HAP Rules

HORTICULTURE AWARDS PROGRAM (HAP)

                                                (Adopted by the BOD Jan, 2006)

  1. PURPOSE:
  • To recognize and encourage achievement in the cultivation and propagation of aquatic plants
  • To obtain and disseminate information about aquatic plants and their requirements.
  • To identify new aquatic plant species and conditions required for their care.
  • To establish a record of aquatic plant species and their required maintenance.
  • ELIGIBILITY:
  • All Circle City Aquarium Club (CCAC) members in good standing.
  • THE HORTICULTURE AWARDS PROGRAM (HAP)
  • The HAP committee will consist of a Chairperson and one or more appointed members. The committee will only be needed for disputes and will be appointed at such time.
  • The HAP Chairperson shall be appointed by the installed officers of CCAC. Committee members will be appointed by HAP Chairperson.
  • The HAP Chairperson is responsible for the overall management and execution of the CCAC Aquatic Horticultural Awards Program. The duties of the Chairperson are, but not limited to:
  • Ensure accurate and complete records are kept permanently on file.
  • Verify propagation; assign points, and awards in accordance with HAP.  Disputes will be settled by the HAP Committee.
  • Review HAP rules and regulation annually. Amendments and/or changes must be prior to next calendar year.
  • CRITERIA:
  • Plants reproduced must conform with the following definition of an aquatic plant: ” An aquatic plant is one which, in the wild or native state, can be grown in the submerged state as a normal occurrence at some time during the course of any complete season. An aquatic plant must be able to grow and reproduce while submerged or immersed and not be harmed by such submersion.”
  • Plants are to be identified by the aquarists and verified by a member HAP committee. Unidentified plants will be assigned an alphanumeric code until identified and awarded points based on the plant’s genus or most closely related species.

Note: Suggested source reference(s):

Aquarium Plants by Christel Kasselman

Aquarium Plants by Dr. Rataj & Thomas Horeman 

Encyclopedia of Water Plants by Dr. Jiri Stodola.

  • Verification and registration for all species propagation listed in Class A through D are verified by the HAP Chairman and in the case of Class F, will be  verified twice; when flowering and once again as prescribed in HAP Propagation Requirements.
  • Hybrids or “crosses” will be recognized but are limited to five variants (dimorphism).  Hybrids or crosses are assigned to Class G and cannot receive points for flowering.
  • Aquatic plants not listed in the point classification will be assigned points by HAP chair upon request.
  • In order to have points recorded, the aquarist must submit the completed HAP Form to and HAP chairman. Forms are available during the general meetings or through the HAP forum.
  • Propagation or flowering must take place at the aquarist’s tank or pond.
  • Any member of the CCAC is authorized to witness HAP entry and will provide signature and information deemed necessary by the HAP chair.
  • Any questions or suggestions concerning the HAP should be submitted to the HAP Chairperson.
  • PROPAGATION REQUIREMENTS:
  • Vegetative Reproduction:
  1. 5.1.2 Cuttings (Bunch Plants). Cuttings must have produced roots and be at least the height of the original plant(s)(generally size offered for sale through the LFS’s)
  • 5.1.3 Floating Plants. Double the size of the original source plant.
  • 5.1.4 Adventitious. Adventitious plants must be grown for a minimum of 30 days and exhibit visible new growth after being separated from the parent plant.
  • 5.1.5 Runner. Daughter plants must be separated from the runner and grown on their own and exhibit new growth.
  • 5.1.6 Rhizome. A single division from the original plant, grow independently and exhibit visible new growth. Note: Bunch plants are not considered in this class.
  • 5.1.7 Rosette. New plants must be divided from the basal rosette, grow independently and exhibit visible new growth.
  • Sexual Reproduction:
  1. 5.2.1 Seed. A single plant reproduced from seed from the parent plant.  Seedling(s)must grow , exhibit visible new growth, and be recognizable from the parent plant.
  • 5.2.2 Spore. Spores must be produced and new plants grown from the spores, exhibit visible new growth, and be recognizable from the parent.
  • 5.2.3 Flowering. Must be verified in bloom and attached to plant.
  • AQUATIC HORTICULTURISTS AWARDS:
  • Principal (Level I). Accumulate a minimum of 100points.
  • Advanced (Level II). Accumulate a minimum of 200 points.
  • Senior (Level III). Accumulate a minimum of 300 points
  • Expert (Level IV). Accumulate a minimum of 500 points.
  • Specialist (Level V). Accumulate a minimum of 700 points.
  • Master (Level VI). Accumulate a minimum 900 points.
  • Most prolific gardener – presented each year to the participant with the most HAP entries for that calendar year.
  • Chairman choice. Awarded for a HAP entry of outstanding difficulty or merit.
  • It is possible that this award may not be given in a given calendar year  – not to be carried over