by Robert Tawton » Fri 05 Nov 2004 3:14 pm
Pat,
I’m not sure that I fully understanding the point you are seeking to make. In our every day life, we are governed by all manner of Rules and Regulations most, if not all, are subject to some form of interpretation. For example, in the State of Victoria and within the built-up areas, if you exceed 50 kmph you are deemed to be speeding. The Law recognises that there are degrees of speeding and the penalties increase accordingly. Extenuating circumstances are often taken into account by those administering the Law before they set the final penalty. Why wouldn’t the same logic apply to misdemeanours committed by dogs during the course of a Retrieving Trial?
Perhaps it is worthwhile to reflect on how our Rules have been developed and on the scope to introduce change.
In 1954 the Labrador Retriever Club of Victoria sponsored the development of the initial set Retrieving Trials Rules and two “trial” events were conducted, under the watchful eye of the Kennel Control Council (KCC). The KCC then approved the concept and the first “official” Novice Trial was held on June 1, 1957 and the first KCC Victorian State Retrieving Trial Championship held in 1958. During this period similar, but quite independent, development was taking place in New South Wales (NSW) with much of the organisational credit due to (the late) Mr Len De Groen and his brother Harry.
Charles Behrendt, a founding member of the LRC, was a regular visitor to the USA and on one occasion brought back a set of AKC Field Trial Rules, which were subsequently blended into the existing rules developed by both Victoria and New South Wales. The upshot of this activity was that the Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC) ratified the Rules for the Conduct of Non-Slip Retrieving Trials for Gundogs in 1966.
Since 1966 the Rules have been subject to regular review on a 5 year cycle. In each “review year” and on a State by State basis, triallers are invited to submit suggested changes and/or improvements. Subject to a proposed change gaining majority support from the home State, all proposed changes are then considered by the National Retriever and Field Trial Sub-committee. Proposals gaining majority NRAFT support are then duly implemented. The most recent meeting of the NRAFT was held in Leyburn, QLD on 31 August 2004 and it is intended that the updated Rules will come into effect on 1 Jan 2005, subject to ANKC ratification. I understand that none of the proposed changes will impact on the status quo in regard to the areas you cite.
Regards, RWT