GUIDELINES FOR RUNNING NATIONAL FIELD TRIAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

The German Shorthaired Pointer Club of America will sponsor and hold the annual National Open All Age Championship, National Gun Dog Championship, National Amateur Championship, and National Futurity for German Shorthaired Pointers.

National Open All Age Championship | Back

The National Open All Age Championship is open to any German Shorthaired Pointer six months of age or older that has placed first, second or third in a two (2) point or greater All Age stake; or is currently a Field Champion of record, but not solely an Amateur Field Champion. Placements in derby stakes will not qualify.

All placements must be obtained annually between the closing of the entries for the previous German Shorthaired Pointer Club of America National Championship and the closing of the entries for the current year’s German Shorthaired Pointer Club of America National Championship.

The qualifying trial, location, and dates must be listed on the space provided on the entry form.

National Gun Dog Championship | Back

The National Gun Dog Championship is open to any German Shorthaired Pointer six months of age or older that has placed first in a three (3) point or greater Open or Open Limited Gun Dog stake; first in a four (4) point or greater Open or Open Limited Gun Dog stake; first or second in a five (5) point or greater Open or Open Limited Gun Dog stake or is currently a Field Champion of record, but not solely an Amateur Field Champion. Placements in derby stakes will not qualify.

The qualifying trial, location, and dates must be listed on the space provided on the entry form.

National Amateur Championship | Back

The National Amateur Championship is open to any German Shorthaired Pointer six months of age or older that has placed first in a three (3) point or greater Open Gun Dog, Amateur Gun Dog, or All Age stake; first in a four point or greater Open Gun Dog, Amateur Gun Dog, or All Age stake; first or second in a five (5) point Open Gun Dog, Amateur Gun Dog, or All Age stake, or is currently a Field Champion or Amateur Field Champion of record. When qualifying in an Open Gun Dog or All Age stake the dog must have been amateur handled. Placements in derby stakes will not qualify.

Dogs must be amateur owned and if co-owned the co-owner need not be an amateur. The handler of each dog shall, in the opinion of the National Field Trial Executive Committee, meet the definition of an Amateur Handler for Point Breed Field Trials that is contained in the AKC Field Trail Rules and Standard Procedures.

The qualifying trial, location, and dates must be listed on the space provided on the entry form.

Multiple Entries | Back

Dogs may be entered in either the National Open All Age Championship and National Amateur Championship OR may enter in the National Gun Dog Championship and the National Amateur Championship. Dogs may NOT enter in the National Open All Age Championship and National Gun Dog Championship.

National Futurity | Back

The GSPCA Board of Directors will establish nomination and entry fees.

Living litters must be nominated within 60 days of whelping on forms supplied by the German Shorthaired Pointer Club of America Futurity Chairperson. Breeders, co-breeders (if applicable) and owners must be members in good standing of the German Shorthaired Pointer Club of America and in good standing with AKC.

After 60 days there is an additional 120 days grace period with a $70.00 penalty charge (total $100).

No litters may be nominated over 180 days after whelp.

An individual puppy from nominated litters must be re-nominated by the owner within one year of whelp. Re-nomination is made with the Futurity Manager. There is a $15.00 fee. The owner and co-owners (if applicable) must be current members of the GSPCA when the National Futurity is run. The puppy must be registered with the AKC. There is an additional six-month grace period with an $85.00 penalty charge (total $100). No puppy may be re-nominated after eighteen (18) months of age. The Futurity Manager will send a list of eligible puppies to the Field Trial Secretary of the GSPCA National Trial.

All money from nominations and forfeitures will be split between the four placed dogs, divided as follows: 40% to first (60% to owner, 40% to breeder), 30% to second place (60% to owner, 40% to breeder), 20% to third place (60% to owner, 40% to breeder), and 10% to fourth place (60% to owner, 40% to breeder).

Entry fees will be established yearly to pay all direct and indirect expenses.

Duties of the National Field Trial Executive Committee | Back

The National Field Trial (NFT) Executive Committee shall supervise and manage all matters pertaining to the NFT Championship subject to the approval of the GSPCA Board of Directors.

The site of the annual NFT Championships shall be chosen by the NFT Executive Committee with the approval of GSPCA Board of Directors.

Prior to the June meeting of the Board of Directors, the NFT Executive Committee will recommend judges from the list of candidates presented to them by NFT Delegates, Club suggestions, the NFT Executive Committee themselves, and Parent Club members. These names shall be submitted to the NFT Board Liaison for presentation to the GSPCA Board of Directors for approval, and then forwarded to the AKC by the Field Trial Secretary. See Section “Judges Selection Process” for details.

The NFT stakes shall be held back-to-back to minimize the total number of days to run all of the NFT events. The NFT Executive Committee, with the approval of the GSPCA Board of Directors, shall set the dates of the trial and the order in which the stakes will be run.

The NFT Executive Committee is comprised of the Secretary and Treasurer of the GSPCA and seven (7) additional members from each major geographical section as defined in the Constitution and By-Laws of the GSPCA. These 7 members shall be nominated from among the delegates present and voted on by the delegates at the NFT Delegates Meeting during the NFT Championship. The terms of office shall be in accordance with the Guidelines for Running the NFT (The Guidelines). Should a vacancy occur on the committee, whether by resignation or other unforeseen reason, the NFT Executive Committee, will make the interim selection to fill the vacancy.

The NFT Executive Committee will meet during the NFT Championship Trial and after as needed to review and approve the delegates’ recommendations.

The NFT Executive committee will meet as required to keep all committee members abreast of trial happenings and decisions (i.e. standards of conduct, judges’ replacements, suspending the trial for weather conditions, etc.).

The NFT Chairperson will preside over all meetings and banquets at the NFT Championships.

Delegates Meeting | Back

The annual NFT Delegates’ meeting shall be held in conjunction with the running of the National Amateur Championship Stake at the site of, and in conjunction with the running of the NFT.

At the NFT Delegates meeting each geographical section (NW, NC, NE, SW, SC, SE, and EC) shall elect a representative for a two year term to the NFT Executive Committee. Representatives of the NW, NC, and NE will be elected in odd years and Representatives of the SW, SC, SE and EC will be elected in even years. The term of office shall commence on the day elected and shall terminate in two years when successors are elected.

German Shorthaired Pointer Club of America Member Clubs shall be represented at all Delegate meetings by not more than one member selected from among their membership. This member must also be a member in good standing of GSPCA and in good standing with the AKC. An appropriate letter of qualification from the member club must be turned in to the GSPCA Secretary at least one day prior to the date of the Delegate meeting.

Each member Club shall be entitled to one vote cast by its delegate. Each delegate shall be entitled to carry two additional proxy votes from two clubs in their geographical section. Each family membership may carry a maximum of four (4) votes.

Notices to member clubs asking for items to be discussed at the annual meeting, shall be mailed to member club secretaries by June 1st, with a deadline of September 1st for return of these items for discussion to the GSPCA Secretary. The list of these suggestions will be mailed back to the member clubs by September 15th.

Order of Business for the NFT Executive Committee Meeting | Back

Roll call

Minutes of the last meeting

Report of the Chairperson

Report of the Secretary

Report of the Treasurer

Report of the Committees

Unfinished business

Determine recommended starting date of next Championships

Determine date and time of closing of entries and time of drawing

Determine recommended running order of Championship stakes

Appoint Stake Managers and Marshals

Review possible judges for each NFT Championship Stake from the list of nominees to recommend to GSPCA Board of Directors

Appoint Committees

Hospitality

Catalog

Horse and feed

Game Steward

Gun Captain

Dog Wagon

Photographer

Trophies and judges gifts (plaques)

Grounds

New Business

Adjourn

NFT Chairperson | Back

The GSPCA Board of Directors shall appoint the NFT Chairperson. The NFT Chairperson will serve as Chairperson of the NFT Championships and National Futurity. NOTE: This means that the NFT Chairperson and the NFT Executive Committee Chairperson do not have to be the same individual. Specific Responsibilities of the NFT Executive Committee Chairperson:

Conduct all meetings (Delegates, Executive Committee, Disciplinary, Judges, Banquets)

Maintain responsibility for all phases of the organization and conduct of the NFT, including adhering to AKC rules and regulations.

With the assistance of the GSPCA Treasurer, the NFT Chair shall prepare a detailed budget and a financial report outlining the proposed and actual expenses of the NFT. The budget for the upcoming NFT shall be submitted to the GSPCA Board of Directors no later than the Board of Directors meeting preceding the National Championships. A detailed financial report outlining the expenses of the National Championship shall be submitted no later than 45 days following the event to the GSPCA Board of Directors.

Following the recommendation of the next year’s judges by the NFT Executive Committee (from the nominated list) the NFT Chair shall contact those people selected and confirm their commitment to judge. The judges’ names will be presented to the NFT Liaison for presentation to the GSPCA Board of Directors during the June Board Meeting.

Arrange for travel, lodging, care of horses (if judge brings own), and incidentals for the judges during their stay at the NFT. The NFT Chair shall ensure that all judges are accorded proper respect, courtesy and dignity, and act promptly with the NFT Executive Committee concerning any violations. Should there be a late declination of a judge, it is the responsibility of the NFT Chair to obtain a replacement, subject to NFT Executive Committee and GSPCA Board of Directors approval.

The NFT Chair shall familiarize the judges and handlers with GSPCA rules and Judging Criteria as found in the Guidelines for Running the NFT.

The NFT Chair will contract with the grounds owners for the period of the NFT. The NFT Chair will arrange for grounds for training during the trial.

The NFT Chair and the appropriate Stake Manager are responsible for the layout of the course(s) for each event and any alterations, which may be necessitated by unforeseen circumstances. As directed by the Guidelines for Running the NFT, all courses are to be ridden prior to the beginning of the stake. The Judges, Judges’ Marshal, 2 members of the NFT Executive Committee, and any other interested parties will ride the course at a time determined by the NFT Chair. The time of this ride shall be posted in a public place on the NFT grounds not less than two (2) hours prior to the ride.

All decisions regarding starting time, ending time, and any time delay decisions, etc. are the responsibilities of the NFT Chair and NFT Executive Committee in coordination with the appropriate Stake Manager.

Negotiations with the camp management is the responsibility of the NFT Chair in regards to:

Meeting facilities

Barn for hospitality

Dog wagon amenities

Grounds facilities: electrical hookups, showers, sanitary out houses, lodging, horses, and wrangler location.

The NFT Chair shall submit a NFT Championship report to the GSPCA Secretary within 45 days of the completion of the trial.

Stake Manager (SM) | Back

The SM is responsible for the actual running of the stake during the NFT. The SM is responsible to the NFT Chair. The SM will coordinate all decisions and activities for the stake with the NFT Chair. The SM is NOT responsible for organizing banquets, hospitality, or for purchasing dog wagon supplies; or for the allocation of Calcutta moneys. Specific Responsibilities of the Stake Manager:

The SM, in coordination with the NFT Chair, will lay out the course(s) to be used and will ride the course(s) prior to the beginning of that stake.

The SM is responsible for the judges during their assigned stake. This includes, but is not limited to:

Ensuring judges have acceptable horses to ride

Obtaining judges books and pens/pencils

Arranging for travel to and from lodging and dining if necessary

The SM shall appoint a Gallery Marshal as necessary.

The SM shall coordinate with the Gun Captain to ensure that there are two (2) riding gunners for each brace

The SM will designate a competent person to scribe the event and submit a report to the NFT Secretary within 7 days of the completion of the stake. The SM should introduce the Scribe to the judges so that they may provide their input for the completed report.

At the completion of the stake, the SM will make the announcements for all placements, hand out trophies and rosettes, and arrange for pictures.

The SM will arrange for a dog wagon and ensure that dogs are at the breakaway point at the appropriate time. The SM shall announce to all handlers that it is their responsibility to have the dogs ready for the dog wagon, and that the dog wagon operators will not be responsible for trying to determine which dog is scheduled for the next brace. In addition, the dog wagon will not be responsible for collecting dogs deemed vicious by the dog wagon operators.

Judges’ Marshal | Back

This person should be carefully selected with the consideration that they might become the judge should some unforeseen event not allow the selected judge to finish their assignment. The Judges Marshal shall be recommended by the NFT Executive Committee at the same time as the judging panel. The Judges’ Marshal should be included in discussions as a possible replacement judge. All such discussions should be held in strict confidence. Specific Responsibilities of the Judges’ Marshal:

Ride and familiarize oneself with the course prior to the start of the event.

Remain on or near the course, even when the judges and handlers do not, during the stake. Handlers and Judges may need guidance as to where the course continues during the stake.

Keep the official time.

Ensure the judges have judging books with up-to-date changes (scratches or bitches in season). This must be coordinated with the NFT Secretary and the appropriate Stake Manager.

Announce, before the running of each brace the names of the dogs, owners, and handlers.

Attend to the judges’ wishes and handle call backs.

NFT Secretary | Back

This person acts as secretary for the GSPCA NFT. Specific Responsibilities of the NFT Secretary:

Submits the NFT premium lists for all the NFT events to AKC.

Provides the NFT premium lists to the German Shorthaired Pointer Club of America Board Newsletter, which is mailed to all German Shorthaired Pointer Club of America members in the August issue of the magazine.

Arranges with the State Department of Wildlife and Parks for bird field trial permits.

Receives entries and entry fees and sends monies to the German Shorthaired Pointer Club of America Treasurer. All entry fees must be paid by closing time. Closing date for all stakes shall be determined by the NFT Executive Committee and shall be so stated in the premium list.

Conducts drawing and mails the running orders to the Catalog Chair. The GSPCA Board of Directors shall determine entry fees. The drawing shall be held in accordance with AKC Field Trial Rules and Standard procedures at the time and place specified in the premium list.

Prepares judges’ books for each event (also Judges’ Marshal book).

In the event of scratches, coordinates with the SM and Judges’ Marshal in running orders.

Ensure that the German Shorthaired Pointer Club of America insurance policy is on the NFT grounds during the running of the NFT.

Coordinates with the German Shorthaired Pointer Club of America Membership Chair and the NFT Futurity Chair as to the eligibility of dogs entered in the NFT Futurity. Owners and breeders of Futurity entries must be German Shorthaired Pointer Club of America members at the time of closing entries.

Obtains judges’ signatures in judges’ books and forwards to the AKC in a timely manner.

Writes thank you letters to the Judges and Marshals.

NFT Marketing Coordinator | Back

Places advertisements in the German Shorthaired Pointer Club of America Journal and other applicable publications in the August issues regarding the NFT Championships and amenities concerned with the trial, i.e. lodging, food services, camping, horses, and other essential living necessities.

Works with the designated printer to produce the NFT Catalogue.

Sends results, write-ups, and pictures to the applicable publication editor(s) by the cut-off date for inclusion in the January-February issue.

NFT Executive Committee Secretary (GSPCA Secretary) | Back

This person acts as secretary for all official NFT Executive Committee and GSPCA meetings. Specific Responsibilities of the NFT Executive Committee Secretary:

Acts as secretary for all GSPCA and NFT Executive Committee meetings.

Submits reports and minutes to GSPCA Board of Directors and NFT Executive Committee Members

Maintains a vote on the NFT Executive Committee.

Receives items from member clubs for inclusion on the agenda at the NFT Delegates meeting.

Qualifies delegates and proxies for the NFT Delegates Meeting.

Maintains German Shorthaired Pointer Club of America Guidelines for Running the NFT. Makes changes as deemed necessary by the NFT Executive Committee with approval by the GSPCA Board of Directors.

NFT Executive Committee Treasurer (GSPCA Treasurer) | Back

This person is responsible for all treasurer functions of the NFT Championship stakes including receiving revenue and dispersing debited funds. Specific Responsibilities of the NFT Treasurer:

Supplies NFT Chair with financial reports and assists NFT Chair in the preparation of a detailed budget for the next year’s NFT Championship events.

Provides standardized templates for the recording of itemized expenses.

Advises the NFT Executive Committee on the financial aspects of the NFT.

Maintains a vote on the NFT Executive Committee.

Makes payment of expenditures incurred at the NFT events authorized by the NFT Chair.

Submits a financial report to the GSPCA Board of Directors.

Acts as treasurer at GSPCA and NFT Executive Committee meetings.

Committees | Back

Hospitality Chairperson | Back

Creates a sense of camaraderie of participants at the NFT Championship events.

Responsible for scheduled social events after the days’ running. No hospitality events will be scheduled on days where an official banquet will be held, before the NFT Delegates Meeting, or before or during any outside agency sponsored event or banquet.

Alcohol will not be provided or reimbursed by the GSPCA Parent Organization.

Arrange for a central location where all participants and guests are invited to gather.

Prepare judges’ welcome baskets and deliver to their rooms.

Arrange for opening ceremonies to commence the NFT Championships.

Arrange with local eateries for banquets.

Work with the Chamber of Commerce. They appreciate us and want to help.

Submit a report, including financial accounting, to the NFT Chair for inclusion in the report for the next GSPCA Board of Directors Meeting within 45 days following the event.

Solicit sponsors for hospitality and related costs.

Order appropriate judges gifts based on Judges Per Diem provided by the GSPCA Board of Directors.

Catalog Chair | Back

The official publication of the NFT Championships will be a professional program, consisting of information, running order, and advertisements.

Receive from the NFT Secretary the running order.

Solicit advertising.

Make catalogs available for sale prior to the event.

Complete financial report and forward proceeds to the GSPCA Treasurer 45 days following conclusion of the National Field Trial.

Horses and Feed Committee | Back

Arrange for a wrangler and the number of horses necessary to run a NFT Championship. Verify the wrangler’s liability insurance or suitable substitute and provide copy to NFT Chair.

Horses are needed for judges, marshals, gunners, and possibly handlers. If there are any additional horses available they may be rented at the wrangler’s discretion.

Arrange for quality feed (approximately 500 bales of hay and grain) to be delivered periodically for participants. The seller shall be responsible for collecting payments from the buyers.

Game Steward | Back

The NFT Executive Committee shall appoint a Game Steward and will determine the number of birds needed for the NFT. The Game Steward shall:

Reserve and order birds and holding pen(s) well in advance (including training birds).

Arrange for delivery to the grounds.

Arrange for suitable holding facilities or pen.

Control the key for the locked holding pen.

Coordinate with bird planters and arrange for carrying bags and boxes to transport on the dog wagon.

Dog Wagon Committee | Back

The Dog Wagon Committee is responsible for maintaining the following on the dog wagon(s) during the NFT:

Adequate number of crates on dog wagon

Bird crates and carry bags for bird planters

Water and cups at all times. Cold or hot beverages and cookies or donuts at midmorning and mid-afternoon breaks.n

Coordinate with the Hospitality Chair concerning food.

Ensure that dog crates are cleaned as needed, but at a minimum, prior to the start of the stake each morning and after each lunch period.

Gun Captain / Gunners | Back

Arrange for 2 gunners for each brace in the National Amateur Championship .

Designate an on-grounds captain for the National All Age Championship and the National Gun Dog Championship and ensure that 2 gunners are available for call backs.

Ensure that all gunners are familiar with and follow safety rules.

Photographer | Back

Take pictures of placements of each event.

Take pictures at social events.

Make pictures available to NFT secretary for inclusion in the January-February issue of applicable publications.

Take pictures during events. Provide to GSPCA Web Master for near real-time posting on Internet.

Trophies Chair | Back

Orders GSPCA Board of Directors approved NFT trophies and rosettes for four placements in each stake.

Orders a plaque to be presented to the breeder of the first place dog in the National Futurity.

Expenses and Reimbursements | Back

Any individual requesting reimbursement shall submit a detailed expense request to the NFT Chair no later than 45 days following the conclusion of the overall NFT event. Standard Expense Report Forms will be provided to all individuals qualifying for reimbursement.

Expenses and Reimbursements will be paid as follows:

Judges – Reasonable expenses for travel to and from the NFT. Lodging one day prior to and up to one day following their assigned stake(s). All meals and banquets during their assigned stake(s). (Spouses/guests NOT included in expenses.)

Judges’ Marshal - Reasonable expenses for travel to and from the NFT. Lodging one day prior to and up to one day following their assigned stake(s). All meals and banquets during their assigned stake(s). (Spouses/guests NOT included in expenses.)

Judge and Judge Marshal Selection Criteria | Back

Judges will be selected using the following criteria:

Knowledge of dogs

Experience

Ability to ride for long hours over multiple days

Honesty, integrity and consistency

Availability

Ability to interact in a positive manner with participants

Judge Selection Process

Any Parent Club member can nominate a Judge or Judge Marshal for the NFT Championships. Nominations are made to the NFT Delegates and NFT Board Liaison. Nominations MUST include the nominee’s name, their previous judging resume and their LETTER OF ACCEPTANCE if elected. The nominator will sign and state their name and address and mail to the German Shorthaired Pointer Club of America Secretary prior to October 1st.

Nominations made by members of the NFT Executive Committee need not have a letter of acceptance and resume in order to be presented to the NFT Executive Committee; however the NFT Executive Committee must have a letter of acceptance and resume from the nominee prior to being presented to the GSPCA Board of Directors.

The NFT Board Liaison will circulate all Judge and Judge Marshal Nominees to the NFT Executive Committee for Review and Vote.

Judge and Judge Marshal Recommendations will be presented by the NFT Board Liaison at the June GSPCA Board Meeting for review and approval.

Judging Execution | Back

General – All Stakes

Scouting is permitted, but should be authorized by the judge. Outriding or scouting to the front should be severely penalized. Scouting by professional handlers is not allowed in the National Amateur Championship.

Intentional avoidance of obvious backing situations should be penalized.

Judges should set a pace comfortable to them, and one which is conducive to enhanced dog performance. Handlers should not run horses to dogs on point.

In two series stakes, a retrieve is MANDATORY in the first series in order to be eligible for competition in the second series. If a retrieve is not possible, the judges may require a call back for retrieve.

The NFT Chair, in agreement with the NFT Executive Committee, will inform the judges of the approximate number of braces that are to be completed each day. It is the responsibility of the NFT Chair and the NFT Executive Committee to establish the number of braces to be run each day, as well as the hours of the event. The NFT Chair may seek the opinion of the judges, but the ultimate decision and responsibility is that of the NFT Chair, NOT the judges.

In a two series stake, the NFT Chair should give some guidance to the judges as to the number of dogs that should be called back for the second series.

The NFT Chair shall ensure that the Judges’ Marshal knows the course and that the Gallery Marshal, if one is assigned, keeps the gallery under control. Judges may use their discretion whether to follow handlers who deviate from the course.

Tracking collars may be used in accordance with AKC regulations.

Bitches in season may compete in the NFT, however, handlers are responsible for notifying the State Manager that their bitch is in season prior to the day they run in a stake . AKC rules regarding how/when bitches in season may be run will apply. Verification of a bitch in season may be required by the NFT Chairman prior to changing the running order.

Specific Stakes:

National Open All Age Championship | Back

Judged as an All Age Stake

One (1) hour series without bird field

Call backs for retrieve

National Amateur Championship | Back

Judged as a Gun Dog Stake

First series – 30 minute course without bird field

Second series – 45 minute course without bird field

Retrieve, on course if possible, required in first series – Call back for retrieve if necessary

Professional handlers may not scout any time during stake

Amateur handlers may handle no more than three (3) dogs which they do not own or co-own.

National Gun Dog Championship | Back

Judged as a Gun Dog Stake

One (1) hour series without bird field

Call backs for retrieve

National Futurity | Back

Judged on the level of perfection of performance, with emphasis placed on hunting, bird finding ability, ability to cover ground, consistency and especially future potential.

30 minute single series without bird field.

Dog must find and point game on the course. No credit to be given for steadiness to wing and shot. Judges may call back a dog to demonstrate pointing ability for dogs that have found game but where point was not seen under judicial observation.

No retrieve required. The German Shorthaired Pointer Club of America NFT Futurity is a NON-RETRIEVING stake.