The Primary Member program at the club level is conducted at the discretion of Community Leaders in consultation with the club's project leaders and is subject to the availability of leaders, resources, and interest. Clubs, at their discretion, may alter club structure to accommodate the program. Primary Members have the same privileges as other members, subject to the Primary Member Policy & Agreement, local club bylaws, and working rules. Primary Members are full 4-H members, may wear uniforms as appropriate and can participate as a full 4-H member as provided for within the Primary Member Policy & Agreement. Clubs may restrict their Primary Member program eligibility to grades higher than Kindergarten.
Eligibility: Young persons eligible for entrance into Kindergarten and grades 1, 2, and 3 in their local public school jurisdiction are eligible to join 4-H Clubs as Primary Members.
Exhibiting: Primary Members are NOT eligible to exhibit any project competitively. They shall be encouraged to exhibit projects in non-competitive categories as available.
State Rule - Grade: 4-H members in Kindergarten through 3rd grades are designated as Primary Members.
Determination of Eligibility: The determination of a child's grade level shall be based on eligibility in their local public school jurisdiction. Year-round school students and home-schooled youth shall be so graded and their eligibility adjusted to conform with a completion date of no sooner than July 1st for each grade. Thus all children shall be considered for eligibility based upon a uniform completion date of grades.
Livestock Project Eligibility: Primary Members are NOT eligible to enroll or participate in ANY 4-H large livestock project(s). Participation shall be defined as the ownership or leasing of a large animal as a 4-H project, possession or exhibition of large livestock, and/or active participation in a large livestock project at project meetings or events. To be eligible for enrollment in large livestock projects, members must have completed the third grade as specified under "Determination of Eligibility" and be enrolled in the appropriate project as of July 1. No project can be started between the time of the primary member's completion of the third grade and the July 1 date.
Regular Member Eligibility: Primary Members shall be eligible for regular membership on July 1 of each year and upon completion of the third grade as determined under "Determination of Eligibility." Regular members are those youths who have completed the third grade and have completed a new enrollment form and paid appropriate insurance costs.
Enrollment: Primary Members must complete a regular enrollment card and pay insurance. The collection of any additional fees shall conform to state 4-H policies. Primary Members are expected to follow the policy of the club in regards to attendance at project and community meetings as well as comply with club bylaws, working rules, and County 4-H Program policies.
Event Participation: Primary Members may take part in events and activities at the club or county level when a Primary Member division is available. They may not be judged or placed and may receive a participation ribbon only. Primary Member participation is to be non-competitive only.
Holding Office: Primary Members shall not take away an office from a regular member. It is recommended that they do not hold club offices.
Project Completion: In order to successfully complete projects, receive credit for a year's completion, and participate in the Star Awards Program, Primary Members shall complete, and submit for club level review, record books consisting of a Personal Development Form, project report forms for each project, and a 4-H story. Records will NOT be judged at the local or county level.
| _________________________ | _________________ | ________________ |
| Primary Member Name (print) | Current Age | Current Grade |
I have read and understand the Primary Member Policy & Agreement. I agree to the conditions of the agreement and have received a copy of the agreement. The original signed copy of this agreement will be kept on file by the community club leader. The information given above is truthful and accurate. If any false information is provided, and/or any provisions of this agreement are violated, this agreement shall be terminated and membership may be revoked.
| ____________________________ | _________________ |
| Primary Member Signature | Date |
| ____________________________ | ____________________ |
| Parent/Guardian Signature | Date |
| ____________________________ | _________________ |
| Community Club Leader Signature | Date |
Revised: July 22, 1996 FORM 4-H-SBC-1501
