Proposed Rule Changes

Click on the changes you wish to view:

1. Simple Handbook
2. Bylaw & Running Rule Changes
3. New Rules
4. Last of the Rule Changes

CHOSE ONE OF THE CHANGES OR LEAVE ALONE
Words to be added are in bold
Words to be deleted in italic

BYLAWS – CHANGES

1.  ITEM TO VOTE ON

ADD THIS BRIEF HISTORY OF THE US COMPLETE TO THE HANDBOOK

History of U.S. Complete
In 1981, Robert Lee, Jack Myrick and Gerald Shaw founded a walking shooting dog association under the name of the United States Complete Shooting Dog Association.  Gerald Shaw, an attorney from Sanford, N.C. did all of the legal work, Jack Myrick had the bird dog knowledge and a huge number of contacts, and Robert Lee had the administrative ability and the competitive edge.  Given the combined talents of these three gentlemen, success was almost a guarantee.
Bernie Matthys of the American Field was contacted to get recognition of the trials.  A championship was requested but Mr. Matthys required the running of a classic for two years before granting a championship.
Jack Myrick provided the grounds for the running of the early trials.   In March of 1983 the first championship was held.  Graham Parker’s pointer “Jack” was the first named champion for U.S. Complete.  The local trialers were somewhat surprised when a big race with but one find was rewarded with a championship.  The runner-up, “Star”, a female setter handled by W. Mills Hodge had 10 shooting dog steady finds and Mill’s vest was filled with quail from the brace.  Note that in it’s beginning, U.S. Complete required the birds to be shot over a steady dog and a retrieve to hand was necessary.
In the fall of 1995 the state of Virginia requested the U.S. Complete drop the shooting of birds.  This was supported by many members as some of the states no longer allowed shooting on state grounds prohibiting those states from participating in the U.S. Complete.  In the interest of including other states and with continued growth of the organization a goal of the founders, it was agreed that set-up backs would no longer be a requirement, the shooting of birds would be eliminated, and as a result, the retrieve was no longer an element to be judged.  These changes were necessary for the family oriented sport of field trialing.
With the assistance of sponsors, the U.S. Complete Shooting Dog Association became financially healthy and began expanding throughout the southeast.
The early stated goal of the founding fathers was to improve the quality of the pointing breeds through the sport of field trialing that would be conducted in such a way that the entire family could be present and enjoy the activity.
It is very clear that today’s field trialers owe a huge debt to the founders of the U.S. Complete Shooting Dog Association and those who competed in the trials on a regular basis.  The privilege that we take for granted is a result of years of sweat, toil, and continued effort to improve the pointing breeds.

2. ITEM TO VOTE ON

Article 4 – Directors and Officers
Change Section 2 and section 3 in there order.

CHOICE A
Section 2:  The officers of the Association shall be a president, vice presidents, a secretary and a treasurer. The officers shall serve as the Board of Directors. A nomination committee consisting of three Regional presidents appointed by the Board of Directors shall recommend members for office.  Additional members The officers of the Association shall may be nominated from the floor at the Association’s annual business meeting, and the officers shall be elected by the voting members at the annual business meeting.

CHOICE B
Section 2:  The officers of the Association shall be a president, vice presidents, a secretary and a treasurer. The officers shall serve as the Board of Directors. A nomination committee consisting of one Regional president and two others appointed by the Board of Directors shall recommend members for office.  Additional members may be nominated from the floor at the Association’s annual business meeting, and the officers shall be elected by the voting members at the annual business meeting.

3. ITEM TO VOTE ON

Article 5 – Meetings - Changes in Section 2:

CHOICE  A – Add the wording
Section 2:  Meetings shall be called and scheduled by the president or secretary. Notice of such meetings may be given by any means of communication.  The agenda should be published at least 30 days prior to the meeting.

CHOICE B – Add the wording
Section 2:  Meetings shall be called and scheduled by the president or secretary. Notice of such meetings may be given by any means of communication.  The agenda should be published at least 15 days prior to the meeting.

CHOICE C
No Change

4.  ITEM TO BE VOTED ON

Add Article 5 - Section 3:

CHOICE A
Section 3:
All proxies must be returned to the Association Secretary 7 days to the annual meeting.  These proxies should indicate the person to vote the proxy and, if the club desires, the choice of nominee.  The proxies are to be tabulated and turned over to the President at the Board of Directors meeting.  No other proxies will be recognized.

CHOICE B
Section 3:
All proxies must be returned to the Association Secretary 48 hoursprior to the annual meeting.  These proxies should indicate the person to vote the proxy and, if the club desires, the choice of nominee.  The proxies are to be tabulated and turned over to the President at the Board of Directors meeting.  No other proxies will be recognized.

Discussion:  Jim - feels one week as this would give clubs the ability to review the agenda, rule changes and nominees and provide an indication of their choices. Yvonne - feels 48 hours is better as some times last minute things pop up and someone who planned to attend may not be able and allows their vote to still be counted. JIM –48 hours is OK with me if you think this gives you sufficient time to tabulate them prior to the Board of Directors meeting.

RUNNING RULES - CHANGES

5. ITEM TO BE VOTED ON

4. Birds

CHOICE A
4. –  Birds – Birds are not to be killed. Birds must be on course for all Derby and Shooting Dog stakes and the number of birds placed on course should be consistent from brace to brace. If it is necessary to handle birds, it should be done with gloves. Birds should be spaced far enough apart for dogs to make separate points without interfering with brace mate. The quality of birds can affect the quality of the trial. Do not use cheap birds. Birds should never be placed under piles of brush or cover, which will present unusual difficulty in flushing. It is recommended that ten (10) birds be on course before the first brace each day, with the exception of Puppy braces.   The planting of birds should be in logical locations depending on the type of terrain, wind direction, and cover present. The planting of birds should be in logical locations depending on the type of terrain, wind direction, and cover present.

CHOICE B
4. –Delete - Birds – Birds are not to be killed. Birds must be on course for all Derby and Shooting Dog stakes and the number of birds placed on course should be consistent from brace to brace. If it is necessary to handle birds, it should be done with gloves. Birds should be spaced far enough apart for dogs to make separate points without interfering with brace mate. The quality of birds can affect the quality of the trial. Do not use cheap birds. Birds should never be placed under piles of brush or cover, which will present unusual difficulty in flushing. It is recommended that ten (10) birds be on course before the first brace each day, with the exception of Puppy braces.   The planting of birds should be in logical locations depending on the type of terrain, wind direction, and cover present.

Insert:
Birds and the Planting of Birds   
a.    Select the finest flying birds possible.
b.    Sufficient birds should be purchased and released to enable on average, 3-7 finds on a 30 minute course and 5-10 finds on an hour course.
c.    The planting of birds should be consistent with the type of dog US Complete desires—a quail covey dog.
d.    The planting of birds should be in logical locations depending on the type of terrain and cover present.  Logical locations are those that would be likely for wild coveys to be present.  Birds should be planted at least 20 yards on each side of the course path and preferably 50 or more yards.  This discourages path running by the dogs and more resembles a hunting situation.
e.    The location of birds by scent (in contrast to sight) should be a criterion used to select the covey locations and the specific cover in which the bird(s) is placed.  Extreme cover such as dense briar patches should be avoided because of the difficulty in flushing.
f.    Birds should be handled to minimize human scent (gloves are preferable) and with only enough encouragement so that the bird remains in tact and will likely remain where planted for a reasonable length of time.
g.    A sense of fairness/equal opportunity should be maintained in replacing birds so that the first brace should have an equal likelihood in finding birds as the last brace.    
Additional birds per brace are:
4 - 6 birds -- Derby -- 30 minutes
4 - 8 birds -- Shooting Dog -- 30 minutes
 It is strongly recommended that birds be available throughout the course.

Discussion:  Art - feels that someone would have to review each course and “Qualify” or “Approve each course as to its acceptability. 

CHOICE C
4. –Delete - Birds – Birds are not to be killed. Birds must be on course for all Derby and Shooting Dog stakes and the number of birds placed on course should be consistent from brace to brace. If it is necessary to handle birds, it should be done with gloves. Birds should be spaced far enough apart for dogs to make separate points without interfering with brace mate. The quality of birds can affect the quality of the trial. Do not use cheap birds. Birds should never be placed under piles of brush or cover, which will present unusual difficulty in flushing. It is recommended that ten (10) birds be on course before the first brace each day, with the exception of Puppy braces.   The planting of birds should be in logical locations depending on the type of terrain, wind direction, and cover present.

Insert:
Birds and the Planting of Birds   
a.    Select the finest flying birds possible.
b.    Sufficient birds should be purchased and released to enable on average, 3-7 finds on a 30 minute course and 5-10 finds on an hour course.
c.    The planting of birds should be consistent with the type of dog US Complete desires—a quail covey dog.
d.    The planting of birds should be in logical locations depending on the type of terrain and cover present.  Logical locations are those that would be likely for wild coveys to be present. Birds should be planted far enough off the course path to allow judges to distinguish between a dog that is hunting and one that is running the path.
e.    The location of birds by scent (in contrast to sight) should be a criterion used to select the covey locations and the specific cover in which the bird(s) is placed.  Extreme cover such as dense briar patches should be avoided because of the difficulty in flushing.
f.    Birds should be handled to minimize human scent (gloves are preferable) and with only enough encouragement so that the bird remains in tact and will likely remain where planted for a reasonable length of time.
g.    A sense of fairness/equal opportunity should be maintained in replacing birds so that the first brace should have an equal likelihood in finding birds as the last brace.    
Additional birds per brace are:
4 - 6 birds -- Derby -- 30 minutes
4 - 8 birds -- Shooting Dog -- 30 minutes
 It is strongly recommended that birds be available throughout the course.

Discussion:  Jim – Wording to the effect of “Birds should be planted far enough off the course path to allow judges to distinguish between a dog that is hunting and one that is running the path” would accomplish the same goal without putting yardage requirements (CHOICE B) on bird planters.

CHOICE D

Make no change

6.  ITEM TO BE VOTED ON    - Additional proposed change click here

7. -- Scouts

 A.:  Any scouting for a dog should be done by a scout appointed by the handler of that dog. The scout shall be named prior to the start of the brace and shall act only with permission of the judge.  Scouting arrangements are the responsibility of the handler.
 B.:  A handler should ask a judge for permission to send a scout.  Scout may inform handler or judge that a dog is standing, moving or making game, etc.  Scout must return to the gallery once he/she has completed scouting the area directed to by the handler. OUTRIDING IS NOT PERMITTED.
 C.:  A scout is strictly forbidden to handle a dog, unless directed by the judge, in the event the handler is unable to continue handling the dog or the handler becomes separated from the dog.
D.:  No professional handler may scout for an amateur in amateur stakes. 
E.:  Frequent scouting is not an acceptable substitute for a dog that will not handle or stay to the front.
F.:  Judges may direct scouts as necessary to cover a particularly heavy section of cover or area where the handler would have difficulty seeing his/her dog.

Discussion:  Art – feels “Only if requested by the handler” – This is not necessary see Section B. 
Jim feels “Only if requested by handler” is not required.  Scouts also work for the judges.  For example, Buckeye Plantation - heavy broom sage in areas, judges direct scout to cover a particular area, same area covered for each brace.
G.:  Judges may direct scouts as necessary to round up a dog, after judgment has ceased.
Discussion:   Art – A Derby and Shooting dog should handle and a scout should not be necessary to round up a dog.  If this is necessary, the dog should be completing in horseback stakes.  Jim feels – Here is why I put this in.  Originally, it stated “Only allowed for puppies”, but after concurring with several experienced judges and handlers, I changed it to be used for all stakes.  Reason (1) being, it says “after judgment has ceased” – you have had sufficient time to evaluate the dogs handling ability during the brace.  Reason (2) you are judging a shooting dog championship, the dog has done an excellent job, we come to the finishing field, the handler casts the dog on a long edge so that you can see the dog show what it has left.  The dog finishes the 500 yard field and hits the woods as time is called.  It would be a shame to lose this dog after such a great performance, you have already evaluated his handling, and the handler has 10 minutes to produce the dog.  Yvonne feels – that the key word here is after judgment has ceased.  If a dog is not seen a pickup the dog is still in judgment until he is brought back into the judge’s view (Giving the handler the 10 minutes to produce the dog to cease judgment.) While the dog is in judgment the scout cannot be forward.

H.:   All scouting must be done from Foot or Horseback.  Motorized vehicles are not permitted for scouting.  Handicapped handler rules do not apply to scouting.

Discussion:   Art – Why not?  Jim –A motorized vehicle, not necessarily under the judges control at all times, has the potential to distract both dogs by sight and sound.  That’s one of the reasons dog wagons hang back to avoid distracting the dogs.  

I.:   Horseback scouting is the normal means of scouting in U.S. Complete Stakes.  Clubs may elect to not allow Horseback scouting.  If so, the trial advertisement must state “Horseback scouting not allowed”.
J.:  Abuse of scouting rules will result in an initial warning from the judges.  Continued infraction may result in disqualification of the dog.
 K.:  No electronic communication (e.g., cell phone, walkie talkies, etc) is permitted between the scout, handler and gallery spectators.

7.  ITEM TO BE VOTED ON    

10. -- Handicapped -- U.S. Complete provides for the handicapped handler.

 A.:  The stake manager determines the eligibility of a handicapped handler.  The individual must declare his handicapped status prior to running his/her dogs.  Acceptable documentation to provide proof that an individual is handicapped may be one of the following: 1) a signed statement by a Medical Doctor, 2) A Disabled/Handicapped Hunting License issued by any state or 3) a disabled/Handicapped Parking Permit issued by any state. The handicapped handler cannot decide to walk one stake and ride in another stake.  Exceptions would be an injury suffered while running his/her dog.

Discussion:  Art - feels that only the first new line is needed.   Jim – This was put in at the request of several trial chairmen and state/federal officials as an example of acceptable documentation for using the Handicapped Handler provision.  Just because I show up at a trial and say I have a bum knee does not qualify me to use the handicap rule.  There has to be some documentation, because in some cases we are using state and federal laws to allow for the handler to use a motorized vehicle.  This was in fact reviewed by the Rhode Island DEP, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Forestry Service for use in the National Amateur Championship recently held at ARCADIA WMA.  Yvonne – the rule was made the way it was to allow for the several elderly handlers we have that do not qualify for a handicap from their doctors but have a difficult time walking our courses. JIM- We are not looking to qualify them for handicap/disability benefits. It could be something as simple as the doctor stating “Mr. Smith has difficulty walking. Recommend he be allowed to use the US Complete Handicapped Handler rule.”

 B.:  As always, the judges will set the pace. A handicapped handler’s transportation must be a four-wheeler or a horse in cases where the four-wheelers are not allowed on state grounds. The horse or four-wheeler must be provided by the handler.
C.:  The handicapped handler should remain behind their brace mate as not to crowd or place their brace mate at a disadvantage by height that a horse may create, or noise that the four-wheeler would create.
D.:  The handicapped handler must remain on the four-wheeler or horse at all times except when his/her dog points or backs.  
E.:   A scout may be used to release the dog at the breakaway. The scout may also be used to walk the dog back to the course following a find.    

8.  ITEM TO BE VOTED ON    
13. -- Puppy Stakes

D.:  Puppies should demonstrate good use of nose and ability to find birds.
G.:  Puppies should exhibit natural pointing instinct.
 H.:  Puppies are not required to point staunchly.

K.:  At the end of the stake, the handler only has to show the judge the puppy and is not required to collar the dog.

9.  ITEM TO BE VOTED ON    

14. -- Derby Stakes
A.:  Derbies must point and hold until handler arrives, but no additional credit shall be given for steadiness to wing and shot. Derbies can be placed on bird contact or run alone.

10. ITEM TO BE VOTED ON
Glossary
10 a.)

CHOICE A
Flagging (or Ticking) - An undesirable trait when a dog’s tail is not rigid during a point or back. A dog that flags (or ticks) when he has his game pointed close should be penalized.
Tick -- A type of flagging where the dog’s tail pulses during a point or back.

CHOICE B
Leave As Is

Discussion: JIM - Flagging and Ticking are NOT the same. Flagging should be penalized. Leave as is.

10 b.) 
Stop to Flush -- When a bird flushes on his own accord and then the dog stops and points
Stop to Bump--When a dog unintentionally runs over a bird and stops immediately.
Stop to Flush – When a bird flushes on his own accord and then the dog stops and pints, or when a dog unintentionally runs over a bird and stops immediately.

This will be in the glossary anyway:
Bump -- When a dog intentionally crowds the bird and causes the bird to flush. The dog should be penalized; however, all situations should be carefully analyzed and the benefit of the doubt should always go to the dog.

11.  ITEM TO BE VOTED ON - Championships
U.S. Complete Amateur Invitational Championship –

Choice A
If a champion is named, this dog will be invited back the following year to defend its championship.

Choice B
If a champion and runner-up champion is named, these dogs will be the first alternates in the event one or two of the top twelve dogs is unable to attend.

SIMPLE WORD CHANGES & CLARIFICATIONS IN THE BYLAWS
Words to be added are in bold & Underline
Words to be deleted in italics
**These changes can all be voted on in one vote**

Article 2 -- Objectives
 Section 1:  To promote and raise the prestige of walking shooting dogs.
Section 3:  To sponsor a Complete Shooting Dog National Open and Amateur Championships.

Article 4 – Directors and Officers
Section 5:  The vice presidents, in order of their election, unless otherwise determined by the Board of Directors, shall, in the absence or disability of the president, perform the duties and exercise the powers of the office of the president. In addition, the vice presidents shall perform other duties and have such other powers as the Board of Directors shall prescribe, or as directed by the president.

In Section 7:
The positions of Secretary and Treasurer may be combined.

Article 5

 Section 1: 
The Association shall conduct an annual general membership meeting each year for the purpose of planning for the trial season and electing officers to serve for a two-year term. The annual meeting may be held at any time.  The annual meeting is usually held in July or August with the date and time determined by the President at least 90 days in advance.  . 

1. Minimum Standards
A.:  Advertising a trial:  Trial advertisements must be published in an issue of The American Field at least fourteen            (14) days before a trial is to be run. The advertisement must show U.S. Complete name and logo, sponsor     logo, including the name of the club, place and date of the trial, time of the drawing, and name and address   of the stake manager or secretary and/or treasurer.
B.:  Wins will be recorded and Win Certificates issued will be printed as needed or requested by the U.S. Complete       Shooting Dog Association.

5. -- Retrieving -- Because no birds are to be killed, and no live ammunition is used, no retrievers are required. Retrieving a dead bird on the course should carry no penalty.

6. -- Judges 

F.:  Judges shall have full authority to expel from any stake any dog that does not reasonably obey his handler or that          interferes with the work of  his/her brace mate.

 H.:  All recall call back  braces are at the discretion of the judges.

10.  Handicapped

B.:  As always, the judges will set the pace. A handicapped handler’s transportation must be a four-wheeler or a horse in cases where the four-wheelers are not allowed on state grounds. The horse or four-wheeler must by  be provided by the handler.

14. -- Derby Stakes
E.:  The judges should select the derby dog that they consider most likely to succeed as a finished dog.

15. -- Shooting Dog Stakes
D.:  Dogs should respond to the handler but demonstrate independent judgement in hunting the course. Dogs should             not look to handler to point out birdy objectives.

17. -- Point System -- Each year the U.S. Complete Shooting Dog Association will make award a certificate to the following top two dogs in each category awards: Open Shooting Dog, Open Derby, Open Puppy, Amateur Shooting Dog,      Amateur Derby and Amateur Puppy.
I.:  Each club will receive a copy of  can review the “Dog of the Year” awards rules and requirements on the U.S. Complete web site.
L.:  The “Dog of the Year” and “Handler of the Year” award will be presented each year at the annual banquet. 
 M.:  Any questions relative to these rules may be answered by the officers Board of Directors of the U.S. Complete Shooting Dog Association.

Ethics Committee Rules and Regulations –
The Ethics Committee shall consist of the National officers Board of Directors of the U.S. Shooting Complete Shooting Dog Association.

Glossary
Brief definitions for common field trial lingo.
Backing or Honoring -- A desired trait in which a dog (approaching another dog on point)delete immediately comes to a rigid point (to call attention to the) (delete) after seeing another dog on point.

 Championships
U.S. Complete Amateur Invitational Championship –This championship will be held annually.  Twelve dogs who were the top point producers in amateur shooting dog competitions from the previous year will be selected for this championship.  These 12 dogs will compete for one hour on two consecutive days.  Dogs will be drawn prior to the first day’s running.  At the conclusion of the first day’s running, dogs will be drawn with different brace mates and at a different time of the day for the second day’s running.  There should be a different course for the second day’s running.  Every effort will be made to allow an entrant to run both days.  However, if a dog should interfere with their brace mate, e.g., fighting or failure to honor a brace mate’s point, the judges may order that dog up and the dog would be disqualified for the remainder of the running.  If after two days of running, there are no clear dogs capable of winning the championship, the judges may call back as many dogs for a third series, and will arrange the pairings of those dogs.  The length of time for the running of the call back will be determined by the judges.
Replace with:
After two days of running, the judges may name a champion or if additional time is needed to determine a winner, a call back will be conducted on the third day.  The judges’ discretion will be used on the number of dogs called back, pairings, and length of time for the call back braces.  It is not mandatory that a champion be named.

U.S. Complete National Amateur Championship

U.S. Complete National Open Championship -- This championship will be held annually and run on a more traditional format. The dog should hold a win certificate from The American Field in an open shooting dog or derby event.  must have placed in an open shooting dog or open derby stake recognized by the American Field.

PROPOSED NEW RULE CHANGES:

With the loss of the Sponsor we propose the following:

1.  Each Club will pay a membership Fee of $75.00 per club and do away with the $2.00 per dog tax and the Ad Refund fee.
2.  The Secretary will issue a Membership Certificate upon payment of the annual membership fees.

This amount can be discussed and decided on at the meeting.

The Change to the handbook would then read:

Article 3 - Membership

Section 1:  Active members shall be those clubs contributing annual dues in such amount as may be determined by the Association, and conducting at least one field trial per year. The Secretary will issue a membership certificate upon payment of the annual membership fees.

 
15. -- Shooting Dog Stakes

L.  Stop to Flush -- If flush is inadvertent or caused by brace mate, there should be no penalty. A proper stop to flight is commendable and should be credited. Any deliberate flush should be penalized result in disqualification.
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17. -- Point System - (Ad the following)

A Handler of the Year award will be given to the top Open handler and the top Amateur handler who accumulates the most points handling dogs in the respective Open and the Amateur Stakes.
The points system used to calculate the points will be based the same as the dog of the year.
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If a club does not submit the essential data forms to the Association Secretary and the American Field, within the above time frame that club will not be allowed to run a U. S. Complete trial for one year and will not be considered a member in good standing.

Discussion:  Jim feels we should ad (and the AFTCA (if a member) within 60 days of completion of the trial or June 30th, whichever comes first.  As the American Field Does not recognize trial results received 180 days after trial is held.  I think 60 days is more than enough time.  Points cutoff is 31 May plus 30 days to submit results – 30 June.  Yvonne feels:  We can not enforce what and when paperwork is sent to other association.  Current rules requires this paperwork be turned in 30 days after the completion of the trial per section H.  JIM: 30 days is fine with me as written in Section H. The other organizations are listed as a reminder to trial chairmen that Essential Data Forms are required to be sent The American Field and AFTCA (if applicable) in order for the placement to be recognized and recorded.

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Choice A
4.  Championship and Futurity Trial:  No points will be awarded for a championship win for “Dog of the Year” awards.  Championship points are only counted towards “Handler of the Year” awards.

Choice B
4.  Championship and Futurity Trial:  No points will be awarded for a championship win for “Dog of the Year” awards.  Championship points are only counted towards “Handler of the Year” and the U. S. Complete Top Dog awards.

Discussion:  With the loss of the Sponsor the Precise Top Dog Award can be changed to the U.S. Complete Top Dog Award.  Or some other name and the members wish.  Jim – asked the question Why are we counting Championship points for Handler of the Year Awards?  He feels it should be the same as DOY awards.   The Answer to this is the Top Dog of the Year and Handler of the Year was the Precise Top Dog Awards and they wanted the Championship points to count for the Handler and Top Dog Awards.  JIM – Right, but Precise is no longer in the picture, therefore the Top Dog/Handler Awards no longer exist, and we are back to our USCSDA DOY/Handler Awards, where championships and futurity points don’t count.
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The Top Dog Awards will be given to only the top Open Dog and the top Amateur Dog to include the championship points with the exception of the invitational Championship.

Discussion:  Jim – Delete Top Dog Awards entirely, this was just a Precise Award, if Purina becomes our sponsor, we will most likely fall under the Purina Awards.

Additional Proposed Rule Changes are as follows:

Option or ad to Rule Change 6 on Scouting:
Scouts will go directly to the area designated by the handler or judge. If the dog is found on point by either a walking or mounted  scout, they  shall, from  a stopped and standing position, inform the handler/judge, either with voice communication or by displaying  the  well  known procedure standard of holding the (hat or hand above the head) standard.
If at any point, a walking or mounted scout should view the dog moving or can distinctly hear the dog’s bell in motion, they shall, from a stopped and standing position, inform the handler/judge either by voice
communication that the dog is moving or by pointing a (hat, hand in a
horizontal position) in the direction of the dog. The scout shall not move from that standing position unless returning directly back to the main party.

All communication from scout to handler must be from a stopped or standing position. If a judge believed that the dog’s route is being guided or influenced by the scout in any way, the dog shall be disqualified and the scout will not be allowed to scout for the remainder of that trial.

The gallery is to stay intact at all times. No one, on horse or foot is to leave the main group or gallery unless with the permission of a judge or Field Marshall. In the event the two handlers should get separated, the scout may stay with the handler and judge he is assigned to.

These instructions could be made available in printed form, distributed to field trailers, placed on tables and clubhouse walls.

Gun Dog Stakes Place as
Section #16 after Shooting Dog Stakes
The guidelines and points for the Gun Dog Stakes will be the same as the Shooting Dog Stakes EXCEPT that JUDGEMENT CEASES AFTER THE FLUSH.  Gun Dogs do not have to be steady to wing and shot.

Revision of Points
Section 17 item J
Proposal should Points use number of dogs that competing in a stake (American Field) or number of dogs drawn for the stake (AFTCA & U.S. Complete)