The University of Georgia Extension establishes the following code of conduct for adults. These general behavioral expectations apply to any adult, including faculty, staff, and volunteers working or volunteering in a capacity that includes children under the age of eighteen and/or youth program participants.

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Adults are expected to comply with the following:

• Work cooperatively with youth, families, University of Georgia faculty, staff, volunteers, community members and others in a courteous, respectful manner demonstrating behaviors appropriate for a positive role model.

• Represent the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences’ Cooperative Extension programs with pride and dignity, behave appropriately, exhibit good sportsmanship, and demonstrate reasonable conflict management skills.

• Respect, adhere, and enforce the 4-H Code of Conduct as well as other rules, policies and guidelines established by UGA Extension and event coordinators including state laws and regulations.

• Respect the privacy of all individuals in situations such as toileting, showering and changing clothes. When it is necessary to supervise minors, at least two leaders should be present and only to the extent that the health and/or safety requires.

• Do not touch minors in a manner that a reasonable person could interpret as inappropriate. Always avoid touching areas that are normally covered by swimsuits. When hugging is appropriate, hug from the side over the shoulders, not from the front.

• Recognize that physical punishment is not an appropriate form of discipline and will not be allowed. Physical punishment includes physical actions that may not be expected of an individual during the program and are assigned to a young person as a consequence for misbehavior.

• Report any accident, injury, or illness of a youth immediately to the Program/Activity Administrator (i.e. County Extension Coordinator, Agent, Program Development Coordinator).

• Medication must only be administered to a youth in accordance with the parent/guardian’s written instructions.

• Recognize that verbal abuse, physical abuse, or committing criminal acts may be grounds for termination as an Extension volunteer. Abusive behavior towards youth or other adults, including failure to provide adequate health and safety measures, inadequate care or supervision, emotional mistreatment of members, or verbal or physical abuse will not be tolerated.

• Under Georgia law, report any mistreatment of youth to the proper authorities. All staff are considered mandatory reporters for purposes of the Policy and must report incidents involving sexual or physical abuse or neglect of a minor immediately to the Program/Activity Administrator, the UGA Police Department, AND the Georgia Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS).

• Comply with equal opportunity and anti-discrimination laws and policies. The University prohibits harassment of or discrimination and offers its educational programs, assistance, and materials to all people without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status, and is an Equal Opportunity Institution.

• Treat animals humanely and encourage youth and adults to provide appropriate and ethical care.

• Strive for a minimum of two adults at any activity involving youth. Adults, in most cases, should not be left alone with a single child unless the adult is the parent/guardian of that child.

• To be housed in overnight settings in separate sleeping areas from children when possible. When this is not possible, parent/guardians should be furnished with a letter explaining the situation and informing the parent/guardian that his/her child will be housed with an adult in the same room.

• Substance Use Prohibited – Do not use, possess or be under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs, or any prescription medication that impairs your ability to perform your duties during the Program/Activity.

• Do not condone others’ use of alcohol or illegal drugs during the Program/Activity.

• Smoking and tobacco use is prohibited at all Extension 4-H events.

• Operate machinery, vehicles, and other equipment in a safe and responsible manner. Only transport youth with parent/guardian permission and avoid being alone with youth in a vehicle. All transportation should comply with university and program/activity transportation guidelines and policies.

• Accept responsibility to promote, conduct, and support 4-H in order to develop an effective local, county, district and state program.

• Recognize the following behaviors are inappropriate and will not be tolerated in the presence of youth during Extension youth activities or events:

– consumption of alcohol, illegal drugs, and controlled substances
– promotion of religious or political preferences
– theft, pilfering, or fraud
– use of tobacco products and e-cigarettes
– sexual advances or activities involving youth
– willful damaging of property
– permitting passengers to ride in motor vehicles without seatbelts
– permitting youth or adults to ride in the back of trucks
– behaviors that are illegal under law
– sharing sensitive, personal information with youth, including information about financial challenges, workplace challenges, promotion of particular
religious or political beliefs, and romantic relationships.
-giving gifts to youth, independent of items provided by the program/activity
– online communication, photography, and videography that is not consistent with the mission of the program/activity and the university.

Updated 8/1/2026

A successful Georgia 4-H program must promote life skills development and be presented in a safe, intellectually competent way while instilling 4-H values through instruction and mentorship. Adult leaders, paid or unpaid, prepare youth to be Beyond Ready by focusing on high-quality youth development programs that promote sparks, belonging, relationships, and engagement. Our intent is to provide a program that empowers youth to be ready for work and life. By building work and life skills, we help them develop essential tools and attitudes for a lifetime, including leadership, problem solving, critical thinking, and technological skills. We prepare youth who are Beyond Ready to navigate the ever-changing world by fostering persistence, flexibility, adaptability, and creativity—skills highly sought after by employers in today’s work world.

Georgia 4-H Code of Ethics for Adults Working with Youth

As an adult leader working with 4-H youth:

I will respect the participants, other leaders, and property associated with the 4-H program.

I will set a good example as a mentor and role model for 4-H youth and other leaders.

I will provide ethical and supportive assistance to youth as they prepare and complete their projects, promoting 4-H’er independence to complete their own work. The 4-H’er will do their own work on projects including, but not limited to: portfolios, speeches, competitive events, and show animals. Any materials shared with the youth is for reference and resource purposes only.

I will prepare youth to properly cite source materials when appropriate, avoid plagiarism, uphold academic integrity, and conduct original work.

I will teach 4-H’ers to make their own decisions.

I will promote good sportsmanship, honesty, integrity, responsibility, and fairness.

I will put the physical, mental, and emotional safety of youth under my supervision at the forefront of my decisions.

I will respect the dignity of each participant in the 4-H program regardless of an individual’s age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status.

As an adult leader, I will strive to express care, challenge growth, provide support, share power, and expand opportunities for youth.

Adapted from the 1999 Georgia 4-H Code of Ethics,
National 4-H Shooting Sports Code of Ethics, UGA Policy on Assurance of Non-Discrimination and 4-H Beyond Ready Initiative. April 2026 Version. Internal location: Shared Files -> Staff Only -> Policies

The Georgia 4-H Dress Guidance is designed to foster a positive learning environment and ensure clothing is appropriate for the designated activity.

General Guidelines

General Appearance: Clothing should be neat, clean, and free of holes including jeans and pants.
Coverage: Clothing must provide full coverage of the torso, midriff, and backside at all times. Both tops and bottoms must be worn to ensure that bare skin is not exposed in these areas and that all undergarments are completely concealed.
Length & Movement: Shorts, skirts, skorts, and dresses must be at least mid-thigh length. These garments must provide consistent, full coverage through all ranges of motion, including standing, sitting, and bending
Footwear: Shoes must be worn at all times.
At 4-H Camp: Shoes with backstraps are required.
Headwear: Hats and headwear are permitted when appropriate for the specific activity or venue.

Prohibited Items:

• Clothing advertising alcohol/tobacco or anything violating the 4-H Code of Conduct.
• Pajamas outside of sleeping areas.
• Tube tops or backless tops
• Spaghetti straps, halter tops, or strapless
• Formal Exception: Spaghetti straps and strapless dresses are only permitted during formal banquet events.

Dress Categories

Casual

• T-shirts, shirts without collars or sleeves
• Shorts, skirts, skorts
• Jeans/pants
• Tennis shoes or sandals

Example of Casual Dress:

Business Casual

• Bottoms: Slacks, pants, capris, skirts, or clean/pressed denim.
• Tops: Polos or shirts with collars and sleeves.
• Footwear: Flats, low-heeled shoes, boots, or appropriate tennis shoes.
• Not Allowed: Shorts, T-shirts, flip-flops, or baseball caps.

Example of Business Casual Dress:

Professional

• Attire: Suit Jackets, dress pants, skirts, dresses, and collared/dress shirts or blouses. Ties are optional.
• Footwear: Dress shoes or appropriate sandals.
• Not Allowed: Denim, tennis shoes, flip-flops, or hats.

Examples of Professional Dress:

Formal

• Attire: Suits with ties; formal dresses or gowns.
• Dresses: Strapless, halter, or spaghetti straps are acceptable for formal/banquet attire only. Dresses may not be backless, low-cut, or have exposed midriffs or high slits.
• Footwear: Dress shoes or appropriate sandals.

Example of Formal Dress:

Event Administration

• Event-Specific Rules: Many major events (Summer Camp, State Council, State Congress) have specific dress codes; participants should review those unique guidelines prior to the event.
• Final Authority: Event leaders have the final decision in determining if apparel is appropriate.
• Modifications: Leaders may require individuals to modify their clothing selection if these guidelines are not met.

Quick Tips for Success

• Check the Event: Major events like State Congress or Summer Camp often have their own specific lists. Check your registration packet!
• When in Doubt: Bring a “backup” outfit. If a leader asks you to modify your clothing, you’ll be ready.
• Formal Exception: Spaghetti straps and strapless dresses are only permitted during formal banquet events.

Follow the steps that apply to each type of injury or incident.

Work-Related Injury

Impacted group: Employees of UGA while in the course of employment

Step One: Complete an Online Injury Report

Step Two: Continue with Worker’s Compensation Process, according to directions

Step Three: If professional medical attention is required, also complete a CAES Incident Report*

Non-work Related Injury

Impacted group: Non-employees, i.e., students, visitors, volunteers, 4-H’ers, etc. OR UGA employees outside the course of employment

Step One: Complete an Online Injury Report

Step Two: If professional medical attention is required, also complete a CAES Incident Report*

Incidents (other than injuries)

Impacted group: Employees, volunteers, visitors, guests, 4-H’ers, etc.

Step One: Complete a CAES Incident Report* according to Policy 5.01

*Send CAES Incident Reports via email to: caesext@uga.edu, mtoews@uga.edu, DED, PDC, CEC, and other appropriate supervisor(s)

*When reporting within 4-H, please send via email to: caesext@uga.edu, mtoews@uga.edu, state4hleader@uga.edu, melmel@uga.edu, DED, PDC, CEC, and other appropriate supervisor(s)

Created for use within Georgia 4-H by Risk Management Team (updated April 1, 2025)

For the use of staff and volunteers supervising youth

Medical Information and Release Form and Over the Counter and Prescription Medication Summary (MIRF)

• Youth must have a Medical Information and Release Form and Over the Counter Prescription Medication Summary (MIRF) signed prior to participation in every 4‐H event.
• Staff and/or volunteers will be asked to submit these forms and the Code of Conduct at 4‐H events as they have in the past. Some events require submitting a second copy for off‐site activities or larger events. While other events, such as the Junior National Livestock Show, require forms to be uploaded in 4‐H Enrollment. See the Event Letters of district and state activities to determine how these forms are collected.
• The Over the Counter & Prescription Medication Summary should be copied on the back of the Medical Information and Release Form and is found as page 2 of the digital copy of the MIRF. Please make sure parents complete the form and check yes or no for each question listed. If all questions are not answered, this form is not complete. This, too, is valid for only one event, the event listed on the form.
• Youth may not be given any medication that is not indicated on the Over the Counter & Prescription Medication Summary unless the parent provides consent (over the phone) or medication is prescribed or administered by a trained medical professional.
• All forms should be retained in the Extension Office following the activity.

4‐H Medicine Form

• The Georgia 4‐H Medicine Form should be completed and submitted with any medication provided by parents/guardians to be given to a 4‐H’er.
• These medications should also be listed on the Over the Counter & Prescription Medication Summary (page 2 of the MIRF) for the event.
• Parents complete the information that pertains to medication including illness, description of medication, dates to be administered, and dosage. Staff and/or volunteers should maintain the medical log as medication is administered.
• This form is only valid during the activity or event listed on the form.
• The Medical Treatment Log should be used when administering any over the counter medications approved by the parent on the Over the Counter & Prescription Medication Summary and not listed on the 4‐H Medicine Form.
• All forms should be retained in the Extension Office following the activity

The 4-H camp dress code was developed with the goal of ensuring your child’s comfort and ability to fully participate in all activities, and to ensure a safe and fun time is had by every camper.  Please note that your child may be asked to change if clothing, shoes, or swimwear does not meet the guidelines below.

Clothing

-Pack a daily change of comfortable clothing (some days you may need or want 2 outfits). Please bring old clothes and leave your nice new outfits at home. Shorts and t-shirts are ideal.

-Articles of clothing which advertise alcohol/tobacco products or anything that violates the 4-H Code of Conduct are not permitted.

-Items of clothing which expose bare skin (such as midriffs/chests/buttocks), undergarments, or that are transparent are prohibited.

-Spaghetti straps, halter tops, and strapless tops are prohibited.

-Shorts, skirts, skorts, and dresses must be at least mid-thigh length. They must provide full coverage through all ranges of motion, including bending.

Shoes

-Comfortable shoes are a must. A pair of tennis/athletic shoes is best for the walking you will do at camp.

-Wear socks to prevent blisters.

-For some camp activities, tennis/athletic shoes are the only acceptable shoes.

-All shoes must have a backstrap.

-Shoes must be worn at all times except when swimming.

Swimwear

-Swimsuits for boys: Swim trunks only (No shorts, cut-off pants, or Speedos).

-Swimsuits for girls: One-piece suits recommended, however, tankini suits are allowed as long as they are modestly cut. No string, thong or crochet suits will be allowed.

-If a swimsuit is worn that does not meet the guidelines, a cover-up or t-shirt must be worn during swim time. Youth need to wear a cover-up to and from the pool or beach.

-Camp at Fortson and Jekyll may include a trip to a water park. When selecting a swimsuit, be aware that some of the waterslides do not allow one to wear a t-shirt or cover-up; however, you must follow the Georgia 4-H swimsuit guidelines at the water park.

Note on Final Authority

Event leaders have the final decision in determining if apparel is appropriate and may require modifications.

Revised 2026

Georgia 4-H’ers and their parents/guardians sign the Georgia 4-H Code of Conduct prior to participating in 4-H Activities and Events off the 4- H’ers school campus. This document is valid for one year and includes the minimum standard for behavior. As outlined in the Code, 4- H’ers are expected to exhibit positive character and behavior including (but not limited to) trustworthiness, responsibility, respectfulness, caring, citizenship and fairness.

The 4-H Code of Conduct should be reviewed for the entire group prior to the beginning of a 4-H activity or event. This includes not only consequences of misbehavior but also expected behavior.

Violations of the Code of Conduct

If a 4-H’er is suspected of being in violation of the 4-H Code of Conduct, the 4-H event coordinator should be contacted to assist the leaders with the review process. Leaders must insure throughout the process that the rights of the young person are observed. Leaders are not to invade a 4-H’ers right to privacy or due process in determining offenses.

A 4-H Review Board may be called when an infraction has been noted. The review board serves to:
1. Determine whether a violation has occurred
2.  If there is a violation, what disciplinary action should be taken

The 4-H event coordinator or Program Development Coordinator will call the review board as necessary or at the request of a 4-H’er. In the case of a county 4-H activity, the county Extension agent or Extension individual coordinating the event may call the board. A review board will consist of one Extension faculty or staff member, two volunteers and three 4-H members. The Extension faculty member coordinating the event will serve as or appoint a Coordinator of the Review Board.

Orienting & Conducting the Review Board

The Review Board Coordinator will:

• Inform the Board and those in question of the purpose of the Review Board called
• Direct everyone participating in the process to treat the matter as confidential
• Appoint a recorder to document the Review Board Proceedings and the discussion of the Board following the proceedings
• Advise members of the suspected infraction
• Provide opportunity for each person involved to present his/her recollection of the events and allow for additional individuals to be included to the process as needed
• Permit Board members to ask questions and call for additional information
• Insure that persons not essential are excluded from the review. Witnesses may only be present in the review board room during their own testimony
• Complete any necessary paperwork relative to the conclusion of the board

Reaching a Determination

When all parties have provided their recollection of the events and the Board has no further questions, the Board will work together to determine whether the 4-H’ers are in violation of the Code of Conduct and what disciplinary action, in keeping with the guidelines for the Code of Conduct, should be taken.
Once a determination has been reached through discussion and vote, the Review Board Coordinator and one member of the Board should present to each of the 4-H’ers found in violation the findings of the board as well as any consequences for the actions. Additionally, the Coordinator should discuss the appeal procedures.
Following the review process, the Review Board coordinator will make a written record of the event prior to the proceedings, the proceedings as well as the consequences recommended. The record should be kept on file with the event information and a copy sent to the local staff member coordinating 4-H.

The Appeal Process

If a 4-H’er wishes to appeal the decision of the review board, the 4-H’er must appeal in writing through the County Extension office. Appeals must be filed within 10 days of notification of the disciplinary action from the 4-H Review Board. The appeal is sent to the Program Development Coordinator of the 4-H member and the State 4-H Leader. If the district and state 4-H staff cannot resolve the matter, an appeal board will meet within 30 days of the 4-H’ers request. The appeal board will consist of one Extension worker, two volunteers and three 4-H members. Following any disciplinary action from a 4-H Review Board, the person coordinating the activity must provide written notification concerning the action to the 4-H’ers parent/guardian, the county Extension faculty and the 4-H Program Development Coordinator.

 

 

Determine the Purpose

• Set criteria for the scholarship. Will it be a need-based scholarship or a merit-based scholarship or a combination or both?  A request for financial information is appropriate only on a need-based scholarship. Subjective terms such as “active 4-H’er” should be defined so that the applicants are aware of the scholarship’s requirements.

• Write the criteria and ask others to review it. Does it make sense?  Is it objective and not subjective?  Does it accomplish what the donors of the scholarship money want it to accomplish?

• Write the application. Does the application reflect the information you need to collect based on the criteria?

Advertisement

• Scholarships must be advertised to everyone who is eligible to apply for that scholarship. Examples could include:

1. A scholarship for graduating seniors who have been active 4-H’ers. This should be advertised to all graduating seniors in 4-H.  Active should be defined in the criteria prior to advertising the scholarship.

2. A camp scholarship for 5^th In your newsletter or camp promotional materials that are given to everyone eligible for camp, you could state “There is limited number of camp scholarships available.  If you would like more information on a camp scholarship, please (call the office, come by the 4-H office) before (deadline).”

• Make sure you determine a deadline so you can award money. If a person registers late for camp, or is not part of your usual marketing efforts for camp (example is they attend a school you do not have 4-H meetings because of limited staff), it is OK that the deadline to request information has passed.

• You do not have to give everyone a scholarship application.  You must advertise the availability of scholarship money to everyone that is eligible.

Awarding the Scholarship

• There should be a scholarship selection committee named before scholarships are advertised. This committee should be as diverse as your community and schools. 3-5 people would be appropriate.  You could use members from your Program Development Team, school teachers, or 4-H volunteers.  Do not use parents of students applying for scholarships or parents/coaches who are close to a lot of 4-H’ers in order to avoid conflicts of interests and any appearance of bias.

• Each member of the committee should have an independent vote so they are not persuaded by other members on the team.

• Members should be provided the criteria, be able to spend time reading the applications, and then submit their scores.

Dual Enrollment offers current 4‐H members additional SAFE and Horse Club opportunities that are not available in their home county. In most situations, 4-H youth should compete as members in the county where they attend school or live full time (referred to as home county). In situations where 4‐H’ers would like to enroll in 4‐H in a county other than the home county, a Change of Membership request may be made for positive youth development principles and not for competitive advantage. However, there are situations in which a currently enrolled member of one county may desire to participate in a SAFE (Shooting Awareness Fun Education) or Horse program that is not offered in their primary county of membership.

Policy Points

• Requests for Dual Enrollment Membership are submitted to the state 4‐H office using the Dual Enrollment Membership request form. Please contact your current County Extension Office to access and complete the form. Submit to: ga4hrequest@uga.edu.

• The Georgia 4‐H Membership Review Committee will meet and communicate the decision to both the home county and the county for proposed membership. Dual Enrollment requests should be submitted four weeks prior to a 4‐H’er registering for dual county membership or participating with new county program.

• County 4‐H programs with SAFE and/or Horse clubs are not required to offer Dual Enrollment. Each county 4‐H program will determine if they have space, volunteers and other necessary resources to offer 4‐H members from surrounding counties the opportunity to apply for Dual Enrollment.

• If Dual Enrollment is approved, the 4‐H’er will be required to meet all program rules, requirements and expectations of the additional county program including fees, forms and other participation expectations.

• County Extension staff (Agents, Educators, Program Assistants) from the home county and requested county to be added will sign the form along with the parent/guardian(s) and 4‐H’er. Signatures designate acknowledgement of request. An additional statement may be submitted in regards the request of change.

• When a 4‐H’er is granted dual enrollment, the change is in effect for the duration of the 4‐H’ers career or until a change in circumstances occurs. A change in circumstances occurs when a 4‐H’er moves to a different county or if the home county starts the program for which dual membership was requested. If a 4‐H’er moves to a residence in a different county and that county offers the 4‐H program for which the youth was dually enrolled, the dual enrollment may be terminated. Or, an additional Dual Membership request form may be filed or a “deactivation“ form may be filed, and the 4‐H’er will no longer have dual enrollment.

• Failure to complete (and receive approval for) Dual Enrollment requirements may result in disqualification from participation and/or removal for any and all individual and team awards received while competing without proper approval.

Frequently Asked Questions

If a young person is not a current member of 4‐H in their home county, can the youth apply for Dual Enrollment? No. The young person must first be currently enrolled as a member of 4‐H in their home county before applying for Dual Enrollment.

If a 4‐H’ers home county has a SAFE archery or Horse program, is it ok for the 4‐H’er to apply for Dual Enrollment to join a SAFE archery program in a neighboring county? No. If a 4‐H’ers home county offers the program for which the member is interested, then s/he should follow the procedures required of the home county in order to participate.

If a 4‐H’ers home county does not have a Horse Club but takes care of registration for 4‐H’ers to compete in the State 4‐H Horse Show, is the 4‐H’er still required to have dual enrollment in a county with a Horse Club? No, if the 4‐H’er can participate in horse activities in their home county, there is no need to apply for dual enrollment.

If a 4‐H’er is involved in forestry and project achievement in their home county but joins a Horse Club in a neighboring county, what paperwork does each county need? The 4‐H’er must be enrolled in both counties. Both counties (home county and county where dually enrolled) need all forms required for any activity/contest/competition for which they register the 4‐H’er.

Who is on the Dual Enrollment or Change in Membership Committee? The committees are selected to include a 4‐H Program Development Coordinator and two members of state 4‐H staff with at least one having an expertise in an area the 4‐H’er has interest in participating. In the case of the change being across district lines, both 4‐H PDC’s serve and one state staff member.

I moved in the middle of the 4‐H year. Do I need a change in membership to finish out the year in my former counties where I was dually enrolled? 4‐H’ers who have begun competing in their county of residence and then move or change schools may remain in the former county for the duration of that 4‐H year without a form on file. However, if s/he would like to remain in the former county after August 1, a change in membership is needed first, then dual enrollment may be considered.

I competed in a 4‐H contest in August with my home county. The county where I go to school has a SAFE Team or Horse Club I want to compete with now. Can I do both? Yes, but only if the Dual Enrollment request has been approved.

If my county 4‐H program starts a SAFE program or Horse Club, will the 4‐H’ers who are dually enrolled be required to deactivate membership from the second county of membership? Deactivation from the second county and participating in the home county’s SAFE or Horse program is preferred. County staff members in those counties will consult with PDCs and state 4‐H staff for guidance.

Is it ok for a parent to become a SAFE or Horse program volunteer in the county their child is dually enrolled? Yes. An adult’s volunteer certification can be shared with any county 4‐H program in Georgia. However, it is highly encouraged that the parent serves as a volunteer in both counties. County 4‐H staff in both counties should agree on their expectations for youth and volunteers.

I have never had a Change in Membership form and have always competed in “Clover” County even though I don’t live there now or go to school there. I don’t do any other 4‐H activities. Why do I need to do a new form?
Change in membership forms have been required for several years and from the situation described, you should have completed a Change in Membership prior to participation after you moved. In order to continue to participate in “Clover” County you will need to complete a Change of Membership request.

What if I am a Florida (or South Carolina, Tennessee, North Carolina, Alabama) 4‐H’er in a county that neighbors a Georgia County, can I enroll in Georgia 4‐H? If you attend school in Georgia, it is like any other 4‐H’er who lives in one county and attends school in one county. You can pick the county to compete in. If you do not live or go to school in a Georgia county, you will follow the Change in Membership and Dual Enrollment guidelines like any other 4‐H’er.

What if I have a SAFE and/or Horse program in my county, but my head coach(es) and I do not wish to take on 4‐H’ers from other counties. Is my county required to offer Dual Enrollment? No. Each county with SAFE and Horse programs will choose whether or not they have space to add 4‐H’ers from surrounding counties.

Georgia 4-H assigns youth as members of 4‐H in the county where they attend school or live full time (referred to as home county). In situations where 4‐H’ers would like to enroll in 4‐H in a county other than the home county, the request should be made for positive youth development principles and not for competitive advantage.

Policy Points

• Requests for Change in Membership are submitted to the Georgia State 4‐H Office using the Change in 4‐H Membership form. Please contact your current County Extension Office to access and complete the form. Submit fully completed forms to ga4hrequest@uga.edu.

• The Georgia 4‐H Membership Review Committee will meet and communicate the decision to both the home county and the county for proposed membership. Change in membership should be submitted four weeks prior to a 4‐H’er registering for competition with the county of proposed change. There will be no exceptions to this policy.

• County Extension staff (Agents, Educators, Program Assistants) from the home county and requested change county are required to sign the form along with the parent/guardian(s) and 4‐H’er. Signatures designate acknowledgement of request. An additional statement may be submitted in regards the request of change.

• When a 4‐H’er is granted a change in membership, the change is in effect for the duration of the 4‐H’ers career or until a change in circumstances occurs. A change in circumstances occurs when a 4‐ H’er moves to a residence or school in a different county. If a 4‐H’er moves to a residence or school in a different county, an additional Change in Membership form may be filed or a “deactivation“ form may be filed and the 4‐H’er will be a member of their new home county.

• Failure to complete (and receive approval for) Change in Membership requirements may result in disqualification from participation and/or removal for any and all individual and team awards received while competing without proper approval.

• 4‐H’ers may not request a change in membership during the 4‐H year if the 4‐H’er has already competed with the home county. Change in membership in a 4‐H year once competition has taken place can only occur if a 4‐H’er changes residence or school during that year.

• Keep in Mind: A change of membership approval does not guarantee space is available in the specialty club you would like to participate. Also, registration may have already occurred and will preclude you from participating that year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the Change in Membership Committee? The committee is selected to include a 4‐H Program Development Coordinator and two members of state 4‐H staff with at least one having an expertise in an area the 4‐H’er has been participating in. In the case of the change being across district lines, both 4‐H PDC’s serve and one state staff member.

I moved in the middle of the 4‐H year. Do I need a change in membership to finish out the year in my former home county? 4‐H’ers who have begun competing in their county of residence and then move residence (or schools) may remain in the former county for the duration of that 4‐H year without a form on file. However, if s/he would like to remain in the former county after August 1, a change in membership is needed.

I competed in a 4‐H contest in August with my home county. The county where I go to school has a judging team I want to compete on now. Can I do both? No. Once you have competed with a county, you are required to finish the 4‐H year with that county unless you change county of residence or county of school enrollment. The other judging team may let you practice with them but you will have to enter as your home county where you have already competed.

I won state with my 4‐H Pizza making team in May and we are going to a National Contest in October. I wanted to apply to change my membership to another county for the next year but does that mean I can’t do the national contest? Since the national event is an extension of an award in May, you can apply to change your membership effective August 1st without penalty.

I am a homeschool student. I attend home school programs in a neighboring county. Can the neighboring county be a home county? If your home school program is an organized school that meets regularly at a location and operates continually at the location (not just for the purpose of 4‐H meetings) it may qualify as your school county.

I have never had a Change in Membership form and have always competed in Cupid County even though I don’t live there now or go to school there. Why do I need to do a new form? Change in membership forms have been required for several years and from the situation described you should have completed a Change in Membership form each year of participation. In order to continue to participate in Cupid County you will need a change in membership form.

What if I am a Florida (or South Carolina, Tennessee, North Carolina, Alabama) 4‐H’er in a county that neighbors a Georgia County, can I enroll in Georgia 4‐H? If you attend school in Georgia, it is like any other 4‐H’er who lives in one county and attends school in one county. You can pick the county to compete in. If youdo not live or go to school in a Georgia county, you will follow the Change in Membership guidelines like any other 4‐H’er.