2018 RAFT MTG – ATTACHMENT 8b
DOGS VICTORIA
POINTER & SETTER FIELD TRIALS – RULES REVIEW 2017
Proposed rule change
Insert the following new rule 1.10
1.10 The rules for field trials for pointers and setters apply to stakes in which game is shot. A “Closed Season Stake”is a stake in which no game is shot.Points won in any closed season stake are unique to that form of stake and must not be aggregated with points won in stakes where game is shot.
Rationale
Overseas judges who have judged in Australia have often commented on how fortunate we are in Australia to conduct trials where game is shot, as this makes for a truer test of a dog’s training. Steadiness to the fall of game is an extreme moment when a dog may break. Retrieving and seeking dead on freshly shot game in shooting trials is likewise more testing for dogs than a cold bird thrown for a dog to retrieve after the trial.
Many handlers believe that the current rules are inequitable in not distinguishing between non-shooting and shooting trials – hardly a level playing field. Currently it is quite possible for a dog to achieve pointer and setter field trial awards and titles without ever having game shot over it.
However, the non-shooting trial format has proven to be successful both in WA and NSW where game seasons currently remain closed. Victorian trialers regularly compete and judge in these closed season events and are supportive of them. However, they agree there needs to be a clear difference between shooting and closed season events. It should be noted that in many countries where pointer and setter trials are conducted game is not shot over the competing dogs.
Consequential changes
Current rules 1.10 to 1.13 be re-numbered 1.11 to 1.14.
Insert the following new rule 2.14
2.14 All Awards and titles listed in Section 2 may be granted to a qualified dog that has competed in Closed Season stakes. The letters (CS) must be added as a suffix to these awards and titles.
Proposed rule change
current rule
1.11 No Stake at any Field Trial can be conducted unless there are at least four bona fide runners and at least four different owners.No Championship points shall be awarded unless there are six bona fide runners.
proposed amendment
1.11 No Stake at any Field Trial can be conducted unless there are at least four bona fide runners and at least four different owners.No Championship points shall be awarded unless there are six bona fide runners in Open, Championship and National Stakes and four in Novice Stakes.
Rationale
Fluctuations in the number of novice dogs has on occasions meant that compliance with this rule is difficult. The general belief among handlers is that dogs can still be thoroughly tested when only 4 dogs are entered.
Consequential changes
1.11 to be re-numbered 1.12 if the proposed new 1.11 is accepted.
Proposed rule change
current rule
2.9 Every competing dog must be shot over before it can gain a prize or Certificate of Merit, Diploma of Merit or Qualifying Certificate, and must satisfy the judge that it is not gun-shy and will back naturally. These certificates may only be awarded to dogs in actual competition.
proposed amendment
2.9 Every competing dog must be shot over before it can gain a prize or Certificate of Merit, Diploma of Merit or Qualifying Certificate, and must satisfy the judge that it is not gun-shy and will back naturallyproviding the dog has a clear opportunity to do so. These certificates may only be awarded to dogs in actual competition.
Rationale
A dominant finding dog will sometimes have no backing opportunities, especially if game is scarce; trials have been abandoned because of this circumstance. On other occasions a dog may have been comprehensively beaten but has been awarded first place because its opponent dog has not had a clear opportunity to back. In most countries, including the UK, there is no requirement for a dog to back if it has not had a clear opportunity to do so before being awarded first place.
Consequential changes
Rule numbers5.12, 6.3 and 7.2 will need to have the same amendment inserted in the appropriate places.
Proposed rule change
current rule
7.20 Quartering: All well-trained dogs should cover the ground over which they are hunting in front of their handlers in a methodical and orderly manner according to the wind and the country over which they are working. A dog working “up-wind” should cross in front of the handler and turn out into the wind at about 150 metres to the right, and to the left. A dog working ”down-wind” should cast out well ahead of the handler on either the right or left flank. It should then turn, quartering the ground back towards its handler. A "shoulder" wind, half-right or half-left should be worked in the same way as "up-wind", but with the dog covering the ground diagonally. Whilst quartering dogs should be thoroughly under command.
proposed amendment
7.20 Quartering: All well-trained dogs should cover the ground over which they are hunting in front of their handlers in a methodical and orderly manner according to the wind and the country over which they are working. A dog working “up-wind” should cross in front of the handler and turn out into the wind at about 150 metresto the right, and to the left. A dog working “down-wind” should cast out well ahead of the handler on either the right or left flank. It should then turn, quartering the ground back towards its handler. A "shoulder" wind, half-right or half-left should be worked in the same way as "up-wind", but with the dog covering the ground diagonally. Whilst quartering dogs should be thoroughly under command.
Rationale
This amendment to the definitions would allow dogs to range further than 150 metres. One of the defining characteristics of pointers and setters is their ability to range (the distance a dog may run to the right or left of their handler) their ground and to hold point sometimes at a considerable distance from the handler. The distance of 150 metres stipulated in the current definitions is too short to allow a dog to demonstrate this important aspect of their work, an aspect which is highly valued throughout the world. Indeed, in most countries no mention is made of any distance. For example the Kennel Club in the UK makes no mention of distance in the pointer and setter field trial rule book. The beauty of these dogs at work is inhibited by the current quartering definition.
Consequential changes. Nil