Meet the Judges
Allison Brooks
Jayne graduated from the Jersey Shore Grooming Academy in the year 2000, took courses from the prestigious Nash Academy, and took private lessons from top pet stylists and Groom Team members from around the globe. She marks herself as a perpetual student, always excited to stay sharp in her craft. She is an award-winning legend who is known far and wide in the grooming community, even being featured as a competitor in the 2021 cultural phenomenon Pooch Perfect on ABC Network. Jayne specializes in creative styling, salon freestyle, Asian fusion, poodles, and bichons.
Judging Creative + Freestyle Advanced
Stefanie Swasho
Stefanie Swasho is an award winning professional dog groomer with over nine years of experience. Owner of a mobile grooming van, Stefanie travels to share her expertise, teaching and inspiring fellow groomers. Known for her precision, creativity, and passion for canine care, she brings a wealth of knowledge to every dog she grooms and every student she mentors
Judging Rising Talent
Sarah Drouin
Alyssa Kasiba is an international award-winning creative groomer. She has almost 15 years of grooming experience, and she began competitive grooming in 2016. Over the past years, she has specialized in creative grooming from competing on stage to teach the know-hows. In the 2022 season, Alyssa won 30+ awards nationwide, was on the cover of Groomer To Groomer magazine twice, and ended the year winning the Barkleigh Honors Creative Groomer of the Year. You may have seen her featured on Night Line News, Good Morning America, or as a Finalist on ABC's dog grooming competition show, Pooch Perfect.
Judging Freestyle Advanced + Freestyle Enrty
Competition Categories
Freestyle Entry
Creative
Freestyle Entry is designed for entry-level competitors who have already competed before but have not moved up to intermediate or open division.
Freestyle Advanced
The Creative Class is open to groomers of all skill levels who want to express their artistic vision through creative styling. Whether you're a first-time competitor or an experienced pro, this is your chance to think outside the box, showcase your originality, and bring your creative ideas to life in the ring.
Rising Talent (never competed before)
Every great competitor starts somewhere! Rising Talent is dedicated to groomers who have never entered a grooming competition before. Created to make that first step into the ring feel less intimidating, this class is an opportunity to gain experience, overcome nerves and discover what you're capable of in a welcoming environment.
Freestyle Advanced welcomes intermediate and open-level competitors
REGISTRATION OPENS 12/1
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important info
Bathing & Prepping:
It is recommended you come with your dog prepped. Bathing and prep facilities will be available on-site for competitor use. Please be respectful of the facility and clean up your area after use. Any damage must be reported immediately.
Competitors are responsible for bringing their own towels, leads, and grooming products. Tubs are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please be mindful of other competitors waiting to use the facilities and clean the tub after each use.
Competition Equipment & Setup
Competitors are responsible for providing their own grooming competition table. Please ensure your table is sturdy, stable, and suitable for the dog you will be grooming. All equipment must be set up in the designated competition area and must not obstruct walkways or neighboring competitors.
Competition Time Limits
All competitors will be allotted two (2) hours to complete their competition groom. Timing will begin when the ring organizer officially signals the start of the competition and will end when the two-hour time limit is called.
Competitors must stop all grooming activities immediately when time is called. Any work performed after the allotted time will not be considered during judging.
Competitors are responsible for managing their time effectively and ensuring their dog remains safe and comfortable throughout the competition.
Please arrive at your designated competition area on time and be fully prepared to begin when instructed. Late arrivals will not receive additional time.
The two-hour time limit applies to Freestyle Entry Level, Freestyle Advanced, Creative Class, and Rising Talent.
Judging Criteria
Competitors will be evaluated by qualified judges based on the skills and techniques demonstrated in the ring. Judging will focus on the quality of the finished groom, technical execution, and overall presentation, as applicable to the selected category.
Judges will consider the following criteria:
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Overall Finish & Presentation: The finished groom is polished, balanced, and visually appealing.
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Technique & Scissoring/Clipping: Appropriate use of tools and techniques, including control, precision, and execution.
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Balance & Symmetry: Proportion, shape, and consistency throughout the groom, where applicable.
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Coat Preparation: Quality of bathing, drying, brushing, and preparation, as applicable to the category and work performed.
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Breed Profile & Style: Adherence to the intended breed trim, requested style, or category requirements, as applicable.
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Creativity & Originality: For the Creative Class, judges will evaluate originality, design, artistic expression, and execution.
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Professionalism & Animal Welfare: Safe handling, humane treatment, and consideration for the dog's comfort throughout the competition.
Not every criterion will carry equal importance in every category. Judges will apply the criteria relevant to the specific class being judged.
Competitor Kennel Rentals
Groom York will have a limited number of empty kennels available at the dog daycare facility for competitors to use as a holding area for their dogs during the competition.
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Advance Reservation: $15 per kennel for the day.
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Day-of Rental: $20 per kennel, cash only, subject to availability.
Advance reservations are strongly recommended to ensure your kennel is reserved and ready for you upon arrival.
Please note that day-of rentals are not guaranteed, as availability may be limited. You are welcome to bring your own kennel at no additional fee.
Official Grooming Competition Rules & Regulations
Our goal is to provide a professional, educational, and supportive environment where groomers of all experience levels can showcase their skills, challenge themselves, and grow within the grooming industry.
All competitors are responsible for reading and understanding the following rules before registering.
1. General Competition Rules
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All competitors must complete registration and payment before the registration deadline.
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Competitors must check in at the designated time and attend any required competitor briefing.
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Competitors are responsible for bringing their own grooming tools, equipment, and supplies unless otherwise specified by the organizer.
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Dogs must be clean, healthy, and suitable for the selected competition category.
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All dogs must be handled humanely and treated with care and respect throughout the event.
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Excessive force, rough handling, or any action that compromises a dog's safety or welfare will not be tolerated.
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Dogs must remain under the control of their handlers at all times and be kept on a leash or securely contained when not actively competing.
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Competitors must clean their workstations and properly dispose of hair and waste after their class.
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Competitors must follow all time limits and instructions provided by the competition organizer.
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Unsportsmanlike conduct toward judges, organizers, fellow competitors, or event staff may result in disqualification.
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The organizer reserves the right to stop a competitor's work if the dog's safety or well-being is at risk.
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The organizer reserves the right to make final decisions regarding rule interpretation, eligibility, and event procedures.
2. Dog Health & Safety
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Dogs must be in good general health and fit to participate.
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Dogs showing signs of contagious illness, significant injury, or distress may be excluded from participation.
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Proof of required vaccinations must be provided if requested by the organizer or venue.
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Competitors must disclose any known behavioral or handling concerns that could affect the dog's safety.
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Dogs must have access to appropriate water, rest, and relief breaks.
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No dog may be forced to continue if showing signs of significant stress, pain, overheating, or exhaustion.
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Any tools, products, or techniques used must be appropriate for the dog and performed safely.
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The organizer may remove any dog from the competition if participation is deemed unsafe.
3. Competition Timing & Equipment
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Each class will have a designated competition time limit announced before the event.
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Competitors may begin and stop work only as directed by the ring organizer.
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Competitors must stop grooming immediately when time is called.
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Work completed after time is called may not be considered during judging.
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Competitors must provide their own tools unless otherwise stated.
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Electrical equipment may only be used at approved stations and outlets.
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Competitors are responsible for ensuring their equipment is safe and suitable for use.
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Setup, preparation, and cleanup procedures will be communicated before the competition.
4. Judging & Awards
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Dogs will be evaluated according to the criteria established for their specific category.
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Judging criteria may include breed profile, balance, symmetry, coat preparation, finish, technique, and overall presentation, as applicable to the class.
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Creative grooming will be judged according to the criteria announced for that class, which may include creativity, design, execution, and overall presentation.
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Judges' decisions are final.
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Competitors must remain respectful of judges and the judging process.
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Awards and placements will be announced at the designated time.
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Any tie-breaking procedures will be established by the organizer and communicated before competition day.
5. Photography & Media
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Photography and video recording will take place throughout the event.
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By participating, competitors acknowledge that event photography or video may be used for promotional purposes, subject to the event's published media and consent policy.
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Competitors must respect the work and privacy of fellow participants.
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No competitor may interfere with another competitor's workspace or performance to obtain photos or video.
6. Registration, Cancellations & Disqualification
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Registration fees, payment deadlines, and refund policies will be provided during registration.
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Competitors must ensure they have registered for the correct category and meet its eligibility requirements.
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Providing false information about competition experience or eligibility may result in disqualification.
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Failure to follow competition rules may result in a warning, penalty, or disqualification depending on the circumstances.
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The organizer reserves the right to refuse or discontinue participation when necessary to maintain a safe, fair, and professional event.
7. Sportsmanship & Community
Groom York is committed to encouraging education, creativity, professional development, and camaraderie within the grooming community.
All participants are expected to support a respectful and welcoming atmosphere. Every competitor, whether entering the ring for the first time or bringing years of experience, deserves the opportunity to learn and grow.
Thank you for being part of Groom York!