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Prior to 1968, finding rules governing shearing record attempts is very limited. In 1968 the formulation of rules for shearing record attempts was initiated by competitors at the Golden Shears Championships, Masterton.
June 28th 1968 rules were drafted by a group representative of wool industry people at the N Z Wool Board Offices, Wellington, New Zealand and so originated a 'World Sheep Shearing Records Committee'. A lot of the preparatory work for these rules was done by the late Mr Godfrey Bowen.
The World Sheep Shearing Records Society was redefined in 1982 under the auspice of the New Zealand Wool Board and its National Shearing Committee (later becoming Shearing Sports New Zealand Inc). Input from Australia's Shearing Records Committee also took place. A minimum wool weight for sheep used in record attempts and appointment of a selected panel of qualified referees was a major part of the new rules.
In 2004 the World Sheep Shearing Records Society Incorporated was officially recognised as the stand alone governing body for World sheep shearing records. Member Countries are New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and United Kingdom.
To establish and adopt rules, regulations and define minimum standards.
To keep an accurate record of shearing records.
To organise and supply qualified referees at shearing record attempts.
To encourage sheep shearing as a sport.
To recognise the right of Countries to operate their own National sheep shearing records.
World Sheep Shearing Records Society Inc works with the following Sheep Shearing Organisations around the world
Use the above links to visit their websites
Chairman: Paul Harris (N Z) +64 27 273 1029
Secretary: Hugh McCarroll (N Z) + 64 27 2606475, info@shearingrecords.co.nz
Country Committees nominate qualified shearing judges to become WSSRS trainee referees for approval at the AGM of their respective shearing sports National Committees.
Shearing Sports New Zealand, Australia Sports Shear, South Africa Sheep Shearing Federation, British Isles Shearing Competition Association.
In New Zealand a twelve or three x four year term of refereeing is preceded by a probationary period, with selected referees attending and observing at least three record attempts.
A term is taken from trainee referee's first refereeing assignment. Committees may re-elect referees after term is up if so desired.