Retriever Advisory Committee

The Retriever Advisory Committee meeting was called to order by Chairman John Russell at 1:09 pm.

Chairman John Russell

First topic of interest was frozen birds. It was discussed that frozen birds should not be presented for the dogs to retrieve in a field trial. The best birds to use should be dispatched up on Thursday before the trial was set as an example. Just remember it is all about the dogs …

Next topic was concerning the judge’s lack of contact with the birds during an event. It was stated that the judges need to make sure unfit game birds do not go back out into the field. More talk about the handling of the birds at a trial was discussed. Birds have to be handled respectfully to keep optics good and they should also be handled humanely.

Further conversation started about birds not being visible when thrown, i.e. - backgrounds, using ribbons on birds, not seeing when it's thrown and as it falls. Birds should be visible and conspicuous. Dogs need to see the test and clubs need to police this. You should be able to see even if you have a short dog. Contestant should stand up, be self-policing.

A question from the audience was asked, “What do I do as a competitor if my dog cannot see the marks?”

John answered, “Let the club know through the marshal. Use the chain of command, marshal, field trial secretary to show that there was a complaint.”

Question from the floor: What happened to the Judge's critique sheets?

John’s reply was that the sheets may not give specific enough information. The AKC reps are considering bringing judges sheets to field trials. It was also mentioned that there are always some variables that are not with in the judges control.

The next question was whether there was to be a rotation in minor stakes:

John’s reply: Not mandatory. If stated in the premium there is a rotation, then the club has to do so. Any club employing electronic entry service will use the DOW and Entry Express should indicate the starting dog in all the stakes. There was further discussion on this topic and it was asked if there should be a vote taken to make minor stakes rotate. It was decided to debate this issue that it should be taken to the clubs for a vote.

The next topic was concerning that good event management should be the responsibility of the club. Getting the stake marshals to work through any issues … it was also stated that it is best to decide the night before or the morning before the start of the event the way you want people to line up.

The last issue of discussion was about holding competing field trials during Nationals. It was stated by Mark Menzies that he believed that there should not be a trial that is held during the time of the Nationals. This issue was tabled.

Meeting adjourned at 1:44 pm.

RAC Member Larry Morgan and AKC Rep Russ Reavis

RAC Chair John Russell and Member Loren Morehouse

SOCIAL DISTANCING!!!!