The H1N1 Flu Virus has resulted in many challenges and opportunities for the 2009 Texas 4-H Roundup. We recognize that these challenges have been felt from the club level to the state level in the postponement and cancellation of programs, contests, events, and scholarship interviews. The decision to postpone 4-H events was made because of Texas AgriLife Extension Service's responsibility to ensure and protect the health and well-being of our Extension employees, 4-H families, and volunteers.
Because of these recent changes, adjustments are necessary in how we complete the final days of our competitive Roundup contests on the district level and advance to the state level. It is necessary that everyone, from employees, to adults and leaders, to 4-H members, know that these decisions were made with the 4-H Program as a whole in mind. Our main goal was to ensure that 4-H members are offered the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and skills.
With this in mind, the following adjustments are being announced as of today. It is important to point out that if the severity of the HINI virus in Texas and our country escalates, further decisions and announcements will be forth coming.
The information provided below is inclusive for all official Texas 4-H Roundup Contests except for: FOOD SHOW AND FASHION SHOW. Because of the complex logistics of these contests, the rule of one entry per category/division is still being followed for Food Show and Fashion Show. For the State Rifle Contest, Dr. Ron Howard's office will provide official notification pertaining to the qualification for that event.
The following bullets pertain to all other contests:
* District 4-H and multi-district 4-H competitions will not be used as qualifying events for the 2009 Texas 4H Roundup.
* Because the district and multi-district competitions will not be qualifying events, the 2009 Texas 4-H Roundup will be open to ALL senior aged 4-H members for entry into the contest(s) they PARTICIPATED IN (for those district who have already conducted contest) or REGISTERED (for those districts not being able to hold a contest) at the district level. This means the rule of the top three teams advancing to state has been suspended for the 2009 Texas 4-H Roundup.
* Refunds will be distributed to those having registration on 4-H CONNECT for these affected events. The Texas 4-H Youth Development Foundation will process the refunds by sending the money back to the County 4-H Program for district and multi-district events that are being postponed and/or cancelled. Families paying by credit card and/or e-checks should work with the treasurer of the County 4-H Program account.
* These changes will significantly increase the number of competitors in certain contests and overall participation at the 2009 Texas 4-H Roundup. Therefore, there will be several logistical and scheduling changes to the 2009 Texas 4-H Roundup. At this point, it is suggested that you make sure the 4-H members planning to participate in this year's event hold the entire week until a more definitive schedule is announced.
* The rule of only participating in one contest per day will still be in effect for the 2009 Texas 4-H Roundup.
* Those districts affected by the cancellation of their district and multi-district contests can determine how junior and intermediate 4-H members might have an opportunity to participate in a district level educational event or activity for this contest cycle. This will not be coordinated at the state level.
* Additional contestants at the 2009 Texas 4-H Roundup means there will need to be additional adult supervision and chaperones. We will expect that every county having 4-H members participate will bring at least the required ratio of 1 adult for every 8 4-H members (same gender). If a County 4-H Program has a youth participating, we encourage at least one of those chaperones to be a County Extension Agent.
* Roundup registration has been extended to Friday, May 22, 2009. Because of the time constraints, the number of people expected to be participating with the new allowances, all late registration periods have been canceled. It is imperative that EVERYONE be registered by 12 midnight, Friday, May 22nd.
Those 4-H members invited for scholarship interviews should go ahead and indicate on their Roundup Registration that they are a scholar. Based on the rescheduling of interviews, the Texas 4-H Office will adjust their participation type.
