AKC Obedience-Rally Trial Manual - Master V5
To:All AKC Obedience & Rally Trial-Giving ClubsSubject: AKC Obedience/Rally Trial ManualDate:July 2015The Companion Events department is excited to provide you with the inaugural AKCObedience/Rally Trial Manual geared specifically toward running AKC obedience and rallyevents.We would like to thank the members of the sport who have contributed to the effort ofcreating this Manual, particularly with the constructive questions you have asked andsuggestions you have made. We would like to express our appreciation to the clubs andtheir members, the Companion Events Delegate Committee, the AKC Obedience/RallyField Representatives, and our in-house staff.This Manual will be available as a free downloadable PDF document from the AKC websiteon the “Rules and Regulations” page as follows:http://www.akc.org/rules/Updates will be listed as “inserts” for the document as needed and will be implementedinto the main document for the next revision in 2016.This Manual has the latest information about AKC rules, regulations and policies, withprecise footnotes to help you find the information you are looking for. Please continue toassist us by asking questions and making suggestions. Forward any ideas and suggestionsyou have to our office at either obedience@akc.org or rally@akc.org, so that we cancontinue to give you one of the American Kennel Club’s most useful publications.Sincerely,Pamela Manaton, DirectorObedience, Rally & Tracking
AKC Obedience/RallyTrial ManualAugust 2015
AKC Obedience/RallyTrial Manual1: Table of Contents1: Table of Contents2: The Event CommitteePlanning and Organization 2-8Records 2-10Event Committees 2-10Obedience/Rally Trial Chair 2-12Assistant Trial Chair 2-14Each Committee Chair 2-14Chief Steward 2-14Grounds/Equipment Chair 2-15Parking Chair 2-17Concessions Chair 2-18Advertising and Catalog Chair 2-19Trophy Chair 2-20Publicity Chair 2-22Emergency Response Coordinator (Safety Chair) 2-23Hospitality Chair 2-24Treasurer 2-25Education 2-26Executive Field Representatives 2-26Photographer 2-273: Financial and Contingency PlanningFinancial Planning 3-29Contingency Planning 3-294: The Trial SiteSelecting the Site 4-32Utilizing the Site 4-34Setting Up the Rings 4-34Tenting 4-36Table of Contents1-2AKC Obedience/Rally Trial Manual 2015 Edition
Traffic Control and Parking 4-37Sanitation Requirements 4-395: Online Event ManagementOnline Event Management 5-41Event Management 5-41Submitting a Judging Panel 5-42Additional Information for an Event 5-436: Assembling a Judges PanelSelecting the Judges Panel 6-45Judges’ Assignments 6-46Finances 6-47Communications with Judges 6-48Club’s Responsibility to the Judge 6-49Judge’s Responsibility to the Club 6-497: Scheduling JudgingSetting up the Schedule 7-51Judging Changes 7-528: Novice Only Trials, Scoring Ties, Additional Classes and Special AttractionsNovice Only Trials 8-55Scoring Ties8-56Non-Regular Classes8-58Special Attractions8-589: Event PublicationsEvent Number9-61Premium List 9-61Judging Program 9-64Catalog 9-6610: Required Items for Event OperationsDeadlines 10-69Event Operations Approval 10-70Site Layouts 10-74Event Records 10-74Materials Required at the Event 10-7511: Show Superintendents and SecretariesSuperintendents and Trial Secretaries11-82Event Entries 11-82Records 11-84Superintendents' Contracts 11-86Table of Contents1-3AKC Obedience/Rally Trial Manual
Package Contracts - Superintending Services 11-8812: Event Committee HearingsEvent Committee Hearings 12-90The Event Committee 12-90The Hearing Report 12-92The Accused 12-9213: AppendixAppendix A: Address and Telephone Directories 13-96AKC Telephone Directory 13-97Licensed Superintendents 13-100Miscellaneous Addresses 13-102Dog Show Photographers 13-103Stewards’ Organizations 13-105Tenting Companies 13-106Appendix B: Checklists 13-107Event Checklist 13-108Trial Secretary Checklist 13-112Specialty Club Obedience/Rally Cluster Checklist 13-113Use of Motorized Vehicles at AKC Events and the ADA 13-115Americans with Disabilities Compliance Checklist 13-116Dealing with Misconduct 13-118Appendix C: Reference 13-121Corresponding Date Table 13-122Official AKC Titles for Catalog 13-123Cluster Site Guidelines 13-123Cluster Site Inspection Guidelines 13-124Training Collars 13-127Site Layouts 13-128Obedience/Rally Trial Indoor Site 13-128Obedience/Rally Trial Outdoor Site 13-129Appendix D: Example Correspondence and Forms 13-130Event Financial Planning Sheet 13-131Judging Availability Inquiry Letter 13-132Judging Confirmation Letter 13-133Judging Contract 13-134Hospitality: Judge’s Information Sheet 13-135Dog Show Photography Agreement 13-136Letter for Radio Coverage 13-137Press Release for Print Media 13-138Table of Contents1-4AKC Obedience/Rally Trial Manual
Dogs in Unventilated Vehicles 13-139Crate Identification Labels 13-142Obedience/Rally Site Evaluation Form 13-144Appendix E: Sample Trial Documents 13-146Downloadable Judges’ Books and Worksheets 13-147Trial Secretaries/Superintendents Reviewing the Judges’ Book 13-147Obedience Judges’ Books 13-148Obedience Option # 2 Specialty – Judges’ Books 13-161Rally Judges’ Books and Worksheets 13-174Obedience Trial Transfer Form 13-179Rally Trial Transfer Form 13-180AKC Obedience/Rally Trial Manual 2015 EditionTable of Contents1-5
AKC Obedience/RallyTrial Manual2: The Event CommitteePlanning and Organization 2-8The Challenge . 2-8The Team . 2-8Dealing with People . 2-8Dogs Disqualified by Event Committee . 2-9Records 2-10Event Committees 2-10Committee Size .2-10Committee Members Exhibiting at Events .2-11Obedience/Rally Trial Chair 2-12Qualifications .2-12Responsibilities .2-12Day of the Event .2-13After the Event.2-14Assistant Trial Chair 2-14Responsibilities .2-14Each Committee Chair 2-14Responsibilities .2-14Chief Steward 2-14Qualifications .2-15Responsibilities .2-15Day of the Event approximately 1 hour prior to theassignment .2-15Grounds/Equipment Chair 2-15Qualifications .2-15Responsibilities .2-16Day of the Event .2-16Parking Chair 2-17Qualifications .2-17Responsibilities .2-17Day of the Event .2-18The Event Committee2-6AKC Obedience/Rally Trial Manual 2015 Edition
Concessions Chair 2-18Qualifications .2-18Responsibilities .2-18Day of the Event .2-19Advertising and Catalog Chair 2-19Qualifications .2-19Responsibilities .2-19Day of the Event .2-20Trophy Chair 2-20Qualifications .2-20Responsibilities .2-20Day of the Event .2-21Publicity Chair 2-22Qualifications .2-22Responsibilities .2-22Emergency Response Coordinator (Safety Chair) 2-23Qualifications .2-23Responsibilities .2-23Day of the Event .2-23Veterinary Requirements .2-24Hospitality Chair 2-24Qualifications .2-24Responsibilities .2-24Day of the Event .2-25Treasurer 2-25Responsibilities .2-25Day of the Event .2-26After the Event:.2-26Education 2-26Executive Field Representatives 2-26Photographer 2-27AKC Obedience/Rally Trial Manual 2015 EditionThe Event Committee2-7
Planning and OrganizationThe ChallengePutting on the best event possible is one of the greatest challenges for any club.Structuring the Event Committee correctly enables the club to meet this challenge.The committee should be large enough to give attention to all details, but smallenough to accomplish tasks without placing too great a workload on too fewindividuals.The TeamAn obedience/rally trial is a team effort. The AKC establishes the rules, regulationsand guidelines; the event-giving club fulfills these requirements and providesoverall management and production through the Event Committee, the judges, andsuperintendents or trial secretary.A good working relationship between members of the team will result in a betterevent. A committee must be unified and dedicated to the production of the bestevent possible.Members of the Event Committee represent the entire club. The reputation of a cluband its event are dependent on the efforts of the committee. Impressions thatexhibitors, spectators and judges take home from the event are a direct reflection ofthe efforts of the club and the sport in general.Individuals should be appointed to committees based on experience, the workloadsthey can handle, and the time they can apportion to each task. Candidates forcommittee positions must familiarize themselves with the specific duties andresponsibilities involved.Allow for continuity based on experience by appointing committees with bothexperienced and novice members. Staff the committees with experienced clubmembers who are willing to share their experience and knowledge with those whowish to learn.Committee members have an opportunity to apply their expertise and to train othersfor the future. Working on or with an event committee is an excellent way toinvolve new club members. Those with limited experience should be encouraged toparticipate; not only will they learn “the ropes” while working on a committee, theirenthusiasm can serve to boost and bolster everyone’s morale.Dealing with PeopleCommittee members must be diplomatic, and be capable of treating each exhibitorcourteously. Each problem should be resolved promptly, calmly and rationally.All club members, particularly club officials, should receive instructions on dealingwith the public. All club members should be able to direct them to concessions,restrooms, telephones, and to answer general questions about events and dogs.The Event Committee2-8AKC Obedience/Rally Trial Manual 2015 Edition
The AKC Executive Field Representative if in attendance, Trial Chair, and membersof the Event Committee should be kept abreast of all activities concerning the event.Dogs Disqualified by Event CommitteeThe AKC Board of Directors adopted the following regulation to the Rules Applyingto Dog Shows. This regulation permits Event Committees to disqualify dogs.Any dog, that in the opinion of the Event Committee, attacks a person or dog at an AKCevent, resulting in an injury, and is believed by the Event Committee to present a hazard topersons or other dogs, shall be disqualified by the Event Committee pursuant to this sections,and a report shall be filed with the Executive Secretary of The American Kennel Club. Thedisqualified dog may not again compete at any AKC event nor be on the grounds of an AKCevent unless and until, following application for reinstatement by the owner to the AmericanKennel Club, the owner receives official notification in writing from the AKC that the dog’seligibility has been reinstated. 1Although the disqualification is to be determined by the Event Committee, a hearingto determine the disqualification is not required. Following an incident, the EventCommittee is to collect any information and statements from involved exhibitors,owners and witnesses. The committee shall then determine:1. Was there an attack?2. Was there an injury?3. Does the dog present a hazard to persons or other dogs?If the committee determines theses three items to be true and there were nomitigating circumstances that caused the attack, the dog must be disqualified. Oncethe dog is disqualified, the dog may not compete in any AKC events. The owner ofthe dog should be notified immediately of the disqualification. Refer to “EventCommittee Procedural” (RED0B1) and Dog Disqualified by Event Committee (AEDSQ4).If the Event Committee, in the course of making its disqualification determination,receives information that alleged acts of conduct prejudicial have occurred during orin connection with the club’s event then the procedures outlined in the Dealing withMisconduct booklet must be followed regarding the discipline of the individual(s)involved.The Event Committee must submit a written report and any supportingdocumentation to the AKC Executive Secretary within seven days. The EventSecretary or Superintendent must FAX a summary of the incident to EventOperations, ATTN: Show Operations (919) 816-4220 and must include thisinformation in their Show Report within 72 hours of the incident.Any questions or requests for reinstatement should be directed to AKC EventOperations, (919) 816-3579 or to eventplans@akc.org.1Rules Applying to Dog Shows, Chapter 11, Section 8-AAKC Obedience/Rally Trial Manual 2015 EditionThe Event Committee2-9
RecordsPast records are the best assistance a club can have. Complete data of previousevents helps the committee plan and present a better event. Provide the committeeswith as much history and data as possible.Keep a complete file on all events given by the club. Maintain records that detaileach topic (e.g., names and addresses of key people, contracts, financial records,correspondence, breakdown of entries, press contacts, suppliers, concessionaires,etc.).The Committee Secretary, if one has been appointed, keeps the minutes of thecommittee meetings, and may assist the Chairs in maintaining event records.Event CommitteesAn Event Committee (previously known as trial committee) with a minimum of fivemembers is required for an obedience/rally trial.2Note: Committees must have a chair. An individual may chair more than one committee. Committee responsibilities may be combined or others created as needed.The Event Committee has the authority to act in the name of the American KennelClub to enforce AKC rules on the day of the event.3Volunteers usually give time and labor with no financial compensation. Provideencouragement so members do their best.Committee SizeActual committee size depends on the event and number of members willing towork. Committee size should be appropriate to the individual event. If largecommittees are necessary, assistant chairs may be appointed to act as a backup, keeprecords, or perform other tasks.A detailed organization chart assists in defining responsibilities. An example of thecommittee structure is:23Rules Applying to Dog Shows, Chapter 6, Section 2Rules Applying to Dog Shows, Chapter 9, Section 10The Event Committee2-10AKC Obedience/Rally Trial Manual 2015 Edition
Committee Members Exhibiting at EventsWhether or not committee members should exhibit at the event is a commonquestion. The following statement is the AKC’s response:Regarding the question of whether or not club officers or trial officials andmembers of their households should exhibit at their club’s trial, the AKC has nodesire to legislate in this regard, but does expect clubs to seriously consider theirown policies on the subject.The AKC recognizes that in some parts of the country there are few trials,consequently an exhibiting restriction placed on club officials is a hardship.However, a club should realize that exhibitors and spectators sometimes arrive atthe wrong conclusion when a dog owned or handled by a club officer or trialofficial, or by a member of such person's household, wins at its trial. Therefore,clubs should consider an exhibiting restriction for its officers, trial chairs, andmembers of the trial committee, as well as for members of their households.If a club decides to adopt a restriction, a notice stating which club officers or trialofficials and members of their households will be ineligible to enter or handle dogsat the trial should appear in the premium list.44American Kennel Club Policy Manual, Section 4, Paragraph IX.9AKC Obedience/Rally Trial Manual 2015 EditionThe Event Committee2-11
Sample wording is“Dogs owned or co-owned by Officers, Trial Chair, Members of the EventCommittee and Members of their households will not be eligible for entry atthis event.”Obedience/Rally Trial ChairQualificationsKnowledge of the AKC’s Rules Applying to Dog Shows, Obedience Regulations andRally Regulations.Knowledge of the AKC’s policy concerning Emergency Procedures at Events(Disaster and Emergency Plan).Experience in planning events, gained by serving on various committees.Ability to apply basic business management practices: Set prioritiesMake decisionsDelegate authorityConduct committee meetingsCompile recordsMust be a member of a trial giving clubAbility to meet deadlines.Ability to deal with people.Ability to work within the financial guidelines established by the club, and toevaluate contracts and agreements as necessary.ResponsibilitiesOverall responsibility for proper planning, conducting and reporting the results ofthe trial.Ensure that the event application, judge’s panel, and disaster and emergency planare submitted to the AKC by their deadlines.Ensure that the premium list material is submitted to the trial secretary/superintendentby the deadline.Assign all committee chairs, who are responsible for their own areas.Assign a Committee Secretary.Act as the facility/site liaison for the club. Establish and maintain communicationswith the person responsible for lease of the site. Site must be available before and after the actual event hours. Knowledge offacility use before and after the event is an important consideration.The Event Committee2-12AKC Obedience/Rally Trial Manual 2015 Edition
Requirements for insurance, contract, advance deposits, limitations to siteusage, additional rental space, etc. must be determined. Extent of owner/management involvement in the event should be establishedprior to leasing, particularly with regard to required usage of the site'spersonnel or concessions. Any potential problems that might result from the event should be discussedbeforehand, allowing the owner/manager to take adequate steps to alleviatethem. Periodic reconfirmation should be made, even after clubs have reachedagreement with facility owner/management. Constant communication canhelp avoid any oversights by the site owner/management.Determine legal requirements, such as obtaining permits that may be required.Check with local authorities. Agencies that issue permits include, but are notlimited to, the local township, health, fire and police departments.Consider federal, state and local taxes to avoid any possible penalties imposed forfailure to follow such requirements.Contract superintendent or trial secretary.Contract official photographer.Act as liaison to companion/cluster clubs and specialty clubs.Review the AKC procedures detailed in Dealing with Misconduct with all members ofthe Event Committee, in advance of the event. A guideline for this is included onpp. 13-25.May chair (an) other committee(s).Day of the EventArrive at least two (2) hours before the start of judging. Walk the grounds to becertain that everything is in order.See that a properly completed and signed copy of the Disaster and Emergency Planform is available at the event. Copies should also be supplied to all CommitteeChairs.See that the following are provided: Rules Applying to Dog Shows Rules Applying to Registration and Discipline Dealing with Misconduct Procedural Checklist Trial Manual Obedience Regulations, Obedience Judges’ Guidelines, The Steward inObedience Rally Regulations, Rally Judges’ Guidelines, The Steward in RallySee to the colors and national anthem before the start of judging.AKC Obedience/Rally Trial Manual 2015 EditionThe Event Committee2-13
Meet with the AKC Obedience/Rally representative, if present, first thing themorning of the trial.Check with all committee chairs to ensure that everything has been completed.For all committees responsible for money collection (i.e., Parking, Catalog Sales,etc.), arrange for money pickups during the day.Check in workers and assign tasks.Check in judges.See that the ring schedule is maintained.Address any disputes that may arise.Responsible for picking up the completed Judges’ Books from each ring and turningit in to the Trial Secretary or Superintendent.After the EventCheck with the AKC Representative, Superintendent or Trial Secretary, and judgesfor suggestions.Check event grounds after clean up to be sure everything is in order.Confirm that all hired personnel have been paid.Assistant Trial ChairResponsibilitiesAssist Trial Chair in all areas. Assume responsibility in the Trial Chair’s absence.May Chair (an) other committee(s).Each Committee ChairResponsibilitiesReport directly to the Trial Chair.Add/update the event checklist each year so that the club will have a customizedlist for its event. See the Event Checklist example, pp. 13-14 – 13-19.Prepare a list of specific duties and responsibilities for the day of the event.Chief StewardA club member or any other experienced individual may be appointed as ChiefSteward, or a stewarding organization may be secured. See the list of Stewards’Organizations, pp. 13-11.The Event Committee2-14AKC Obedience/Rally Trial Manual 2015 Edition
QualificationsHave stewarding experience and be familiar with AKC rules and regulations, TheSteward in Obedience and/or The Steward in Rally.Be well-versed in recruiting and scheduling stewards.ResponsibilitiesRecruit and assign competent stewards. Contact them well in advance.Remind club members that when they work as stewards, they will usually beunavailable to work at other duties that day.Inform stewards that they should not steward for any judge under whom they havean entry.5 [Effective 12/1/15 Only Table Stewards should avoid serving as a steward withjudges under whom they have an entry or under whom in the course of the day’s judgingtheir entries might become eligible to compete.]Make ring assignments in advance of the event.Obtain copies of the judging program, parking passes and admission tickets fromthe superintendent or trial secretary. Mail copies of judging program, parkingpasses and admission tickets to persons serving as stewards.Day of the Event approximately 1 hour prior to the assignmentCheck in stewards and confirm their ring assignments.See that all-necessary equipment and the judge’s bag is located in each ring.Confirm that each ring has a trial catalog.Obtain lunch tickets from hospitality chair and distribute them to all stewards.Check rings periodically throughout the day to ensure stewards are doing their jobsproperly.The Trial Chair usually chooses these stewards.Grounds/Equipment ChairQualificationsAbility to supervise peopleKnowledge and understanding of: 5The AKC’s Disaster and Emergency Plan policyObedience/rally ring layoutsTraffic flow and crowd control (works closely with Parking Chair)Sanitary and comfort requirementsThe Steward in Obedience, Chapter 1AKC Obedience/Rally Trial Manual 2015 EditionThe Event Committee2-15
ResponsibilitiesHire or select people to perform various physical tasks. Schedule workers.Prepare and lay out the grounds. Check the site for holes, high grass, matrequirements and overall ring conditions, etc.Be familiar with the American with Disabilities Comp
To: All AKC Obedience & Rally Trial-Giving Clubs Subject: AKC Obedience/Rally Trial Manual Date: July 2015 The Companion Events department is excited to provide you with the inaugural AKC Obedience/Rally Trial Manual g
Red River Obedience Training Club www.redriverobedience.org . AKC LICENSED OBEDIENCE AND RALLY TRIALS . Friday, Aug. 13, 2021 Obedience #2021132704 Rally #2021132701. Saturday, Aug. 14, 2021 Obedience #2021132705 Rally #2021132702. Sunday, Aug. 15, 20. 21 Obedience #2021132706 Rally #2021132703. Riverview Hall 600 Clyde Fant Parkway, Shreveport .
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SCHENECTADY DOG TRAINING CLUB, INC. 41st, 42nd and 43rd Obedience Trials & 24th, 25th, 26th Rally Trials American Kennel Club Licensed Unbenched and Indoors Saturday August 18, 2018 – Trial #1 Obedience (#2018179308) Rally (#2018179305) Saturday, August 18, 2018 – Trial #2 Obedience
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