NEPAH Expectations of Titleholders

•    The NEPAH titleholders are expected to represent the Northeast Pet and Handler Contest, its sponsors, and the Northeast pet and handler community in a positive light both throughout the region and beyond. Titleholders are expected to act and conduct themselves in a manner that reflects positively on themselves and the community that they have been chosen to represent.

•    The foremost duty of the winners is to promote the goals of the Northeast Pet and Handler contest in a positive light throughout the year and conduct themselves as positive role models.

•    Titleholders and producers/owner􀋟are not to misrepresent themselves or their accomplishments. Honesty and integrity are tenant􀌐 of the pet community and should be a priority all times.

•    The winners may not compete in any Other leather/rubber/puppy/pet/fetish contests during their title year, as this would .likely conflict with their responsibilities and obligations to NEPAH. The Current titleholders may run for the International Puppy & handler Contest but must give the NEPAH board notice of intent to run within 3 months of the contest and the NEPAH board must approve this. 

•    The winners are required to return the following year to the NEPAH contest and give a step-down speech, for which their travel and hotel expenses will be deducted from their travel fund (if necessary and if funds are available).

•    The winners are expected to attend MAL (Mid-Atlantic Leather Weekend) in Washington DC,  Folsom East in New York City, and International Puppy and Trainer Contest.

•    The NEPAH titleholders are strongly encouraged to attend as many local and regional puppy/pet events as possible, but must attend at least 1 event from each established puppy/pet/handler group in the Northeast. If additional Northeast groups (CT, MA, ME, PA, NJ, NH, NY, RI, VT,) are formed during the title year, the titleholders should attempt to attend an event of theirs as well. It is also expected that the titleholders attend quarterly events in their local pet groups (as an absolute minimum).

•    The winners are required hold 2 fund raising events each for the NEPAH contest, and are encouraged to organize additional fund raisers for their travel funds as well as to help with fundraising for other worthy causes. The Pet titleholder and Handler titleholder may opt to host their fund raisers in tandem.

•    The winners are encouraged to appear at other leather, puppy, pet, rubber/latex, and fetish/bdsm events during their title year. They should use their best judgment as to which events will best represent NEPAH and the NEPAH community.

•    The titleholders should maintain regular and frequent contact (at least monthly) with the NEPAH Board to assist in planning and promotion, and provide regular updates on the website and social media.

•    Travel funds must be approved prior to committing to the event. Should funds be leftover at the conclusion of the title year, they will be rolled into the following year's travel fund. The only exception to this is when the titleholder has indicated that they intend to compete at the international level (must be within the next year).