This is a reminder that the new CKC Field Trial Rule Book came into effect on January 1, 2023. There were only 2 new rule changes and these are highlighted below. In addition to the 2 changes there were significant changes to Section 13.1, National Championship Stakes which was rewritten in order to facilitate the combined National and Amateur National Stake.
New Rule books can be ordered from the CKC order deck for a nominal cost of $6.00 per book.
Alternately it can be downloaded from the attachment below.
Please ensure your approved judges are familiar with the rules as they exist and the new ones attached.
6.6 Draw 6.6.1 In stakes for retrievers, the order of running shall be decided by lot at the draw. Dogs handled by the same person should be separated when possible and care should be taken to minimize the possibility of the same dog running first in consecutive trials on the same weekend by ensuring they have different numbers each day. Dogs may be run in an order different from that set out in the draw: (a) When, in the opinion of the judges or Field Trial Committee, such will result in a reasonable and desirable saving of time in the conduct of the trial; or 18 (b) When, in the opinion of the judges, will avoid unfairness or prejudice to any competing dog resulting from an event which occurred in a particular stake (c) Beginning after the first series, in a stake carrying championship points, a system of rotation must be implemented which applies to all contestants. An explanation of the particular system of rotation to be used must be announced in the premium list or before the commencement of the stake. (d) Judges may use a system of rotation for minor stakes to the extent possible where it does not create delays with concurrent running All-Age stakes.
g) On blind retrieves, wherever possible, the judges should plan their test in such a way (35-12-21) 44 that they take advantage of natural hazards; such as islands, points of land, sand bars, ditches, hedges, small bushes, adjacent heavy cover, and rolling terrain. Despite such natural distrac-tions, it should be possible, at least in theory, for a dog to find a well-planned blind retrieve on the initial line from its handler. That it will do so is highly improbable because of those natural hazards, so it must be handled to the blind. Nevertheless, the test should be planned so the dog should be in sight continuously. A blind retrieve is a test of control, and a dog which is out-of-sight for a considerable period cannot be said to be under control. Utilizing natural hazards should obviate the need for judges issuing special instructions about the manner of completing the blind retrieve, other than to get the meat by the most direct route. The location of the blind must be clearly identifiable to the handler.
13.1 National Championship Stake .
Wishing everyone a successful and enjoyable 2023trial Season!
Regards,
Debby Montgomery, Retriever Council Rep, Zone 11