Posted: Mon 17 Nov 2003 8:08 pm
Well everyone great to see so many responses. I'd like to comment on a few.
Our sport is based on hunting. Rabbits are one of our most popular types of game and to remove them from our trials would be tearing at the very heart of our sport. As for removing double falls, two birds etc. I think this would make our trials very bland. The problem with these type of runs is some judges are very poor at setting them up. Don't forget all the great runs that have worked well over the years. We should educate the judges and triallers not eradicate the run for poor application.
The points in the control area. Well Kirsty I give you ten out of ten. In double retrieves I allow 5 for heeling and ten for style eagerness and action while in triples 5 and 5. You can not convince me that a bird in a triple is worth roughly 12 points ie 35/3 or about the same as a 10 for heeling between the pegs. A bit out of balance I would suggest. In novice heeling is worth about one third of the marks so I try to keep this balance in AA. As for Style etc. I think judges should take into account the dogs breed and age. Is this a stylish example of breed x or is it stylish for an older dog. Style eagerness and action is not about speed totally. It is how the dog covers it ground, carries its head, shows his desire etc. We should also remember that this is the area for a judge to reward the type of dog he/she likes. Remember as competitors we have asked for the judges opinion. An example: A dog runs hard and fast for a blind but never raises his head more than two inches from the ground. In my opinion as the judge I think he is tracking. I would score this dog poorly for SE&A as I don't like a dog that tracks. Another judge may like this style and reward the dog for it speed. It all in the eyes of the beholder.
I agree that we are lacking responses from all of our senour judges and many handlers. Jason is there a way we can email everyone who is on the websites list and say hey your input would be appreciated? Is it worthwhile sending a mailout thru some of the clubs to remind people about the website. I'm sure most clubs would do this no charge.
Did you know our national raft had a phone hookup last week to discuss primarily Spanial and Retriever rules when only two states run S&R field trials. Did anyone get notified by their local RAFT that a meeting was taking place and asked for any input?
What do people think if the idea of general petition to RAFT asking for a national review of the rules and development of a judges guide. This would mean people around the country drumming up the neccessary support.
Just a thought.
Gareth
Our sport is based on hunting. Rabbits are one of our most popular types of game and to remove them from our trials would be tearing at the very heart of our sport. As for removing double falls, two birds etc. I think this would make our trials very bland. The problem with these type of runs is some judges are very poor at setting them up. Don't forget all the great runs that have worked well over the years. We should educate the judges and triallers not eradicate the run for poor application.
The points in the control area. Well Kirsty I give you ten out of ten. In double retrieves I allow 5 for heeling and ten for style eagerness and action while in triples 5 and 5. You can not convince me that a bird in a triple is worth roughly 12 points ie 35/3 or about the same as a 10 for heeling between the pegs. A bit out of balance I would suggest. In novice heeling is worth about one third of the marks so I try to keep this balance in AA. As for Style etc. I think judges should take into account the dogs breed and age. Is this a stylish example of breed x or is it stylish for an older dog. Style eagerness and action is not about speed totally. It is how the dog covers it ground, carries its head, shows his desire etc. We should also remember that this is the area for a judge to reward the type of dog he/she likes. Remember as competitors we have asked for the judges opinion. An example: A dog runs hard and fast for a blind but never raises his head more than two inches from the ground. In my opinion as the judge I think he is tracking. I would score this dog poorly for SE&A as I don't like a dog that tracks. Another judge may like this style and reward the dog for it speed. It all in the eyes of the beholder.
I agree that we are lacking responses from all of our senour judges and many handlers. Jason is there a way we can email everyone who is on the websites list and say hey your input would be appreciated? Is it worthwhile sending a mailout thru some of the clubs to remind people about the website. I'm sure most clubs would do this no charge.
Did you know our national raft had a phone hookup last week to discuss primarily Spanial and Retriever rules when only two states run S&R field trials. Did anyone get notified by their local RAFT that a meeting was taking place and asked for any input?
What do people think if the idea of general petition to RAFT asking for a national review of the rules and development of a judges guide. This would mean people around the country drumming up the neccessary support.
Just a thought.
Gareth