All 4-H competitive events should be preceded by sufficient learning and practice to develop a feeling of competence and confidence. Training sessions and local contests should be modeled after the format for state/national events. The competitive element in 4-H is designed to complete the 4-H programming process described in Section 2.9 of the 4-H Handbook. A competitive activity is not a "stand alone" event.

Competition Eligibility Requirements (From section 3.11.1 of the 4-H Handbook)

• All youth must be enrolled 4-H members working under the supervision of Virginia Cooperative Extension.
• 4-H members must have completed at least one year of 4-H club work, including the current year and may compete in the same contest until top honors are won.
• 4-H members entering a contest must be enrolled in the project for which the contest is planned. This may include a self-determined project.
• 4-H members must be sufficiently prepared, with evidence of adequate information, instruction and practice .
• 4-H members participating in the Virginia 4-H Horse Show must have completed at least one year of 4-H horse project work.
• 4-H Members may compete in the same contest area until they are the overall state winner. State winners are not eligible to compete again in the same competitive category at any level (unit, district or state).
• 4-H members, volunteer leaders and agents must be familiar with the rules and eligibility requirements of contests. The Unit Extension office must certify that members are eligible to compete in the contest.
• Some contests which have national level events may have different age requirements. Eligibility requirements for all 4-H competitive events are located at: http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/contests/competition.html
• Youth will normally enroll for all their 4-H work in the unit in which they reside. However, there may be a situation where it is advantageous for youth to be enrolled in the 4-H program outside their unit of residence. Youth are restricted from enrolling in the same project in more than one Extension Unit in the same year.