and herdbook
- Provide a safer space for youth and adults
- Encourage healthy, sustainable community culture
- Keep the focus on what matters: the goats and their honest records
Participation in HSFGR (membership, shows, youth programs, judges, and officials) implies agreement to these expectations.