Field Trial Rules.pdf

Organization

Dogs must be purebred and registered with an FCI-recognized studbook to participate.
Participation may be limited by merit titles, sex, or number of competitors.
Minimum 15 dogs per individual event and 15 pairs per paired event.
Entries accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

Conduct of Trials

Trials divided into groups: handlers limited to competing in two groups.
Bitches in season allowed to compete at the end of the round with other bitches in season.
Entry deadline: no entries accepted after closing date.
Withdrawals refunded only if announced 5 days before the trial.

Eligibility and Exclusion

Aggressive dogs, dogs with contagious diseases, and dogs belonging to disqualified individuals or non-FCI member organizations are not permitted to compete.
Dogs must be present when called and constantly available to judges.

Judging and Awards

Trials with CACIT require at least 6 dogs to confirm awards.
Compiling of groups and pairing of dogs done by the organizing committee and judges.
Paired events judged by at least 2 qualified judges, including one FCI-recognized judge.
Single dog events judged by one FCI-recognized judge.

Presentation and Handler Conduct

No coercive or dressage devices allowed during trials.
Handlers must comply with judges' instructions and use discretion when communicating with their dogs.
Handlers walk side by side in paired events.

Trial Procedure

One-minute free period at the start of each round to assess positive work.
Unused or abused opportunities during this minute do not guarantee a second round.
Timekeeping stopped during area changes or recalls.
First round duration: at least 15 minutes, run into the wind unless eliminating fault or not up to standard.

Classification and Awards

Judges may recall dogs as needed and decide on classification after a single round.
End of round: no work considered unless dog becomes out of control.
Compulsory shot firing when game is flushed.
* Judges consider intelligence and working conditions when evaluating dogs.