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Novice & Restricted Super Stakes

PostPosted: Tue 01 May 2018 6:52 am
by Peter Butterfield
Novice & Restricted Super Stakes

The following is offered as a suggestion on how transition between the three levels of Retrieving might be improved.

Proposal
That a secondary level of competition be introduced to allow dogs to continue participating in Novice and Restricted levels after receiving titles for those respective levels.

How it works
Once a dog has achieved its title following 3 wins in Novice or Restricted it may continue to enter trials at that respective level of competition but only under Super Stake conditions. In Super Stakes, titled dogs may run in stakes but would not be in competition for an official placing with untitled dogs. Instead, titled dogs would participate in the same runs following the untitled dogs in competition, but with one of two run variations added. Being either, at the end of one run (of a judge’s choosing) the run will be modified to incorporate a type of retrieve and conditions that apply at the next level of competition, or, an additional run would be set at the end of the stake based on next level criteria.

For example: NRD titled dogs in a Super Novice stake might have a double rise added to a mark. RRD titled dogs in a Super Restricted stake might have the distance of a blind extended and / or greater tolerances placed on lines.

Under this conditional entry scheme, dogs would be scored using the existing points system in the usual ways. At the end of the trial, after untitled dogs in competition have been awarded their places, the highest scoring Super Stake exhibits would then be announced. However, no formal award would be made other than any symbolic gesture a club may care to make.

There would be no limit on the number of dogs required to run a Super Stake.

Any dog that moves up to the next level of competition and receives a 1st, 2nd or 3rd place would become ineligible to enter a lower Super Stake.

Super Stake option/s would only be offered at a clubs' discretion based on agreeance with judges and in anticipation of numbers of exhibits likely to be available to hold all stakes.

Rationale
We are all familiar with desires to find ways to allow dogs to compete at their perceived or true levels of competence and keep competitors in the sport. Under this proposal, owners/handlers would be able to continue participating at their comfort level while still being encouraged and challenged to improve. Whilst in informal competition, it is expected that triallers will become motivated to move-up as their skills and confidence grow in order to obtain higher formal achievements.

This proposal recognises that some judges carrying out certain stakes may not have the appropriate qualifications to set and judge higher level runs. In those situations, it is suggested that less qualified judges seek guidance and approval of more qualified judges on proposed Super Stake runs, and after judging, review outcomes with the same senior judge prior to announcement of results. This ‘on the job’ training could benefit the progression and experience of judges and aid training for future elevations.

I’m sure people will find reasons why this might be too hard or complicated to introduce, but I think it is a reasonably simple change and could make the sport more engaging and less segmented in the skill differences that currently exist between levels.

Anyhow...have a think about it!

Peter

Re: Novice & Restricted Super Stakes

PostPosted: Fri 04 May 2018 8:37 am
by Peter Butterfield
Thank you to those people who have messaged me with feedback and encouragement to submit this proposal to the forthcoming rule review. As a result, I have now sent a formal proposal to the NSW Raft for consideration.

Regards
Peter

Re: Novice & Restricted Super Stakes

PostPosted: Wed 09 May 2018 7:49 pm
by Diane McCann
I understand the rationale Peter, but I am not sure that I would like to be the judge, particularly for a super restricted when you have to consider the scent from previously placed birds, etc. Might be OK for small fields but run setting would certainly become more difficult and time consuming.

Re: Novice & Restricted Super Stakes

PostPosted: Thu 10 May 2018 9:05 am
by Peter Butterfield
Of course... with any change there are compromises, and yes, more is being asked of judges here. But how much more? Not a lot I think. It’s worth re-emphasising that this proposal is about creating / adding something to the sport in order to improve an unlevel playing field that has evolved over time. In other words, changing to accommodate change. Something we too easily resist.

I grant that judges are major stakeholders in running the sport, but triallers are our customers, and customer satisfaction for many is unsatisfied at critical points throughout retrieving careers leading to owners assessing if it’s worth continuing. Fortunately, due to the compulsive nature of most triallers left in this sport we are managing to keep things going ...but for how long? And why are we placing parts of our loyal congregation in such difficult circumstances in order to continue participating in an activity that we supposedly do for enjoyment, and love of our best friend/s and breeds.

Now is the time to fix this problem folks. To create more choice, even up competitiveness and bring more satisfaction back for ALL participants. I urge everyone who feels there is room for improvement to get behind this. Sure, there will be a few flaws in the basic concept, but we are a smart bunch and will figure out the small things, I’m sure.

Re: Novice & Restricted Super Stakes

PostPosted: Sun 13 May 2018 1:50 pm
by Prue Winkfield
Thank you Peter for taking the time to put this proposal together. For years have found the customers are not really listened to so agree with you there. Usually novice and restricted are finished well before all age in Victoria at least. So this might be a good opportunity to fill in time before presentations .

Most people like to collect initials before or after a dogs name so think that whole area might need some thought.
Personally I believe there are myriad reasons why people leave the sport and your proposal might help
so good luck with it.