International Betta Congress Code of Ethics

The IBC welcomes everyone interested in bettas, whether new to owning and/or raising bettas or an experienced pro who has raised thousands. The IBC believes there is a place for all betta enthusiasts, whether young or old, new or experienced, individuals, families, teams, or commercial breeders.

The IBC is a club of individuals, families, teams, and commercial breeders who support the keeping, breeding, and or showing of betta bred by members, the research into the genetics of the betta, and support of the preservation of the wild species through the Species Maintenance Program.

All Judges, Officials, and Members are representatives of the IBC, and of the betta hobby. As such, all members of the IBC shall agree to act honorably in their pursuit of the betta hobby. In betta-related ventures, members shall strive to promote the hobby; Judges, Officials, and Members shall embody the virtues of sportsmanship and esteem.

All members should conduct themselves ethically to benefit the betta hobby and the IBC. This includes respect for the IBC, affiliated chapters, and fellow betta breeders and enthusiasts.

Conduct shall be directed toward educating the public, improving one’s knowledge, and demonstrating integrity. Actions should complement the IBC’s goal of promoting betta breeding and showing.

Members should take care to be good representatives at show sites, national/international conventions, on internet forums and lists, and social media-related activities.

Should a member behave in a manner contrary to the above, bringing discredit to the IBC or affiliated IBC Chapter, or causing strife to other members, a complaint may be lodged with the Executive Board using the IBC Complaint Process.

It is the policy of the IBC that members who sell, trade, or give betta fish to others must represent the description of the betta fish appropriately to ensure that the buyers, consumers, or recipients are not misled. An intentional misrepresentation would be a violation of the IBC policy and Code of Ethics.

Moreover, it is the policy of the IBC that when betta fish are entered in a show, the fish should be raised and bred by the entrant or exhibitor unless clearly stated otherwise. Failure to comply with this policy would be contrary to the IBC Show Standards.

The IBC does not participate in the fighting of fish for any reason and does not condone the fighting of bettas by others; nor does it support any individual or organization that does.

The International Betta Congress expects all members to conduct transactions with all parties in a responsible, fair, and ethical manner in all business dealings concerning the purchase and sale of betta stock and supplies. While we hope that all disputes be amicably resolved among the parties, the Congress, however, is not an enforcement agency for the transaction of betta stock and/or supplies,  nor can the IBC mediate disputes involving members or any individuals over said transactions.

In the interest of fairness, the IBC does not endorse individual business enterprises and does not allow the promotion of those enterprises in posts on the IBC website, whether they are personal testimonials or commercial advertisements.

The IBC believes that if all members abide by these simple guidelines, we will have a happy, fun, and stimulating club.