United States Complete Shooting Dog Association

Handbook

 

United States Complete Shooting Dog Association

Constitution and  Running Rules

 

The U.S. Complete Handbook

 

 

 

Index

 

Advertisement:

Advertising a Trial, Rule 1. A.

 

Amendments, Article 7

 

Backing:

Definition, See Glossary

Derby, Rule 14. H.

Puppy, Rule 13. H.

Shooting Dog, Rule 15. O.

 

Birds, Rule 4.

 

Blinking:

Definition, See Glossary

Derby, Rule 14. C.

Shooting Dog, Rule 15. N.

 

Bump, See Glossary

 

Championship:

Association Objectives, Article 2

Regions, Article 6

Championships, See Championships

 

Code of Ethics, Rule 18.

 

Corporate Sponsor, Rule 19.

Derby Stakes, Rule 14.

Dog of the Year, Rule 17.

 

Directors, Officers, Article 4

 

Flagging, See Glossary

 

Futurity, Rule 16.

 

Geographical Division, Article 6

Geographical Divisions, See Regions

 

Handicapped, Rule 10.

 

Judges, Rule 6.

 

Meetings, Article 5

 

Membership, Article 3

 

Minimum Standards, Rule 1.

 

Name, Article 1

 

Objectives, Article 2

 

Point System, Rule 17

 

Puppy Stakes, Rule 13.

 

Range, Rule 3.

 

Recognized Stakes, Rule 1. C.

 

Regions, See Regions

 

Retrieving, Rule 5.

Safety, Rule 11.

 

Scouts, Rule 7.

 

Shooting Dog Stakes, Rule 15.

 

Spectators, Rule 12.

 

Stake Manager, Rule 9.

 

Stop to Flush, See Glossary

 

Style, Rule 2.

 

Tick, See Glossary

 

Unproductive, See Glossary

 

Whelp Dates, See Recognized Stakes

 

 

Constitution of the United States Complete Shooting Dog Association

 

Article 1 -- Name

 

Section 1:  The name of the association shall be United States Complete Shooting Dog Association.

 

Article 2 -- Objectives

 

Section 1:  To raise the prestige of walking shooting dogs.

 

Section 2:  To set national standards for walking shooting dogs.

 

Section 3:  To sponsor a Complete Shooting Dog National Championship.

 

Section 4:  To promote the walking shooting dog and demonstrate beyond doubt that to be a complete shooting dog champion requires a high quality dog as any shooting dog or any existing class.

 

Section 5:  To promote the best possible breeding program for the complete shooting dog.

 

Section 6:  To educate and promote youth participation in all objectives.

 

Section 7:  To conduct trials for family and individual enjoyment.

 

Section 8:  To promote the training of high quality dogs.

 

Section 9:  To encourage and promote the formation of affiliated Complete Shooting Dog Clubs throughout the United States.

 

Article 3 -- Membership

 

Section 1:  Active members shall be those clubs contributing annual dues in such amount as may be determined by the Association plus $2.00 per dog per stake or such amount as may be determined by the Association and conducting at least one field trial per year.

 

Article 4 -- Directors and Officers

 

Section 1:  The president of each active affiliated club shall be a voting member of the voting members of the U. S. Complete Shooting Dog Association. If the club president is unable to attend any regular or called meeting, the club president shall appoint in writing a member of the club to act in the club president’s behalf at such meeting. If no one is able to attend a meeting, that individual may send in a proxy vote. An active club member is one who has run a trial in the current trial season and is in good standing.

 

Section 2:  Meetings of the Board of directors may be called at any time by the president or by a majority of the Board of Directors. 

 

Section 3:  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. The officers of the Association shall 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.

 

Section 4:  The president shall be the principal executive officer of the Association and subject to the control of the Board of Directors. The president shall supervise and control the management of the Association in accordance with these laws. The president shall, when present, preside at all meetings of the Board of Directors. The president shall sign, with any other proper officer, certificates of the Association and any deeds, mortgages, bonds, contracts, or other instruments that may be lawfully executed on behalf of the Association, except where the signing and execution thereof shall be delegated by the Board of Directors to some other officer or agent, and in general, the president shall perform all duties incident to the office of the president and such other duties as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors from time to time.

 

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.

 

Section 6:  The secretary shall keep accurate records of the acts and proceedings of all meetings of members and directors. The secretary shall give all notices required by law and by these Bylaws. The secretary shall have general charge of the Association books and records.

 

Section 7:  The treasurer shall have custody of all funds and securities belonging to the Association, and shall receive, deposit, or disburse the same under the direction of the Board of Directors. The treasurer shall keep full and accurate accounts of the finances of the Association and shall cause a true statement of the Association’s assets and liabilities as of the close of each fiscal year and of the results of the Association’s operation and of changes in surplus for each fiscal year, all in reasonable detail, to be made and submitted in time for presentation at the annual general membership meeting; and the treasurer shall mail or otherwise deliver a copy of the latest such statement to any member club upon written request therefore. The treasurer shall, in general, perform all duties incident to the office and such other duties as may be assigned to the treasurer from time to time by the president or by the Board of Directors.

 

Article 5 -- Meetings

 

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.

 

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.

 

Article 6 -- Geographical Division

 

Section 1:  The Board of Directors shall divide the United States into regions. The regions may be changed at any time by the Board of Directors. Regions will be composed of five (5) or more clubs. The Board of Directors will assist the active member clubs in organizing the regions and regional championships.

 

Article 7 -- Amendments

 

Section 1:  The Constitution and Bylaws may be changed, amended or repealed only by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the Board of Directors. The notice of such meeting to the members must be in writing, must describe the amendment to be considered and shall state that the amendment change or repeal may be acted upon at such meeting. Notice of the meeting, at which changes, amendments or repeal of the Constitution or Bylaws are to be considered, shall be given not less than ten (10) days and no more than forty (40) days prior to such meeting.                                

 

 

U.S. Complete Shooting Dog Association

Running Rules

 

1. -- Minimum standards for the United States Complete Shooting Dog Association.

 

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 state manager or secretary.

 

B.:  Wins will be recorded and Win Certificates issued by the U.S. Complete Shooting Dog Association.

 

C.:  Recognized stakes are:

 

Puppy Stakes -- From January 1 to June 30 in each year for dogs whelped on or after January 1 of the year preceding and from July 1 to December 31 of each year for dogs whelped on or after June 1 of the year preceding.

 

Derby Stakes -- From July 1 to December 31 in each year for dogs whelped on or after January 1 of the year preceding, and from January 1 to June 30 in each year for dogs whelped on or after January 1 of two years preceding.

 

Shooting Dog Stakes -- For dogs of any age. An “Open” stake is one in which there are no limitations with respect to either dogs or handlers. An “Amateur” stake is one in which all handlers are amateurs.

 

D.:  The minimum length of heats for all stakes other than Puppy Stakes shall be 30 minutes on the basis of time that the average brace takes to negotiate the course. The minimum length of heats for Puppy Stakes shall be no less than 15 minutes.

 

2. -- Style -- Style crosses all lines and is equally important in Puppy, Derby and Shooting Dog stakes. The dog should        run with little effort and be a joy to see running and hunting. Errorless mediocrity should not be rewarded over a dog with style, stamina, pace, desire and drive. The question of whether a dog is likely to enhance the breed as a sire or dam is an entirely proper consideration for placement.

 

3. -- Range -- After the breakaway, the dog should hunt to birdy objectives. Range should be commensurate with cover and terrain. A Shooting Dog’s range should be that of a covey dog. Extreme range is not desirable.

 

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 place 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.        

 

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.

 

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 

 

A.:  Judges are in charge of the running and will have authority to make necessary decisions subject only to rules and regulations of the U.S. Complete Shooting Dog Association.

 

B.:  Each club is responsible to choose the best judges possible.

 

C.:  Each judge should be knowledgeable of U.S. Complete rules and practices.

 

D.:  Judges shall measure each dog by the standards of the U.S. Complete Shooting Dog Association.

 

E.:  Each stake shall be judged by at least two 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 bracemate.

 

G.:  Judges set the pace, not the handler. The pace should be a reasonable hunting speed.

 

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

 

I.:  No judge serving in a stake can have ownership, partial ownership or a current financial interest of any kind in any dog competing in that stake.

 

J.:  A judge should give 100 percent attention to every entry.

 

K.:  A judge should judge what is seen and should never guess or assume.

 

L.:  A judge should disregard information reported by other persons.

 

M.:  The judge is the timekeeper.

 

N.:  A judge should always take good notes, leaving details to memory is leaving much to chance.

 

O.:  A judge should always reward quality over quantity.

 

P.:  Confidence between judges should never be violated during or after a trial.

 

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.

 

B.:  A handler should ask a judge for permission to send a scout.

 

C.:  A scout is strictly forbidden to handle a dog.

 

D.:  No professional handler may scout for an amateur.

 

8. -- Trackers

 

A.:  All trackers must be approved by The American Field and the Amateur Field Trial Clubs of America Inc.

 

B.:  The use of tracking collars may be used, but under the guidelines approved by the host club, The American Field and the Amateur Field Trial Clubs of America Inc.

 

C.:  When tracking collars are not allowed, it must be mentioned in the advertisement and also state that the tracking collars must be provided by the handler.

 

9. -- Stake Manager -- Each local club should appoint a stake manager to assist judges by controlling the gallery, seeing that braces are ready when called, or attending to any other matters necessary for the trial’s safe and expeditious running.

 

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

 

A.:  The stake manager determines the eligibility of a handicapped handler.

 

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 provided by the handler.

 

C.:  The handicapped handler should remain behind their bracemate as not to crowd or place their bracemate at a disadvantage by height that a horse may create, or noise that the four-wheeler would create.      

 

11. -- Safety

 

A.:  Because the U.S. Complete encourages family participation, safety should be a major concern for all clubs.

 

B.:  The use of live ammunition is not permitted at any U.S. Complete event.

 

12. -- Spectators -- Spectators and visitors are always welcome to attend U.S. Complete trials. A gallery wagon should be provided for spectators. The wagon will follow behind judges so that spectators can see each brace. Spectators should stay on the gallery wagon at all times, unless mounted.

 

13. -- Puppy Stakes

 

A.:  Puppies must show a strong desire to hunt.

 

B.:  Puppies should exhibit a good sense of smell, sight and hearing.

 

C.:  Puppies should exhibit good running speed with style and reasonable range.

 

D.:  Puppies should demonstrate good use of nose and ability to find birds.

 

E.:  Puppies should be reasonably independent.

 

F.:  Puppies should show reasonable obedience to handler.

 

G.:  Puppies should exhibit natural pointing instinct.

 

H.:  Puppies are not required to point staunchly.

 

I.:  Each puppy will be judged on its actual performance as an indicator of its future as a high class shooting dog.

 

J.:  Blank ammunition should not be shot over puppies to prove their acceptance of the gun.

 

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

 

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.

 

B.:  Stop to Flush -- If flush is inadvertent or caused by bracemate, there should be no penalty. A proper stop to flight is commendable and should be credited. Any deliberate flush should be penalized.

 

C.:  Blinking or Circling Birds -- Blinking birds should be penalized.

 

D.:  Derbies must show reasonable obedience for their handler’s command.

 

E.:  The judges should elect the derby dog that they consider most likely to succeed as a finished dog.

 

F.:  Blank ammunition should be shot over Derbies to prove their acceptance of the gun.

 

G.:  Derbies should handle and respond to the handler’s commands relative to the ground pattern.

 

H.:  Derbies are not required to back, but they may not interfere with bracemate in any way.

 

I.:  Nonproductive -- Dogs should be given the benefit of the doubt. It is possible for birds to have moved without judicial observation.

 

J.:  Derbies should show more endurance and speed than a puppy.

 

K.:  Each dog is to be judged on its actual performance as an indicator of its future promise.

 

15. -- Shooting Dog Stakes -- Although there are no perfect races, judges should measure each dog by the highest standard.

 

A.:  Dogs should show a keen desire to hunt and a bold attractive style of running.

 

B.:  Dogs should be independent hunters.

 

C.:  Dogs should seek birdy objectives.

 

D.:  Dogs should respond to handler but demonstrate independent judgement in hunting the course. Dogs

should not look to handler to point out birdy objectives.

 

E.:  Dogs should locate game accurately and point staunchly.

 

F.:  All shooting dogs shall be steady to wing and shot.

 

G.:  Dogs should show an accurate nose, style and intensity on point.

 

H.:  Dogs should show consistency of pattern, especially as it relates to range.

 

I.:  Gait should be stylish, fast and graceful to watch.

 

J.:  Dogs should not avoid heavy cover or seek easy footing such as roads and trails.

 

K.:  Dogs should locate game quickly and accurately.

 

L.:  Stop to Flush -- If flush is inadvertent or caused by bracemate, there should be no penalty. A proper stop to flight is commendable and should be credited. Any deliberate flush should be penalized.

 

M.:  Nonproductive — Dogs should be given the benefit of the doubt. It is possible for birds to have moved without judicial observation.

 

N.:  Blinking or Circling Birds — Blinking birds can be a disqualifying act. Moving to “surround” birds should not be tolerated. The dog should be staunch.

 

O.:  All shooting dogs are required to back if given an opportunity.

 

P.:  The handler may not physically move his/her dog until the bird is flushed, unless directed to do so by the judge.

 

16. -- Futurity -- Each year the U.S. Complete Shooting Dog Association sponsors a recognized futurity for the breeders and handlers to promote the best possible breeding program for the complete shooting dog.

 

17. -- Point System -- Each year the U.S. Complete Shooting Dog Association will make the following awards: Open Shooting Dog, Open Derby, Open Puppy, Amateur Shooting Dog, Amateur Derby and Amateur Puppy.

 

“Dog of the Year” awards will be selected in accordance with the following rules:

 

A.:  Points will be awarded only to dogs placing in trials conducted by member clubs in good standing of the U.S. Complete Shooting Dog Association.

 

B.:  Points will be awarded only to dogs placing in trials duly recognized by The American Field.

 

C.: A dog must be registered in order to receive due recognition as “Dog of the Year” and a copy of the dog’s registration must be given to the club secretary at the time of the win. A copy of the dog’s registration must be given to the U.S. Complete secretary within 30 days of the trial.

 

D.:  The U.S. Complete Shooting Dog Association shall provide an appropriate award for each “Dog of the Year” classification to be awarded each year.

 

E.:  It is not necessary that handlers be members of the U.S. Complete Shooting Dog Association.

 

F.:  The officers of the U.S. Complete Shooting Dog Association shall appoint and designate a person to

maintain accurate and correct records with respect to “Dog of the Year” awards.

 

G.:  It shall be the responsibility of each club member to keep up-to-date records of results of his or her club trials and forward, immediately after each trial, the results to the person designated by the officers to the Association.

 

H.:  Each club should send a copy of the trial results to the U.S. Complete Shooting Dog Association secretary immediately after the trial for points to be counted in the “Dog of the Year” standings. Results must be postmarked to the secretary no later than thirty (30) days following the trial. If there is an error in publicizing the information, the club has twenty (20) days following the letter’s postmark date to notify the secretary of any errors.

 

I.:  Each club will receive a copy of the “Dog of the Year”   awards rules and requirements.

 

J.:  The method of selecting “Dog of the Year” award winners in each category shall be based on a point

system computed as follows:

 

1.  30-Minute Trial:         1st -- 3 points for each dog under him

                                    2nd -- 2 points for each dog under him

                                    3rd --1 point for each dog under him

 

2.  45-Minute Trial:         1st -- 4 points for each dog under him

                                    2nd -- 3 points for each dog under him

                                    3rd -- 2 points for each dog under him

 

3.  1-Hour Trial:              1st -- 6 points for each dog under him

                                    2nd -- 4 points for each dog under him

                                    3rd -- 2 points for each dog under him

 

4. Championship and Futurity Trial. No points will be awarded for a championship win.

 

K.:  A dog in each respective category accumulating the most points shall be “Dog of the Year.”

 

L.:  The “Dog 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 of the U.S. Complete Shooting Dog Association.

 

18. -- Code of Ethics

 

Handlers Ethics -- The following ethics have been compiled in order to insure the integrity and good

sportsmanship of this great sport!

 

Each handler should at all times:

 

A.:  Show respect for judges and their decisions.

 

B.:  Refrain from the use of force or corrective training during any U.S. Complete trial.

 

C.:  Be mindful and thankful for the sponsoring club and its members, who are making the effort to host the trial.

 

D.:  Recognize “new” or “inexperienced” handlers and offer some form of encouragement. In order to build this sport and insure its existence, we must support new participation.

 

E.:  Demonstrate respect and show courtesy to the other handler in your brace. Refrain from influencing the bracemate’s performance.

 

F.:  Offer your expertise and experience in a diplomatic manner to other handler’s and sportsman’s clubs.

Always be willing to extend a helpful hand when it may be needed.

 

G.:  Understand and uphold all rules set forth by the U.S.  Complete Shooting Dog Association.

 

H.:  Report negatives only to the stake manager, and all positives to anyone who will listen.

 

I.:  Discourtesy and abuse of judges and acts of unsportsmanlike conduct are totally unacceptable and

should not be tolerated at any trial, by any person. A handler, scout, owner or spectator who conducts

himself in an unsportsmanlike manner should be dealt with harshly by the clubs sponsoring the trial.

 

The handler’s participation is the pivotal component to the success of all field trials. Essentially, the future of this honored tradition lies in the hands of each competitor.

 

Ethics Committee Rules and Regulations -- The Ethics Committee shall consist of the national officers of

the U.S. Shooting Complete Shooting Dog Association.

 

A.:  The Ethics Committee shall uphold the rules as printed by The American Field, the Amateur Field Trial Clubs of America Inc. and the U.S. Complete Shooting Dog       Association.

 

B.:  The Ethics Committee is not for changing any written rule or guideline, but to uphold them.

 

C.:  The Ethics Committee will not consider changing the decision of a judge.

 

D.:  The Ethics Committee will accept complaints by written statement only.

 

E.:  The Ethics Committee will consider a written complaint only if the president of the club where the complaint originated fails to solve or settle the dispute.

 

F.:  The Ethics Committee will consider a written complaint only if received within 30 calendar days from the date the complainant discovers the reason for the dispute.

 

G.:  If the Ethics Committee deems a meeting is necessary, the committee shall schedule a hearing for defendant and plaintiff. If the plaintiff does not attend the hearing, the complaint shall be dropped.

 

H.:  The Ethics Committee should be fair to all to ensure there is no ill feeling.

 

19. -- Corporate Sponsor 

 

A.:  Trial advertisements and winner’s photographs shall include the logo of the corporate sponsor for the U.S. Complete Shooting Dog Association.

 

B.:  The corporate sponsor’s banners shall be displayed at each trial.

 

C.:  The corporate sponsor shall be recognized and promoted at each trial of the U.S. Complete Shooting

Dog Association.

 

D.:  Each local sponsor or trial is allowed a secondary sponsor(s), provided the secondary sponsor(s) do not compete with the corporate sponsor.

 

 

Glossary

Brief definitions for common field trial lingo.

 

Backing or Honoring -- A desired trait in which a dog approaching another dog on point immediately comes to a rigid point to call attention to the pointing dog.

 

Blinking -- When a dog finds birds and leaves without pointing, or points and leaves before the handler arrives to flush. Blinking is sufficient grounds to disqualify a dog.

 

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.

 

Flagging -- An undesirable trait when a dog’s tail is not rigid during a point or back. A dog that flags when he has his game pointed close should be penalized.

 

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

 

Tick -- A type of flagging where the dog’s tail pulses during a point or back.

 

Unproductive -- When a dog points and there is no game flushed or found in the vicinity.

 

 

Championships

 

U.S. Complete Amateur Invitational Championship -- This championship will be held annually. The championship will select twelve (12) dogs that were the top point collectors in shooting dog competitions the previous year. These 12 dogs will compete for one hour on the first day, and for one hour on the   second day. Dogs will be drawn for the first day one on the evening before the first day’s running. Dogs will be drawn for the second day 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. A call back may be conducted on the third day, but is not mandatory. The judges will name the dogs to be called back and will arrange the pairings of those dogs. Every effort will be made to allow an entrant to run in both the first and second series. However, if a dog should interfere with their brace mate, such as fighting or failure to honor a brace mate’s point, thus resulting in the   untimely flush of the pointed birds, the judges may order that dog up and he would be disqualified for the remainder of the running.

 

U.S. Complete Amateur Championship -- This championship will be held annually and run on a more traditional format. Handler and dog should hold a win certificate from the Amateur Field Trial Clubs of America Inc. and the U.S. Complete Shooting Dog Association in an amateur shooting dog or amateur derby event.

 

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.

 

U.S. Complete Regional Open Championship -- Each region that is eligible may hold a regional open championship, to be held annually. The dog should hold a win certificate from The American Field in an open shooting dog or derby event.

 

-- end of Handbook text