Field Trial Rules and Standard Procedure for Pointing Breeds

Last Updated: August 28, 1998 - Procedure 6-P, Effective September 1, 1998

Foreword

The American Kennel Club was formed principally for the protection and advancement of purebred dogs.

The State of New York by Special Act of its Legislature incorporated The American Kennel Club and granted it a charter in Section 2 of which the objects of the corporation are described to be "to adopt and enforce uniform rules regulating and governing dog shows and field trials, to regulate the conduct of persons interested in exhibiting, running, breeding, registering, purchasing and selling dogs, to detect, prevent, and punish frauds in connection therewith, to protect the interests of its members, to maintain and publish an official stud book and an official kennel gazette, and generally to do everything to advance the study, breeding, exhibiting, running and maintenance of the purity of thoroughbred dogs."'

Section 2 of this charter further states that "for these purposes," The American Kennel Club, "shall have power to adopt a constitution, bylaws, rules and regulations, and enforce the same by fines and penalties, which it shall have the right to collect and enforce by suit, or by suspension or expulsion from membership, or by a suspension or denial of any or all of the privileges of said corporation."

Competition in conformation and performance events can best demonstrate the progress that has been made in breeding for type and quality, and/or for practical use, stamina and obedience. The American Kennel Club has therefore adopted bylaws, rules and regulations by which to govern and administrate these events; the clubs that wish to hold them; and the individuals who exhibit, compete or take part in them. This book contains such bylaws, rules and regulations as affect the above.

Table of Contents

Chapter l

General Explanations

Section 1. The word "dog" wherever used in these Field Trial Rules and Regulations includes both sexes.

Section 2. The words "United States of America" wherever used in these Field Trial Rules and Regulations shall be construed to include all territories and possessions of the United States of America and all vessels sailing under the American flag.

Chapter 2

Field Trials Defined

A Member Field Trial is a field trial at which championship points may be awarded; given by a club or association which is a member of The American Kennel Club.

A Licensed Field Trial is a field trial at which championship points may be awarded, given by a club or association which is not a member of The American Kennel Club, but which has been specially licensed by The American Kennel Club to give the specific field trial designated in the license.

A Sanctioned Field Trial is an informal field trial at which dogs may compete but not for championship points, held by a club or association, whether or not a member of The American Kennel Club, by obtaining the sanction of The American Kennel Club.

Chapter 3

Making Application To Hold A Field Trial

Section 1. Each member club or association is entitled to hold one show and/or one field trial a year without payment of a fee to The American Kennel Club, but must pay a fee of fifteen ($15.00) dollars for each other show and/or field trial which it may hold during the same calendar year.

Section 2. Each member club or association which has held a field trial or field trials in any one year shall have first right to claim the corresponding dates for its trial or trials to be held in the next succeeding year.

Section 3. A member club or association must apply to The American Kennel Club for leave to hold a field trial, stating in the application the day or days upon which and the place where it desires to hold such field trial. This application will be referred to the Board of Directors of The American Kennel Club which will consider the same and notify the member club or association of its approval or disapproval of the dates and place selected.

Section 4. The use of a club's name for field trial purposes cannot be transferred.

Section 5. If a non-member club or association wishes to hold a field trial it must apply to The American Kennel Club, on a form which will be supplied by The American Kennel Club upon request, for leave to hold such field trial stating in the application the day or days upon which and the place where it desires to hold such field trial and giving to The American Kennel Club such information with regard to the Constitution and Bylaws, and the names of the officers and members and the financial responsibility of the applying non-member club or association as The American Kennel Club may demand and shall pay a license fee for the privilege of holding such field trial, the amount of which fee shall be fixed and determined by the Board of Directors of The American Kennel Club. This application will be referred to the Board of Directors of The American Kennel Club which will consider the same and notify the non-member club or association of its approval or disapproval of the dates and place selected.

If the Board of Directors shall disapprove the application, the license fee will be returned to said non-member club or association.

Section 6. A non-member specialty club may be licensed to hold a field trial, if the consent in writing that it may be given first shall be obtained from the member specialty club formed for the improvement of the breed sought to be run which first was admitted to be a member of The American Kennel Club, which member club is commonly known as the Parent Club.

If a Parent Club unreasonably shall withhold its consent in writing to the holding of such field trial the non-member specialty club may appeal to the Board of Directors of The American Kennel Club at any time after one month from the time when said consent was requested and a committee of said Board appointed by said Board or between sittings of said Board appointed by the President of The American Kennel Club or in his absence by the Executive Vice-President of The American Kennel Club shall hear the parties who may present their respective contentions either orally or in writing and in its discretion may issue a license to the non-member specialty club to hold such field trial.

Section 7. If a member or non-member club or association wishes to hold a sanctioned field trial, it must apply to The American Kennel Club for leave to hold such field trial, stating in the application the date or dates upon which and the place where it desires to hold such field trial, the names and addresses of the officers of the club or association, and the names and addresses of the Judges. The application will be referred to the Board of Directors of The American Kennel Club, which will consider the same and notify the club or association of its approval or disapproval of the dates, place and Judges selected. No fee is charged by The American Kennel Club for holding a sanctioned field trial.

Sanctioned field trials shall be governed by such simple rules and regulations as from time to time shall be determined by the Board of Directors.

Section 8. The Board of Directors of The American Kennel Club will not approve applications for field trials where dates conflict unless it be shown that the granting of such application will not work to the detriment of either field trial club which has applied.

A club holding field trials must not advertise or publish the date of any field trial which it proposes to hold until that date has been approved by The American Kennel Club.

Section 9. If circumstances prior to the first day of a trial require a club to change the approved location or to cancel an approved licensed or member field trial, the club must notify the Field Trial Department of The American Kennel Club as expeditiously as possible, giving good and sufficient reasons for the proposed location change or cancellation.

Should circumstances during a trial preclude prior AKC notification of a change in location or the cancellation of the trial, a full report on such action(s) must be made to AKC within 7 days.

Chapter 4

Ribbons and Prizes

Section 1. A club holding a licensed or member field trial shall offer prize ribbons or rosettes of the following colors in the regular stakes:

First Prize - Blue.
Second prize - Red.
Third prize - Yellow.
Fourth prize - White.
Special prize - Dark Green.

Section 2. Each ribbon or rosette at a licensed or member field trial shall be at least 2 inches wide and approximately 8 inches long and shall bear on its face a facsimile of the seal of The American Kennel Club, the words Field Trial, the name of the prize, the name of the club holding the field trial, and the date of the trial.

Section 3. If ribbons or rosettes are given at Sanctioned Field Trials, or in non-regular stakes at licensed or member field trials, they shall be of the following colors:

First prize - Rose.
Second prize - Brown.
Third prize - Light Green.
Fourth prize - Gray.
Special prize - A combination of any of these colors.

Section 4. If money prizes are offered, a fixed amount or a percentage of the entry fee for each prize shall be stated.

Section 5. All prizes not money which may be offered shall be accurately described or the value stated. Stud services shall not be accepted as prizes.

Chapter 5

Judges

Section 1. Persons judging field trials are not required to obtain licenses and a field trial club may submit the name of any reputable person who is in good standing with The American Kennel Club for approval to judge at its field trial. Such approved Judges may run dogs in any stakes in which they are not judging, except as otherwise provided for in these Rules.

The following policies apply to all field trials held on and after January 1, 1994.

Persons that have judged assignments at ten (10) or more AKC licensed or member field trials are exempt from the five placement requirement, the self-administered test and seminar attendance.

Section 2. A substitute Judge may be appointed by the Field Trial Committee holding the trial if it is impossible for an advertised Judge to fulfill or complete his assignment. In a trial in which the entry is not limited, either numerically or by the number of available daylight hours, additional Judges can be appointed by the Field Trial Committee if the number of entries would otherwise prevent completion of the trial during the days listed in the premium list, or if unforeseen circumstances arising after the scheduled time for starting the trial would prevent such completion. Such substitute or additional Judges shall be persons who are in good standing with The American Kennel Club. Prompt notification shall be sent to AKC, in advance of the trial if possible, of any substitute or additional Judges officiating at a licensed or member trial, and of the reasons for the change.

Section 3. Before any advertised Judge shall be eligible to judge a licensed or member field trial, he shall first sign an agreement certifying that he has a thorough knowledge of the Rules, Regulations and Procedures, and will judge in strict accord with them.

Section 4. The decisions of the Judges shall be final in all matters relating to the field trial performance of the dogs. Full discretionary power is given to the Judges to withhold any or all awards for want of merit.

Chapter 6

Appointment of Field Trial Secretary, Appointment, Responsibilities And Authorities of Field Trial Committee

Section 1. A club that has been granted permission by The American Kennel Club to hold a licensed or member field trial must appoint a Field Trial Secretary and submit his or her name to The American Kennel Club for its records on a form that will be supplied by the AKC. Any qualified person who is in good standing with The American Kennel Club may act as Field Trial Secretary.

Section 2. A club that has been granted permission by The American Kennel Club to hold a licensed or member field trial must appoint a Field Trial Committee which will have complete responsibility for the planning and conducting of the trial. This committee shall be comprised of at least five members of the club and may include the Field Trial Secretary.

Section 3. The Field Trial Committee and Field Trial Secretary shall be held responsible for compliance with all of the Field Trial Rules and Procedures except those coming under the sole jurisdiction of the Judges, and must provide themselves with copies of the latest edition of this book.

Section 4. The Field Trial Committee of a club holding a licensed or member trial shall have the authority to decide upon any matter arising during the running of the trial, except a matter coming within the jurisdiction of the Judges, but such committee decisions must be made in accord with these Field Trial Rules and Standard Procedures.

Chapter 7

Premium Lists, Entry Forms, Closing of Entries, Drawing of Entries

Section 1. After a club has been granted permission by The American Kennel Club to hold a licensed or member field trial and before its premium list is printed, it must send to The American Kennel Club, for approval, two copies of a Questionnaire Form (supplied by the AKC) which will give the exact location of the trial, the dates on which it will be held, and set forth in detail the stakes to be run and their conditions; a complete list of the money, ribbon prizes and other prizes which it wishes to offer; a list of the names and addresses of the Judges and the stakes they are to judge; the names and addresses of the officers of the club, including the Field Trial Secretary; the name and address of the Chairman and the names of the other members of the Field Trial Committee; the date, hour and place of the closing of entries; and the date, hour and place of the drawing of entries.

The place where entries are to be drawn need not be identical with the place where entries are received. Each premium list shall specify that the Field Trial Secretary is to receive entries.

Premium lists, when printed, shall contain all the information set forth on the Questionnaire Form as approved by The American Kennel Club and shall be the official size, from 51/2 by 81/2 inches to 6 by 9 inches.

Section 2. Every premium list shall contain one or more copies of the official American Kennel Club entry form as approved by the Board of Directors of the AKC. Any club may obtain a sample of the official entry form applicable to the particular type of trial to be held. Requests should be in writing, addressed to The American Kennel Club.

Section 3. Two copies of the premium list and entry form when printed must be sent to The American Kennel Club at time of distribution to prospective entrants.

Section 4. Field Trial Committees may make such regulations or additional rules for the government of their field trials as shall be considered necessary, provided such regulations or additional rules do not conflict with any rule of The American Kennel Club. Such regulations or additional rules shall be printed in the premium list and violations thereof shall be considered the same as violations of the Rules and Regulations of The American Kennel Club.

Chapter 8

Eligibility of Dogs For Entry, Full Completion of Entry Forms

Section 1. No dog shall be eligible to be entered in a licensed or member field trial unless it is either individually registered in the AKC Stud Book or is part of an AKC registered litter, or otherwise, if whelped outside the United States of America and owned by a resident of the USA or of a country with a foreign registry organization whose pedigrees are acceptable for AKC registration and is registered with that registry. A dog with an AKC Limited Registration shall be eligible to be entered in licensed or member Field Trials and/or Hunting Tests.

An unregistered dog that is part of an AKC registered litter or an unregistered dog with an acceptable foreign registration that was whelped outside the USA and that is owned by a resident of the USA or of a country with a foreign registry organization whose pedigrees are acceptable for AKC registration may, without special AKC approval, be entered in licensed or member field trials that are held not later than 30 days after the date of the first licensed or member field trial in which the dog was entered, but only provided that the AKC litter registration number or the individual foreign registration number and the name of the country of birth are shown on the entry form, and provided further that the same name, which in the case of an imported dog must be the name on the foreign registration, is used for the dog each time.

Section 2. No dog that has not been individually registered with The American Kennel Club when first entered in a licensed or member field trial shall be eligible to be entered in any licensed or member field trial that is held more than 30 days after the date of the first licensed or member field trial in which it was entered, unless the dogÕs individual AKC registration number is shown on the entry form, or unless the owner has received from The American Kennel Club an extension notice in writing authorizing further entries of the dog for a specified time with its AKC litter number or individual foreign registration number. No such extension will be granted unless the owner can clearly demonstrate, in a letter addressed to the Field Trial Department of The American Kennel Club requesting such extension, that the delay in registration is due to circumstances for which he is not responsible.

Such extension notice will be void upon registration of the dog or upon expiration of the period for which the extension has been granted if that occurs earlier, but upon application further extensions may be granted.

Section 3. If a dog is later individually registered with a name that is not identical to the name under which it has been entered in field trials prior to individual registration, each entry form entering the dog in a licensed or member field trial after the owner has received the individual registration certificate must show the registered name followed by "formerly entered as" and the name under which the dog was previously entered, until the dog has been awarded one of the four places in a regular stake at a licensed or member field trial.

Section 4. Every dog must be entered in the name of the person who actually owned the dog at the time entries closed. The right to enter and run a dog cannot be transferred. A registered dog which has been acquired by some person other than the owner as recorded with The American Kennel Club must be entered in the name of its new owner at any field trial for which entries close after the date on which the dog was acquired, and application for transfer of ownership must be sent to The American Kennel Club by the new owner within seven days after the last day of the trial. The new owner should state on the entry form that transfer application has been mailed to The American Kennel Club or will be mailed shortly. If there is any unavoidable delay in obtaining the completed application required to record the transfer, The American Kennel Club may grant a reasonable extension of time provided the new owner notifies the Field Trial Department of The American Kennel Club by mail within seven days after the trial, of the reason for the delay. If an entry is made by a duly authorized agent of the owner, the name of the actual owner must be shown on the entry form.

Section 5. Each entry form must be completed in full and the information given on the form must be that which applies to the entered dog. Each entry form must be signed by the owner or his agent duly authorized to make the entry.

Section 6. No entry shall be accepted from any person who is not in good standing with The American Kennel Club on the day of the closing of the entries. Before accepting any entries, a list of persons not in good standing must be obtained by the Field Trial Secretary from The American Kennel Club.

Section 7. No entry shall be made under a kennel name unless that name has been registered with The American Kennel Club. All entries made under a kennel name must be signed with the kennel name followed by the word "registered." An "entrant" is the individual, or, if a partnership, all the members of the partnership entering in a field trial. In the case of such entry by a partnership every member of the partnership shall be in good standing with The American Kennel Club before the entry will be accepted; and in case of any infraction of these rules, all the partners shall be held equally responsible.

Section 8. Owners are responsible for errors made in entry forms, regardless of who may have made such errors.

Section 9. No dog shall be eligible to compete at any field trial, no dog shall be brought into the grounds or premises of any field trial, and any dog which may have been brought into the grounds or premises of a field trial shall immediately be removed, if it

(a) shows clinical symptoms of distemper, infectious hepatitis, leptospirosis or other communicable disease, or

(b) is known to have been in contact with distemper, infectious hepatitis, leptospirosis or other communicable disease within thirty days prior to the opening of the trial, or

(c) has been kenneled within thirty days prior to the opening of the trial on premises on which there existed distemper, infectious hepatitis, leptospirosis or other communicable disease.

Section 10. Any field trial-giving club which accepts an entry fee other than that published in its premium list or entry form, or in any way discriminates between entrants, shall be disciplined. No club or member of any club shall give or offer to give any owner or handler any special inducements, such as reduced entry fees, allowances for board or transportation or other incentive of value for a certain number of entries or shall give or offer to give in consideration of entering a certain number of dogs, any prizes or prize money, except the officially advertised prizes or prize money, which prize money shall be for a stated sum or a portion of the entry fees. Any club found guilty of violating this rule shall be barred from holding licensed or sanctioned trials, and if a member of The American Kennel Club, may be expelled from membership therein. All persons found guilty of paying or receiving any monies, special inducements or allowances in violation of the foregoing shall be disciplined, even to the extent of being deprived of all privileges of The American Kennel Club for a stated time or indefinitely.

Section 11. A Field Trial Committee may decline any entries or may remove any dog from its trial for cause, but in each such instance shall file good and sufficient reasons for so doing with The American Kennel Club.

Section 12. Any dog entered and present at a field trial must compete in all stakes in which it is entered, unless excused by the Field Trial Committee at that trial after consultation with the Judges.

Chapter 9

Cancellations of Awards

Section 1. If an ineligible dog has been entered and run in any stake at a licensed or member field trial, or if the person or persons named as owner or owners on the entry form are not the person or persons who actually owned the dog at the time entries closed, or if a dog is run in a stake for which it has not been entered, or if its entry form is deemed invalid by The American Kennel Club under these rules, all resulting awards shall be cancelled by The American Kennel Club, and such dog shall not be counted as having been in competition in determining championship ratings.

Section 2. If the win of a dog shall be cancelled, the dog next in order of merit shall be moved up, and the win of the dog moved up shall be counted the same as if it had been the original award.

Section 3. If the win of a dog shall be cancelled by The American Kennel Club, the entrant of the dog shall return all prizes for such win to the Secretary of the field trial-giving club within ten (10) days of receipt of notice from The American Kennel Club of said cancellation.

Chapter 10

Protests Against Dogs

Section 1. Any person who is a member of a member club of The American Kennel Club, or who owns a dog entered in the field trial, or who handles a dog competing in the trial, may make a protest to the Field Trial Committee against any dog competing in the trial, either before or after the dog has been judged, alleging that it is ineligible to compete in the trial or in the stake in which it is entered. Such a protest shall be in writing, shall identify the dog protested and specify the basis for the protest, shall bear the signature and address of the person who makes it, and shall describe his qualifications for making the protest. It shall be filed with the Field Trial Secretary or with the Chairman of the Field Trial Committee before the closing of the trial, and shall be accompanied by a deposit of $10.00 which shall be returned if the protest is sustained, or which will be retained by the club if the protest is not sustained.

Section 2. If such a protest is received, the Field Trial Committee shall hold a meeting as soon as possible. The person who has made the protest must be present, and the Committee shall give all parties concerned an opportunity to be heard and to present witnesses and evidence. The Committee may call for additional evidence from other qualified persons present at the trial. After hearing all of the evidence, the Field Trial Committee shall consider the matter and shall, if possible, reach an immediate decision and inform the persons involved.

A report of the meeting, giving all of the essential evidence and the Committee's decision, together with the original written protest, must be mailed to The American Kennel Club within 7 days of the trial.

Section 3. An appeal to The American Kennel Club from a decision of a Field Trial Committee on any such protest, may be made by either the owner of the dog protested or the person who made the protest. The appeal must be received by The American Kennel Club within 30 days after the date of the Field Trial Committee's decision, and must be accompanied by a deposit of $25.00 which shall be forfeited if the decision is sustained.

Chapter 11

Field Champions and Amateur Field Champions

A dog that has completed the requirements for a Field Championship or Amateur Field Championship as described in the various Chapters of these Rules, when registered in the AKC Stud Book, will be recorded a Field Champion or an Amateur Field Champion by The American Kennel Club, and a championship certificate will be issued to the owner.

A Field Champion may be designated as "Dual Champion" if it has also been recorded as a show Champion.

Any dog which has been awarded the titles of Champion of Record, Obedience Trial Champion and Field Champion may be designated as a "Triple Champion."

Chapter 12

Judges' Award of Merit

At any licensed or member field trial the Judges may make a "Judges' Award of Merit" in any stake to any unplaced dog for particularly excellent work. The name and registration number of each dog to which such an award is made shall be noted on the back of the page in the judges' book for the stake in which the award was made.

Chapter 13

What Has To Be Sent To The American Kennel Club After A Field Trial

At the conclusion of the judging of each stake, a club holding a licensed or member field trial shall provide, for the Judges' signatures, a judging sheet of the stake judged, showing full particulars of all dogs placed. At the conclusion of the trial, the Field Trial Secretary shall certify to the Judges' signatures on each judging sheet and shall certify to the number of entries and starters in each stake.

The judging sheets, inserted in the covers of the judging book, together with all entry forms and a full report of the trial, shall be sent to The American Kennel Club so as to reach The American Kennel Club no later than seven days after the closing date of the trial. Penalty for non-compliance twenty five ($25.00) dollars, and five ($5.00) dollars for each day's delay beyond the deadline, and other such penalties as may be imposed by the Board of Directors of The American Kennel Club.

The trial report shall contain a list of the names of all members of the Field Trial Committee who were present at the trial, the names and complete addresses of all the Judges, and the name and address of the Field Trial Secretary.

At every licensed or member club field trial held under the Rules of The American Kennel Club, a recording fee not to exceed 50 cents may be required for every dog entered. The recording fee is to help defray expenses involved in maintaining the records, and applies to all dogs entered. If a dog is entered in more than one class or stake at a field trial, the recording fee applies only to the first entry. The Board of Directors shall determine, from time to time, whether a recording fee shall be required and the amount of it.

Chapter 14

Rules For Pointing Breed Trials

Held by Specialty Clubs for the Following Breeds:

Brittanys
Pointers
German Shorthaired Pointers
German Wirehaired Pointers
English Setters
Gordon Setters
Irish Setters
Vizslas
Weimaraners
Wirehaired Pointing Griffons

Section 1. A Specialty Club formed for the improvement of Brittanys, Pointers, German Shorthaired Pointers, German Wirehaired Pointers, English Setters, Gordon Setters, Irish Setters, Vizslas, Weimaraners or Wirehaired Pointing Griffons, may be approved to hold field trials for its breed or its breed plus any or all of the above named breeds. The premium list for a licensed or member trial shall name the breeds which may be entered. Unless all the breeds so specified may be entered in any of the stakes offered, then, in the conditions of each stake the breeds eligible for entry in it shall be named.

The 1987 Pointing Breed Field Trial Advisory Committee recommended that field trial clubs not discriminate against one breed when offering stakes that are open to more than one breed.

Section 2. Any of the following regular stakes may be offered at such trials:

Puppy Stake (Open and/or Amateur Walking) for dogs six months of age and under fifteen months of age on the first advertised day of the trial (e.g. a dog whelped on January 30, 1989 would not be eligible for entry in a Puppy stake at a trial which starts on April 30, 1990). Horseback handling is not permitted in Amateur Walking Puppy stakes.

Derby Stake (Open and/or Amateur Walking) for dogs six months of age and under two years of age on the first advertised day of the trial (e.g. a dog whelped on January 30, 1989 would not be eligible for entry in a Derby stake at a trial which starts on January 30, 1991). Horseback handling is not permitted in Amateur Walking Derby stakes.

Gun Dog Stake (Open and/or Amateur) for dogs six months of age and over on the first advertised day of the trial.

All-Age Stake (Open and/or Amateur) for dogs six months of age and over on the first advertised day of the trial.

Limited Gun Dog Stake (Open and/or Amateur) for dogs six months of age and over on the first advertised day of the trial which have won first place in a Derby Stake or which have placed first, second, third or fourth in any Gun Dog Stake. A field trial-giving club may give an Amateur Limited Gun Dog Stake in which places that qualify a dog have been acquired in Amateur Stakes only. When a club elects the latter option, the stake must be advertised as such in the premium list and any additional advertising that may be done.

Limited All-Age Stake (Open and/or Amateur) for dogs six months of age and over on the first advertised day of the trial which have won first place in a Derby Stake or which have placed first, second, third or fourth in any All-Age Stake. A field trial-giving club may give an Amateur Limited All-Age Stake in which places that qualify a dog have been acquired in Amateur Stakes only. When a club elects the latter option, the stake must be advertised as such in the premium list and any additonal advertising that may be done.

In an Amateur Stake at a licensed or member field trial all dogs must be handled by persons who, in the judgment of the Field Trial Committee, are qualified as Amateurs.

Definition of an Amateur for Pointing Breed Trials

A club that has been approved to hold a licensed or member field trial may, subject to the approval of The American Kennel Club, offer additional non-regular stakes for dogs not less than six months of age, provided a clear and complete description of the eligibility requirements and performance requirements for each such stake appears in the premium list.

Any or all of such regular and non-regular stakes, except Open Puppy, may be offered as Retrieving Stakes.

Section 3. The premium list for a licensed or member trial shall specify date, time and place for the closing of entries, and time and place for the drawing of all stakes. The specified closing hour may be no later than the published hour for the drawing which must be held not later than the night preceding the running of the first stake. However, at a trial at which a Limited Gun Dog or Limited All-Age Stake is offered, additional entries of particular dogs which first qualify at that trial for such a stake may be accepted and the drawing of the stake may occur immediately before the running of the stake, provided that such stipulation has been printed in the premium list.

Section 4. Bitches that are in season or which, in the opinion of the Field Trial Committee, appear to be in season, are ineligible to compete in licensed or member field trials unless the premium list specifies the stake or stakes in which bitches in season may compete. Males shall not be run until the following day on any course or part of any course where bitches in season have been run.

The Field Trial Committee may remove any dog from the field trial grounds if it considers that such removal is necessary for the smooth running of the field trial.

A dog is not eligible to be entered or to compete in any licensed or member trial in any stake if the dog has on two occasions been made the subject of the following report: If a dog, while under judgment, attacks another dog, and if the Judges are unanimously of the opinion that such attack was without reasonable cause, the Judges shall identify the offending dog on the judging sheet and the name of the offending dog shall be listed in the report of the trial sent to The American Kennel Club. The foregoing paragraph does not intend to disqualify from competition those dogs that have been reported for having attacked their bracemates on two occasions through December 31, 1988; those dogs will become ineligible for further competition upon receipt of a third such report.

Section 5. A dog is not eligible to be entered or to compete in any field trial in any stake in which championship points are given, if a judge of that stake or any member of his or her family has owned, sold, held under lease, boarded, trained or handled the dog, within one year prior to the date of the field trial.

For purposes of this Section, the words 'any member of his family' shall include a spouse, a sibling, a parent or a child, whether natural or adopted, of the Judge in question, but shall not extend to other blood or legal relationships.

Section 6. A judge who has started to judge a stake may not handle a dog in another stake until the stake that he or she is judging has been fully completed.

Section 7. The requirements for a dog of one of the pointing breeds competing in field trials under these Rules to be recorded a Field Champion or Amateur Field Champion shall be established by the Board of Directors of The American Kennel Club.

FIELD CHAMPIONSHIP

At present a dog of one of the Pointing Breeds will be recorded a Field Champion after having won 10 points under the point rating schedule below in regular stakes in at least three licensed or member field trials, provided that 3 points have been won in one 3 point or better Open All-Age, Open Gun Dog, Open Limited All-Age, or Open Limited Gun Dog Stake, that no more than 2 points each have been won in Puppy and Derby Stakes, and that no more than 4 of the 10 points have been won by placing first in Amateur Stakes;

EXCEPT THAT a Brittany shall not be recorded a Field Champion unless it has won a 3 point or better Open Gun Dog, Open All-Age, Open Limited Gun Dog, or Open Limited All-Age Stake in a licensed or member field trial held by a Brittany Club;

EXCEPT THAT a German Shorthaired Pointer, German Wirehaired Pointer, Vizsla, or Weimaraner, shall not be recorded a Field Champion unless it has won at least 4 points in Retrieving Stakes at licensed or member club field trials:

AND EXCEPT THAT a German Wirehaired Pointer, or Weimaraner, shall not be recorded a Field Champion unless it has also been certified by two of the approved judges to have passed a Water Test at a licensed or member field trial or hunting test held by a Specialty Club for one of these two breeds. In the case of a Weimaraner, if it has been certified by the Weimaraner Club of America to have passed an All-Age Water Certification Test, or to have been given a rating of Retrieving Dog or Retrieving Dog Excellent, it shall be considered to have met the Water Test requirement.

Championship points shall be credited only to dogs placed first in regular stakes. The number of points shall be based on the actual number of eligible starters in each stake according to the following schedule:

4 to 7 starters 1 point

8 to 12 starters 2 points

13 to 17 starters 3 points

18 to 24 starters 4 points

25 or more starters 5 points

AMATEUR FIELD CHAMPIONSHIP

At present, a dog of one of the Pointing Breeds will be recorded an Amateur Field Champion after having won 10 points under the point rating schedule below in regular Amateur Stakes in at least 3 licensed or member field trials, provided that no more than 2 points each have been won by placing first in Amateur Walking Puppy and Amateur Walking Derby stakes and that it has been awarded 2 first placements, one of which must be a first placement in a 3 point or better Amateur All-Age, Amateur Gun Dog, Amateur Limited All-Age, or Amateur Limited Gun Dog Stake;

EXCEPT THAT a Brittany shall not be recorded an Amateur Field Champion unless it has won a 3 point or better Amateur All-Age, Amateur Gun Dog, Amateur Limited All-Age, or Amateur Limited Gun Dog Stake, in a licensed or member field trial held by a Brittany Club;

EXCEPT THAT a German Shorthaired Pointer, German Wirehaired Pointer, Vizsla, or Weimaraner, shall not be recorded an Amateur Field Champion unless it has won at least 4 points in Amateur Retrieving Stakes at licensed or member club field trials:

AND EXCEPT THAT a German Wirehaired Pointer, or Weimaraner, shall not be recorded an Amateur Field Champion unless it has also been certified by two of the approved judges to have passed, with an amateur handler (as determined by the Field Trial or Hunting Test Committee in accord with the Definition of an Amateur found in Chapter 17, Section 2), a Water Test at a licensed or member field trial or hunting test held by a Specialty Club for one of these two breeds. In the case of a Weimaraner, if it has been certified by the Weimaraner Club of America to have passed an All-Age Water Certification Test, or to have been given the rating of Retrieving Dog or Retrieving Dog Excellent, with an amateur handler, it shall be considered to have met the Water Test requirement.

Amateur Championship points shall be credited to dogs placed first, second, or third, in regular Amateur stakes in accordance with the following schedule, based on the actual number of eligible starters in each stake:

Placement

1st 2nd 3rd

4 to 7 starters 1 point

8 to 12 starters 2 points

13 to 17 starters 3 points 1 point

18 to 24 starters 4 points 2 points

25 or more starters 5 points 3 points 1 point

Championship points from first placements in Amateur Stakes that are credited towards a Field Championship, will also be credited towards an Amateur Field Championship.

WATER TEST

If a German Wirehaired Pointer, or Weimaraner club wishes to hold a Water Test in conjunction with its licensed or member field trial or hunting test, request for approval of the Water Test should be included on the date application for the event. If approved, the Water Test must be specified on the questionnaire form and announced in the premium list. The Water Test shall be judged by two of the Judges of the field trial or hunting test. The dog shall retrieve a live or dead game bird from water after a swim of about 20 yards to the bird. The handler shall stand 6 feet from the water, and the dog must demonstrate its willingness to enter the water, to swim, and to retrieve, at the direction of its handler without being touched or intimidated. Style shall not be considered. The dogs shall not be placed, but shall either pass or fail. The judges shall certify on the judging sheets provided, the particulars of each dog that passed the test.

Section 8. A National Open All-Age Championship Stake for German Shorthaired Pointers shall be for dogs over six months of age, which by reason of wins previously made in All-Age Stakes qualify under special rules approved by the Board of Directors. This stake shall be run not more than once in any calendar year by the Parent Club of the breed. The winner of such stake shall become a Field Champion of Record if registered in The American Kennel Club Stud Book, and shall be entitled to be designated '"National German Shorthaired Pointer Open All-Age Field Champion of 19__."

Section 9. A National Open Gun Dog Championship Stake for German Shorthaired Pointers shall be for dogs over six months of age, which by reason of wins previously made in Gun Dog stakes qualify under special rules approved by the Board of Directors. This stake shall be run not more than once in any calendar year by the Parent Club of the Breed. The winner of such stake shall become a Field Champion of Record if registered in The American Kennel Club Stud Book, and shall be entitled to be designated "National German Shorthaired Pointer Open Gun Dog Field Champion of 19__."

Section 10. A National Amateur Championship Stake for German Shorthaired Pointers shall be held not more than once in any calendar year, and shall be for dogs which by reason of wins previously made qualify under regulations submitted by the Parent Club and approved by the Board of Directors of The American Kennel Club. The stake shall be held by the Parent Club which shall file an application for permission to run it under procedures approved in advance by The American Kennel Club. The winner of this stake, if registered in The American Kennel Club Stud Book, shall be recorded an Amateur Field Champion by The American Kennel Club and shall be entitled to be designated "National Amateur German Shorthaired Pointer Field Champion of 19__."

Section 11. A National Open All-Age Championship Stake for Brittanys may be run not more than once in any calendar year, by the Parent Club for the breed. The stake shall be for dogs six months of age or over, which by reason of wins previously made in All-Age Stakes qualify under regulations made by the Parent Club, all of which regulations shall be subject to the approval of the Board of Directors of The American Kennel Club. The winner of this stake, if registered in The American Kennel Club Stud Book, shall be recorded a Field Champion by The American Kennel Club, and shall be entitled to be designated "National Brittany Open All-Age Field Champion of 19__."

Section 12. A National Open Gun Dog Championship stake for Brittanys shall be for dogs over six months of age, which by reason of wins previously made in Gun Dog stakes qualify under special rules approved by the Board of Directors. This stake shall be run not more than once in any calendar year by the Parent Club of the Breed. The winner of such stake shall become a Field Champion of Record if registered in The American Kennel Club Stud Book, and shall be entitled to be designated "National Brittany Open Gun Dog Field Champion of 19__."

Section 13. A National Amateur Championship Stake for Brittanys shall be held not more than once in any calendar year, and shall be for dogs which by reason of wins previously made qualify under regulations submitted by the Parent Club and approved by the Board of Directors of The American Kennel Club. The stake shall be held by the Parent Club which shall file an application for permission to run it under procedures approved in advance by The American Kennel Club. The winner of this stake, if registered in The American Kennel Club Stud Book, shall be recorded an Amateur Field Champion by The American Kennel Club and shall be entitled to be designated "National Amateur Brittany Field Champion of 19__."

Section 14. A National Championship Stake for Weimaraners may be held not more than once in any calendar year, and shall be for dogs over six months of age, which by reason of wins previously made qualify under regulations submitted by the Parent Club for the breed and approved by the Board of Directors of The American Kennel Club. The stake shall be held by the Parent Club which shall file an application for permission to run it under procedures approved in advance by The American Kennel Club. The winner of this stake shall be credited with championship points in accord with the schedule for Field Championships, and, if registered in The American Kennel Club Stud Book, shall be entitled to be designated "National Weimaraner Field Champion of 19__."

Section 15. A National Amateur Championship Stake for Weimaraners may be held not more than once in any calendar year, and shall be for dogs over six months of age, which by reason of wins previously made qualify under regulations submitted by the Parent Club for the breed and approved by the Board of Directors of The American Kennel Club. The stake shall be held by the Parent Club which shall file an application for permission to run it under procedures approved in advance by The American Kennel Club. Dogs placing in this stake shall be credited with championship points in accord with the schedule for Amateur Field Championships, and, if registered in The American Kennel Club Stud Book, the winner shall be entitled to be designated "National Amateur Weimaraner Field Champion of 19__."

Section 16. A National Championship Stake for Vizslas may be held not more than once in any calendar year, and shall be for dogs over six months of age, which by reason of wins previously made qualify under regulations submitted by the Parent Club for the breed and approved by the Board of Directors of The American Kennel Club. The stake shall be held by the Parent Club which shall file an application for permission to run it under procedures approved in advance by The American Kennel Club. The winner of this stake shall be credited with championship points in accord with the schedule for Field Championships, and, if registered in The American Kennel Club Stud Book, shall be entitled to be designated "National Vizsla Field Champion of 19__."

Section 17. A National Amateur Championship Stake for Vizslas may be held not more than once in any calendar year, and shall be for dogs over six months of age, which by reason of wins previously made qualify under regulations submitted by the Parent Club for the breed and approved by the Board of Directors of The American Kennel Club. The stake shall be held by the Parent Club which shall file an application for permission to run it under procedures approved in advance by The American Kennel Club. Dogs placing in this stake shall be credited with championship points in accord with the schedule for Amateur Field Championships, and, if registered in The American Kennel Club Stud Book, the winner shall be entitled to be designated "National Amateur Vizsla Field Champion of 19__."

Section 18. A National Championship Stake for Irish Setters may be held not more than once in any calendar year, and shall be for dogs over six months of age, which by reason of wins previously made qualify under regulations submitted by the Parent Club for the breed and approved by the Board of Directors of The American Kennel Club. The stake shall be held by the Parent Club which shall file an application for permission to run it under procedures approved in advance by The American Kennel Club. The winner of this stake shall be credited with championship points in accord with the schedule for Field Championships, and, if registered in The American Kennel Club Stub Book, shall be entitled to be designated "National Irish Setter Field Champion of 19__."

Section 19. A National Amateur Championship Stake for Irish Setters may be held not more than once in any calendar year, and shall be for dogs over six months of age, which by reason of wins previously made qualify under regulations submitted by the Parent Club for the breed and approved by the Board of Directors of The American Kennel Club. The stake shall be held by the Parent Club which shall file an application for permission to run it under procedures approved in advance by The American Kennel Club. Dogs placing in this stake shall be credited with championship points in accord with the schedule for Amateur Field Championships, and, if registered in The American Kennel Club Stud Book, the winner shall be entitled to be designated "National Amateur Irish Setter Field Champion of 19__."

Section 20. A National Championship Stake for German Wirehaired Pointers may be held not more than once in any calendar year, and shall be for dogs over six months of age, which by reason of wins previously made qualify under regulations submitted by the Parent Club for the breed and approved by the Board of Directors of The American Kennel Club. The stake shall be held by the Parent Club which shall file an application for permission to run it under procedures approved in advance by the The American Kennel Club. The winner of this stake shall be credited with championship points in accord with the schedule for Field Championships, and, if registered in The American Kennel Club Stud Book, shall be entitled to be designated "National German Wirehaired Pointer Field Champion of 19__."

Section 21. A National Amateur Championship Stake for German Wirehaired Pointers may be held not more than once in any calendar year, and shall be for dogs over six months of age, which by reason of wins previously made qualify under regulations submitted by the Parent Club for the breed and approved by the Board of Directors of The American Kennel Club. The stake shall be held by the Parent Club which shall file an application for permission to run it under procedures approved in advance by The American Kennel Club. Dogs placing in this stake shall be credited with championship points in accord with the schedule for Amateur Field Championships, and, if registered in The American Kennel Club Stud Book, the winner shall be entitled to be designated "National Amateur German Wirehaired Pointer Field Champion of 19__."

Section 22. A National Championship Stake for Gordon Setters may be held not more than once in any calendar year, and shall be for dogs over six months of age and registered with the AKC, which by reason of wins previously made qualify under regulations and procedures submitted by the Parent Club for the breed and approved by the AKC Board of Directors. The stake shall be held by the Parent Club, which shall file an application for permission to run it under the regulations and procedures approved in advance by The American Kennel Club. Such qualifications, regulations and procedures which apply to the running of the Championship shall be published in the premium list. The winner of this stake shall be credited with championship points in accord with the schedule for Field Championships, and shall be entitled to be designated "National Gordon Setter Field Champion of 19__."

Section 23. A National Amateur Championship Stake for Gordon Setters may be held not more than once in any calendar year and shall be for dogs over six months of age and registered with the AKC, which by reason of wins previously made qualify under regulations and procedures submitted by the Parent Club for the breed and approved by the AKC Board of Directors. The stake shall be held by the parent Club, which shall file an application for permission to run it under the regulations and procedures approved in advance by The American Kennel Club. Such qualifications, regulations and procedures which apply to the running of the Championship shall be published in the premium list. Dogs placing in this stake shall be credited with Championship points in accord with the schedule for Amateur Field Championships and shall be entitled to be designated "National Amateur Gordon Setter Field Champion of 19__."

Section 24. A National Championship Stake for Pointers may be held not more than once in any calendar year, and shall be for dogs over six months of age and registered with the AKC, which by reason of wins previously made qualify under regulations and procedures submitted by the parennt club for the breed and approved by the AKC Board of Directors. The stake shall be held by the parent club, which shall file an application for permission o run it under the regulations and procedures approved in advance by the American Kennel Clb. Such qualifications, regulations and procedures which apply to the running of the championship shall be published in the preium list. The winner of this stake shall be credited with championship points in accord with the schedule for Field Championships, and shall be entitled to be designated "National Pointer Field Champion of 199_."

Section 25. A National Amateur Championship Stake for Pointers may be held not more than once in any calendar year and shall be for dogs over six months of age and registered with the AKC, which by reason of wins previously made qualify under regulations and procedures submitted by the parent club for the breed and approved by the AKC Board of Directors. The stake shall be held by the parent club, which shall file an application for permission to run it under the regulations and procedures approved in advance by the American Kennel Club. Such qualifications, regulations and procedures which apply to the running of the championship shall be published in the premium list. Dogs placing in this stake shall be credited with championship points in accord with the schedule forAmateur Field Championships, and the winner shall be entitled to be designated "National Amateur Pointer Field Champion of 199_."

Section 26. Pointing Breed Gun Dog Championship stakes consisting of a retrieving stake and a non-retrieving stake may be held not more than once in any calendar year. The stakes shall be for dogs over 6 months of age and registered with the AKC, which by reason of previous wins (and other qualifications as might be approved) qualify under regulations and procedures approved by the AKC Board of Directors. The stakes shall be held by a club or association formed for that purpose which shall file an application for permission to run them under the regulations and procedures approved in advance by the American Kennel Club. Such qualifications, regulations, and procedures which apply to the running of the Championship stakes shall be published in the premium list. The winners of these stakes shall be credited with championship points in accord with the schedule for Field Championships and shall be entitled to be designated "AKC Gun Dog Stake Champion of 19__" or "AKC Retrieving GunDog Stake Champion of 19__"

STANDARD PROCEDURE FOR POINTING BREED FIELD TRIALS

Held By Specialty Clubs For The Following Breeds:

PROCEDURE 1. STANDARDS OF PERFORMANCE

1-A PUPPY STAKES. Puppies must show desire to hunt, boldness, and initiative in covering ground and in searching likely cover. They should indicate the presence of game if the opportunity is presented. Puppies should show reasonable obedience to their handlers' commands, but should not be given additional credit for pointing staunchly. Each dog shall be judged on its actual performance as indicating its future as a high class bird dog. Every premium list for a licensed or member trial shall state whether or not blanks are to be fired in a Puppy Stake. If the premium list states that blanks will be fired, every dog that makes game contact shall be fired over if the handler is within reasonable gun range. At least 15 minutes and not more than 30 minutes shall be allowed for each heat.

1-B DERBY STAKES. Derbies must show a keen desire to hunt, be bold and independent, have a fast, yet attractive, style of running, and demonstrate not only intelligence in seeking objectives but also the ability to find game. Derbies must establish point but no additional credit shall be given for steadiness to wing and shot. If the handler is within reasonable gun range of a bird which has been flushed after a point, a shot must be fired. A lack of opportunity for firing over a Derby dog on point shall not constitute reason for non-placement when it has had game contact in acceptable Derby manner. Derbies must show reasonable obedience to their handlers' commands. Each dog is to be judged on its actual performance as indicating its future promise as a high class bird dog for Gun Dog or All-Age stakes. Preference should not be given to one potential over another. Application is more important than range in a Derby. At least 20 minutes and not more than 30 minutes shall be allowed for each heat.

All placed dogs must have established a point.

1-C GUN DOG AND LIMITED GUN DOG STAKES. A Gun Dog must give a finished performance and must be under its handler's control at all times. It must handle kindly, with a minimum of noise and hacking by the handler. A Gun Dog must show a keen desire to hunt, must have a bold and attractive style of running, and must demonstrate not only intelligence in quartering and in seeking objectives but also the ability to find game. The dog must hunt for its handler at all times at a range suitable for a handler on foot, and should show or check in front of its handler frequently. It must cover adequate ground but never range out of sight for a length of time that would detract from its usefulness as a practical hunting dog. The dog must locate game, must point staunchly, and must be steady to wing and shot. Intelligent use of the wind and terrain in locating game, accurate nose, and style and intensity on point, are essential.

A dog that does not point cannot be placed. A dog should not be called back to point after the running of its brace except under the most extreme and unusual circumstances.

At least 30 minutes shall be allowed for each heat.

1-D ALL-AGE AND LIMITED ALL-AGE STAKES. An All-Age Dog must give a finished performance and must be under reasonable control of its handler. It must show a keen desire to hunt, must have a bold and attractive style of running, and must show independence in hunting. It must range well out in a forward moving pattern, seeking the most promising objectives, so as to locate any game on the course. Excessive line-casting and avoiding cover must be penalized. The dog must respond to handling but must demonstrate its independent judgment in hunting the course, and should not look to its handler for directions as to where to go. The dog must find game, must point staunchly, and must be steady to wing and shot. Intelligent use of the wind and terrain in locating game, accurate nose, and style and intensity on point, are essential.

A dog that does not point cannot be placed. A dog should not be called back to point after the running of its brace except under the most extreme and unusual circumstances.

At least 30 minutes shall be allowed for each heat.

1-E HONORING IN GUN DOG, ALL-AGE, LIMITED GUN DOG, AND LIMITED ALL-AGE STAKES. A dog encountering its bracemate on point must honor. Failure of a dog to honor when it sees its bracemate on point must be severely penalized, and the intentional avoidance by a dog or a handler of an honoring situation must also be severely penalized. A dog that steals its bracemate's point must be ordered up by the Judges.

1-F No Gun Dog, All-Age, Limited Gun Dog, or Limited All-Age Stake shall be run in heats of more than 30 minutes at a licensed or member trial unless the running time is given in the premium list.

1-G In any non-Retrieving Stake, except in Puppy or Derby Stakes as specified in Procedures 1-A and 1-B, a blank cartridge must be fired by the handler over any dog on point after the game has been flushed. .22 caliber crimps shall not be used, and if shotguns with blank shells are to be permitted, the premium list must so specify. (Note: Shotguns with blank shells may be used in any retrieving stakes but only if the premium list specifies that blank shotguns may be used.) The handler must shoot within the time that would be required to kill a bird at natural shotgun range. Any deliberate delay in shooting must be severely penalized.

1-H A reasonable move of a dog to mark a bird flushed after a point is acceptable, but this shall not excuse a break or a delayed chase.

1-I Any club that anticipates an entry in a licensed or member field trial that might exceed the number of dogs that could be judged on the available running grounds during the available judging hours, should specify in its premium list that entries in any or all stakes will be limited and that entries will close when the limit or limits have been reached if this occurs before the specified closing time for entries. The limit shall be given in the premium list either as a specific number of dogs for the trial, or for each or any stake, or as the number of dogs that can be judged within the daylight hours that will be available on the date or dates of the trial.

PROCEDURE 2. JUDGES

2-A Each Stake must be judged by at least two Judges.

2-B The Judges may place the dogs 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th in each stake.

Judges should withhold 2nd place in an Open Stake if the performance of that dog would not merit championship points should the dog placed 1st be found to be ineligible.

Based on the number of starters in an Amateur Stake, Judges should withhold either 2nd, 3rd, or 4th placements if the performance of a dog would not merit championship points should one of the dog's placing either 1st, 2nd or 3rd be found to be ineligible.

The decisions of the Judges shall be final with respect to the running and placement of the dogs, and in all questions concerning the merits of the dogs. They shall have full power to turn out of any stake any dog that does not reasonably obey its handler or that interferes with the work of its bracemate, and any handler who, in their opinion, willfully interferes with another handler or his dog.

2-C Any person who, during the running of a stake, strikes or otherwise abuses or mistreats a dog, or conducts himself in a manner prejudicial to the best interests of the sport, must be expelled from that stake by the Judges who shall also report the matter to the Field Trial Committee for possible action under Chapter 15, Section 2. A report of the incident and the action taken shall be sent promptly to The American Kennel Club by the Field Trial Secretary.

Failure to act on and report such incidents may result in AKC disciplinary action.

2-D Any additional running of the dogs after the first series of heats has been completed, or after completion of any further series specified in the premium list, shall be entirely at the discretion of the Judges. The Judges shall determine the length and scope of any subsequent series, as well as the bracing of the dogs, conforming with any specific requirements for subsequent series that may be described in the premium list.

2-E If the two handlers with their dogs become separated while both are on course and under judgment, one Judge shall accompany each handler; except that a Judge should not follow a dog that cuts the specified course in order to reach the bird field.

Judges should not follow a handler that roams off the designated route of the course. Judges must not gallop to keep pace with handlers that move faster than at a flat walk (refer also to Procedure 6-L).

PROCEDURE 3. FIELD TRIAL MARSHALS

3-A The Field Trial Committee shall appoint one or more field trial Marshals. It shall be the duty of one Marshal to assist the Judges and to carry out their instructions, including regulating and controlling the gallery, and seeing to it that the gallery is kept separate from and behind the Judges, and that no one in the gallery talks to the Judges while the dogs are down, and shall advise the handlers and Judges as to the direction and limits of the course. Other Marshals shall see to it that braces are ready when called, and assist the Field Trial Committee in all other matters necessary for the smooth and expeditious running of the trial.

3-B No person shall serve as Marshal assisting the Judges in any stake in which he has entered or will handle a dog.

PROCEDURE 4. DRAWING AND BRACING

4-A The dogs shall generally be run in braces, and each dog in a brace must have a separate handler.

4-B If every dog entered in a stake at a licensed or member field trial has a different handler, the bracing of the dogs in that stake shall be established by a straight drawing and the braces shall then be run in the order drawn.

4-C If two or more dogs with the same handler are entered in a stake at a licensed or member field trial, such entries shall be segregated for the drawing for bracing so that no two dogs handled by the same person can be drawn for the same brace. The running order for all complete braces shall then be determined by a separate drawing after the bracing has been established. If, during the drawing for running order, any handler is drawn to handle in more than two consecutive braces in the same stake, and if there is a later brace to be drawn in which he has no entry, the next brace drawn in which that handler has no dog may be moved up to run following the second consecutive brace, so that the handler would not be required to run in more than two consecutive braces. However, this shall not apply if an alternate handler has been named.

4-D The bracing and running order established by either method shall not be changed under any circumstances; except that

(1) In the case of a scratch or absentee, the bracemate of the absent dog shall be moved down and run with the dog in the next known incomplete brace. If there is no known incomplete brace, it may be run alone, but it must be run in the order drawn for its brace.

(2) If the foregoing procedure would result in the bracing together of two dogs handled by the same person, the two odd dogs shall be rebraced consecutively with the two dogs in the last brace in the stake in which that handler has no dog.

(3) Any new brace or braces so created must be run in the running order drawn for one of the two dogs in the brace, as the Field Trial Committee may decide.

4-E If a bye-dog remains after all the braces have been run, its bracemate shall be selected by the Judges at their sole discretion from among the dogs that have run in that stake; or the Judges may run such a bye-dog without a bracemate. The Judges alone shall decide whether or not any bracemate they select for such a bye-dog shall be under judgment, and if under judgment, for what portion or portions of the heat, and their decision shall be publicly announced before the brace is started.

4-F In a stake in which bitches in season are permitted to compete under Chapter 17, Section 4, they shall run immediately after all other entries in the stake have run, and the bracing and running order of such bitches shall be established by a second drawing to be held immediately after the drawing of all other entries.

All of the above Procedures for drawing and bracing shall apply;

except that (1) any bitch that comes in season after the drawing shall be moved down to run at the end of the day, or at the end of the stake, to run last, as or with the bye-dog if a bitch:

and except that (2) when an incomplete brace occurs for any reason, if the bracemate of the absent dog is a male and the dog in the next known incomplete brace is a bitch in season, the male may be run alone, but must be run in the order drawn for its brace.

4-G A listing showing the running order for each stake, giving the full AKC registered name of each starting dog and the name of its handler must either be available for each contestant or displayed throughout the running of the stake.

PROCEDURE 5. COURSES AND BIRDS

5-A Stakes at licensed or member field trials may be run on any of the following types of course, all of which must include sufficient acreage, adequate cover for birds, and suitable objectives:

(1) Single Course With Bird Field consisting of a back course and a bird field which has sufficient cover to hold birds and which is of adequate size to permit a dog to hunt naturally without excessive hacking. A bird field must not be less than 5 acres, and 10 acres is recommended. At a licensed or member trial no less than two birds must be liberated in the bird field for each brace in first series in all stakes except the Puppy Stake. Additional birds must be liberated either in the bird field or on the back course for each brace. Prior to starting a stake, the back course must have sufficient birds liberated to provide good opportunity for dogs to demonstrate their pointing ability while on course. It is recommended that no less than five (5) birds be liberated. Birds should be replaced for each brace as required to present equal opportunity for each brace.

(2) Single Course Without Bird Field consisting entirely of a course without any specific bird field, on which birds are liberated in suitable places around the course. At a licensed or member trial no less than two birds must be liberated for each brace at a suitable place on the course in all stakes except the Puppy Stake.

It is recommended that no less than ten (10) birds be liberated. Birds should be replaced for each brace as required to present equal opportunity for each brace.

(3) Multiple Courses With Bird Field(s) consisting of more than one back course, each with a designated breakaway and each with either its own or a common bird field, with the back courses being used in systematic rotation. At a licensed or member trial, no less than two birds must be liberated in the utilized bird field for each brace in first series except the Puppy Stake. Additional birds may be liberated either in the bird field or on the back course.

(4) Multiple Courses Without Bird Field(s) consisting of more than one back course, each with a designated breakaway, which are used in systematic rotation. At a licensed or member trial, no less than two birds must be liberated for each brace at suitable places on the utilized course in all stakes except the Puppy Stake.

(5) Continuous Courses consisting of a series of courses on which each brace starts where the last brace was picked up. On such a course it is assumed that there is adequate natural or liberated game.

5-B A stake may be run without a bird field for the first series with additional series consisting of nothing but bird field work for the dogs, provided this is specified in the premium list. Birds for additional series shall be liberated as directed by the Judges.

5-C The same requirements for liberated birds that apply to other stakes at a licensed or member trial shall also apply to the Puppy Stake unless the premium list specifies that no birds will be liberated in the Puppy Stake.

5-D No liberated bird shall be removed from the course or from the bird field unless dead or crippled in which case it should be picked up.

5-E Regular stakes at a licensed or member trial shall be run only on recognized game birds, and the birds should be strong, healthy, full-feathered and clean; except that in Puppy Stakes non-game birds may be used if specified in the premium list.

5-F Birds should, if possible, be liberated in natural cover rather than in artificially created cover. They should not be placed in holes nor in such cover as will impede their ability to fly or run. Birds may be rocked or dizzied but not to such an extent as to affect their ability to fly. Game Stewards should wear gloves and should not hold birds against their bodies. Successive birds should not be liberated in or near the same spot.

5-G The premium list for a licensed or member trial shall specify the type of course and species of game to be liberated in each stake.

PROCEDURE 6. RUNNING AND HANDLING

6-A The duty of having a dog ready in place when required for judging rests solely with its handler or owner. All dogs should be ready on the grounds well in advance of the scheduled times for their braces so that the Judges will not be held up in case of an absent brace. If a dog is not present at the place where it is to start within 5 minutes after it is called for by the Judges to run in any series, it must be disqualified. The Judges are responsible for keeping the time.

The Judges may appoint a second handler to take over during the running if the original handler becomes injured or otherwise incapacitated and is unable to finish the brace.

6-B No more than one brace shall be run on a course or on any part of a course at the same time, irrespective of whether the dogs are in the same stake or in different stakes.

6-C In a stake on a single course with bird field the time of each heat shall include no more than 8 minutes in the bird field, except that in Puppy Stakes the time in the bird field shall not exceed 6 minutes. The time shall start when the first dog enters the bird field, except that a dog may be disqualified if it has cut the specified course in order to reach the bird field, in which case time starts when the second dog enters. Otherwise the Judges, or the Marshal if instructed by the Judges, shall see to it that both dogs in each brace are directed to the bird field at as nearly the same time as possible. If one dog has strayed or is otherwise held up on the course, the bracemate and its handler may ordinarily proceed on the course and enter the bird field unless otherwise directed by a Judge.

6-D Time out shall not be called when a dog is on point in the bird field unless so specified in the premium list. If time out is called when a dog is on point in the bird field, its bracemate shall be stopped.

6-E In a Derby Stake, if the second dog is not on point or backing, its handler may, without penalty, hold or otherwise control the dog if there is any likelihood that it would interfere with the dog on point.

6-F A dog that is on point, roading, or obviously on game, when time is up, shall be allowed a reasonable time to complete its work.

6-G Judges must discourage and may penalize for continuous or excessive noise or loud vocalizing by handlers in any stake, and particularly in Gun Dog Stakes. Failure to heed the Judges' instructions may result in disqualification.

6-H Any intimidation or blocking to restrain a dog from breaking to wing or shot shall be severely penalized. In a Gun Dog, All-Age, Limited Gun Dog, or Limited All-Age Stake at a licensed or member trial held by a German Shorthaired Pointer or German Wirehaired Pointer Club, the handler is prohibited from controlling the dog by the collar at any time, and may not touch the dog in such a manner as to restrain or control it; except that he may tap the dog lightly on head or body to release it in any situation.

6-I A dog that works with a minimum of handling or commands must be given credit in a Gun Dog, All-Age, Limited Gun Dog or Limited All-Age Stake, whether Amateur or Open Stakes.

6-J A dog that is out of judgment for a continuous period of more than 5 minutes, or for more than 1/6 of the time specified for the heat if over 30 minutes, shall not be placed unless seen on point by a Judge or unless, in the opinion of the Judges, the dog's absence was due to unusual conditions.

6-K No person shall in any manner assist a handler in controlling his dog. The Judges may disqualify any dog if its handler receives assistance in controlling the dog or if the dog receives direction of any kind from anyone except its handler.

After a dog has been on point in Gun Dog and All-Age stakes, and has been steady to wing and shot, and after the handler has collared the dog (where permitted by Procedure 6-H), the handler may give the dog to a scout for the sole purpose of allowing the handler to mount his horse.

6-L Any scouting for a dog shall be done by a scout appointed by the handler of that dog. The scout shall be named prior to the start of the brace and shall act solely with permission of one or more of the Judges. A scout must not handle a dog in any manner, except at the direction of a Judge, and except as provided for in the second paragraph of Procedure 6-K, above. Such violation will be cause for the dog to be immediately ordered up by the Judges. When not scouting, the scout should ride behind the Judges, but in front of the gallery, so as to be readily available to the Judges and handler.

Scouts who disregard or disobey the instructions of the Judges may be excused from further scouting by the Judges. Judges may also order a dog picked up for abuse of any of these provisions by the scout (refer also to Procedure 2-E).

In amateur stakes, only an amateur shall be utilized as a scout.

6-M No dog shall be picked up during a heat except on direction or permission from a Judge.

6-N No one shall be permitted in the bird field at any time during the running of a stake; except for the Judges, the Official Guns, the Marshal, and the handlers of the competing dogs while the dogs are in the bird field; and except for the Game Stewards to the extent necessary to release game.

6-O Promiscuous firing of guns or blank pistols on the field trial grounds is prohibited. The handler of a dog shall fire one blank and no more for each flush of one or more birds.

6-P There shall be no training of dogs anywhere on the course until the trial has been concluded.

For the purposes of this Procedure, roading a dog behind the gallery is considered to be training.

This Procedure also intends that a check cord cannot be used while a dog is under judgment in any stake at an AKC licensed or member club trial.

At the option of the event-giving club, AKC-approved electronic tracking collars will be permitted. These collars will be used only after the dog/dogs have been eliminated from consideration. Permission to use these collars at an event must be stated in the premium list. (Effective 9/1/98.)

6-Q The Field Trial Committee and the Judges shall not permit severe training, correcting or disciplining of dogs on any part of the field trial grounds. The Committee shall investigate any reports of such conduct or of any other conduct prejudicial to the best interests of pure-bred dogs, field trials, or The American Kennel Club. Any person who conducts himself in a manner prejudicial to the best interests of the sport shall be dealt with promptly, during the trial if possible, after the offender has been notified of the specific charges against him, and has been given an opportunity to be heard in his own defense, in accordance with Chapter 15, Section 2.

6-R The premium list for any licensed or member field trial must specify whether or not handling from horseback will be permitted in any or all stakes. If handling from horseback is permitted in any stake, the club should have suitable horses available. Mounted and foot handlers are not to be segregated in the drawing.

The Judges shall see to it that any mounted handler uses his horse only as a means of conveyance on the course and never as an active aid in handling. The handlers shall remain on the specified course in front of the Judges and in the Judges' line of travel, except as necessary to handle a dog that is seen on point. The Judges shall control the pace, whether both handlers are on foot or both are mounted. If one handler is mounted and the other is on foot, the Judges shall set a reasonable pace to accommodate the foot handler. Mounted handlers must keep their horses at a flat walk at all times unless otherwise authorized by a Judge.

A handler must always dismount before handling his dog on game and before firing. No handler's horse may be brought into the bird field.

PROCEDURE 7. RETRIEVING STAKES

7-A The premium list for any licensed or member field trial must identify any Retrieving Stake, and must specify each stake in which birds are to be shot.

It is mandatory that the Judges, gunners, handlers of the working dogs and Marshals wear a blaze orange garment (vest or jacket) in any Retrieving Stake. These articles must be provided by the field trial-giving club.

7-B All shooting in any licensed, member or sanctioned field trial shall be done by Official Guns only, and the Judges shall have complete authority over all such shooting. They may require a change of Official Guns at any time, and may bar from further shooting in that trial any Official Gun who does not abide strictly by safe gunning rules.

The 1979 Pointing Breed Advisory Committee adopted a recommendation to all Pointing Breed trial-giving clubs that only double-barreled shotguns of at least 20 gauge be used by the Official Guns.

7-C Two Official Guns are required for each brace, one to accompany each handler. Provision must also be made for alternate or stand-by Guns in case they should be required.

7-D Official Guns must be familiar with all of the requirements of this Procedure.

7-E One Official Gun must join each handler as he enters the bird field, or if a bird field is not used, at a designated place on the course. The Official Gun must always keep himself in the correct position for safety of dogs and persons.

7-F Game should be shot cleanly, in a sportsmanlike manner, in full flight, at a distance that will give the dog a reasonable retrieve. An Official Gun represents the handler up to the time that game is shot, but must not interfere or assist in any manner with his work nor direct the work of the dog.

7-G Game flushed by a free running dog or birds that flush wild shall not be shot except on instructions from a Judge. If a bird does not fly after an attempt to flush by a handler, it shall not be shot on the ground except on instructions from a Judge.

7-H Official Guns should wear game bags.

7-I Retrieving is required in all Retrieving Stakes and counts as an important part of a dog's performance. After the shot, the handler shall not command or signal the dog to retrieve until the dogÕs steadiness to wing and shot has been positively demonstrated. The dog must retrieve promptly and tenderly to hand. .

A dog that demonstrates a less than satisfactory retrieve shall not be placed. A reasonable retrieve satisfies the purpose of conserving game.

If any dog that is being considered for placement in a Retrieving Stake has not had an opportunity to retrieve, the Judges must set up a retrieve for the dog. A live game bird shall be planted and the dog allowed to establish point. The handler shall flush the bird, and the shooting shall be done by no more than two Official Guns.

GLOSSARY OF TERMS

Acting Birdy-Demonstrating the presence of game.

Alternate Handler-A second person designated on the official entry to handle a dog in a field trial.

Attacking Dog-A dog willfully attempting to do physical harm to another dog.

Backing-See Honoring.

Birdless-A dog completing its brace without finding game. Except in Open Puppy stakes, birdless dogs are generally eliminated from consideration for placement.

Blinking Birds-Scenting but deliberately avoiding game.

Brace-A pair of dogs (2 dogs).

Break Away-The point at which a course begins.

Breaking-Leaving before, or without having been sent.

Bumping Birds-Scenting and then causing game to fly without establishing point.

Bye-Dog-A dog drawn as the last dog in a stake without a bracemate.

Call Back-An opportunity afforded a dog by the Judges after completion of its initial run. This is done to give a dog an opportunity to compete further, or to allow a dog to demonstrate a stake requirement, such as retrieving or honoring.

Cast-The direction and range demonstrated by a dog while seeking game.

Collaring-The act of grasping a dog's collar to control it or cast it in another direction.

Course-The designated route on which the dogs will perform.

Course Objectives-Variations in the terrain and/or vegetative cover which could hold game.

Cover-The vegetation on course.

Delayed Chase-Running in the direction of flushed game after either pointing, honoring or stopping to flush instead of obeying the handler's command to cast off in a different direction.

Fetch-One of a number of commands that can be given to a dog to release it to demonstrate a retrieve.

Find-Game located when a dog is hunting.

Flash Point-A momentary pause, not acceptable for a Derby placement.

Gallery-Observers of a field trial.

Game-Upland birds, except in Open Puppy were pigeons can be used.

Gunshy-Afraid of gunfire.

Hacking-Verbal intimidation of a dog.

Handler-The person handling a dog in a trial.

Heeling Off-The act of verbally causing a dog to walk at a handler's side.

Honoring-When a dog stops immediately or within a few steps, usually in a pointing stance, upon observing a bracemate on point.

Interference-When a dog willfully hinders or impedes the performance of a bracemate.

Line Running-Running in a straight away manner without quartering or seeking objectives.

Mark-The characteristic of a dog to watch, or mark, the flight and/or fall of a bird.

Order Up a Dog-The Judges' command to a handler to remove his dog from the course upon completion of judging or for an infraction that disqualifies the dog.

Pick Up a Dog-When a dog is removed from further judgement.

Pointing-When a dog indicates the presence and position of game by standing immobile and directing its muzzle toward it.

Pointing Intensity-Same as above but with exceptional concentration, power or force.

Pointing Style-The degree of intensity, loftiness or elegance a dog demonstrates while pointing.

Quartering-To laterally traverse (back and forth) an area of ground while advancing forward.

Range/run-The distance at which a dog works from the handler.

Release a Dog-To send a dog on.

Relocate a Dog-To release a dog from a point or honor and move the dog on, usually to relocate moving game.

Retrieve-To find and bring back shot game.

Roading a Bird-The repeated pointing and relocating demonstrated by a dog while following the ground scent trail of a bird.

Running Order-A listing of the bracing and running order of dogs entered in all stakes in a field trial.

Running Style-The manner in which a dog traverses a course, including speed and efficiency in movement.

Scout-A person, generally mounted, dispatched by a handler to seek out and report the presence and behavior of a dog under judgement.

Scratch a Dog-To withdraw a dog from competition after the drawing but before competing.

Severely Penalize-To impose a punishment or handicap upon a dog for a breach of manners or some other serious fault. Generally, a dog that has been severely penalized once during judgement should not receive championship points. A dog that has been severely penalized more than once should not receive a placement.

Shotgun Range-The effective range of a shotgun, generally about 20-50 yards.

Stake-A competitive category in a field trial. See Chapter 17, Section 2.

Steady-to-Shot-Maintaining a point during the flight of, and the shot(s) for a flushed bird.

Steady-to-Wing-Maintaining a point during the flight of a flushed bird.

Stealing Point-A dog that steals a point makes continued movement into the area where the game is present after observing another dog on point, rather than honoring.

Stop-to-Flush-When a dog stops after observing the flush of a bird.

Tracking-To follow using scent.

Whoa a Dog-A command used to cause a dog to stop and stand.

POINTING BREED FIELD TRIAL JUDGES GUIDELINES

1. Mounted handlers must keep horses at a flat walk. Judges control the pace.

2. Instruct your handlers to remain on the course.

3. Do not allow handlers to ride off with their dogs or push their dogs into birdy areas.

4. Instruct your Marshal to control the gallery at all times.

A. Stay together.

B. Do not gallop to a dog on point.

C. Do not handle a dog.

5. A scout cannot handle a dog in any manner except at the direction of the Judges. Only an Amateur can act as a scout in Amateur stakes.

6. In retrieving stakes, handlers must never pick up the bird and throw it, unless unusual circumstances exist, and the Judge instructs the handler to do so.

7. Handlers should never block the dog's view to restrain it from breaking to wing or shot. This is severely penalized.

8. Judges should make every effort to allow the dog to demonstrate its steadiness to wing and shot. Dogs should be sent to retrieve only after demonstrating steadiness with the bird on the ground.

9. Dogs must retrieve to hand in retrieving stakes. A dog should complete the retrieve to within no more than one or two steps from the handler.

10. In retrieving stakes, one of the official guns must join each handler as the handler enters the bird field or at a designated place on the course when following on horseback.

11. Judges must discourage and may penalize handlers for continuous or excessive loud vocalizing when handling dogs, particularly in a gun dog stake.

12. No electronic or dummy electonic devices may be worn by a dog while competing.

13. Severe training or correction is not permitted on the field trial grounds.

14. Remember, dogs must find and point birds in the Derby stake.

15. Dogs must find and point birds and demonstrate steadiness in all adult stakes.

16. Dogs in Gun Dog and All-Age stakes must honor when encountering their bracemate on point. In order to execute a proper honor, a dog must see the pointing dog before being commanded to stop, and must clearly demonstrate that it is honoring and not merely held by command. A dog that honors naturally, requiring no command to stop, must be given more credit for bird work than a dog requiring a command.

17. A dog that is out of judgement for a continuous period of more than five minutes (or for more than 1/6 of the running time if over 30 minutes) cannot be placed unless seen on point by a Judge, or unless in the Judge's opinion the absence was due to unusual conditions.

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