What does National Hamster Council Registered Prefix Holder mean?

Some of you will have noticed that some member's have a badge bearing the above title. The badge simply means that the member has a 'prefix' registered with the National Hamster Council. In displaying the badge the forum wishes to make clear that the National Hamster Council has not endorsed this site or the members displaying the badge. However:

The National Hamster Council (NHC) is the UK hamster fancy's governing body http://www.hamsters-uk.org/index.php?opt...e&Itemid=1
Anyone who joins a NHC affiliated club MUST abide by the codes of practice laid down in the NHC handbook. These relate to the care, keeping and breeding of hamsters. In particular, the NHC strongly believes that members should only breed for show purposes or continuation of a blood line.
After a year of membership of one of the affiliated hamster clubs, members can apply for a 'prefix' under which they can show hamsters and this can be noted on pedigrees for hamsters bred by the exhibitor.
This forum recommends registered prefix holders, whether you wish to obtain a hamster for showing or just want a pet that you know has been bred by an experienced and responsible breeder.