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SDA Rule Book & By-Laws

Sporting Dog Alliance
Established 2018

Official Rules & Regulations
(September 2020)

Divisions / Definitions / Scoring /
Awards & Nationals / Event Hosts / Forms


Divisions

 The Sporting Dog Alliance (SDA) will sanction competitions for both Pointing and Flushing breeds of dogs.
 Dogs who wish to compete in a SDA sanctioned trial must be registered with either: American Kennel Club (AKC), the United Kennel Club (UKC), the Field Dog Stud Book, or the American Pointing Labrador Association (APLA).
 Dogs, regardless of ability, will be placed in the division which is standard for that breed. Exception: dogs registered with APLA may declare at the beginning of each year whether they will compete as a pointer or a flusher and must remain in that division for the entire year.
 Trial hosts may sanction Pointing and Flushing Puppy, Open, and Doubles trials. High Point of the Year teams in each division and each trial will be awarded and competitions at Nationals will be available.
 Rookie Dog of the Year points will also be tracked throughout the year for eligible dogs. A Rookie Dog is one that has not received the title of “Field Champion” in SDA or any organization with similar upland competitions as of January 1st of the competition year.
 Women and Youth handlers will have their points tracked throughout the year for both Pointing and Flushing Ladies Handler of the Year (HOY) and Pointing and Flushing Youth Handler of the Year (HOY).








The following rules apply to both Pointers and Flushers unless otherwise noted:


PUPPY TRIALS
• Puppy Pointers and Puppy Flushers may use the same field but are two separate divisions; they will NOT compete against each other.
• A Puppy trial team will consist of one (1) handler and one (1) dog under the age of three (3) competing in one (1) fifteen (15) minute, recommended, time limit run with a minimum three (3) bird set. Species and number of bird(s) will be determined by the Event Host. EXCEPTION: Trials can be formatted differently (different time limit or number of birds) as decided and advertised by Event Host AND pre-approved by SDA.
• Dogs cannot be older than three (3) years of age as of the start of a new year (January 1st). The dog can turn three (3) during the year and still finish the year in the Puppy division but starting the next year, January 1st, the dog may no longer run as a Puppy. The dog’s age may be verified by their registration certificate.
• Dogs who qualify by age to compete as a Puppy may also compete in Open and Doubles trials if all other criteria is met for those divisions.
• Dogs must compete in at least four (4) Puppy trials to qualify for High Point awards and Nationals.
• Additional competition and handling rules described under Definitions & Scoring may also apply.


OPEN TRIALS
o Open Pointing and Open Flushing may use the same fields, but will NOT compete against each other; they are two separate divisions.
o An Open trial will consist of one (1) handler and one (1) dog, of any age, competing in at least one (1) fifteen (15) minute run and with a minimum five (5) bird run; species of bird(s) will be determined by the Event Host. EXCEPTION: Trials can be formatted differently (different time limit or number of birds) as decided and advertised by Event Host AND pre-approved by SDA.
o The same handler must run both sets. A substitute handler may only be used with Trial Committee approval and only under mitigating circumstances.
o When advertised by Trial Host, Dogs may enter twice in the same trial.
o Open teams must compete in at least six (6) events during the year to qualify for High Point awards and Nationals.
o Additional competition and handling rules described in Definitions & Scoring may also apply.







DOUBLES TRIALS
• Doubles Pointing teams and Doubles Flushing teams may use the same fields, but will NOT compete against each other; they are two separate divisions.
• A Doubles trial team will consist of two (2) handlers and two (2) dogs, of any age, in a predetermined number of run(s) and bird set total; species of bird(s) will be determined by the Event Host. Trial will be formatted (time limit and number & species of birds) as decided and advertised by Event Host AND pre-approved by SDA.
• Each handler/dog team, and judges, must stay within fifty (50) feet of each other while working the field.
• Each handler must bag their birds and must quit shooting when they have bagged (½) half the amount of birds put out for the trial. EXAMPLE: If (6) six birds are put out, each handler can only harvest (3) maximum.
• The first handler to bag their allotment of birds may take their dog and assist the other handler to find the remaining birds. However, they may not assist the other handler by shooting.
• In Pointing Doubles, each dog may be awarded three (3) backs, worth five (5) points each. No dog may be physically handled by any means in an effort to safeguard a back. You may NOT use an e-collar to Stop a dog; however once the dog has stopped the Handler may use the e-collar.
• No dog in a Doubles run shall be leashed until the allotted number of birds is bagged or time has expired.
• A Dog may be entered in a Doubles trial up to (4) four times but must be entered before the trial begins. The dog’s Handler and partner team must be different for each entry per trial. Example: Team 1 = Handler A/Dog A partners with Handler B/Dog B. Team 2 = Handler B/Dog A partners with Handler C/Dog C. Team 3 = Handler C/Dog A partners with Handler D/Dog D. Team 4 Handler D/Dog A partners with Handler A/Dog B. Dog A has now been entered 4 (four) times and may not be entered again, even with a different Handler.
• Doubles teams must compete in at least four (4) events during the year to qualify for High Point awards and Nationals. NOTE: You do NOT have to run with the same partners you qualified with at Nationals.
• Additional competition and handling rules described in Definitions & Scoring may also apply.


Rookie Dog
o Rookie Dog of the Year (DOY) is tracked throughout the year for eligible dogs.
o To be eligible to compete as a Rookie the dog must not have received the title of “Field Champion” in SDA or any organization with similar upland competitions.
o To qualify as a Rookie Dog, the dog must be a Sporting breed, of any age, that has never earned field champion status in an upland bird field trial format.
o Rookie points will be kept track of during contestants’ runs throughout the year in Puppy, Open and Doubles trials; in both Pointing and Flushing divisions.
o A dog that is in contention for Rookie of the Year may only be handled by a Pro Handler for a total of two (2) placements during the year in which the dog is in contention for Rookie DOY.
o A dog must compete in at least six (6) events during the year to qualify for Rookie DOY and Nationals.
o Additional competition and handling rules described in Definitions & Scoring may also apply.


Ladies HOY
• Women handlers may compete for Ladies Handler of the Year (HOY) awards in Puppy, Open and Doubles trials; under the same format and rules.
• When an Event Host has a Ladies division, per contestant, whichever placement she receives the highest number of qualification points on will be the one recorded toward her High Point total. (one score per weekend)
• When there is not a “Ladies Only” division at the trial, whichever placement the contestant receives the highest number of qualification points for during the trial weekend will be recorded under her High Point total. EXAMPLE: Suzy Q finished 3rd and 5th in Puppy and 5th in the Open. Puppy only had 10 dogs = 24 points. Open had 30 dogs = 52 points. Suzy Q will receive the highest qualification points amount possible for trial weekend which is the 5th place Open finish with 52 points. (one score per weekend)
• Event holders do not need to have separate fields for women, but may do so if entries warrant & if it will facilitate running their Event.
• Women handlers must run (3) three trials throughout the year to be eligible for Ladies HOY.
• Additional competition and handling rules described in Definitions & Scoring may also apply.
.
Youth HOY
o Handlers under the age of eighteen (18) as of January 1st may participate in any of the SDA sanctioned trials as long as ALL of the following three (3) conditions are met: NO EXCEPTIONS:
• Must be a paid member of SDA (Family Membership or Individual).
• Must present a current Hunter Education/Safety Course from their state of residence. NOTE: State age requirements vary.
• Must have a current SDA Indemnification Waiver signed by a parent or legal guardian.
o Youth Handlers age fifteen (15) and under MUST be accompanied by a parent/guardian and the parent/guardian must stay with the Judge during the course of the trial.
• NOTE: **The parent/guardian may communicate with the Youth handler during the trial ONLY if they were in the blind with the Youth handler.**
o On the date a Youth handler turns 16, and thereafter, the Youth Handler will no longer require a parent/guardian accompaniment in the field.
o Youth handlers can run any dog but the dog is limited to two (2) entries in any trial, regardless of handler.
o Youth handlers will run in the same fields as the Puppy, Open and Doubles trials and under the same format and rules.
o Whichever placement receives the highest number of qualification points for the weekend will be recorded for the Youth’s HOY (one score per weekend). Example: Tommy Boy placed a dog 2nd in the Puppy division and 6th in the Open. Puppy had 10 dogs = 36 points. Open division had 30 dogs = 50 points. Tommy Boy will get the 50 qualification points for the weekend tallied onto his Youth HOY of the Year.
o Youth must compete in at least four (4) events during the year to qualify for Youth HOY awards and Nationals.
o Additional competition and handling rules described in Definitions & Scoring may also apply.

Natural Abilities
• Natural Abilities is a non-competitive practice division. Handlers must be SDA members
• No birds shall be shot in these runs. The Handler has the option to shoot a blanks pistol when the bird takes flight.
• A Natural Abilities team will consist of one (1) handler and one (1) dog, of any age, with a three (3) bird set; species of bird(s) will be determined by the Event Host. Total time allowed fifteen (15) minutes. EXCEPTION: Class can be formatted differently (different time limit or number of birds) as decided and advertised by Event Host AND pre-approved by SDA.
• FORMAT: # of birds shall be planted and the dog will find each bird and For [Pointing Dogs] hold a 5 second point before being flushed by Handler. For [Flushing Dogs] the dog will find and flush or trap each bird planted in the allotted time.
• Natural Abilities will NOT be scored and does not qualify for placement points or awards. However, Event Hosts may elect to present participation ribbons or certificates for dogs finding all their birds and
• The Natural Abilities class is open to all dogs who meet registration requirements. See “Eligible Dog” in Definitions
• Pre-entries are recommended so Event Host will have enough birds however entries may be accepted throughout the trial weekend if the Event Host has sufficient birds.
• Additional competition and handling rules described in Definitions & Scoring may also apply.

**Unless noted, all handling and competition rules stated under Definitions & Scoring apply to both Pointing & Flushing division **





Definitions

ALL DOGS:
All dogs must be registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC), the United Kennel Club (UKC), the Field Dog Stud Book, or the American Pointing Labrador Association (APLA) in order to enter a Sporting Dog Alliance event.
Events consist of two divisions, Flusher and Pointer. Dogs, regardless of ability, shall be placed in the division which is standard for the breed. EXCEPTION: Labrador Retrievers registered with APLA may be allowed to compete in the Pointing division OR Flushing division, but not both
During a run, dogs may not be restrained for any reason that gives them an unfair advantage (example: grabbing a dog or its collar in order to retrieve a bird is grounds for disqualification).
Dogs must be leashed at all times prior to and immediately following runs. Dogs must be leashed immediately when time expires, no scoring can take place after time expires.
Bitch-in-heat entry will be accepted only if placed at the end of the day.
Injuries to dogs will be considered bad luck, and the owner’s responsibility.
Electronic collars may be used in ALL divisions. However, in OPEN, the Judge will carry the remote control.
Beeper collars are allowed in all divisions, no check cords are allowed.
Dogs may have up to two entries per competition, but must be signed up for both runs prior to the start of the competition.

ACT-ON: When a Handler/Shooter fires his/her gun at a bird for the purpose of bagging the bird.

BACK: In a Pointing Doubles trial, a back is when one dog honors another dog’s point and holds the back until the pointing dog receives a (5) second count or the bird flushes while dog is backing.
The pointing dog may NOT be whoa'd to a point to give a partner's dog a back.
The back must be a natural situation where a pointing dog stops to point on its own accord. A back is worth five (5) points and must be called by the Handler.
Three (3) backs per dog per Doubles run will be scored. No dog in the doubles can be handled in any manner in an effort to safeguard a back.
The handler cannot relocate the pointing dog until a reasonable attempt to flush the bird has been made.
BAGGED BIRD / POINTING – [Pointing division only] A bagged bird is a bird that has been shot, retrieved, or picked up after a five (5) second point was established AND is in the possession of the handler or the judge.
BAGGED BIRD / FLUSHIING – [Flushing division only] A bagged bird is a bird that has been trapped or shot, retrieved, or picked up AND is in the possession of the handler or the judge.

BEEPER COLLARS: A Beeper collar is an electronic device designed to beep a particular cadence to aid the handler in locating his/her dog, whether the dog is running or on point.
Beeper Collar must be turned on and working properly.
The beeper collar must be worn properly as intended by the mfg. “Properly” is defined by being behind the ears and in front of the shoulders on the dog's neck.
A handler that does not place the beeper collar on the dog properly will be disqualified.
BIRDS: Quail, Chukar, Pheasant, or a combination of these 3 may be used as long as every run in a division gets the same type bird set per that trial.
BIRDS MOVED: You can only move (dog must be working bird) one more bird than allowed amount. EXAMPLE: If trial host is doing a 3 bird run trial and your dog moves four birds, run will be stopped.

CHAMPION: Champion status will be awarded when you have a total of 20 points in the PUPPY, OPEN, and DOUBLES divisions. Points are awarded toward Championship status in the following divisions: Puppy, Open, Doubles, Youth, Women, and Rookie. (5 pts for a win, 3 pts for a second place finish, and 1 pt. for a third place finish). To Champion in a division you need at minimum of 20 points which includes points from at least 2 wins.
COMMUNICATION / ELECTRONIC & PHYSICAL: At no time can any Handler, including designated walker & designated shooter, in any division, use communication or communication devices which includes but is not limited to: radios, transmitters, flags, signs, etc. This will be considered un-sportsmanlike conduct and grounds for immediate disqualification of the Handler from the event.
DESIGNATED SHOOTER (DS): A Designated Shooter is a person Designated or Approved by the Field Marshal, Trial Host or Trial Committee to shoot for a handler. Designated Shooter may not assist handler in any way. The Designated Shooter's sole purpose is to shoot for the handler.

DESIGNATED WALKER (DW): A Designated Walker is a person Designated or Approved by the Field Marshal or Trial Committee to walk for an injured or physically challenged handler. The Designated Walker Carries the gun for the handler.
DISQUALIFICATION (DQ): A Handler and/or Dog may be disqualified, not permitted to continue a run, for the following:
- Shooting a bird on the ground,
- Shooting more than the allowed limit,
- Shooting a non-designated species,
- Unsafe or reckless use of a firearm,
- Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs,
- Abusing the officials,
- Excessive use of electronic collars,
- Mistreatment of a dog,
- Poor sportsmanship,
- Restraining a pointing dog while it’s on point OR during a retrieve
- A dog completely out of control,
- Stomping birds on the ground,
- Running in the field,
- Communicating with spectators while in the field,
- Throwing unused shell or
- Throwing dead birds in or out of bounds.
Other reasons for disqualifications may be determined by the Judge or Field Marshall.
If a Handler receives (2) two DQ’s per trial weekend all scores from the trial will be forfeited.
DIVISIONS RUNNING TOGETHER: Pointing Puppy, Open and Doubles and Flushing Puppy, Open and Doubles will not run against each other. They may use the same fields, but are specific divisions.
E-COLLAR / ELECTRONIC COLLAR: No excessive use of E-Collar is ever allowed and will be grounds for immediate disqualification. E-Collars can be used in all qualifying events. EXCEPTIONS:
1. E-Collars CANNOT be used in money hunts and/or Nationals trials.
2. E-Collars may NOT be used Pro Handlers in OPEN Division. (See Definitions for Pro Handler qualifications).
3. Puppy Division ?????

ELIGIBLE DOG: Dog that meets the registration requirements of the SDA and has not been suspended from SDA events.
Accepted registrations include:
- the American Kennel Club (AKC),
- the United Kennel Club (UKC),
- the Field Dog Stud Book, or
- the American Pointing Labrador Association (APLA).
If handler does not have the proper registration papers on hand, any prize money and/or prizes will be held and the handler has 7 days from the end of the trial to supply proper papers verifying registration or any placements will be forfeited and any prize money and prizes must be returned.
ENTRY DEADLINE: All entries must be received via telephone, text, email or mail, no later than 8:00 PM Wednesday prior to the start of each event, OR as notated by the Trial Host on SDA website. To maintain the quality our competitors expect, Event Host may limit the number of entries allowed and this number MUST be posted on the entry form.
FIELD MARSHAL: A field Marshal is a person appointed by the trial committee or host to oversee a particular field(s). A Field Marshal has the authority to make rulings on protests, changing of running order and to oversee the overall proceedings of the field he/she has been assigned too.
FIELD SIZE: A trial field should be a 5-20 acre field with mown or fixed boundaries with either fence or flags or other markings that clearly identifies the out of bounds areas. Trial grounds may be smaller or larger only if approved in advance by the Board of Directors or a State Director.

GPS: ????

GUNS: All guns must be 12 gauge or smaller. No shells over 2 3/4 inch. A gun malfunction shall be considered bad luck. It is the option of the hunter to get another gun, but they cannot appoint someone else to enter the field in their place.

GUN SAFTEY: All guns will be carried with gun angled up at a minimum 45 degrees or more at all times while attending an SDA event.
A gun’s safety is to be engaged until the bird takes flight.
Unsafe gun penalty: 1st = (-5) negative five point deduction, 2nd = (-15) negative fifteen point deduction, 3rd = (DQ) disqualification. (is this per entry/run or per overall trial???)
Two DQ’s for ANY reason during the trial weekend forfeits all points for that event.

HANDLER: A competitor with a valid SDA membership and is running a dog during a trial.

HONOR DEDUCTION: [FLUSHING ONLY] In Flushing Doubles, if the non-retrieving dog steals the bird from the retrieving dog, the non-retrieving dog is given a (-5) negative five point deduction.

ILLEGAL DOG: A Dog running in a field not assigned to or in a division not qualified for. An illegal dog and handler will be disqualified from that trial.

IN-BOUND WORK: Acting-on birds with-in the mown or fixed boundaries designated with either fence or flags or other markings that clearly identify the Out Of Bounds areas.
INELIGIBLE DOG: A dog that does not meet the registration requirements of the SDA or has been suspended from SDA events, or that is running under an assumed name. Ineligible dogs result in disqualification of the dog and handler.

INTERFERENCE: When a dog or person not assigned to the field where the run is taking place enters into that field and distracts the legal dog in any way. Or flushes a bird from the field, or in the judgment of the judge, hinders the legal dog in any way will be considered interference.
JUDGES: In any situation not specifically covered under the rules, the Judge will be allowed to use common sense to arrive at a decision. Judges' decisions are final, no appeals will be heard. Judges can run in an event, but if at all possible, run in the opposite division they are judging. If a club does not have enough judges to do this, the Judge that is running in said field should not be in the field at least (3) three runs before his run in said field, or should have already run in said field.
LEFT THE NEST: If the bird has gotten up, moved, fluttered, or is moving, this bird by -is considered to have left the nest.
LEGAL DOG: A Dog running a trial in the field assigned and in the order assigned by draw or approved by the Field Marshall.

NON PERFORMING BIRD: In the Pointing Division, a competitor must make at least (3) three good attempts to move the bird to flight. If that effort results in the bird moving at least 10 feet without taking flight, the bird should be declared a non performing bird by the Judge.
If the bird is running and runs a minimum of 20 feet, this bird should be declared a non performing bird by the judge.
Once a bird is declared a non-performer, it will be considered a clean harvest and full points will be awarded for a full retrieve and a bagged bird (with a shell assessed), but no shot bird points will be awarded.
However the non performing bird must be removed from the field by any means not prohibited by a safety rule (i.e. shooting on the ground). If a non performing bird flies at any time during your attempt to remove the bird from the field, you should shoot it. Any shells used in an attempt to shoot a bird that has been declared by the Judge to be a non performing bird do not count.
If this bird becomes a safety, the safety rule prevails and the hunter must stay in place and call the dog back and make physical contact with the dog before proceeding or hunter will be assessed with a partial retrieve.
If a non performing bird flies and lands back in the field that was not deemed a safety bird you must pursue it and remove it from the field.
OUT OF BOUNDS WORK: Dog CAN hunt out of bounds.
- Handler (Shooter) must remain In-Bound to “Act-On” bird.
- A handler may NOT throw ANY items in an effort to make the bird flush.
- An out of bounds dog can work a bird, but will only be rewarded a Flush or Point when the Judge, from “in-bounds”, sees the dog work the bird.
- Handlers can at no times leave the field with a loaded gun.
- Handler may leave field to retrieve dog, but the Judge must accompany Handler while securing the Handlers UNLOADED firearm.

PLANTING / STOCKING FIELD: Teams (Handler, DW, DS and dog) must remain in a blind while their field is being planted/stocked. Failure to do so will result in a disqualification.
Fields will not be planted/stocked without an on-deck team. All birds will be handled by wings or legs and set by hand into cover.
Any birds leaving or entering fields after the bird planter has LEFT the field will be considered luck of the draw. No birds will be replaced.
Any bird flushed from the field after the run is over but the Judge and Handler(s) are still in the field, that bird must be replaced in the same area it was moved from.
Any bird flushed from the field by the bird planter coming out of the field, that bird must be replaced in the same area it was moved from.

POINT: [Pointers Only]: A point is awarded after this sequence of events: A) the handler calls "Point” AND raises his/her hand B) the dog is stationary for Five (5) seconds, while C) the judge counts aloud then calls "Good Point".
NOTE: The Judge can call “Good Point” immediately if the Judge has observed the hunting dog stationary and on-point for 5 seconds prior to the handler seeing the dog on Point and calling* Point.
Competitors must declare point verbally by saying, “POINT” and they must also raise hand in the air also indicating the dog is on POINT. Both must be done before the 5-second point will begin
PRO HANDLER: Any handler who meets any of the following:
1. Individual who is paid $2,000.00 or more per year for handling other people’s dogs.
2. Any individual who has put 5 or more championships on dogs that he/she handled.
3. Any individual who has won $10,000.00 or more during their lifetime while competing in SDA or similar upland trials organization(s).

RE-RUN: When a run is cancelled and a re-run is awarded, a handler cannot better their time from when the re-run was awarded, but the score can be improved.

RETRIEVE / FULL: A Full retrieve is worth Ten (10) points and is awarded when a dog brings the bird back to within one step of the handler or doubles partner.

RETRIEVE / PARTIAL: A Partial retrieve is worth Five (5) points and is awarded when a dog only partially brings a bird back to the handler.
- To be scored as a partial retrieve, the dog MUST have had the bird in its mouth AND made an attempt to bring the bird to the handler.
- A Partial Retrieve will be given if the Handler does not leave one of their feet stationary following their shot.
- A Partial Retrieve will also be given to your Doubles partner, if they do not stop while partner is getting a retrieve.

RUNNING: The definition of running is when the handler, the designated walker or the designated shooter does NOT have at least one foot on the ground at ALL times while competing.
- The Judge can penalize a competitor for running.
o Five (-5) point deduction for 1st warning,
o Fifteen (-15) point deduction for 2nd warning,
o DQ (disqualification) for 3rd warning.

RUN TIME / ACTUAL: Actual run time will be recorded on the scorecard in minutes, seconds and 100th of seconds; Example: 10:55:75. (Ten minutes, 55 seconds and 75 hundreds) Actual run time is used as part of your total score. See “Actual Time Scoring” under Scoring for more details
RUN TIME / LIMIT: Fifteen (15) minute run time limit for ALL sanctioned divisions. When weather dictates, a Ten (10) minute run time limit must be voted on unanimously the morning BEFORE the trial begins.
SAFETY: A safety can be called by the Handler, Designated Shooter, or the Judge. A safety should be called only when a dog, judge, the gallery, competitor(s) in another field, or personal property (automobiles, buildings, etc.) is in danger of being harmed if the handler/shooter were to shoot.

SANCTION FEES: SDA hosts first trial should be labeled as fun hunt/introduction trial. This trial will be run as a regular trial and points recorded as such, with more emphasis on new player introduction.
Sanction fees will only be $5/entry during these introductory trials which will allow low entry fees for first event.
Each additional trial will require $20/entry as the sanctioning fee.

SHELLS: 2 ¾ inch is the Maximum length and no bigger shot than 6. Non-toxic required at some venues, Hosts must post this requirement on Trial schedule.
- [DOUBLES] Shells may not be given or shared with a partner. In the instance where a team runs out of its allotted shells the hunt will be immediately ended and scored as it, with the remaining time being forfeited and no credit given.

SHOT BIRD POINTS EXCEPTION: [POINTERS] Should weather conditions change during a trial creating unfair advantages for earlier or later runs, event host may eliminate shot bird points from ALL runs in that trial. EXAMPLE: Rain half-way through a trial causes birds to stop flying, all shot bird points may be eliminated for ALL runs in that trial.

STEADY TO SHOT: [POINTERS] When a bird takes flight, the pointing dog is required to be stopped until report of the gun is heard by the Judge.
- The dog is allowed to turn or move to a place to mark the fall of the bird, with no more than one step forward motion.
- The dog is allowed to turn for a better mark, but cannot advance more than a step towards the direction of bird in flight.
- The pointing dog is required to be stopped until report of the gun is heard by the Judge, for the “Point” to be rewarded (1) one point for “Steady to Shot”.
SPECTATORS: Spectators shall be limited to designated areas only. No vehicle will be allowed in the area other than those absolutely necessary. Spectators are not allowed to communicate with competitors in any way. Communication between competitors and spectators will be considered poor sportsmanship and be reason for disqualification.
TIES: Tiebreakers will be decided according to the time remaining and then the time the first bird is retrieved to hand. Ties for money placement, all funds awarded for that placement will be split between dogs if it is for their first or highest placement. A dog can only place in the money bracket twice.
TRAPPED BIRD: A trapped bird is a bird that has been caught (trapped by mouth) by the dog PRIOR to Handler having the opportunity to harvest the bird.
UNSAFE SHOT: Any shot that is taken in direction of personal property, animals, and/or people.
WALKING: The definition of walking is when a handler, designated walker or designated shooter HAS at least one foot on the ground at ALL times while competing.
WEATHER: In the case of bad weather, such as lightning, hail, etc. all runs will be pulled from the fields until it is safe to return.
- If your run is interrupted, you will start up again with the time that was remaining when you first stopped.
- If a run is questionable to finish due to darkness, it does not start and will run the next morning.
- If the run has started and it is unable to be finished, the run will begin with the time that was remaining from the previous day and will continue with the number of birds that were bagged.
No additional birds will be planted at the start of the re-run.

WHOA: [POINTERS ONLY] Zero (0) points will be awarded if a handler uses ANY command to whoa his dog to point.
- After the dog has become motionless and the handler has called Point, the handler may then whoa his dog. The dog must have been motionless in order for the handler to call Point.

YOUTH HANDLER: Handlers under the age of 18 as of January 1st may participate in a sanctioned trial as long as ALL of the following conditions are met: NO EXCEPTIONS
A.) Must be a paid member (Family Membership or Individual).
B.) Must present a current Hunter Education/Safety Course from their state of residence. NOTE: State age requirements vary.
C.) Must have a current Indemnification Waiver signed by a parent or legal guardian.
Youth Handlers age 15 and under MUST be accompanied by a parent/guardian and the parent/guardian must stay with the Judge during the course of the trial. The parent/guardian may communicate with the Youth handler during the trial only if they were in the blind with the Youth handler.
On the date the Youth handler turns 16, and thereafter, the Youth Handler will no longer require a parent/guardian accompaniment.


**Unless noted, all handling and competition rules stated under Definitions & Scoring apply to both Pointing & Flushing division **


Scoring

ACTUAL TIME / TIME SCORE: (4) Four points is awarded for each whole minute and (-1) negative one point is deducted for each quarter minute past fourteen (14) seconds; up to a total of (-3) points deducted:
0-14 seconds = no deduction
15-29 seconds = (-1) point,
30-44 seconds = (-2) points,
45-59 seconds = (-3) points.
Scoring Example:
If the run time limit is 15:00:00 minute, and your actual run time is 10:55:75, your final time score will be 20 - 3 = 17 pts.
Part 1: 15 min - 10 min = 5 minutes. 5 x 4 pts = 20 points
Part 2: deducting one (-1) point for each quarter minute past 14 seconds, makes the 55 seconds part = (-3) pts

NO / ZERO SCORE: (0) zero, no points, will be awarded unless a bird is produced (bird seen by the judge). If a handler gets no bird work in the allotted time limit, his final score shall be (0) zero.
EXCEPTION: In Doubles trials, teams may score up to thirty (30) points (5 points per back) if each dog gets credit for three (3) backs each.

POINT: [POINTERS ONLY] (10) Ten points may be awarded for a “Good Point”.
A point is considered a “Good Point” after the handler raises their hand and loudly calls “Point” AND the dog has been stationary for five (5) seconds.
The judge may award a “Good Point” as soon as the handler calls “Point” if the judge has observed the dog pointing for five (5) seconds prior to the handler calling “Point”.
To be credited with the score of ten (10) points for a “Point” the handler must call point AND raise their hand.
Multiple points will not be awarded to the dog’s score if the dog relocates on the same bird.
No points will be awarded if no bird was produced.
Multiple points will be awarded if the judge sees more than one bird.
If the handler acts on one bird and then bags another by any means, a shell worth 5 points will be deducted for the bagged bird as well as the shells the handler fired while acting on the other bird(s). This includes but is not limited to being awarded a safety for a bird that doesn't fly.
If you or your dog bumps a bird, you can still act on the bird, but Handler will not receive the 10 points for a good point. Contestants can make up a Point by allowing a bird to fly off, but only if it is NOT the last bird of the run. EXAMPLE: John Doe harvests his first bird of a 3 bird run without getting a good point. When his dog get a good point on the second bird, John lets the bird fly, gambling to fix a dirty run.

BACK: [POINTERS] (5) Five points will be awarded up to three (3) “Backs” per dog, per run. After the handler has called “Back”, the handler may then whoa their dog.
The backing dog must remain motionless after the handler calls “Back” with no assistance from the handler other than the command whoa, until the pointing dog moves or a bird leaves the nest. Otherwise, the team has lost the opportunity to score that particular back.
Each dog has the opportunity for three (3) backs, which could give the team a total of thirty (30) points.
No dog can be touched or handled in any manner in an effort to safeguard a back.
The handler cannot relocate the pointing dog until a reasonable attempt to flush has been made.
NOTE: A bird(s) DOES NOT have to be produced to get credited for a back, however, the pointing dog may not be whoa’d to point to give a partner’s dog a back. The back must be made in a natural situation where a pointing dog stops to point on his own accord.

HONOR DEDUCTION: [FLUSHERS] (-5) Negative Five point deduction for stealing bird from retrieving dog.

RUNNING / GUN SAFTEY PENALTIES: 1st = (-5) negative five point deduction, 2nd = (-15) negative fifteen point deduction, 3rd = (DQ) disqualification. Two DQ’s for ANY reason during the trial weekend forfeits all points for that event. (is the DQ counting per run or per trial????)

SHOT BIRD: (4) Four points will be awarded for each shot bird, provided the handler has not put his hands on the bird before it is shot. There will be no points added unless the bird is bagged.
If it is unsafe to shoot because of any person or personal property and a safety is called, the shot bird points will be awarded.
No shot bird points will be awarded for a safety on the dog or a non performing bird. If the judge deems that the handler intentionally flushed the bird towards a known safety, no points will be awarded.
No shot bird points will be added after the dog has had the bird in it’s mouth and if the bird then flies the handler may, if a safe to shoot, take the bird out without penalty.


STEADY TO SHOT: [POINTERS] (1) One point awarded when Pointing dog is “Steady To Shot”. The pointing dog is required to be stopped until report of the gun is heard by the Judge, for the “Point” to be rewarded (1) one point for “Steady To Shot”.

PARTIAL RETRIEVE: (5) five points will be awarded for each “Partial Retrieve”.

FULL RETRIEVE: (10) ten points will be awarded for each “Full Retrieve”. A handler only gets credit for one (1) retrieve per bird.

UNUSED SHELLS: (5) five points will be awarded for each shell not used.

BAGGED BIRD: (25) twenty-five points will be awarded for each “Bagged Bird”.
o A bird bumped by a judge, cameraman or parent/guardian comes down in bounds will be hunted as if the bird flew on its own. If a bird bumped by a judge, cameraman or parent/guardian goes out of bounds, full points will be awarded.
o If a dead bird is found in the field and is still warm, the judge will award full points. If a bird is found dead and is cold, no points will be awarded. All birds found dead MUST be inspected by the judge.
o If on the way to or from a retrieve a dog goes on point, the hunter may leave his first spot to go to the dog, flush and shoot the second bird. The dog can retrieve both birds for full points. But if there is no bird produced at the second spot he will be awarded a partial retrieve for the first bird.
TIES: Tiebreakers will be decided 1st on the fastest actual run time, if a tie still remains, 2nd tiebreaker is the fastest time of first retrieve. 3rd tiebreaker is the highest number of full retrieves. 4th tiebreaker is the lowest number of unused shells.

DISQUALIFICATION (DQ): If a Handler receives (2) two DQ’s per trial weekend all scores from the trial will be forfeited.
A Handler and/or Dog may be disqualified, not permitted to continue a run, for the following:
Shooting a bird on the ground,
Shooting more than the allowed limit,
Shooting a non-designated species,
Unsafe or reckless use of a firearm,
Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs,
Abusing the officials,
Excessive use of electronic collars,
Mistreatment of a dog,
Poor sportsmanship,
Restraining a pointing dog while it’s on point OR during a retrieve
A dog completely out of control,
Stomping birds on the ground,
Running in the field,
Communicating with spectators while in the field,
Throwing unused shell or
Throwing dead birds in or out of bounds.
Other reasons for disqualifications may be determined by the Judge or Field Marshall.


AWARDS

HIGH POINT TRACKING –
1st (First) Place = (5) five X number of competitors in trial
2nd (Second) Place = (4) four X # of remaining competitors, including your placement
3rd (Third) Place = (3) three X # of remaining competitors, including you
Every other placement is (2) two X # of remaining competitors, including you.
Example: 20 dog trial
1st place = (5x20) 100 points
2nd place = (4x19) 76 points
3rd place = (3x18) 54 points
4th place = (2x17) 34 points
5th place = (2x16) 32 points
**EVENT HOSTS: Trial report sheet should include these multipliers**


FIELD CHAMPION TRACKING –
Requirement to Champion in each division: a minimum of 20 points which includes points from at least 2 wins.
1st (First) place = 5 points
2nd (Second) place = 3 points
3rd (Third) place = 1 point
Multiple Championships per year are allowed as long as they meet the requirement.

Rule book