Welcome to the World of Shoot-To-Retrieve...
Often, during visits to field trials and bird dog clubs, we are asked just what the National Shoot-To-Retrieve Association is all about. Why was it founded? What type dogs are winning? What did the originators have in mind when they founded the Association in the late 1960's?
Really, all of the questions about "why" can be answered simply. Shoot-To-Retrieve was founded by sportsmen with a common goal, the enjoyment of their pointing dogs. These men were hunters, field trialers and men and women who just enjoyed being in the field with their dogs. What they wanted to do was extend the normal open upland bird hunting season from a few weeks to a longer period of time. A common goal was envisioned, and the National Association was born to foster the growth of walking style, quality type field trials for all of the pointing breeds.
Our common goal has been met. The Association (NSTRA) has shown consistent
growth, and is currently sponsoring recognized trials throughout the United
States and Canada with members in every state and several foreign countries.
The association manages its own pointing dog registry and pedigree service.
The association also sponsors a youth scholarship fund to assist with
the education of its collage bound members.
Our goal for equality among all of the pointing breeds has also been met.
To date, championship points have been awarded to every pointing breed.
Rules for these recognized trials have been formulated with care and fairness
for all of the pointing breeds. Judging rules and their application have
been planned, revised and tested for many years, and lead to fair, competitive
events for the pointing breeds and their owners.
As officers and directors of the National Association, we hope you will join us and enjoy the good sportsmanship and competition of National Shoot-To-Retrieve trialing. With your support, we will ensure the continuation of the field trial philosophies set forth by our founders many years ago, and the success of top quality walking pointing dogs nationwide.
Sincerely,
The National Officers
Board of Directors NSTRA
NSTRA rules revised April 2005
FOREWORD
As you read through your rule book you will note that it is comprised of four parts: Judging Guidelines, Judging Rules, Rules for Recognized Field Trials and a References Section. The judging guideline section provides a summary of scoring, plus and minus factors for scoring, scoring range guidelines and scoring examples. The judging rules section provides all NSTRA approved rules for judging NSTRA sanctioned field trials in the areas of the find, the retrieve, the back, dog obedience, and ground coverage. The rules for recognized field trials section provide all NSTRA approved rules that apply to NSTRA sanctioned field trials. Following some of the judging and field trial rules there will be interpretations and applications in italics. The interpretations are the meaning of the rule as interpreted by NSTRA in the past. The applications are approved methods of applying the rule. The interpretations and applications have been in force and used from the time of their approval and therefore have the same application as the rule itself.
NATIONAL SHOOT-TO-RETRIEVE
FIELD TRIAL ASSOCIATION, INC.
JUDGING GUIDELINES
The following guidelines, rules and NSTRA Handbook, "Judging Guidelines" are set forth to assist you in judging recognized Shoot-To-Retrieve trials. The scoring system is from 0- 100 and 0-75. Judges should use the full range of this system and shall be judges rather than scorekeepers. 1. FIND |
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| SCORE: 0-100 (Scoring begins when the dog makes game) | ||
PLUS FACTORS: MINUS FACTORS: |
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| 2. RETRIEVE | ||
| SCORE: 0-100 | ||
PLUS FACTORS: MINUS FACTORS: |
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| 3. GROUND COVERAGE | ||
| SCORE: 0-100 | ||
PLUS FACTORS: MINUS FACTORS: |
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| 4. BACK | ||
| SCORE: 0-75 (Scoring begins when backing dog has the opportunity to see pointing dog.) | ||
PLUS FACTORS: MINUS FACTORS: |
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| 5. OBEDIENCE | ||
| SCORE: 0-75 | ||
| PLUS FACTORS: Displays immediate response to handler's commands Consistently responds to handler MINUS FACTORS: Failure to respond to handler consistently |
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NOTE: NSTRA recommends the use of two-way radios for judges to be used for judging purposes only; not to be used for general conversation or discussion of a previous brace.
Listed below is a suggested method of helping the judge to determine an appropriate score.
These scoring ranges are intended to aid new judges by providing them with a starting point for scoring pieces of work. As the new judge gains experience they will begin to fine-tune their scoring. The important thing is for the judge to be consistent throughout the trial with their scoring. Use the entire range of scoring (0 to 100 or 0 to 75). If both judges work as a team and are in the same scoring range throughout a trial, it will make little difference, if any, if the scoring range varies a few points one way or the other.
FIND – RETRIEVE – GROUND COVERAGE (0 – 100)
AN EXCELLENT PIECE OF WORK IN ONE OF THESE CATEGORIES SHOULD SCORE
IN THE RANGE OF 80-100
A GOOD PIECE OF WORK WILL SCORE IN THE 60-80 RANGE.
A FAIR PIECE OF WORK DESERVES A SCORE IN THE 30-60 RANGE
POOR WORK SHOULD BE IN THE 20S AND VERY POOR WORK SHOULD BE SCORED 0-20
OBEDIENCE – BACK (0 – 75)
AN EXCELLENT PIECE OF WORK IN ONE OF THESE CATEGORIES SHOULD SCORE
IN THE 60-75 RANGE.
A GOOD PIECE OF WORK WILL SCORE IN THE 40-60 RANGE
A FAIR PIECE OF WORK SHOULD EARN SCORES IN THE 20-40 RANGE
POOR WORK SHOULD BE SCORED IN THE 0- 20 RANGE.
The above are only Guidelines and only the judge can determine what the correct score should be.
| SCORING EXAMPLES | |||
| SCORING: A. Points per find: 0-100 B. Points per retrieve: 0-100 C. Points per back (I only): O- 75 D. Points for obedience: 0- 75 E. Points for ground coverage: 0-100 |
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Examples for proper scoring: Situation 1: 4 Finds and 4 Retrieves |
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| Finds 85 87 86 90 348 |
Retrieves 90 92 88 85 355 |
Total Score Finds: 348 Ret: 355 Total: 703 |
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| Situation 2: 4 Finds, 3 Retrieves and I could not shoot bird for safety reasons | |||
| Finds 85 87 86 90 348 |
Retrieves 90 92 (89) Avg. 85 356 |
To Average 90 92 85 267 / 3 =89 |
Total Score Finds: 348 Ret: 356 Total: 704 |
| Situation 3: 4 Finds, 3 Retrieves and 1 no opportunity to retrieve | |||
| Finds 85 87 86 90 348 |
Retrieves 90 92 -- 85 267 |
Total Score Finds: 348 Ret: 267 Total: 615 |
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| Situation 4: 4 Finds, 2 Retrieves, 1 no opportunity, and 1 unable to shoot bird for safety reasons | |||
| Finds 85 87 86 90 348 |
Retrieves 90 -- (87.5) Avg. 85 262.5 |
To Average 90 85 175 / 2 =87.5 |
Total Score Finds: 348 Ret: 262.5 Total: 610.5 |
| Situation 5: 4 Finds, 1 Retrieve, 1 no opportunity, and 1 unable to shoot bird due to safety and 1 dog refused to retrieve | |||
| Finds 85 87 86 90 348 |
Retrieves 90 -- 0 (45) Avg. 135 |
To Average 90 0 90 / 2 =45 |
Total Score Finds: 348 Ret: 135 Total: 483 |
| FIND: Points per Find: 0-100 |
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| 1. "Point" must be called by the handler before a judge can score a creditable find. | |||
| Exception: In the event a handler is unable to see a dog on point, the judge will begin judging the point and advise the handler his dog is on point. | |||
| Application: If the judge is aware that the dog is on point: do not take the find away because the handler fails to call point. 4/93 | |||
| 2. “When a dog establishes point the handler will proceed to their dog and begin to flush immediately. If the judge of the pointing dog determines that the handler is not making an aggressive attempt to flush they will direct the handler to relocate their dog. Judges may not communicate via radio or any other means the desire of a handler who wants a back or the willingness of a handler to wait on their brace mate to get a back.” | |||
| 3. If a bird flushes after "point" is called by the handler and, in the judge's opinion, the dog did not cause the bird to flush, credit shall be given for the find, but not an automatic retrieve. | |||
| * If dog retrieves the bird, he will
be scored. * Definition of a flush: an aggressive attempt must be made to flush the bird; when a bird is removed from its resting place. |
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Interpretation: The judge should use good judgment to ensure the dog has obtained control and has in fact established point. A walking bird does not mean that it has been removed from its resting place. 4/93 |
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| Application: A dog running and stops and flash points a bird will not be scored on the find unless the judge considers that the dog had the find under control. 11/00 | |||
| 4. No birds shall be shot on the ground except at the judge’s request. | |||
| 5. Only pointed birds shall be shot. | |||
| Application: Judges may request that other birds be shot. 5/00 | |||
| 6. With dog on point, or involved in retrieve, when brace time has expired, handler/gunner shall have one (1) minute to complete flush and retrieve. The dog shall not be allowed to relocate. | |||
| * If a retrieve is not completed before the additional one (1) minute has expired, a slash shall be given. | |||
| Interpretation: If the dog moves the feet it is considered relocation and should be picked up immediately. 4/93 | |||
| Application: If the handler does not reach the area to flush the bird within the extra one minute but yet the judge sees the bird on the ground the find still cannot be scored because the flush was not completed within the one minute. 11/00 | |||
| 7. No credit shall be given for the pointing of dead birds. | |||
| * If in doubt, the judge may inspect the bird to determine if the find is scoreable. | |||
| Application: A find will not be scored if the handler/gunner is flushing and steps on the bird and kills it even if the bird is hot. If the judge can confirm that the bird was alive it may be scored. 4/93 | |||
| 8. When two dogs are found on point or actually pointing the same bird at the same time, each shall be given credit for a find but shall be judged on a scale of 0 -50 instead of 0 - 100 for the find. | |||
| * Dogs will be scored on the find before the flush. They will each receive one-half of their average retrieve. Dogs shall be scored individually on finds. Either handler may flush and shoot the bird – judges’ decision. | |||
| 9. All scoreable dog work in a field trial must take place inside the boundaries (dog and bird must be inside specified boundaries) to be classified as a legal find. | |||
| Exception: If backing dog is in bounds and pointing dog is out of bounds, the back is scoreable. | |||
| Application: A pointed bird is in bounds and the pointing dog is out of bounds. The judge should instruct the handler/gunner to take the bird out. If a bird is not flushed and a bird was not seen flying in ask handler to relocate to be sure no bird is there. 4/93 | |||
| Application: If a Bird out of bounds is flushed in bounds by dog or handler it is marked dead for the brace and should be taken out if possible. 4/93 | |||
| Application: A bird that flies into the bird field, from out of bounds on its own is scoreable provided that it was not flushed into the field from an adjacent field trial. The bird should be marked for three (3) minutes if no adjacent bird field is being used. 4/93 | |||
| Application: If a handler/gunner walks a bird in from an out of bounds area he/she should directed to take the bird out for no score. 4/93 | |||
| Application: If a dog has a find close to the boundary line and the judge sees the bird walk out of bounds before the handler arrives to flush. The judge should advise the handler of the situation when he/she arrives and score the find provided that the dog has remained on point. The judge should then permit the handler to go out of bounds to attempt to flush the bird. If the bird is flushed and retrieved it is scored. If a bird is not flushed a slash is to be awarded for the retrieve. It is important that the judge be on top of the work. 10/01 | |||
| 10. Gunner must attempt to flush pointed birds to receive credit for the find unless rule #3 in the judging rules (find) has been applied. However, birds that cannot fly may be thrown in the air to get credit for a retrieve. Gunner has option of firing gun. | |||
| * After an adequate attempt to flush, (or kick the bird out) the handler may ask permission to throw the bird in the air, after the judge has been satisfied that the bird is alive. Gunner will not hit the bird over a gun barrel or other object. | |||
| Interpretation: An aggressive attempt to flush must be attempted before being allowed to throw the bird for a retrieve. The handler/gunner must have permission from judge before the bird can be thrown. The judge will not allow the handler to intentionally kill the bird. When the judge gives permission or requires that a bird be thrown for a scored retrieve, the judge is to advise the handler not to kill the bird. If the handler still then kills the bird and in the judges opinion the handler intentionally disregarded the judge’s direction the judge may withhold the retrieve score. 4/93 | |||
| Application: If the dog is in full motion when the flush occurs the find will not be scored. The bird is marked for three minutes. 5/92 | |||
| Application: When a dog is on point and the handler/gunner is making several attempts to flush at different areas of cover and the bird walks out of the cover, between the handler and dog. At that moment the flush has occurred and the dog can break point and be scored on the find but the score should be lowered. Be sure the handler’s presence is what caused the bird to flush from his cover. 4/93 | |||
| Application: A bird that is walking around when the point occurs is not considered to have been flushed and the pointing dog is expected to hold until the presence of the handler/gunner causes the bird to change direction or take flight. The bird is considered to have never been in its resting place. 5/92 | |||
| 11. Point and/or retrieve credit shall be given for only one bird per find. | |||
| * If more than one bird is pointed, all other birds will be marked to the best of the judges' ability, for three (3) minutes. | |||
| Application: If a dog has a scoreable find and the gunner flushes two birds; shoots one dead, but the dog catches the unshot bird and makes a nice retrieve. The retrieve should be scored. 4/93 | |||
| Interpretation: If the judge sees more than one bird they must be marked for three minutes regardless whether or not the birds take flight. This rule was written for this specific circumstance. Other guidelines regarding marked birds do not apply to this rule. 4/2000 | |||
| Application: Only one bird may be shot at when multiple bird finds have occurred. All other birds will be marked for (3) three minutes, if the bird(s) stay in bounds. If the bird(s) fly out of bounds they will still be marked and out of competition. However, if it is clear to the judge that the pointing dog has not seen the first bird flushed and shot and has instead marked (chasing) another bird that was flushed, that bird may be shot for a possible scored retrieve. 2/2005 | |||
| 12. The backing dog must be held by its handler until the pointing dog completes its retrieve. Failure to abide by this rule will result in forfeiture of backing points. However, if shooter has not produced a bird within two (2) minutes after backing dog backs, they must relocate their dog. | |||
| * The relocation must be in the same general area as the point occurred. Each time a dog backs, the handler should hold the backing dog and not lead the dog off. However, maximum time to hold a backing dog shall be a total of three (3) minutes per piece of work. | |||
| 13. When the handler of the pointing dog asks judge to relocate, the handler of the backing dog must hold his dog for one (1) minute, or until the judge releases the backing dog. When the backing dog is released by the judge, all game is fair for either dog. | |||
| * Handler must initiate relocation by touch, whistle or command. Dog may not relocate on its own. | |||
| Application: Relocation is a continuation of a piece of work. Scoring does not stop and start with each relocation. 11/00 | |||
| 14. Marked bird is a judge's decision. This is a bird that may have been flushed by a judge, handler, dog, etc., and cannot be pointed for three (3) minutes as a scoreable find. Should a dog point a marked bird in less than three minutes, the gunner must shoot the bird for a non scoreable find and/or retrieve. | |||
| * A marked bird is marked to both
handlers and both should be notified immediately if possible. The
dog cannot be led off a marked bird by the handler. |
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| * Definition of flush; an aggressive attempt must be made to flush the bird: when a bird is removed from its resting place. | |||
| Application: In the case where a dog points a marked bird in less than three minutes but the handler is unable to produce a bird the judge should mark the area dead for the brace and treat the area the same as that of a scored on marked bird and require that two birds to be produced if a dog points in the area later in the same brace. | |||
| Interpretation: Dogs cannot be led off and/or called off of pointed birds regardless if they are marked, scored on or whatever; all pointed birds must be taken out. 11/00 | |||
| Application: Stop to Flush: In cases where a bird is flushed (marked bird) in close proximity to a dog, and in the judges opinion the dog stops to flush, the dog’s handler should be given an opportunity to call the dog off. If the dog turns and leaves the area the bird remains a marked bird for the remainder of the three minutes. If the dog, when called off, turns toward the marked bird and points it the judge should consider that the dog was pointing the marked bird and the bird should be taken out as required by the rule. 11/00 | |||
| Application: Nothing should be said to anyone in the case where a judge sees a bird on the ground and assumes that the handler/gunner may have also seen it. A bird seen on the ground walking is not considered a marked bird unless it moved from its resting place as a result of the presence of a handler, gunner, judge, or dog. 4/93 | |||
| 14A. The judges will not knowingly let a bird be scored more than once per brace. | |||
| * Judge may ask that scored bird be removed from the field at his discretion. | |||
| 15. Interference: If, in the judges opinion, a dog interferes with its brace mate while on point causing the bird to flush, a find and average retrieve will be given. | |||
| * A dog that continues to flush its brace mate's birds, disrupts brace mate's ability to compete by continually fighting and/or taking out birds without scoring will be picked up at judge's discretion. | |||
Interpretation: For the purpose of this rule “continues” means more than once. A warning will be given for the first infraction and pickup after the second infraction. Judges, at their discretion, can have a dog picked up after the first infraction. 2/96 |
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| Application: Dogs that flush a bird on their own before or after point has been established shall be given a warning with the first infraction and shall be picked up after a second infraction. 8/04 | |||
| Application: If a brace mate comes to the area and moves ahead of the pointing dog and points. If the pointing dog then leaves the find (breaks point), the bird should be taken out and no credit will be given for the find. The brace mate will be given a zero for refusing to back. 4/93 | |||
| Application: If a brace mate fails to back a pointing dog and moves in front of it, but does not point the bird and the pointing dog then breaks after him and together, they take the bird out, no interference is awarded because the pointing dog is considered to have broken point under pressure. If, however the brace mate bumps (touches) the pointing dog interference is to be awarded and the pointing dog is scored on the find and given an average retrieve. 4/93 | |||
| 16. Judges shall collect all dead birds or retrieved birds when shot in each brace. | |||
| 17. There shall be no running in the field. | |||
| RETRIEVE: Points per Retrieve: 0-100 |
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| 1. All scoreable dog work in a field trial must take place inside the boundaries (dog and bird must be inside specified boundaries) to be classified as legal find. | |||
| Exception: If backing dog is in bounds and pointing dog is out of bounds, the back is scoreable. | |||
| 2. A dog must retrieve the bird to within three (3) feet of its handler, who shall remain in the same spot, before any credit is be given for the retrieve. | |||
| * Handler may step out of heavy cover, but may not advance toward the dog or bird. Should the retrieving dog back its brace mate during the course of a retrieve (going to, picking up, or returning to the handler) the handler may advance to the backing dog and hold him for the back. The dog shall receive an average score for the retrieve and shall be scored on the back if it is otherwise scoreable. Should the retrieving dog go on point during the course of a retrieve (picking up, or returning to the handler with bird) the handler may advance to the pointing dog and attempt to complete the find. The dog shall receive an average score for the retrieve and shall be scored on the find if it is otherwise scoreable. | |||
| Interpretation: If a dog is broke to Wing and Shot, the handler may release the dog in the normal manner, i.e., touch, whistle. The dog must retrieve the bird to where the handler was standing when they released the dog. 4/93 | |||
| Note: “(picking up or returning to the handler with bird)” means that the retrieving dog must have found the downed bird and have the bird in its (the dog’s) mouth. 2/05 | |||
| Note: For clarification the last sentence above means that “an average retrieve score for the (first) retrieve and shall be scored on the (second) find if it is otherwise scoreable”. 2/05 | |||
| 3. Point and/or retrieve credit shall be given for only one bird per find. | |||
| * If more than one bird is pointed all other birds will be marked to the best of the judges' ability, for three (3) minutes. | |||
| Application: If a dog has a scorable find and the gunner flushes two birds; shoots one dead, but the dog catches the unshot bird and makes a nice retrieve. The retrieve should be scored. 4/93 | |||
| Interpretation: If the judge sees more than one bird they must be marked for three minutes regardless whether or not the birds take flight. This rule was written for this specific circumstance. Other guidelines regarding marked birds do not apply to this rule. 4/2000 | |||
| Application: Only one bird may be shot at when multiple bird finds have occurred. All other birds will be marked for (3) three minutes, if the bird(s) stay in bounds. If the bird(s) fly out of bounds they will still be marked and out of competition. If, however it is clear to the judge that the pointing dog has not seen the first bird flushed and shot and has instead marked (chasing) another bird that was flushed, that bird may be shot for a possible scored retrieve. 2/2005 | |||
| 4. If gunner is unable to shoot bird for danger of hitting other individuals and/or animals, an automatic retrieve shall be granted. If at the end of the brace a dog has one or more finds and all average retrieves the judge shall have the handler throw a dead bird for a scored retrieve. The score received for the thrown bird shall be applied to all averages received during the brace. | |||
| 4A. At any time the judge or gunner may call safety, whether after one or more shots, and an average retrieve will be given. If in the opinion of the judge, shot is deliberately fired after he calls safety, retrieve is not scored. | |||
| * Judge will OK all safeties under
his judgment, and at his discretion. * All averages are to be indicated by A or Average. |
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| Interpretation: If the retrieve is not scored because a shot was fired after safety was called, a slash is placed on the score card. 4/93 | |||
| Application: The gunner must have at least one live round in their gun before a safety will be allowed, i.e. an over and under after firing two shots (unless it is reloaded). 4/93 | |||
| 4B. If the gunner or handler misses the bird and the bird flies off and the dog has no opportunity for a retrieve. The judge should indicate so on the score card opposite the score for the find with a slash mark (/). | |||
| * If a dog has no opportunity to retrieve, a slash is not a number and is not figured in the average retrieve scores. | |||
| 4C. If a bird is dropped and the dog finds the bird, but refuses to pick it up or fails to bring bird to within three (3) feet (rule #2-Retrieve) of the handler, then a zero (0) must be indicated on the score card opposite the score for the find. | |||
| * Zero (0) is a number, and indicates the dog refused to retrieve. This is included in figuring the average. | |||
| Application: If a crippled bird is pointed by the retrieving dog after the find has been scored. Handler cannot call him off or break point. Score should be: Slash. 11/00 | |||
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| 4D. If in the opinion of the judge, the dog could not see the bird dropped, or some other unusual situation occurs the judge may issue a slash mark on the card opposite the score for the find. Therefore, not penalizing the dog on the retrieve. | |||
| * If a dog has no opportunity to retrieve,
a slash is not a number and is not figured in the average retrieve
scores. * No guns will be fired except over scoreable finds or with judge’s permission. |
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| Interpretation: Gunner will not be allowed to shoot the gun to encourage the dog to retrieve the bird. 4/93 | |||
| 5. When two dogs are found on point or actually pointing the same bird at the same time, each shall be given credit for a find but shall be judged on a scale of 0 - 50 instead of 0 - 100 for the find. The dogs will be scored on the find before the flush. They will each receive one-half of their average retrieve. Dogs shall be scored individually on finds. Either handler may flush and shoot the bird-judges decision. | |||
| Interpretation: On a split find all scoring stops on the find before the flush; both dogs receive one/half of their average retrieve. Either gunner may kill the bird. 4/93 | |||
| 6. Interference: If in the judges’ opinion, a dog interferes with brace mate while on point causing the bird to flush, a find and average retrieve will be given. | |||
| Note: Dog that continues flushing its brace mate's bird(s), disrupts brace mate's ability to compete or continually fights and/or takes birds out without scoring will be picked up at judge's discretion. | |||
| 7. Judges shall collect all dead birds or retrieved birds when shot in each brace. | |||
| BACK: | |||
| 1. Back must be called by handler before judge can score a creditable back. | |||
| * In the event a handler is unable to see a dog backing, the judge will begin judging the back and advise the handler that his dog is backing. The judge may hold the backing dog at his discretion. | |||
| Interpretation: Same as find: if the judge is aware the dog is backing, do not disallow the back if handler fails to call back. 4/93 | |||
| 2. A dog must back on his own, without command, before the judge can credit the back. | |||
| * A handler may handle his dog into the general area of the pointing dog. If in the judges’ opinion, the handler intimidates the dog to a back, he may withhold score. | |||
| Interpretation: Judges are advised to be alert for command backs; if they feel the dog backed on command, they are not to score the back but give the dog another opportunity. If in the judges’ opinion the dog saw the pointing dog, before the handler commanded the dog to stop, and failed to back, a zero score should be awarded for the back. 4/93 | |||
| 3. The backing dog must be held by his handler until the pointing dog completes his retrieve. Failure to abide by this rule will result in forfeiture of backing points. However, if shooter has not produced a bird within two (2) minutes after backing dog backs, he must relocate his dog. | |||
| * The relocation must be in the same general area as the point occurred. Each time a dog backs, the handler should hold the backing dog and not lead the dog off. However, maximum time to hold a backing dog shall be a total of three (3) minutes per piece of work. | |||
| Interpretation: Time on the backing dog starts when the dog backs; time keeping begins when back occurs. The backing dog must be held until judge releases it. When pointing dog relocates on its own, the backing dog should be released by the judge. NOTE: Creeping or steps are not relocating. The pointing dog will be cut for this, but judge will not allow backing dog to be turned loose. The backing dog shall be held each time it backs, regardless of how many times it backs. The handler of the pointing dog shall wait until the backing dog is held before attempting to flush; failure to abide to this could result in forfeiture of find. 4/93 | |||
| Interpretation: Relocation is defined as: When a dog, either by command from the handler or on its own goes into a hunting mode. It should not be confused with creeping or steps. 4/93 | |||
| 4. When the handler of the pointing dog asks a judge to relocate, the handler of the backing dog must hold their dog for one (1) minute, or until the judge releases the backing dog. When the backing dog is released by the judge, all game is fair for either dog. | |||
| * Handler must initiate relocation by touch, whistle or command. Dog may not relocate on its own. | |||
| 5. All scoreable dog work in a field trial must take place inside the boundaries (dog and bird must be inside specific boundaries) to be classified as a legal find. | |||
| Exception: If backing dog is in bounds and pointing dog is out of bounds, the back is scoreable. | |||
| 6. There shall be no running in the field. | |||
| SAFETY: | |||
| 1 All participants shall wear a hat or vest of blaze orange while in the field. This includes judges. | |||
| 2. No birds shall be shot on the ground, except at the judge's request. | |||
| 3. If gunner is unable to shoot bird for danger of hitting other individuals and/or animals, an automatic retrieve shall be granted based on average of other scored retrieves. If at the end of the brace a dog has one or more finds and all average retrieves the judge shall have the handler throw a dead bird for a scored retrieve. The score received for the thrown bird shall be applied to all averages received during the brace. | |||
| * No guns will be fired except over scoreable finds or with judge’s permission. | |||
| 4. There shall be no running in the field. | |||
| PICKUP: | |||
| 1. No dog may be taken out of the field or put on a leash before the brace is finished, except by permission of judge. Handler violating this rule could be suspended from all recognized trials for a calendar year following a violation. If a dog is picked up in a brace, a bye dog shall be put in the field for the remainder of a brace. | |||
| * Time must be called until a replacement dog is put in the field. The second handler must hold their dog in the immediate area the handler was in when time was called. If a dog is picked up, it will receive a zero (0) on its scorecard. A dog out of judgment (out of bounds) for a period of ten (10) minutes of any thirty minute brace shall be picked up and receive a zero (0) on his scorecard. A dog that is picked up and does not complete the full thirty (30) minutes of his brace shall receive a zero (0) on his scorecard. | |||
| GENERAL: | |||
| 1. All scoring is stopped when brace time expires, except when find rule #6 under find applies. When a judge announces time is up for the brace, handlers shall put leads on their dogs and take the shortest route out of the bird field so that the next brace can start on time. | |||
| 2. If a dog breaks loose from the gallery area and enters the bird field causing a nuisance to a working dog the trial should be stopped and the dog removed. | |||
| 3. Gunners shall walk a reasonable distance behind the handler and can do nothing but flush and shoot the bird. | |||
| 4. Gunner shall remain with the judge until point is called. There shall be no conversation between gunner and handler after leaving the blind. Handler shall stay at least fifteen (15) feet or more behind the pointing dog. After flushing and shooting, gunner shall return to judge or stay behind the handler until the retrieve is completed. | |||
| 5. The use of training aids such as electronic devices, weighted collars, flushing whips, spiked collars, silent whistles, bells or voice (for the obvious purpose of stopping a dog for a creditable find or back) is prohibited. The use of the above training aids will result in disqualification from that recognized trial. | |||
| Application: Some handlers desire to use a wide red collar in addition to their regular collar. Only one collar may be worn by a dog while running a brace. Judges will advise the handler to remove one of the collars; it will be their choice as to which one they want to remove. 7/95 | |||
| 6. The judges' decisions are final on judgment calls. However, each judge is personally responsible to use good judgment in the application of these written rules and also those situations not covered by a written rule. Rule application may be protested. The judges' decisions must be respected and followed by each trial participant. | |||
| * Harassment in the form of threats or verbal abuse (cussing) of a judge or field marshal or the disregard of judges' decisions may result in immediate disqualification from the trial and/or association. | |||
| * Whenever possible, judges should judge dog #1 for half of the brace (or as close to this as he can) - then judge dog #2 for the balance of the brace. | |||
| 7. For a trial to be recognized (trial placements recorded), the Field Marshal must be a member in good standing with current certification by NSTRA. All judges must be members in good standing with current judging certification for the type of trial held. Placements will not be recorded for a trial not meeting all these requirements. NSTRA reserves the right to revoke any judge's card at any time. | |||
| 8. Submissions for Rule Changes: | |||
a. Proposed new rule changes or additions shall be submitted sixty (60) days prior to the first day of the Trial of Champions and/or the Dog of the Year Trial. b. The Board of Directors shall decide which, if any, of these changes will be submitted to the general membership for ballot vote. c. A ballot shall be included in the first available regular published issue (depending on publication deadlines) of the NSTRA magazine. d. All ballots received within forty-five (45) days of the publication date wi1l be tallied and the results published in the next available regular published issue (depending on publication deadlines). e. Rule changes will become effective upon publication. |
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RULES FOR RECOGNIZED FIELD TRIALS
1. Field trials will consist of a minimum of twelve (12) dogs and a maximum of thirty-two (32) dogs. A breakdown of championship points awarded is as follows:
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12-17 dogs - 18-23 dogs - 24-32 dogs - |
one first place point |
| 2. Field trial entries should be submitted by mail. (However, should a trial chairman need additional entries to complete the trial, he may solicit them by phone.) The first 32 entries received shall fill the trial, and the chairman shall immediately hold a drawing and notify entrants of their brace. Any entry over and above the first 32 shall be returned, with entrance fee, to the sender. | |||
| * There shall be three (3) participants
at the drawing plus the chairman. The aforementioned requirement does
not apply when NSTRA’s web based trial drawing utility is used
by a trial chairman. * The location of the trial drawing must be held in a location that would allow access to any NSTRA member wishing to observe the drawing. |
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| a. Entrants traveling more than 100 miles shall be assured an opportunity to run in the second day of a two-day trial, with an equal number of dogs entered in each trial provided he is eligible and drawn for the first day trial. In order to execute this properly, it is important that the same field trial chairman be appointed to be in charge of both trials. It must be noted on the entries, two-day trial. | |||
| b. A dog must be eligible to be registered with a recognized registry to enter any NSTRA trial. | |||
| 1. NSTRA recognizes the NSTRA, AKC,
FDSB, and CKC registries. However, regardless of which registry is
used, the dog must be eligible to be registered in the NSTRA registry
as a recognized pointing dog breed to be entered in any NSTRA trial. 2. Owners having dog registration pending will be responsible for completion of registration within (30) days of placement. 3. No placements will be recorded until the registration number is forwarded to the National Office (NSTRA, AKC, FDSB, CKC). After sixty (60) days, if no registration number has been received and/or verification that one exists, the placement will be void and all placements will be adjusted. |
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| Application: There is no question pertaining to dogs that are already registered, only those that are eligible to be registered. For a dog to be eligible for registration means the owner has registration papers in hand. 2/96 | |||
| c. The minimum age to be in the field shall be ten years of age, and to gun for self must be 16 years of age and hold a current Hunter's Safety Course Card. | |||
| 3. Entry forms must contain all requested information or entry cannot be accepted | |||
| *Trial chairman shall not accept entries postmarked prior to December 1st for the Spring trial season (January 1 to June 30), or postmarked prior to June 1 for the Fall trial season (July 1 to December 31). Trials will be advertised in the NSTRA magazine, NSTRA web page, American Field, or regional presidents may be contacted. | |||
| 4. No braces shall be added to the trial after the drawing. | |||
| 5. Entries shall be limited to five (5) dogs per owner and/or handler per trial. Three shall be specified, with the additional two (2) dogs to be added to the field seven (7) days prior to the trial only if the trial is not full on that date. | |||
| Exception: All NSTRA Championship trials. | |||
| 6. If a person enters more than one dog, he will not be drawn to run subsequent braces, unless he is drawn for the last two braces of the trial. If he is drawn for a back to back brace, his second entry will be redrawn for a later brace. | |||
Application: NSTRA rules for recognized field trials provide that if a person enters more than one dog he or she will not be drawn to run subsequent braces. It goes without saying that the dogs entered by one person cannot be drawn in the same brace. Likewise a handler who is handling dogs for more than one person cannot be drawn to run in the same brace. The preceding paragraph defines the only instances when dogs may not be drawn to run in the same brace. Dogs registered to different members of the same family that are entered in the same trial may in fact be drawn to run in the same brace unless as noted above they are being handled by the same person. 11/00 |
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| 7. Owners or handlers running more than one (1) dog must run the dog drawn in the brace specified. Any change due to sickness, will be at the discretion of the field marshal. | |||
| * Any dog withdrawn from a trial shall not be re-entered in the same trial. However, the owner may substitute a replacement with another dog he owns, at the discretion of the field marshal. | |||
| Application: The handler designated at the time that a dog is drawn for a trial must be the one to handle the dog in the trial unless the field marshal, prior to the brace participants being placed in the blind, has approved a change. In the past there have been cases where a handler was listed for a particular dog but yet was changed to the owner when it came time to enter the blind. In many cases it was apparent that the practice was being used to avoid the possibility of two particular dogs being drawn together for the same brace. 2/96 | |||
| Application: Even though the rule speaks to owners/handlers running multiple dogs, it is intended to apply to all dogs entered in a trial. It would be unfair to allow owners/handlers running only one dog to pull their dog from a trial for any reason while at the same time only allowing the owner/handlers of multiple entries to pull a dog only in instances of sickness. 2/96 | |||
| Application: The key to the rule is “Any change due to sickness, will be at the discretion of the field marshal.” The field marshal has control of the trial. When a owner/handler pulls a dog for sickness, it is up to the field marshal to determine where the replacement dog is to come from, be it from the owner which has pulled the dog, from the paid standby list, or use a non-scoreable bye dog. The field marshal has the option to allow the owner/handler to replace a dog that he has pulled from a trial due to sickness, but is not required to do so. 2/96 | |||
| Note: The above addresses dogs that are pulled from trials after the drawing has been conducted. Trial entries, which are canceled before the drawing, are addressed below in rule 8. | |||
| Application: In the case where a handler that cannot complete a brace the situation should be treated the same as a when a dog cannot complete a brace. A standby handler should be brought in to complete the brace. The standby handler may, with the owner’s permission, handle the existing dog in the field or may bring in a standby dog. In any case the dog belonging to the handler who is coming out of the field is no longer in competition once the handler is replaced by a standby handler. 11/00 | |||
| 8. Should an owner/handler cancel a trial entry, he must notify the trial chairman five (5) days prior to the running of the trial, and he (owner/handler) must find a replacement for his entry at the discretion of the field marshal. | |||
| *Option 1: Fill spot with dog he owns. *Option 2: Must use standby dogs if available. *Option 3: Use non-scoreable bye dog. |
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| 9. Dogs in season shall not be permitted to run in a recognized trial. | |||
| 10. All recognized trials must use game birds for bird release. Quail must be used in Regional Elimination and National Championship trials. | |||
| 11. Number of birds to be released shall be six (6) game birds for the first brace and five (5) game birds for each brace thereafter. Should a bird fly out of the field when released, the host club shall release another bird to ensure six (6) birds for the first brace and five (5) birds for the remaining braces at the beginning of each brace. | |||
| 12. Bird handlers must wear gloves. | |||
| 13. Gunners must use 7 1/2, 8 or 9 shot shells. | |||
| * Light loads only. | |||
| 14. Brace duration shall be 30 minutes. | |||
| Application: NSTRA requires that all braces be completed in the field. The above rule requires that all brace times be thirty minutes duration. The only two exceptions are when a fifteen-minute run-off is conducted to settle a tie or the final one-hour braces conducted at Championship or Regional Elimination trials. 11/00 | |||
| Note: In National Championship or Regional Elimination trials where more than one round of competition is held in one day it is important all dogs spend the same amount of time in competition. | |||
| 15. Standby dogs for all recognized trials shall be furnished by host club and should be a minimum of three (3) dogs. Handlers of standby dogs running shall pay the entry fee to be eligible for placement. | |||
| 16. Dogs, handlers, and/or gunners must remain behind a blind while birds are being released for their brace. | |||
| 17. All trials shall have two judges and a field marshal. Field marshal shall be certified as Field Marshal holding a current certification card. One judge will be designated the official time keeper. | |||
| 18. Judges will not be permitted to enter their dog in trials they are judging, regardless of who may handle the dog. | |||
| 19. All participants should sign the official score card validating accuracy, prior to the posting by field marshal. If card is not signed within twenty-five (25) minutes after completion of each brace, the score will become official and be posted by the field marshal. | |||
| * Unless under protest. | |||
| 20. Ties for first, second or third place shall be decided by a fifteen (15) minute run-off. Two (2) birds shall be released for this purpose. | |||
| 21. Field marshal shall be furnished by Trial Chairman holding trial except for all National Championship Trials. He/she will be responsible for enforcing trial rules and receiving complaints from participants. | |||
| 22. Binoculars or similar equipment may not be used by anyone to observe the Bird Handler while he/she is releasing birds. Violation of this rule could be interpreted as an attempt to gain an unfair advantage and subject to appropriate disciplinary actions as provided in the NSTRA by-laws. | |||
| Note: Trial officials may use Binoculars in the performance of their duties as a trial official only. Said officials will make no communication to any owner and/or handler as to the location of birds. Trial officials that are also handling dogs may not use this exemption to gain an advantage. | |||
| Note: “similar equipment” is to include photographic equipment with telephoto or zoom lenses attached. 2/05 | |||
| 23. There shall be no cell phones allowed in the field at anytime by anyone including handlers, gunners, or judges. Anyone violating this rule could be suspended from all recognized field trials for a calendar year following the violation. | |||
| 24. Maximum number of persons in bird field shall be limited to six (6) people. | |||
| 25. No alcoholic beverages, or the consumption thereof, are permitted on the grounds. Participants who have consumed alcoholic beverages may be required to have a gunner or have their dog scratched from the trial, as determined by the field marshal. | |||
| 26. Every club or individual hosting a trial shall provide at least three (3) water containers (for dogs) in each bird field. All three water containers must be of sufficient size to allow a dog to immerse itself. All containers are to be readily visible or marked. | |||
| 27. Trophy awards and recommended cost are as follows: | |||
| 12 - 17 dogs: one first place trophy
recommended cost: $35.00 18 - 23 dogs: one first place trophy one second place trophy recommended cost: $65.00 24 - 32 dogs: one first place trophy one second place trophy one third place trophy recommended cost: $ 100.00 |
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| 28. Recommended judging fees will be based on the number of dogs judged (i.e. $1.25 per dog). Any additional hospitality shown to the judges will be greatly appreciated (such as meals, drinks, etc.) | |||
| 29. Unreasonable harassment of judges or field marshals (to be determined by the Regional and/ or National officers and Board of Directors) will not be tolerated. Any entrants, handler and/or gunner violating this rule shall be suspended from all recognized Association trials for one calendar year. | |||
| 30. It will be the responsibility of the field marshal and judges to establish definite boundaries for the field trials. | |||
| 31. Each field trial chairman and hosting club must establish appropriate "No Shooting" safety zones to ensure safety of spectators and adjoining properties. | |||
| 32. Field marshal shall check all vests before a man leaves the blind, including gunner and handler. | |||
| 33. No dog shall be eligible to run for creditable NSTRA points by competing in more than one (1) NSTRA trial per day unless the fields are on the same set of grounds. | |||
| Exception: A dog that has participated in one of the national trials and has been eliminated from contention is eligible to participate in another trial. | |||
34. Except as noted below, all handlers and gunners are required to be on foot (walking) while participating in NSTRA sanctioned field trials. |
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NOTE: Only with an exception granted as a result of a majority vote of NSTRA Board of Directors members present at a scheduled meeting (April and October only) may a handler or gunner participate in any NSTRA sanctioned field trial by any means other than walking. A member that is applying for permanent ATV variance may be granted “interim” approval by the region officers, which will allow the member to participate in home region trials only. The interim approval will only be valid until such time that the member’s application is brought before the NSTRA Board of Directors at their scheduled meeting for action. A member that has any injury or surgery that temporarily impairs their capability to walk for a specified time period may request a “temporary” ATV variance for participating in trials in their home region for the specified time period of their recovery. Region officers shall vote within one week of receipt of the member’s request for temporary ATV variance due to injury or surgery to either approve, disapprove, or to delay if it is the opinion of the Region officers that the member’s condition would present a safety factor. Approval requires a majority vote of the Region officers. Upon approval, the member shall have the right to participate in trials in their home region under the standard ATV variance guidelines until the end of their specified temporary variance. At the end of the temporary ATV variance, the member shall either start participating under the normal walking NSTRA rules and regulations, or submit another request for temporary variance. If a member and/or Region are found to be abusing the use of the good faith intention of the temporary ATV variance, they shall receive a documented warning from their designated NSTRA National Officer. If the member and/or Region continue to abuse the good faith of the temporary ATV variance, then they shall be subject to suspension and/or expulsion under the NSTRA rules and regulations. A member who is granted an interim or temporary ATV variance shall be required to comply with all ATV operation guidelines. If a member with an interim or temporary ATV variance wants to enter a trial outside of their home region during the interim or specified term of their ATV variance, the member will need to get the approval of both the President of that Region and the Trial Chairman. The interim or temporary approval will not be valid for participation in national championship trials. In the case of National Championship Trials the National Officers are empowered to grant temporary variances on a case by case basis. |
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| 35. Protest procedures: | |||
| A. Scheduled Association Trials | |||
| 1. Protest must be submitted in writing
to Regional officers and Board of Directors within ten (10) days of
occurrence. 2. Untimely protests shall not be considered. 3 . Regional officers and Board of Directors must answer the protest in writing within twenty-one (21) days. 4. If the protester disagrees with the Regional decision, he may submit a protest to the National officers and Board of Directors. This submission must occur within ten (10) days of the Regional answer. 5. The National officers and Board of Directors must provide a final answer in writing within twenty one (21) days. |
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| B. Regional Dog of the Year Trials | |||
| 1. Protest must be submitted to Regional
officers and Board of Directors to permit timely decisions as trial
progresses. Due to timeliness of decisions, national review is not
possible. 2. Untimely protests shall not be considered. 3. Regional officers and Board of Directors decisions are final. |
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| C. All National Championship Trials | |||
| 1. Protest must be submitted to National
Officers to permit a timely decision as trial progresses. 2. Untimely protests shall not be considered. 3. National officers’ decisions are final. |
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National Shoot-To-Retrieve Field Trial Association recognizes the following field trials:
1. One day trial, Two day trial, Three day trial
2. Derby trials, Invitational Non-placement trials, Amateur trials, Open/Amateur
trials
3. Double trials, Double-Double trials
4. Endurance trials
For additional information, please contact the NSTRA office.
NOTE: This section of the book is provided for reference only. It contains information on NSTRA championship trial formats, championship classifications, repeats of some information that is contained in the NSTRA Constitution and/or By-Laws, etc. This information will be modified as changes occur.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
DOG OF THE YEAR TRIAL AND REGIONAL ELIMINATIONS
| 1. Standby dogs for annual Dog of the Year Trial shall be selected by National Officers from Regional Elimination Finals runner-up dogs. Standby dogs will be eligible to win, should they run, providing the entry fee has been paid. | |
| 2. A large trophy will be given Dog of the Year winner with appropriate trophies for first, second and third runners-up. | |
| 3. To win any or all NSTRA Championship Trials, a dog must prove that it will point, back and retrieve. If it has not demonstrated its ability in each of these areas during the Regional Elimination Trials, it will be required to demonstrate its ability prior to being declared the winner. A dog must prove that it will back at both Regional Elimination and Dog of the Year Trial. Even if the winning dog has received one or more zero backing scores during the trial it will be given one opportunity to prove that it will back by having a backing situation setup after the conclusion of the trial. Should the top dog fail in its attempt to prove that it will back, the next dog in line would be declared the winner provided it had a scored back during the trial, if it did not have a scored back a backing situation would be setup for it as well. If that dog also fails in its attempt the same procedure would apply to the next dog in line. | |
| 4. The National Officers shall be responsible for managing the Dog of the Year Trial Finals, (i.e., judge and field marshal selection, entry fees, date, birds, trophies, grounds, etc. As outlined in the Constitution and By-Laws). | |
| 5 . Dog of the Year participants shall be selected from the Regional Elimination Finalists on prorated basis (based on the total number of dogs drawn and run in each Regional Elimination) to participate in the Dog of the Year Trial Finals. | |
| 6. If a dog is withdrawn after the drawing, from the Dog of the Year Trial, he will receive 50% refund of his entry fee, unless the dog is ill or in season. This is to be verified by a vet certification. | |
| 7. Championship points will be awarded in the qualifying rounds and shall be counted toward the Region High Point System. | |
| 8. Dogs that obtain Championship status will automatically be qualified for the Regional Dog of the Year Trial Eliminations. They will not be counted in the quota unless they run. | |
| 9. An owner shall be allowed to enter his dog (or dogs) in his home region or regions in which his dog (or dogs) qualified for elimination trials, but not in both regions. Dogs that qualify in home region must enter in home region. Dogs that hold Championship status must run in home region. A dog may enter only one region elimination trial per year January 1st to December 31st). | |
| 10. Dogs that have co-owners must have a home region designated. Owners requesting a change of home region must do so, in writing through the National Office between the dates of October 1st and January 1st. | |
| Exception: A member who permanently relocates to within the boundaries of a Region, other than their Home Region, may make written application to the NSTRA office at anytime to request a change in their Home Region. | |
| 11. A dog must be eligible to be registered or be registered with a recognized registry to receive placement in any NSTRA trial and/or Region Elimination or National Championship Trial. NSTRA recognizes the NSTRA, AKC, FDSB, and CKC registries. However, regardless of which registry is used, the dog must be eligible to be registered in the NSTRA registry to be entered in any NSTRA trial. An owner having dog registration pending will be responsible for documenting all placements in accordance with the By-Laws and Rules. With out a recorded placement a dog will not be eligible to run in a Regional Elimination Trial. | |
| 12. Cut off date for eligibility to run in a regional elimination trial shall be two weeks prior to that region's elimination trial. The weekend two weeks prior to the elimination may be counted re: eligibility for that year's trial, but not the following year's trial. | |
| 13. Region Elimination trials must all be run at least 45 days prior to the Dog of the Year Trial. Region Presidents shall not schedule Region Elimination Trials on the same weekend as any of the National Championship Trials. | |
| NOTE: The Regional Elimination Trials are an extension of the Dog of the Year Trial. | |
| 14. Regions using more than one field shall award points for each field in the same manner as a recognized field trial. Regions using more than one field shall award points for their Finals based upon the number of dogs run in the (overall Region Elimination Trial) Finals. (Scoring point breakdown as per rule book - no changes). Regions using more than one field shall award points as if that one field was a Final. Regions must have more than 32 dogs running in the Elimination to use more than one field. | |
REQUIREMENTS FOR CHAMPION CERTIFICATION
| 1. REGISTRY: A dog must be enrolled
in a recognized breed or field dog registry, approved by the National
Shoot-To- Retrieve Field Trial Association Inc, officers and Board of Directors to be awarded the certificate of champion. (NSTRA recognizes the NSTRA, AKC, FDSB and CKC registries. However, regardless of which registry is used, the dog must be eligible to be registered in the NSTRA registry as a recognized pointing dog breed to be entered in any NSTRA trial.) |
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| 2. POINTS: Champion points must be accumulated by dog placement in field trials recognized by the National Shoot-To-Retrieve Field Trial Association, Inc. | ||
| 3 . CHAMPION STATUS: Champion status shall be attained when a dog has accumulated a total of eighteen (18) points as follows: | ||
A. Recognized Field Trial Winners:
B. Dog of the Year Eliminations (Based on 18-23 dog trial) (Based on 17 dogs or less trial) C. National Dog Of The Year Trial Winners: All points received in the finals of Regional Elimination Trials, Quail Invitational, Grand National, Trial of Champions, Endurance Trial, and Dog of the Year Trial may be counted as first place points. |
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| 4. FIRST PLACE WINS: A dog must have a minimum of nine (9) first place points in his total point accumulation. | ||
| 5. BACKING: A dog must demonstrate that he will back another dog to be eligible for certification as champion. | ||
NSTRA GRAND NATIONAL INVITATIONAL TRIAL
64 DOG FORMAT
GRAND NATIONAL INVITATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
The goal of the 64 Dog Format for the Grand National Championship is to make this trial easier to fill, while in turn, making it more prestigious and producing a true “Grand National Champion”.
Under the qualification criteria, all dogs would have some sort of significant achievement during the previous calendar year that would facilitate their entry into the trial. The available slots will be limited to the following proposal:
1. The National Top Performance Winner.
2. The dogs placing 1st through 4th in the six National Trials leading to the Grand National, including the previous year’s Grand National final placements.
3. The 32 region elimination winners.
4. Numbers 2 through 10 from the National Top Performance Award listing.
5. The 32 region high point dogs.
At this point, the number of qualified dogs would be 98. However, undoubtedly there will be some duplication of dogs. The remaining invitations would be sent to the region elimination placements 2nd through 4th as well as the Top Performance dogs 11th through 20th.
The entry fee for the Grand National has been set at $200 per entry;
as voted on by the National Board of Directors.
TRIAL OF CHAMPIONS
NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP TRIAL
1. The Trial of Champions shall be for those dogs that have attained the status of Champion and have been recognized by the National Shoot-To-Retrieve Field Trial Association, Inc. There will be no standby dogs. (An owner has the option of entering by deadline date or not entering.)
2. The National officers shall be responsible for managing the Trial of Champions, i.e., judge and field marshal selection, entry fees, date, birds, trophies, grounds, etc.
3 . If a dog is withdrawn after the drawing, he will receive 50% refund of his entry fee, unless the dog is ill or in season, this to be verified by a vet certification.
4. Trophies for Trial of Champions:
(a) A large trophy shall be awarded to the winner.
(b) A moderate trophy shall be awarded to the runner-up.
(c) Appropriate trophies will be awarded to third and fourth place dogs.
(d) Daily trophies will be awarded to the first, second and third place dogs.
5. Championship points will be awarded for the qualifying rounds and shall be counted towards the region high point competition.
6. A dog must prove he will back naturally on its own, in order to be declared the winner of this trial. The dog may not be stopped by the owner/ handler on a back.
PURINA TOP PERFORMANCE AWARD
I . A dog may win the Purina Top Performance Award by participating in recognized National Shoot-To-Retrieve Field Trial Association, Inc., trials by accumulating the greatest point total for the one year period.
2. Points shall be awarded as follows:
A. 24-32 dog trials:
Three (3) points for first place
Two (2) points for second place
One (1) point for third placeB. 18-23 dog trials:
Two (2) points for first place
One (1) point for second placeC. 12-17 dog trials:
One (1) point for first place
3. The award shall be presented at the annual meeting of the National Shoot-To-Retrieve Association, Inc. Points counted shall be based on one year) s accumulation, from June 1st to May 31st of the following year.
4. No points shall be credited toward this award from placements in Regional Eliminations, Dog of the Year Trial, Trial of Champions, Quail Invitational, Grand National, or Purina Endurance Trial.
5. The National officers shall be responsible for conducting the award ceremony for the Top Performance Award Winner. This presentation shall be made by the Purina representative.
QUAIL INVITATIONAL TRIAL
NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP TRIAL
1. The number of dogs in the trial shall be a minimum of sixty four. The dogs will be invited according to points scored from November 1st to October 31st. There will be sufficient invitations sent initially, to fill the field, up to the top 350 dogs or as many as necessary.
2. The National officers shall be responsible for managing the Quail Invitational Trial, i.e., judge and field marshal selection, entry fees, date, birds, trophies, grounds, etc.
3. Trophies for Quail Invitational Trial:
(1) Six trophies for first elimination round (two sets of 1st/2nd/3rd).
(2) Four trophies for final four or belt buckles for the top four.
4. A dog must prove he will back naturally on its own, in order to be declared the winner of this trial. The dog may not be stopped by the owner/handler on a back.
5. If a dog is withdrawn after the drawing, he will receive 50% refund of his entry fee, unless the dog is ill or in season, this to be verified by a vet certification.
6. The Quail Invitational Trial may be sponsored by one of the major sponsors of NSTRA and this trial will bear that sponsor's name.
7. This will be a rotating trial based on invitations received from NSTRA Regions.
8. Championship points will be awarded for the qualifying rounds and shall be counted towards the region high point competition.
NATIONAL ENDURANCE CLASSIC
NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP TRIAL
1. The number of dogs in the trial shall be a maximum of one hundred twenty-eight. Invitations will be prorated among the regions, based on number of trials held in each region from June 1st to May 31st. Region quotas will be filled from entries in high point order beginning with the highest point dog based on points accumulated from June 1st to May 31st. Each entry will compete twice for points, with the trial winner being designated NSTRA Champion. Brace winners will advance, throughout the trial.
2. The National Endurance Classic will be sponsored by one of the major sponsors of NSTRA and this trial will bear that sponsor's name.
3. This will be a rotating trial based on invitations received from NSTRA Regions.
4. Sponsor's Region Challenge Trial: A special trial sponsored by a chosen sponsor will be held on Day 2. Entry for this trial will be automatic with no additional charge, for all dogs who do not win their braces in the original (Day 1) Trial, and shall consist of a minimum of 32 dogs.
5. The National officers shall be responsible for managing the National Endurance Classic, i.e., judge and field marshal selection, entry fees, date, birds, trophies, grounds, etc.
6. Trophies for the Endurance Classic:
(1) Three trophies for each field where regular trial points are awarded.
(2) Four trophies for the Champion and runners-up or belt buckles.
(3) Three trophies for each field where regular trial points are awarded for the Sponsor's Region Challenge Trial. Also, a traveling trophy (plaque) shall be presented to the trial winner on behalf of his region, to be returned the following year for the next winner. The name of the winner, owner and region shall be added to the traveling award. Also, copy of this Sponsor' s Challenge Trophy (plaque) displayed permanently in the NSTRA office, shall be engraved with the current winner's name, owner and region.
7. A dog must prove he will back naturally on its own, in order to be declared the winner of this trial. The dog may not be stopped by the owner/ handler on a back.
8. If a dog is withdrawn after the drawing, he will receive 50% refund of his entry fee, unless the dog is ill or in season, this to be verified by a vet certification.
9. Championship points will be awarded for the qualifying rounds and shall be counted towards the region high point competition.
AMATEUR/OPEN TRIAL FORMAT
Eligibility: Any dog that has 3 Open points or less, none of which none can be first place points, is classified as an Amateur dog and is eligible for the Amateur division. An Open dog is one that has four (4) or more Open points or a dog that has earned first place points in the Open Division. Entrants are responsible for the proper classification of their dogs (Amateur or Open). An Amateur dog can run in either the Amateur or Open Division at the owner’s discretion (including moving back and forth between the two, except as noted in the last sentence) until such time as the dog achieves any one of the following:
1) Amateur Championship status (18 points-9 of which are first place Amateur points)
2) earns more than 3 points in Open Division
3) earns any First Place point(s) in the Open Division
Once any of the foregoing benchmarks are achieved the dog can no longer compete in the Amateur Division, except as noted in the following sentence. The only exception would be that should a dog be drawn for the second day of a weekend trial and on the prior day, it achieved any one of the aforementioned benchmarks the dog would be allowed to continue in the Amateur Division in the second day trial, if originally drawn for that trial. A dog cannot compete in the Open portion and the Amateur portion of an Amateur/Open trial on the same day.
Trial Format: Amateur Trials are to be conducted following the last brace of the Open division of the trial. There will be five birds released first brace of the Amateur Trial, and five birds released for each brace thereafter. Example: 24 Open dogs drawn to run the first 12 braces then 8 Amateur dogs drawn to run the next 4 braces.
The Amateur portion of the trial shall consist of a maximum of four braces (8 dogs), and a minimum of two braces (4 dogs). The combined total of Amateur and Open braces shall not exceed 16 nor can it be less than 8. Under the rules of a recognized field trial, the minimum is 12 dogs (6 braces) for an Open trial. Also 4 dogs (2 braces) is the minimum for an Amateur Trial under this Open/Amateur format. The trial shall be advertised in the schedule portion of the NSTRA magazine and website if it is an Amateur/Open trial or Open. If advertised as an Open trial all rules pertaining to NSTRA Open trials apply. The entry fee shall be the same for both the Amateur and the Open portion of the Amateur/Open trial.
Entries in the Amateur/Open trial: Entries in the Open division of the trial shall be limited to Five (5) dogs per owner and/or handler per trial. Two shall be specified with the additional dogs to be added to the field seven (7) days prior to the trial only if the trial is not full per rules of a recognized field trial. Under the Open/Amateur format 24 Open dogs and 8 Amateur dogs (16 braces) is considered a full trial. Preference shall be given to filling the Amateur division first.
Entries in the Amateur division shall be limited to two (2) dogs per owner and/or handler per trial. One shall be specified with the additional dog to be added to the field seven (7) days prior to the trial only if the trial is not full (8) dogs on that date. Preference shall be given to filling the Amateur division first.
Regional Eligibility: An Amateur dog is eligible to compete in the Region Elimination Trial once it has reached the status of Amateur Champion, which is a total of 18 Amateur points, 9 of which must be first place Amateur points.
Drawing the Trial: Drawing procedures should utilize the Double/Double format utilizing Endurance drawing logic. Handlers/Owners may be drawn to run back-to-back braces in the Amateur division, if necessary. This should be avoided if possible but in the event that 2 handlers have 2 dogs each entered, back-to-back draws may be necessary. Handlers/Owners may be drawn back-to-back in the last two braces of the Open portion of the trial.
Established NSTRA Sanction Fees shall apply. The Amateur/Open shall be sanctioned under one fee for both divisions.
Points Earned: Points earned as an Amateur will only count toward an Amateur Championship (which is defined as a total of 18 Amateur points, 9 of which must be First Place Amateur Points). Amateur points will not count for any other titles, invitations to National trials, High Points Awards, Performance Awards, or other awards in the Open Division. These points are Amateur Points only.
A Three Point Trial: 12 braces (24 dogs) are required for a three point Open Division trial.
Applicability: All rules of NSTRA regarding judging standards in effect for the Open Division shall apply to the Amateur Division.
*** Note: If total braces of Amateur dogs and Open dog are less than 16, adjustments can be made to the Open Division in order to fill the void. Example: If 24 Open dogs are entered and only 6 Amateur dogs entered 7 days prior to the trial, an additional open brace can be added if entries are available. Braces may not be added after the draw.
All Scheduled Amateur/Open Field Trials will be officially sanctioned trials by NSTRA.
Points: All Amateur/Open Trials shall be run under National Shoot-to-Retrieve Field Trial Association all age rules. Points shall be awarded as follows:
|
Amateur portion of a trial: | |
| 4 entries: 6-5 entries: 8-7 entries: |
One point for first place Two points for first place One point for second place Three points for first place Two points for second place One point for third place |
|
| Open portion of a trial: | ||
| 12-17 entries: 18-23 entries: 24-plus entries: |
One point for first place Two points for first place One point for second place Three points for first place Two points for second place One point for third place |
|
BYE dogs: Should an uneven number of Amateur entries be received
, a BYE dog may be used to round out the field provided the BYE dog meets
all the eligibility criteria for Amateur competition ( 3 or less Open
NSTRA points none of which can be First Place points). If no suitable
BYE dog is available, the last Amateur entry received will be returned
with a full refund. In the event of an uneven number of entries in the
Open Class, a standby dog may be used. An Amateur entry may compete in
the Open Class if he so chooses, but may not compete in both classes on
the same day. There are no changes to the rules governing BYE dogs in
the Open Trial.
OPEN/NOVICE TRIAL
1. All Open/Novice Trials shall be run under National Shoot-To-Retrieve Field Trial Association all age rules. Each Region may hold no more than one (2) Open/Novice Trials per year (one during the spring schedule and one during the fall schedule). Championship points shall be awarded as follows:
| 12-17 entries: 18-23 entries: 24-32 entries: |
One point for first place Two points for first place One point for second place Three points for first place Two points for second place One point for third place |
2. A Novice dog is one that has a total of three (3) points or less and none of the points are first place points. An Open dog is one that has four (4) or more points.
3. Entrants are responsible for assuring their Novice Dog has three (3) points or less.
4. An Open and Novice dog shall not be drawn against each other. Draw all open dogs first and than all Novice dogs. (Example: If the trial has 18 Open dogs and 14 Novice dogs, then, it would consist of 9 braces (1-9 of Open dogs) and 7 braces (10-16 of Novice dogs).
5. In the event of uneven number of entries in the Novice Class, the last entry received will be returned with fee refunded.
6. In the event of uneven number of entries in the Open Class, a standby dog may be used. If unavailable, a Novice entry may compete in the Open Class if he so chooses.
7. An Open/Novice dog is eligible to compete in the Region Elimination Trial.
8. Regions will be permitted to hold one 1-day trial during the spring schedule and one 1-day trial during the fall schedule.
9. Established NSTRA sanction fees shall apply.
REGION CHALLENGE
1. All Region Challenge Trials shall be run under National Shoot-to-Retrieve Field Trial Association all age rules. Each region may participate in no more than one Region Challenge Trial per year. Championship points to be awarded as follows:
| 12-17 entries: 18-23 entries: 24-32 entries: |
One point for first place Two points for first place One point for second place Three points for first place Two points for second place One point for third place |
2. Regions will be permitted to hold one 2-day trial per calendar year.
3. Entries shall be determined by regions involved in the challenge.
4. Established NSTRA sanction fees shall apply.
AMATEUR FIELD TRIAL
1. All Amateur Trials shall be run under National Shoot-To-Retrieve Field Trial Association rules. Each Region may hold no more than four (4) Amateur Trials per year (two during the spring trial season and two during the fall trial season). All Trials must be scheduled through Region Presidents. There is no sanctioning fee required to be paid to NSTRA for Amateur Trials.
2. All Scheduled Amateur Field Trials will be officially sanctioned trials by NSTRA.
3. Championship points shall be awarded as follows:
| 12-17 entries: 18-23 entries: 24-32 entries: |
One point for first place Two points for first place One point for second place Three points for first place Two points for second place One point for third place |
4. No Amateur points shall count as first place points in qualifying as a champion.
5. All Amateur points acquired in the time frame for qualifying for Region Elimination Trials shall count as qualification points for Region Elimination trials.
6. No Amateur points shall apply toward the Top Performance Award
7. Entrants shall be responsible for assuring their dog does not have any placements before entering an Amateur Trial.
8. Entry fees shall be limited to 25.00 per entry. Total number of entries
per owner and/or
handler shall comply with rule book, page 17, #5, under Rules For Recognized
Field Trials.
9. Trial participants must be NSTRA members.
10. Awards: plaques, trophies, etc. shall be awarded to the top six placements of each Amateur Trial.
11. Trial articles and photos of the placements of Amateur Trials will
be publifshed in the NSTRA magazine if forwarded to the NSTRA office.
NOTES
Revised 04/05
Copyright 1980, National Shoot-to-Retrieve Field Trial Association, Inc.
It may not be reproduced without written permission.
Any additions to NSTRA rules will be published for the benefit of the membership in the Official NSTRA Magazine Publication.
For additional information, contact:
National Shoot To Retrieve Field Trial Assoc, Inc.
226 North Mill Street #2
Plainfield, Indiana 46168
(317) 839-4059
(317) 839-4197 fax
email: nstrfta@ameritech.net