2010 AOBA Show Handbook
Part 5: Section 2--Rules and Proper Conduct

• T. Alpacas are pasture animals and as such their fleeces may be exposed to different
  environmental conditions, one from another. Alpaca fleece should be shown in a
  naturallyclean pasture condition with as little disruption to the fleece architecture as
  possible.
  1. Cleanliness is the relative absence of contaminants in the fleece. This includes
  excessive mud, dung, or vegetable matter that may interfere with the Judge’s
  ability to adequately assess the fleece quality.
• U. For any alpacas entered in full fleece halter competition or composite classes, or any
  fleeces entered in a Fleece Show, the use of any shampoos, conditioners, luster
  enhancers, silicone based products, dyes, color dressings, oil dressings, any enhancing
  agent and toenail painting is prohibited and shall be basis for reduced placement or
  disqualification by the Judge.
  W. Fleece preparation for Suri alpacas entered into full fleece halter competition:
  1. Allowable fittings and preparation:
  a. Uniform shearing for the purpose of removing the entire fleece.
  Uniform shearing is the complete removal of fleece from the entire
  body of the alpaca.
  b. Grooming shall be limited to the removal of vegetable matter and dung.
  c.Trimming/tapering of the fleece on the head, legs and tail
  d. Complete removal of belly fiber for heat stress prevention only (this
  does not include the apron or chest)
  e. Superficial (outside of the fleece) rinsing with water to eliminate
  residue
  f. Trimming fecal matter from the tail
  2. Prohibited fittings and preparation: The artificial enhancement or alteration of
  an alpaca to gain advantage in the show ring. When evaluating full fleece Suri
  classes of all ages, the Judge shall reduce the placement or disqualify an alpaca
  based on his/her evaluation that alteration has occurred, including but not limited
  to:
  a. The practice of cutting, trimming or otherwise altering a Suri alpaca’s
  fleece (other than a uniform shearing for the purpose of removing the
  entire fleece).
  b. The use of any shampoos, conditioners, luster enhancers, silicone
  based products, dyes, color dressings, oil dressings, and any
  enhancing agent shall be basis for reduced placement or
  disqualification by the Judge.
  c. Soaking in any type of pool or dunk tank.
  d. Twisting, curling or other enhancing practices (i.e. the
  removal/stripping of matted, cotted, felted, dead fiber) that will alter or
  enhance the fleece/lock structure in any way.
  3. Staple length relative to the growth period will be considered. Longer relative
  staple growth will be considered as a positive trait.

*Bolding added for emphasis