NSTRA INDIANA REGION
RULES

FIELD TRIAL RULES

JUDGING RULES

SCORING:

A. Points per find:                              0-100

B. Points per retrieve:                        0-100

C. Points per back  (one only):        0- 75

D. Points for obedience:                    0- 75

E. Points for ground coverage:          0-100

Examples for proper scoring:

Situation 1:   4 Finds and 4 Retrieves

Finds                      Retrieves                               Total Score
85                            90                            Finds:                     348
87                            92                            Retrieves               355
86                            88                            Total:                     703
90                            85                                                           
348                         355

Situation 2:   4 Finds, 3 Retrieves and 1 could not shoot bird for safety reasons

Finds      Retrieves               Math for Average                                Total Score
 
85            90                                           90          Finds:                    348
 87           92                                           92          Retrieves              356
 86           (89) Avg.                              85          Total:                    704
 90           85                                  267÷3=89 
 
348          356

Situation 3:   4 Finds, 3 Retrieves, and 1 no opportunity to retrieve

Finds      Retrieves              Math for Average                               Total Score
 
85            90                                                             Finds:                   348
87            92                                                           Retrieves              267
86            /                                                              Total:                    615
90            85
348          267



Situation 4: 4 Finds, 2 Retrieves, 1 no opportunity, and 1 unable to shoot bird for safety reasons.

Finds      Retrieves              Math for Average                               Total Score
 
85            90                                       90           Finds:                    348
87            /                                              85           Retrieves              262.5
86            (87.5) Avg.                 175÷2=87.5      Total:                    610.5
90            85
348          262.5
 
Situation 5: 4 Finds, 1 Retrieve, 1 no opportunity, and 1 unable to shoot bird due to safety and 1 dog refused to retrieve.

Finds      Retrieves               Math for Average                                Total Score
 
85            90                                           90           Finds:                    348
87            /                                                 0           Retrieves              135
86            0                                      90÷2=45        Total:                    483
90            (45) Avg.
348          135

FIND

Points per Find:      0-100

1.             "Point" must be called by the handler before a judge can score a creditable find.

* Exception:  In the event a handler is unable to see a dog on point, the judge will begin judging the point and advise the handler his dog is on point.

2.             If a bird flushes after "point" is called by the handler and, in the judge's opinion, the dog did not cause the bird to flush, credit shall be given for the find, but not an automatic retrieve.

          * If dog retrieves the bird, he will be scored.

         * Definition of a flush: an aggressive attempt must be made to flush the bird; when a bird is removed from its resting place.

3.            No birds shall be shot on the ground except at the judge’s request.

4.       Only pointed birds shall be shot.

5.             With dog on point, or involved in retrieve, when brace time has expired, handler/gunner shall have   one (1) minute to complete flush and retrieve.  Dog shall not be allowed to relocate.

* If a retrieve is not completed before the additional one (1) minute has expired, a slash shall be given.

6.             No credit shall be given for the pointing of dead birds.

* If in doubt, the judge may inspect the bird prior to making a scoreable find.

7.             When two dogs are found on point or actually pointing the same bird at the same time,, each shall be given credit for a find but shall be judged on a scale of  0 -50 instead of  0 - 100 for the find.

* Dogs will be scored on the find before the flush.  They will each receive one-half of their average retrieve.  Dogs shall be scored individually on finds.  Either handler may flush and shoot the bird - judges decision.

8.             All scoreable dog work in a field trial must take place inside the boundaries (dog and bird must be inside specified boundaries) to be classified as a legal find.

* Exception: If backing dog is in bounds and pointing dog is out of bounds, the back is scoreable.

9.            Gunner must attempt to flush pointed birds to receive credit for the find unless rule #2 in the judging rules (find) has been applied.  However, birds that cannot fly may be thrown in the air to get credit for a retrieve.  Gunner has option of firing gun.

* Gunner will not hit bird over gun barrel or other object.  After an adequate attempt to flush, (or kick the bird out) the handler may ask permission to throw the bird in the air, after the judge has been satisfied that the bird is alive.

10.         Point and/or retrieve credit shall be given for only one bird per find.

* If more than one bird is pointed, all other birds will be marked to the best of the judges' ability, for three (3) minutes.

11.         The backing dog must be held by his handler until the pointing dog completes his retrieve.  Failure to abide by this rule will result in forfeiture of backing points.  However, if shooter has not produced a bird within two (2) minutes after backing dog backs, he must relocate his dog.

* The relocation must be in the same general area as the point occurred.  Each time a dog backs, the handler should hold the backing dog and not lead the dog off.  However, maximum time to hold a backing dog shall be a total of three (3) minutes per piece of work.

12.          When the handler of the pointing dog asks judge to relocate, the handler of the backing dog must hold his dog for one (1) minute, or until the judge releases the backing dog.  When the backing dog is released by the judge, all game is fair for either dog.

* Handler must initiate relocation by touch, whistle or command.  Dog may not relocate on his own.

13.  Marked bird is a judge's decision.  This is a bird that may have been flushed by a judge, handler, dog, etc., and cannot be pointed for three (3) minutes as a scoreable find.  Should a dog point a marked bird in less than three minutes, the gunner must shoot the bird for a non-scoreable find and/or retrieve.     

         * A marked bird is marked to both handlers and both should be notified immediately if possible.  The dog cannot be led off a marked bird by the handler.

                  * Definition of flush; an aggressive attempt must be made to flush the bird: when a bird is removed  from its resting place.

13A.  The judges will not knowingly let a bird be scored more than once per brace.

    *Judge may ask that scored bird be removed from the field-at his discretion.

14.  Interference: If, in the judges opinion, a dog interferes with bracemate while on point causing the bird to flush, a find and average retrieve will be given.

* Note: Dog that continues flushing brace mate's birds, disrupts brace mate's ability to compete by continually fighting and/or taking out birds without scoring will be picked up at judge's discretion.

15.       Judges shall collect all dead birds or retrieved birds when shot in each brace.

16.       There shall be no running in the field.

RETRIEVE:

Points per Retrieve: 0-100
1.       All scoreable dog work in a field trial must take place inside the boundaries (dog and bird must be inside specified boundaries) to be classified as legal find.

   * Exception: If backing dog is in bounds and pointing dog is out of bounds, the back is scoreable.

2.       A dog must retrieve the bird to within three (3) feet of its handler, who shall remain in the same spot, before any credit shall be given for the retrieve.

* Handler may step out of heavy cover, but may not advance toward the dog or bird.  Should the retrieving dog back its bracemate during the course of a retrieve (going to, picking up, or returning to the handler) the handler may advance to the backing dog and hold him for the back.  The dog shall receive an average score for the retrieve and shall be scored on the back if it is otherwise scoreable.

3.    Point and/or retrieve credit shall be given for only one bird per find.

* If more than one bird is pointed all other birds will be marked to the best of the judges' ability, for three (3) minutes.

4.    If gunner is unable to shoot bird for danger of hitting other individuals and/or animals, an automatic retrieve shall be granted.  If at the end of the brace a dog has one or more finds and all average retrieves the judge shall have the handler throw a dead bird for a scored retrieve.  The score received for the thrown bird shall be applied to all averages received during the brace.

        4A.   At any time the judge or gunner may call safety, whether after one or more shots, and average will be given.  If in the opinion of the judge, shot is deliberately fired after he calls safety, retrieve is not scored.

* Judge will OK all safeties under his judgment and at his discretion.

* All averages to be indicated by A or Average.

       4B.   If gunner or handler misses the bird and the bird flies off, the dog has no opportunity for a retrieve.  The judge should indicate so on the score card opposite the score for the find with a slash mark (-).

* If a dog has no opportunity to retrieves slash is not a number and is not figured in the average retrieve scores.

        4C.   If a bird is dropped and the dog finds the bird, but refuses to pick it up or fails to bring bird to within three (3) feet (rule #2-Retrieve) of the handler, then a zero (0) must be indicated on the score card opposite the score for the find.

* Zero (0) is a number, and indicates the dog refused to retrieve.  This is included in figuring the average.

    4D.   If, in the opinion of the judge, the dog could not see the bird dropped, or some other unusual situation occurs the judge may issue a slash mark on the card opposite the score for the find.  Therefore not penalizing the dog on the retrieve.

* If a dog has no opportunity to retrieves slash is not a number and is not figured in the average retrieve scores.

** No guns will be fired except over scoreable finds or with judge’s permission.

5.    When two dogs are found on point or actually pointing the same bird at the same time, each shall be given credit for a find but shall be judged on a scale of 0 - 50 instead of  0 - 100 for the find.  Dogs will be scored on the find before the flush.  They will each receive one-half of their average retrieve.  Dogs shall be scored individually on finds.  Either handler may flush and shoot the bird-judges decision.

6.    Interference: If, in the judges opinion, a dog interferes with bracemate while on point causing the bird to flush, a find and average retrieve will be given.

  * Note:    Dog that continues flushing brace mate's birds', disrupts brace mate's ability to compete or continually fights will be picked up at judge's discretion.

7.       Judges shall collect all dead birds or retrieved birds when shot in each brace.

BACK:

1.       Back must be called by handler before judge can score a creditable back.

   * In the event a handler is unable to see a dog backing, the judge will begin judging the back, and advise the handler his dog is backing.  The judge may hold the backing dog at his discretion.

2.       A dog must back on his own, without command, before the judge can credit the back.

   * A handler may handle his dog into the general area of the pointing dog.  If, in the judges opinion, the handler intimidates the dog to back, he may withhold score.

3.    The backing dog must be held by his handler until the pointing dog completes his retrieve.  Failure to abide by this rule will result in forfeiture of backing points.  However, if shooter has not produced a bird within two (2) minutes after backing dog backs, he must relocate his dog.

* The relocation must be in the same general area as the point occurred.  Each time a dog backs, the handler should hold the backing dog and not lead the dog off.  However, maximum time to hold a backing dog shall be a total of three (3) minutes per piece of work.

4.         When the handler of the pointing dog asks a judge to relocate, the handler of the backing dog must hold his dog for one (1) minute, or until the judge releases the backing dog.  When the backing dog is released by the judge, all game is fair for either dog.

* Handler must initiate relocation by touch, whistle or command.  Dog may not relocate on his own.

5.          All scoreable dog work in a field trial must take place inside the boundaries (dog and bird must be inside specified boundaries) to be classified as a legal find.

* Exception:  If backing dog is in bounds and pointing dog is out of bounds, the back is scoreable.

6.       There shall be no running in the field.

SAFETY:

1. All participants shall wear a hat or vest of blaze orange while in the field.  This includes judges.

2.    No birds shall be shot on the ground, except at the judge's request.

3.    If gunner is unable to shoot bird for danger of hitting other individuals and/or animals, an automatic retrieve shall be granted based on average of other scored retrieves.  If a dog has no other scored retrieves, a score of 75 shall be given.

* No guns will be fired except over scoreable finds or with judge’s permission.

4.        There shall be no running in the field.

PICKUP:

1.    No dog may be taken out of the field or put on a leash before the brace is finished, except by permission of judge.  Handler violating this rule could be suspended from all recognized trials for a calendar year following a violation.  If a dog is picked up in a brace, a bye dog shall be put in the field for the remainder of a brace.

* Time must be called until a replacement is put in the field.  The second handler must hold their dog in the immediate area the handler was in when time was called.  If dog is picked up, he will receive a zero (0) on his scorecard.  A dog out of judgment (out of bounds) for a period of ten (10) minutes of any thirty minute brace shall be picked up and receive a zero (0) on his scorecard.  A dog that is picked up and does not complete the full thirty (30) minutes of his brace shall receive a zero (0) on his scorecard. 

GENERAL:

1.       All scoring is stopped when brace time expires, except when rule #5 (page 20) applies.  When a judge announces time is up for the brace, handlers shall put leads on their dogs and take the shortest route out of the bird field so that the next brace can start on time.

2.       Gunners shall walk a reasonable distance behind the handler and can do nothing but flush and shoot the bird.

* Gunner shall remain with the judge until point is called.  There shall be no conversation between gunner and handler after leaving the blind.  Handler shall stay at least fifteen (15) feet or more behind the pointing dog.  After flushing and shooting, gunner shall return to judge or stay behind the handler until the retrieve is completed.

3        The use of training aids such as electronic devices, weighted collars, flushing whips, spiked collars, silent whistles, bells or voice (for the obvious purpose of stopping a dog for a creditable find or back) is prohibited.  The use of the above training aids will result in disqualification from that recognized trial.

4.      The judges' decisions are final on judgment calls.  However, each judge is personally responsible to use good judgment in the application of these written rules and also those situations not covered by a written rule.  Rule application may be protested.  The judges' decisions must be respected and followed by each trial participant.

* Harassment in the form of threats or verbal abuse (cussing) of a judge or field marshal or the disregard of judges' decisions may result in immediate disqualification from the trial and/or association.

* Whenever possible, judges should judge dog #1 for half of the brace (or as close to this as he can) - then judge dog #2 for the balance of the brace.

5.       For a trial to be recognized (trial placements recorded), the Field Marshal must be a member in good standing with current certification by NSTRA.  All judges must be members in good standing with current judging certification for the type of trial held.  Placements will not be recorded for a trial not meeting all these requirements.  NSTRA reserves the right to revoke any judge's card at any time.

6.       Submissions for Rule Changes:

a.    The proposed new rule changes or additions shall be submitted sixty (60) days prior to the first day of the Trial of Champions and/or the Dog of the Year Trial.

b.    The Board of Directors shall decide which, if any, of these changes will be submitted to the general membership for ballot vote.

          c.    A ballot shall be included in the first available regular published issue (depending on publication deadlines) of the NSTRA magazine.

          d.   All ballots received within forty-five (45) days of the publication date wi1l be tallied and the results published in the next available regular published issue (depending on publication deadlines).

      e.   Rule changes will become effective upon publication.

RULES FOR RECOGNIZED FIELD TRIALS

1.      Field trials will consist of a minimum of twelve (12) dogs and a maximum of thirty-two (32) dogs.  A breakdown of championship points awarded is as follows:

            12-17 dogs  -               one first place point
                                                  no second or third points awarded

            18-23 dogs  -                two first place points
                                                   one second place point
                                                   no third place points awarded

             24-32 dogs  -               three first place points
                                                    two second place points
                                                    one third place point
                                                    (full points awarded)

2.       Field trial entries should be submitted by mail. (However, should a trial chairman need additional entries to complete the trial, he may solicit them by phone.) The first 32 entries received shall fill the trial, and the chairman shall immediately hold a drawing and notify entrants of their brace.  Any entry over and above the first 32 shall be returned, with entrance fee, to the sender.

* There shall be three (3) participants at the drawing plus the chairman.

*  The location of the trial drawing must be held in a location that would allow access to any NSTRA member wishing to observe the drawing.

a.      Entrants traveling more than 100 miles shall be assured an opportunity to run in the second day of a two-day trial, with an equal number of dogs entered in each trial provided he is eligible and drawn for the first day trial.  In order to execute this properly, it is important that the same field trial chairman be appointed to be in charge of both trials.  It must be noted on the entries, two-day trial.

    b.   A dog must be eligible to be registered with a recognized registry to enter any NSTRA trial.

1.            NSTRA recognizes AKC, FDSB, and CKC.  However, regardless of which registry is used, the dog must be eligible to be registered in the FDSB as a recognized pointing dog breed to be entered in any NSTRA trial.

2.      Owners having dog registration pending will be responsible for completion of registration within (30) days of placement.

               3.      No placements will be recorded until the registration number is forwarded to the National Office (AKC, FDSB, CKC).  After sixty (60) days if no registration number has been received and/or verification that one exists, the placement will be void and all placements will be adjusted.

c.      The minimum age to be in the field shall be ten years of age, and to gun for self must be 16 years of age and hold a current Hunter's Safety Course Card.

3.       Entry forms must contain all requested information or entry cannot be accepted.

          *Trial chairman may not accept entries postmarked prior to December 1st for the Spring trial season (January 1 to June 30) or postmarked prior to June 1 for the Fall trial season (July 1 to December 31).  Trials will be advertised in the NSTRA magazine, NSTRA web page, American Field, or regional presidents may be contacted.

4.       No braces shall be added to the trial after the drawing.

5.       Entries shall be limited to five (5) dogs per owner and/or handler per trial.  Three shall be specified with the additional two (2) dogs to be added to the field seven (7) days prior to the trial only if the trial is not full on that date.

          * Exception:  AII NSTRA Championship trials.

6.       If a person enters more than one dog, he will not be drawn to run subsequent braces, unless he is drawn for the last two braces of the trial.  If he is drawn for a back to back brace, his second entry will be redrawn for a later brace.

7.    Owners or handlers running more than one (1) dog must run the dog drawn in the brace specified.  Any change due to sickness, will be at the discretion of the field marshal.

            * Any dog withdrawn from a trial shall not be re-entered in the same trial.  However, the owner may substitute a replacement with another dog he owns, at the discretion of the field marshal.

8.    Should an owner/handler cancel a trial entry, he must notify the trial chairman five (5) days prior to the running of the trial, and he (owner/handler) must find a replacement for his entry at the discretion of the field marshal.

*Option 1:          Fill spot with dog he owns.

*Option 2:          Must use standby dogs if available.

*Option 3:          Use non-scoreable bye dog.

9.       Dogs in season shall not be permitted to run in a recognized trial.

10.         All recognized trials must use game birds for bird release.  Quail must be used in Regional Elimination and all National Championship trials.

11.         Number of birds to be released shall be six (6) game birds for the first brace and five (5) game birds for each brace thereafter.  Should a bird fly out of the field when released, the host club shall release another bird to ensure six (6) birds for the first brace and five (5) birds for the remaining braces at the beginning of each brace.

12.         Bird handlers must wear gloves.

13.         Gunners must use 7 1/2, 8 or 9 shot shells.

              * Light loads only.

14.         Brace duration shall be 30 minutes.

15.      Standby dogs for all recognized trials shall be furnished by host club and should be a minimum of three (3) dogs.  Handlers of standby dogs running shall pay the entry fee to be eligible for placement.

16.       Dogs, handlers and/or gunners must remain behind a blind while birds are being released for their brace.

17.       All trials shall have two judges and a field marshal.  Field marshal shall be certified as Field Marshal holding a current certification card.  One judge will be designated the official time keeper.

18.       Judges will not be permitted to enter their dog in trials they are judging, regardless of who may handle the dog.

19.       All participants should sign the official score card validating accuracy, prior to the posting by field marshal.  If card is not signed within twenty-five (25) minutes after completion of each brace, the score will become official and be posted by the field marshal.

              * Unless under protest.

20.       Ties for first, second or third place shall be decided by a fifteen (15) minute run-off.  Two

(2) birds shall be released for this purpose.

21.       Field marshal shall be furnished by Trial Chairman holding trial except for all National Championship Trials.  He/she will be responsible for enforcing trial rules and receiving complaints from participants.

22.       Maximum number of persons in bird field shall be limited to six (6) people.

23.       No alcoholic beverages, or the consumption thereof, is permitted on the grounds.  Participants who have consumed alcoholic beverages may be required to have a gunner or have dog scratched from the trial, as determined by the field marshal.

24.       Every club or individual hosting a trial shall provide at least three (3) water containers (for dogs) in each bird field.  All three water containers must be of sufficient size to allow a dog to immerse itself.  All containers are to be readily visible or marked.

25.       Trophy awards and recommended cost are as follows:

12 - 17 dogs:    ne first place trophy recommended cost: $35.00

18 - 23 dogs:      one first place trophy one second place trophy recommended cost: $65.00

24 - 32 dogs:  one first place trophy one second place trophy one third place trophy recommended cost: $ 100.00

26.       Recommended judging fees will be based on the number of dogs judged (i.e. $1.25 per dog).  Any additional hospitality shown to the judges will be greatly appreciated (such as meals, drinks, etc.)

27.       Unreasonable harassment of judges or field marshals (to be determined by the Regional and/ or National officers and Board of Directors) will not be tolerated.  Entrants handier and/or gunner violating this rule shall be suspended from all recognized Association trials for one calendar year.

28.       It will be the responsibility of the field marshal and judges to establish definite boundaries for the field trials.

29.       Each field trial chairman and hosting club must establish appropriate "No Shooting" safety zones to ensure safety of spectators and adjoining properties.

30.       Field marshal shall check all vests before a man leaves the blind, including gunner and handler.

31.       No dog shall be eligible to run for creditable NSTRA points by competing in more than one (1) NSTRA trial per day unless the fields are on the same set of grounds.

     * Exception:  A dog that has participated in one of the national trials and has been eliminated from contention is eligible to participate in another trial.

32.       Except as noted below all handlers and gunners are required to be on foot (walking) while participating in NSTRA sanctioned field trials. NOTE:  Only with an exception granted as a result of a majority vote of NSTRA Board of Director members present at a scheduled meeting (April and October only) may a handler or gunner participate in any NSTRA sanctioned field trial by any means other than walking.

Region officers may grant interim approval on a region member’s application for an ATV variance which will allow the member to participate in home region trials only.  The interim approval will only be valid until such time that the member’s application is brought before the NSTRA Board of Directors at their next scheduled meeting for action.  The interim approval will not be valid for participation in national championship trials.

A member who is granted an interim ATV variance shall be required to comply with all ATV operation guidelines.

33.       Protest procedures:

A.         Scheduled Association trials:

1.      Protest must be submitted in writing to Regional officers and Board of Directors within ten (10) days of occurrence.

2.      Untimely protests shall not be considered.

3.      Regional officers and Board of Directors must answer the protest in writing within twenty-one (21) days.

4.      If the protester disagrees with the Regional decision, he may submit a protest to the National officers and Board of Directors.  This submission must occur within ten (10) days of the Regional answer.

                  5.     The National officers and Board of Directors must provide a final answer in writing within                 twenty-one (21) days.

B.      Regional Dog of the Year Trials.

1.      Protest must be submitted to Regional officers and Board of Directors to permit timely decisions as trial progresses.  Due to timeliness of decisions, national review is not possible.

2.       Untimely protests shall not be considered.

3.       Regional officers and Board of Directors decisions are final.

C.      All National Championship Trials:

1.      Protest must be submitted to National Officers to permit a timely decision as trial progresses.

2.       Untimely protests shall not be considered.

3.       National officers decisions are final.
 

TRIALS RECOGNIZED:

National Shoot-To-Retrieve Field Trial Association recognizes the following field trials:

1.     One day trial                                2.     Derby trials   
         Two day trial                                      Invitational Non-placement
         Three day trial                                     Amateur trials
                                                                      Open/Novice trials

3.     Double trials                                4.     Endurance trials
Double-double trials

For additional information, please contact the NSTRA office.

 
REFERENCES
NOTE:  This section of the book is provided for reference only.  It contains information on NSTRA championship trial formats, championship classifications, repeats of some information that is contained in the NSTRA Constitution and/or By-Laws, etc.  This information will be modified as changes occur.

Derby Age Dog Trials

DERBY TRIALS:

1.       All ??Derby?? Trials shall be run under National Shoot-To-Retrieve Field Trial Association all age rules.  The NSTRA shall issue win certificates for first, second and third placements.  Each Region may hold no more than two (2) Derby Trials per year.  Championship points to be awarded as follows:

            12-17 dogs  -               one first place point
                                                  no second or third points awarded

            18-23 dogs  -                two first place points
                                                   one second place point
                                                   no third place points awarded

             24-32 dogs  -               three first place points
                                                    two second place points
                                                    one third place point
                                                    (full points awarded) 
                                                                                              

Placements will not qualify a dog to run in a Dog of the Year Regional Elimination Trial.  No more than three derby points shall be awarded toward a Championship.  No derby points shall count as first place points.

2.      All Regions shall be solely responsible for all record keeping, and be responsible for notifying the National office of eligibility for certificates and/or points following a scheduled Derby Trial.   The Region shall present all certificates.

3.       Age Limit: 30 months and younger.

4.       Sanction Fee: Contact NSTRA office.

5.       Number of Derby Trials per Region: Regions will be permitted to hold two 2-day trials or four 1-day trials per calendar year.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR DOG OF THE YEAR TRIAL AND
REGIONAL ELIMINATIONS

1.      Standby dogs for annual Dog of the Year Trial shall be selected by National Officers from Regional Elimination Finals runner-up dogs.  Standby dogs will be eligible to win, should they run, providing the entry fee has been paid.

2.      A large trophy will be given Dog of the Year winner with appropriate trophies for first, second and third runners-up.

3.      To win any or all NSTRA Championship Trials, a dog must prove that he will point, back and retrieve.  If he has not demonstrated his ability in each of these areas during the Regional Elimination Trials, he will be required to demonstrate his ability prior to being declared the winner.  Dog must prove that he will back at both Regional Elimination and Dog of the Year Trial.

4.       The National Officers shall be responsible for managing the Dog of the Year Trial Finals, (i.e., judge and field marshal selection, entry fees, date, birds, trophies, grounds, etc.  As outlined in Constitution and By-Laws).

5 .  Dog of the Year participants shall be selected from the Regional Elimination Finalists on prorated basis (based on the total number of dogs drawn and run in each Regional Elimination) to participate in the Dog of the Year Trial Finals.

6.       If a dog is withdrawn after the drawing, from the Dog of the Year Trial, he will receive 50% refund of his entry fee, unless the dog is ill or in season, this to be verified by a vet certification.

7.       Championship points will be awarded in the qualifying rounds and shall be counted toward the Region High Point System.

8.       Dogs that obtain Championship status will automatically be qualified for the Regional Dog of the Year Trial Eliminations.  They will not be counted in the quota unless they run.

9.      An owner shall be allowed to enter his dog (or dogs) in his home region or regions in which his dog (or dogs) qualified for elimination trials, but not in both regions.  Dogs that qualify in home region must enter in home region.  Dogs that hold Championship status must run in home region.  A dog may enter only one region elimination trial per year January 1st to December  31st).

10.    Dogs that have co-owners must have a home region designated.  Owners requesting a change of home region must do so, in writing through the National Office between the dates of October 1st and January 1st.

*Exception:  A member who permanently relocates to within the boundaries of a Region, other than their Home Region, may make written application to the NSTRA office at anytime to request a change in their Home Region.

11. A dog must be eligible to be registered or be registered with a recognized registry to receive placement in any NSTRA trial and/or Region Elimination or Dog of the Year Trial.  NSTRA recognizes AKC, FDSB, and CKC.  However, regardless of which registry is used, the dog must be eligible to be registered in the FDSB to be entered in any NSTRA trial.  An owner having dog registration pending will be responsible for documenting all placements in accordance with the By-Laws and Rules.  With out a recorded placement a dog will not be eligible to run in his Regional Elimination Trial.

12.      Cut off date for eligibility to run in a regional elimination trial shall be two weeks prior to that region's elimination trial.  The weekend two weeks prior to the elimination may be counted re: eligibility for that year's trial, but not the following year's trial.

13.    Region Elimination trials must all be run at least 45 days prior to the Dog of the Year Trial.  Region Presidents shall not schedule Region Elimination Trials on the same weekend as any of the National Championship Trials.

NOTE:   The Regional Elimination Trials are an extension of the Dog of the Year Trial.

14.    Regions using more than one field shall award points for each field in the same manner as a recognized field trial.  Regions using more than one field shall award points for their Finals based upon the number of dogs run in the (overall Region Elimination Trial) Finals. (Scoring point breakdown as per rule book - no changes).  Regions using more than one field shall award points as if that one field was a Final.  Regions must have more than 32 dogs running in the Elimination to use more than one field.

REQUIREMENTS FOR CHAMPION CERTIFICATION

1. REGISTRY:

A dog must be enrolled in a recognized breed or field dog registry, approved by the National Shoot-To-Retrieve Field Trial Association, Inc., officers and Board of Directors, to be awarded the certificate of champion. (NSTRA recognizes AKC, FDSB and CKC registries.  However, regardless of which registry is used, the dog must be eligible to be registered in the FDSB as a recognized pointing dog breed to be entered in any NSTRA trial.)

2.    POINTS:

Champion points must be accumulated by dog placement in field trials recognized by the National Shoot-To-Retrieve Field Trial Association, Inc. 

3 .   CHAMPION STATUS:

Champion status shall be attained when a dog has accumulated a total of eighteen (18) points as follows:

A.      Recognized Field Trial Winners:

                    (Based on 24-32 dog trial)

                    Three (3) points for winner

             Two (2) points for second place

             One (1) point for third place

        Dog of the Year Eliminations

B.     Regional Trial Winners-.

         (Based on 24-32 dog trial)

          Four (4) points for first place

                 Three (3) points for second place

                 Two (2) points for third place

                 One (1) point for fourth place

                    (Based on 18-23 dog trial)

                 Three (3) points for first place

Two (2) points for second place

One (1) point for third place

(Based on 17 dogs or less trial)

Two (2) points for first place

One (1) point for second place

 

B.     National Dog Of The Year Trial Winners:

          Six (6) points for winner

          Five (5) points for first runner-up

          Four (4) points for second runner-up

          Three (3) points for third runner-up
 

All points received in the finals of Regional Elimination Trials, Quail Invitational, Grand National, Trial of Champions, Endurance Trial, and Dog of the Year Trial may be counted as first place points.

4.       FIRST PLACE WINS:

A dog must have a minimum of nine (9) first place points in his total point accumulation.

5.       BACKING:

A dog must demonstrate that he will back another dog to be eligible for certification as champion.

 

NSTRA GRAND NATIONAL INVITATIONAL TRIAL

1.         The number of dogs in the trial shall be 128.  The dogs will be invited as follows:

            a.         The prior year Top Performance Winner.

            b.         The prior year Regional Elimination Winners.

            c.         All participants in the prior Purina Endurance Trial.

            d.         All participants in the prior Dog of the Year Trial.

            e.         All participants in the prior Quail Invitational Trial.

            f.          All participants in the prior Trial of Champions.

          NOTE: Dogs drawn for the Trial of Champions shall be considered the participants.

            The Top Performance and Regional Elimination Winners will be the first dogs placed; the remaining slots will be filled from the four championship trials by taking the number of slots remaining to be filled and dividing it by the number of dogs that competed in the four other National Trials.

            Example: 30 dogs enter from the region elimination’s and top performance. 98 slots remain.

                                    128 Dogs in DOY
                                    128 Dogs in QI
                                    128 Dogs in the Endurance
                                    235 in the Trial of Champions
                                    619 Total divided into 98 gives a factor of .1583

        .158 X 128 = 20 from DOY **
        .158 X 128 = 20 from QI
        .158 X 128 = 20 from Endurance
        .158 X 235 = 38 from Trial of Champions
                   total of 98 from the four Championship trials

**If the trial is not filled with this entry format, fill the remaining slots with additional entries from (in order of this priority)
            A.          DOY
            B.         QI
            C.         Endurance
            D.         Trial of Champions
            E.         2nd, 3rd,and 4th place regional elimination winners

            NOTE: NSTRA Officers reserve the right to adjust percentages as necessary.             

2.         A dog must prove he will back, naturally, on his own, in order to be declared the winner of this trial.  The dog may not be stopped by the owner/handler for a back (not by whistle, silent whistle, signal or command).

3.         The Grand National Championship Trial shall be managed and run by the elected officers with an elected National Officer serving as Trial Chairman.

4.         Trophies for Grand National Championship Trial:

            ?1.   Twelve (12) trophies for the first elimination rounds (four sets of 1st/2nd/3rd).

            2.    Four (4) nice trophies for the Final Four (sized according to placement).

5.         If a dog is withdrawn after the drawing, they will receive 50% refund of their entry fee, unless the dog is ill or in season, this to be verified by a vet certification.

6.         Deadline enforcement:  No entries will be accepted after the entry deadline.  All mailed entries  must be postmarked on or before the entry deadline.

7.       The Grand National Championship Trial may bear the name of a sponsor.    

8..       Championship points will be awarded for the qualifying rounds and shall be counted towards the region high point competition. 

TRIAL OF CHAMPIONS
NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP TRIAL

1.       The Trial of Champions shall be for those dogs who have attained the status of Champion and have been recognized by the National Shoot-To-Retrieve Field Trial Association, Inc.  There will be no standby dogs. (An owner has the option of entering by deadline date or not entering.)

2.       The National officers shall be responsible for managing the Trial of Champions, i.e., judge and field marshal selection, entry fees, date, birds, trophies, grounds, etc.

3 .   If a dog is withdrawn after the drawing, he will receive 50% refund of his entry fee, unless the dog is ill or in season, this to be verified by a vet certification.

4.       Trophies for Trial of Champions:

(1)     A large trophy shall be awarded to the winner.

(2)     A moderate trophy shall be awarded to the runner-up.

(3)     Appropriate trophies will be awarded to third and fourth place dogs.

(4)     Daily trophies will be awarded to the first, second and third place dogs.

5.             Championship points will be awarded for the qualifying rounds and shall be counted towards the region high point competition.

6.      A dog must prove he will back naturally, on his own, in order to be declared the winner of this trial.  The dog may not be stopped by the owner/ handler on a back.
 
 PURINA TOP PERFORMANCE AWARD

1.    A dog may win the Purina Top Performance Award by participating in recognized National Shoot-To-Retrieve Field Trial Association, Inc., trials by accumulating the greatest point total for the one year period.

2.    Points shall be awarded as follows:

A.           24-32 dog trials:

              Three (3) points for first place
              Two (2) points for second place
              One (1) point for third place

B.           18-23 dog trials:

              Two (2) points for first place
              One (1) point for second place

C.          12-17 dog trials:

              One (1) point for first place

3.    The award shall be presented at the annual meeting of the National Shoot-To-Retrieve Association, Inc.  Points counted shall be based on one year's accumulation, from June 1st to May 31st of the following year.

4.    No points shall be credited toward this award from placements in Regional Eliminations, Dog of the Year Trial, Trial of Champions, Quail Invitational, Grand National, or Purina Endurance Trial.

5. The National officers shall be responsible for conducting the award ceremony for the Top Performance Award Winner.  This presentation shall be made by the Purina representative.

 
QUAIL INVITATIONAL TRIAL
NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP TRIAL
1.     The number of dogs in the trial shall be a minimum of sixty four.  The dogs will be invited according to points scored from November 1st to October 31st.  There will be sufficient invitations sent initially, to fill the field, up to the top 350 dogs or as many as necessary.

2.      The National officers shall be responsible for managing the Quail Invitational Trial, i.e., judge and field marshal selection, entry fees, date, birds, trophies, grounds, etc.

3.       Trophies for Quail Invitational Trial:

(1)        Twelve trophies for first elimination round (four sets of  1st/2nd/3rd).

(2)              Four trophies for final four or belt buckles for  the top four.

4.      A dog must prove he will back naturally, on his own, in order to be declared the winner of this trial.  The dog may not be stopped by the owner/handler on a back.

5.      If a dog is withdrawn after the drawing, he will receive 50% refund of his entry fee, unless the dog is ill or in season, this to be verified by a vet certification.

6.      The Quail Invitational Trial may be sponsored by one of the major sponsors of NSTRA and this trial will bear that sponsor's name.

7.       This will be a rotating trial based on invitations received from NSTRA Regions.

8.       Championship points will be awarded for the qualifying rounds and shall be counted towards the region high point competition.

 

NATIONAL ENDURANCE CLASSIC
NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
TRIAL
1.      The number of dogs in the trial shall be a maximum of one hundred twenty-eight.  Invitations will be prorated among the regions, based on number of trials held in each region from June 1st to May 31st.  Region quotas will be filled from entries in ??high point?? order beginning with the highest point dog based on points accumulated from June 1st to May 31st.  Each entry will compete twice for points, with the trial winner being designated NSTRA Champion.  Brace winners will advance, throughout the trial.

2.      The National Endurance Classic will be sponsored by one of the major sponsors of NSTRA and this trial will bear that sponsor's name.

3.       This will be a rotating trial based on invitations received from NSTRA Regions.

4.     Sponsor's Region Challenge Trial: A special trial sponsored by a chosen sponsor will be held on Day 2.  Entry for this trial will be automatic with no additional charge, for all dogs who do not win their braces in the original (Day 1) Trial, and shall consist of a minimum of 32 dogs.

5.     The National officers shall be responsible for managing the National Endurance Classic, i.e., judge and field marshal selection, entry fees, date, birds, trophies, grounds, etc.

6.        Trophies for the Endurance Classic:

(1)        Three trophies for each field where regular trial points are awarded.

(2)        Four trophies for the Champion and runners-up or belt buckles.

(3)      Three trophies for each field where regular trial points are awarded for the Sponsor's Region Challenge Trial.  Also, a traveling trophy (plaque) shall be presented to the trial winner on behalf of his region, to be returned the following year for the next winner. The name of the winner, owner and region shall be added to the traveling award.  Also, copy of this Sponsor' s Challenge Trophy (plaque) displayed permanently in the NSTRA office, shall be engraved with the current winner's name, owner and region.

7.    A dog must prove he will back naturally, on his own, in order to be declared the winner of this trial.  The dog may not be stopped by the owner/ handler on a back.

8.       If a dog is withdrawn after the drawing, he will receive 50% refund of his entry fee, unless the dog is ill or in season, this to be verified by a vet certification.

   9.     Championship points will be awarded for the qualifying rounds and shall be counted towards the region high point competition.

OPEN/NOVICE TRIAL
1.  All Open/Novice Trials shall be run under National Shoot-To-Retrieve Field Trial Association all age rules.  Each Region may hold no more than two (2) Open/Novice Trials per year (one during the spring schedule and one during the fall schedule).  Championship points shall be awarded as follows:

12-17 entries:   One point for first place

18-23 entries:   Two points for first place
                           One point for second place

24-32 entries:   Three points for first place
                           Two points for second place
                           One point for third place

2.    A Novice dog is one that has a total of three (3) points or less and none of the points are first place points.  An Open dog is one that has four (4) or more points.

3.    Entrants are responsible for assuring their Novice Dog has three (3) points or less.

4.    An Open and Novice dog shall not be drawn against each other.  Draw all open dogs first and than all Novice dogs. (Example: If the trial has 18 Open dogs and 14 Novice dogs, then, it would consist of 9 braces (1-9 of Open dogs) and 7 braces (10-16 of Novice dogs).

5.    In the event of uneven number of entries in the Novice Class, the last entry received will be returned with fee refunded.

6.    In the event of uneven number of entries in the Open Class, a standby dog may be used.  If unavailable, a Novice entry may compete in the Open Class if he so chooses.

7.      An Open/Novice dog is eligible to compete in the Region Elimination Trial.

8.     Regions will be permitted to hold one 1-day trial during the spring schedule and one 1-day trial during the fall schedule.

9.       Established NSTRA sanction fees shall apply. 

INVITATIONAL TRIAL
(NON-PLACEMENT DOGS)

1.   All Invitational Trials shall be run under National  Shoot-To-Retrieve Field Trial Association all age rules.  Each Region may hold no more than two Invitational Trials per year (one during the spring schedule and one during the fall schedule).  Only Non-Placement dogs may participate in this Invitational Trial.  Championship points shall be awarded as follows:

12-17 entries:          One point for first place

18-23 entries:          Two points for first place
One point for second place

24-32 entries:         Three points for first place
Two points for second place
One point for third place

2.       No invitational points shall count as first place points in qualifying as a champion.

3.       No invitational points shall apply toward the Top Performance Award.

4.       Entrants shall be responsible for assuring their dog does not have any placements.

5.       Regions will be permitted to hold one 1-day trial during the spring schedule and one 1-day trial during the fall schedule.

6.       Established NSTRA sanction fees shall apply.

 

REGION CHALLENGE
1. All Region Challenge Trials shall be run under National Shoot-to-Retrieve Field Trial Association all age rules.  Each region may participate in no more than one Region Challenge Trial per year.  Championship points to be awarded as follows:

12-17 entries:        One point for first place

18-23 entries:        Two points for first place|
                                One point for second place

24-32 entries:        Three points for first place
                                Two points for second place
                                One point for third place

2. Regions will be permitted to hold one 2-day trial per calendar year.

3. Entries shall be determined by regions involved in the challenge.

4. Established NSTRA sanction fees shall apply.
 

AMATEUR FIELD TRIAL

1.      All Amateur Trials shall be run under National Shoot-To-Retrieve Field Trial Association rules. Each Region may hold no more than four (4) Amateur Trials per year (two during the spring trial season and two during the fall trial season). All Trials must be scheduled through Region Presidents. There is no sanctioning fee required to be paid to NSTRA for Amateur Trials.

2.      All Scheduled Amateur Field Trials will be officially sanctioned trials by NSTRA.

3.      Championship points shall be awarded as follows:

12-17 entries: One point for first place

18-23 entries: Two points for first place
                         One point for second place

24-32 entries: Three points for first place
                         Two points for second place
                         One point for third place

4.      No Amateur points shall count as first place points in qualifying as a champion. 

5.      All Amateur points acquired in the time frame for qualifying for Region Elimination Trials shall count as qualification points for Region Elimination trials.

6.      No Amateur points shall apply toward the Top Performance Award

7.      Entrants shall be responsible for assuring their dog does not have any placements before entering an Amateur Trial.

8.      Entry fees shall be limited to 25.00 per entry. Total number of entries per owner and/or handler shall comply with rule book, page 17, #5, under Rules For Recognized Field Trials.

9.      Trial participants must be NSTRA  members. An individual wishing to enter an Amateur Field Trial that has not previously been a NSTRA member may pay a special 15.00 membership fee for a 6 month membership.

10.  Awards: plaques, trophies, etc. shall be awarded to the top six placements of each Amateur Trial.

11.  Trial articles and photos of the placements of Amateur Trials will be published in the NSTRA magazine if forwarded to the NSTRA office.

REVISION NOTES

Revised 11-22-02.Any copies of the National Shoot-to-Retrieve Constitution and By-Laws published prior to 10-01-02 are void. Copyright 1980, National Shoot-to-Retrieve Field Trial Association, Inc.  May not be reproduced without written permission. Any additions to NSTRA rules will be published for the benefit of the membership in the Official NSTRA Magazine Publication.

For additional information, write to:

National Shoot-To-Retrieve Field Trial Assoc., Inc.
226 North Mill Street, #2
Plainfield, Indiana  46168
(317) 839-4059
(317) 839-4197 fax
email:  nstrfta@ameritech.net
web site:  www.nstra.org

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JUDGING GUIDELINES

The following guidelines, rules and NSTRA Handbook, "Judging Guidelines" are set forth to assist you in judging recognized Shoot-To-Retrieve trials.

The scoring system is from 0- 100 and 0-75.  Judges should use the full range of this system and shall be judges rather than scorekeepers.

1. FIND

SCORE:     0-100    (Scoring begins when the dog makes game)

        PLUS FACTORS:

          Exceptional style
          Remains steady regardless of interference
          Extreme intensity
          Hard, slam point
          Remains high and intent during long difficult flush attempt
          Good game location
          Works scent intelligently

          MINUS FACTORS:

          Flagging
          Lack of intensity
          Creeping
          Low tail
          Down in front
          Laying down

2.  RETRIEVE

          SCORE: 0-100

          PLUS FACTORS:

          Quick location of downed bird
          Quick pick up
          Blind retrieve
          Snappy return to handler
          Easy release to handler
          Exceptional retrieves such as water, or a long retrieve
          Tender mouth

          MINUS FACTORS:

          Trouble locating bird
          Slow pick up
          Hard mouth
          Indirect return
          Unwilling release

3.  GROUND COVERAGE

          SCORE: 0-100
          PLUS FACTORS:

          Quick and thorough search for birds such as quartering
          Sharp, classy movements

          MINUS FACTORS:

          Pottering with ground scent
          Running and not actually hunting such as headracing
          Not covering the ground thoroughly
          Spending time out of bounds
          Lack of enthusiasm

4.  BACK

          SCORE:    0-75 (Scoring begins when backing dog has the opportunity to see pointing dog.)

          PLUS FACTORS:

          Backs immediately upon seeing pointing dog
          Dog is intent with good style
          Remains intent until handler reaches dog to control him while pointing dog completes his retrieve

           MINUS FACTORS:

          Lacks intensity
          Flags, lays down, has a low tail or is low in front
          Looks at handler rather than at pointing dog 

5. OBEDIENCE

          SCORE: 0-75

          PLUS FACTORS:

          Displays immediate response to handler's commands
          Consistently responds to handler       

          MINUS FACTORS:

          Failure to respond to handler consistently

NOTE: NSTRA recommends the use of two-way radios for judges to be used for judging purposes only; not to be used for general conversation or discussion of a previous brace.

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