The aim of a WGGA retrieving trial is for the trial to be run under conditions as close as possible to those in natural field shooting, the difference being, as well as game, artificial game can be used as the items of game to be retrieved.

1.1.1 In a WGAA retrieving trial the dog / bitch (hereinafter referred to as dog) shall be any pure breed and associate gundog and will be required to:

· be under control and quiet at all times

· walk at heel

· stay on command, until released

· mark and retrieve thrown item of game, and under direction seek and retrieve hidden items of game

· when ordered to retrieve, it should be done quickly, and direct without disturbing too much ground

· retrieve on land, across water, and in water

· return the item of game to the handler, and gently deliver to the hand

1.1.2 Runs will be set to allow a fair assessment of the working ability of all competing dogs.

1.1.3 The shooting and game laws of all states and territories must be observed, and will govern the conduct of all trials in conjunctions with WGAA Retrieving Trial Rules.

1.1.4 Every competitor must be a member of SSAA or affiliated body member. Competitors by invitation cannot receive awards.

1.1.5 All competitors have the right to attempt all set runs. (Refer section 2)

1.2 STUCK LIVE ROUND: MANDATORY RULE

1.2.1 Stuck live round: In the event of a malfunction which results in a stuck live round which cannot be simply removed from the breach end of the barrel, the firearm is to be made safe and removed from the range to a competent person for repairs. Under no circumstance is an attempt to be made to remove the round by insertion of a cleaning rod or similar object from the muzzle end of the firearm.

1.3 PROTEST AND APPEALS COMMITTEE

The rules for the Protest and Appeals Committee are common to all SSAA Disciplines and form part of each Discipline’s rulebook. The rules are as follows:

Note: In the Protest and Appeals Committee of the Official Rules for Competition and Medal Awards of the Working Gundogs Association of Australia (SSAA) the term Trial Manager or Judge is interchangeable with or replaces the term Range Officer.

1.3.1 At all registered tournaments there shall be a Protest and Appeals Committee (hereinafter called "Appeals Committee") which shall be formed by the host association or club organisers to hear and decide protests and appeals.

1.3.2 The Appeals Committee shall consist of a minimum of three people one of whom shall act as chairman, any of whom may be competitors in the competition, but in no case shall an appellant or protester be included as a member of the Appeals Committee (notwithstanding any rule or rules of law to the contrary). In championships where more than one State is represented a delegate from any of the States represented may be appointed to be a member of the said Committee and such appointments shall be at the discretion of the host association or club.

1.3.3 A protest may be lodged by any competitor who feels aggrieved by a decision of the Range Officer, the target scorers, or any other organisational matters or methods of conducting the competition. A competitor may protest the conduct of another competitor(s) or that another competitor(s) has not fulfilled his obligations according to these rules, or has not properly obeyed the Rules.

1.3.4 The protest must be lodged in writing and accompanied by a fee the amount of which shall be nominated by the organisers of the competition. If the protest or appeal is upheld, the applicant is to be refunded the amount of the fee. If the protest is disallowed, then the fee shall be forfeited to the organisers conducting the competition.

1.3.5 The protest is to be lodged with the Range Officer or other persons nominated by the organisers of the competition to receive appeals. A protest may be lodged during the conduct of a competition or after the competition has been completed but not later than 30 minutes after the scores for that competition have been announced or posted. When received, the protest or appeal must be given to the Chairman of the Appeals Committee as soon as possible.

1.3.6 The Chairman shall convene the Appeals Committee without undue delay and the Appeals Committee shall be empowered to hear evidence from the protester, the appellant and person(s) involved in the protest; to require the Range Officer, Scorers or organisers to produce targets, score sheets or other material relevant to the protest; to call evidence from any other person(s) who may be able to help the Appeals Committee and to do all such other things that the Appeals Committee believes will enable it to reach an unbiased and just decision.

1.3.7 Any accused person shall:

1.3.7.1 have a right to be heard before the Appeals Committee and to remain in attendance during each session of the Appeals Committee.

1.3.7.2 be advised of the time and place the Appeals Committee shall hear evidence of the protest or appeal.

1.3.7.3 be entitled to remain in attendance before the Appeals Committee until the Appeals Committee adjourns the proceedings to make its decision.

1.3.7.4 be informed of the evidence or allegations made.

1.3.7.5 be supplied the details of verbal or written statements made against that person or persons.

1.3.7.6 be given an opportunity before the Appeals Committee to

correct or contradict any accusations or allegations made.

1.3.8 Immediately the Appeals Committee has made a decision, the Chairman shall verbally announce it to a gathering of competitors summoned to hear the decision; or post the decision on a notice board. The decision of the Appeals Committee shall be final and binding on the matter of the protest and on all persons concerned therein.

Note: Desirably the Appeals Committee proceedings and deliberations

should be conducted out of the public gaze and free from distractions of

the ongoing competition.

SECTION 2: JUDGING RETRIEVING TRIALS

2.1 The judge will judge the dog on their:

2.1.1 Natural ability for:

Memory, intelligence, attention, nose, courage, perseverance, style and eagerness

2.1.2 Abilities acquired through training:

Marking, steadiness, obedience, controlled response to direction,

presentation of delivery, steady to shot, and should not be gun shy.

2.2 A dog should not drop items of game or retrieve without being ordered to do so.

2.3 Where a dog has not completed a retrieve, the dog will be marked no score. However, the dog can continue in the stake, but will not be placed.

2.4 Competing dogs shall be kept in a marshalling area where they cannot see the trial in progress.

2.5 The judges have complete control of the stakes.

2.6 Prior to the run the judge will give directions to the handler on all procedures of the run, and each direction must be obeyed.

2.7 The judge’s decision is final. Any protest or appeal must be conducted by the Protest and Appeals Committee.

SECTION 3: DEFINITION OF TERMS

3.1 ARTIFICIAL GAME / ITEMS OF GAME

These are the items of game to be retrieved by dogs. They may include any recognised game, scented duck, or similar bird, and dummies, which may be covered by rabbit fur, and/or any other artificial item of game introduced from time to time.

3.2 BREAKING TO SHOT

If at the firing point or in a hide, or any position as directed by the judge, and if in the opinion of the judge, a dog makes a deliberate attempt to retrieve on or after the shot has been fired, without being ordered to do so, the dog shall be deemed to have broken to shot.

3.3 BREAKING TO CAST OR FALL OF GAME

If at the firing point or in a hide, or any position as directed by the judge, and if in the opinion of the judge, a dog makes a deliberate attempt to retrieve on or after the cast or fall of game, without a shot being fired, the dog shall be deemed to have broken to cast or fall of game.

3.4 CARRIAGE AND DELIVERY

The dog should hold game tenderly, and without mouthing it. For a perfect delivery the dog will be stationary, in front of the handler at the firing point, and in the standing or sitting position, enabling the handler to accept the item of game easily and cleanly up to hand. The handler must not step forward of the pegs to take delivery.

3.5 CONTROL POINT

Is the area where the run begins. It is identified with coloured pegs as markers. This is the area where the handler and dog come under the control of judge and steward.

3.6 DROPPING GAME

A dog should at no time drop game during a retrieve. Any dog doing so shall be penalised accordingly to the seriousness of the offence. It should be taken into consideration that a dog could unintentionally drop the item of game. The retrieve is completed when the dog has delivered item of game to the handler. The handler cannot step forward of the pegs. If the game is dropped during an attempt to deliver, the competitor will be penalised accordingly.

3.7 FAILING TO OBEY HANDLER’S COMMANDS AND DIRECTIONS

A well-trained gundog should respond to all commands and directions given by the handler, any dog that disobeys shall be penalised accordingly.

3.8 FAILING TO OBEY JUDGE’S COMMANDS AND DIRECTIONS

All instructions given by the judge to the handler must be obeyed; failure to do so will be penalised accordingly.

3.9 FIRING POINT

Is the position from which the handler will fire at game, give directions and commands if needed, and take delivery to hand. The distance between the marker pegs at the firing point shall not be less than 1.5 metres. The distance between the control point and firing point is to be no less than 10 metres, terrain permitting.

3.10 GIVING TONGUE

Once the dog’s lead and collar are removed the dog is required to be quiet throughout the retrieve until the lead and collar are replaced on the dog. Any barking or yapping is unacceptable, and will be penalised accordingly.

3.11 HIDE

Is an area clearly defined by the judge in which to leave the dog.

3.12 HUNTING ABILITY

Is where a dog demonstrates to the judge its use of nose to locate fallen or hidden items of game, using the wind and scenting conditions. The handler should attempt to let the dog persevere, and show his natural ability when hunting.

3.13 MAXIMUM DISTANCE

For Novice Retrieves the position of the thrower shall be no more than 60 metres from the firing point, and the item of game can be thrown in any direction, terrain permitting.

3.14 NO SCORE

This is the term used when a dog fails to:

3.14.1 retrieve the game required as instructed by the judge, or fails to deliver

within reach of the handler

3.14.2 switching game in multiple retrieves.

3.15 NOT FIRING THE GUN FROM THE SHOULDER

The handler or gun steward shall, while the game is in the air, and as near as possible to the apex of its flight, aim at the object, and fire the gun from the shoulder in a natural shooting posture (butt neatly tucked into the shoulder), or as directed by the judge.

3.16 OBEDIENCE

Is where a dog responds immediately to all commands and directions issued by the handler, without being held or restrained by the handler.

3.17 STYLE AND EAGERNESS

Assessment should be given to a dog which embraces grace of movement, shows willingness, competency, and happiness in what it is doing.

3.18 UNSTEADINESS

Where a dog is placed in a hide or at the firing point, or in any position directed by the judge, and makes any movement from the designated position before or after the shot is fired, and without being ordered to do so, the dog will be deemed to be unsteady.

3.19 WALKING TO HEEL

In demonstrating walking to heel, the dog will be required to walk calmly beside the handler. The dog’s shoulder should be level with the handler’s leg, and be no more than a body width to the side of the handler, terrain permitting.

SECTION 4: DEFINITION OF RETRIEVES

4.1 RETRIEVING

Is to assess the performance of a dog for steadiness, to retrieve on command, and delivery. The retrieve may be on land, in water, or over water.

On multiple retrieves the judge may stipulate the order of retrieving. Any reasonable combination of the listed retrieves shall be permissible, provided that a dog shall not be required to pick up more than three (3) items of game in any retrieve.

Accurate marking or memory of falls is of paramount importance. However, this does not imply that dogs that excel in marking should not be penalised for other faults. Ability to mark does not necessarily imply pinpointing the fall. A dog that misses the fall on the cast item of game recognises the depth of the area of a fall, stays in it, and quickly and systematically hunts it out, has done a creditable and intelligent job of marking.

4.2 ON BLIND RETRIEVES,

On Blind retrieves where possible, the course should be planned in such a way that advantage is taken of natural hazards. It should be possible, at least in theory, for a dog to find a well-planned blind retrieve on the initial line from his handler. The test should be so planned that the dog should be in sight at least until directed into the area of the fall, as a blind retrieve is a test of control, and a dog that is out of sight for a considerable period cannot be said to be under control.

4.3 SINGLE MARK RETRIEVE

Shall consist of a single, well-sighted item of game cast to enable the dog to see either, the flight or fall of the game. The dog should not require direction from the handler.

4.4 A WALK-UP RETRIEVE

Where the dog is walking at heel, the game is cast within 50 metres, and is shot at, (preferably, straight ahead). Immediately the handler pauses to fire, the dog shall sit, drop or stand steady, until ordered by the handler to retrieve.

4.5 A BLIND RETRIEVE

Shall be a retrieve where the dog is in such a position that the flight or fall of the game cannot be seen. The judge may direct the dog to be placed in or behind a hide in close proximity to the firing point. Where possible, it is recommended that the hide be part of the natural terrain, or be constructed of natural materials.

4.6 A DOUBLE MARK RETRIEVE

Shall consist of two (2) marked retrieves, and may include land and water. Game shall not be cast simultaneously, and there shall be a reasonable delay between the casts.

4.7 A DOUBLE BLIND RETRIEVE

Shall consist of two (2) blind retrieves, and may include land and water.

4.8 A TWO BIRD RETRIEVE

First game is cast from concealed cover, one shot is fired, and the dog is sent to retrieve the game. Whilst the dog is returning to handler with the game, the second game is cast, and a shot fired, so that the dog may mark or hear the fall of the game. The second game should be at least twenty metres from the first game, and not less than forty metres from the firing point.

4.9 DOUBLE FALL RETRIEVE

First game is cast from concealed cover, one shot is fired, and the dog is sent to retrieve the game. Whilst the dog is on the way out to retrieve, the second game is cast and a shot fired so the dog may mark or hear the fall of the game. The first game cast must be retrieved before the second. The second game must be cast to land not less than twenty metres from the line of the first, and not less than forty metres from the firing point.

4.10 A MARK AND BLIND RETRIEVE

Shall consist of one marked retrieve and one blind retrieve, and may include land and water.

4.11 A TRIPLE MARK RETRIEVE

Shall consist of three marked retrieves. The games may be thrown at different angles, and must be at least twenty metres apart, and include land and water, terrain permitting. One retrieve should be at a fairly short distance. Game shall not be cast simultaneously, and there shall be a reasonable delay between the casts.

4.12 A TRIPLE RETRIEVE WITH TWO BLIND AND ONE MARKED RETRIEVE

Shall consist of two blind retrieves as for a double blind retrieve, and one marked retrieve.

4.13 A DOUBLE RISE RETRIEVE

Is where two items of game are cast simultaneously, and land in a common area with a reasonable distance between them. Two shots will be fired without delay in succession. Preferably one on land and one in water.

SECTION 5: REGULATIONS FOR CONDUCTING WGAA RETRIEVING TRIALS

5.1 Dogs are expected to retrieve under all natural working conditions. The judges and Retrieving Trial Committee have complete control over the mechanics and requirements of each trial. This latitude is permitted in order to allow for the difference of conditions in various places.

5.2 Any handler who behaves in an unsportsmanlike manner may be excluded from the trial.

5.3 All dogs shall be under the control of the stewards and must be brought on leads to participate without delay in their proper turn.

5.4 No person other than the judge or stewards shall be permitted to accompany the dog/handler on any run unless the permission of the judge is first obtained. Spectators shall not be permitted to encroach on the trial ground used for each run.

5.5 All matters in connection with dogs actually under trial shall be in the hands of the judge. He may call the stewards to his assistance if he considers it necessary. The judge is empowered to withdraw out of a stake any dog that fails to retrieve or that does not work to his satisfaction. Where a dog has received a no score, the judge will immediately inform the handler of the situation.

5.6 The judge is empowered to withdraw out of a stake any dog whose handler does not obey him or who willfully interferes with another competitor or his dog.

5.7 A competent examiner before the commencement of every trial shall examine all bitches. Bitches in oestrum shall not be permitted on or near the trial grounds. No preparation for concealing oestrum shall be used.

5.8 Anyone taking part in a trial that demonstrates unsportsmanlike conduct must be cautioned by the chief steward or other trial official; and if thereafter he further offends he shall render himself liable to be debarred from further participation in the trial and may be ordered from the ground, and further dealt with at the discretion of the trial committee.

5.9 Physical punishment of a dog during a trial or on the trial grounds will not be permitted. Any person who physically punishes a dog on the trial grounds may be ordered from the grounds and further dealt with at the discretion of the trial committee.

5.10.1 A handler handling a dog may speak, whistle and work it by hand

directions, as he may deem proper. A handler who touches or physically

interferes with his dog will be penalised according to the seriousness

of the offence.

5.10.2 No handler may proceed beyond the firing point into the area of a retrieve

without the direction of the judge.

5.11.1 The judge shall give the direction in which the dogs shall work and

each direction must be obeyed. Competing dogs shall be kept in a

marshalling area from which they cannot see retrieves in progress.

5.11.2 During a retrieve, a judge must not advise a competing handler of the location of his dog.

5.12 In the event of a tie, a separate run-off shall be arranged by the retrieving trial committee entrusted with the management of the trial in co- operation with the judge. The judge will select his own test. The order in which the contestants will run is to be decided by the toss of a coin.

SECTION 6: PROCEDURE FOR CONDUCTING WGAA RETRIEVING TRIALS

6.1 In order that trials are conducted as uniformly as practicable, standardisation of objectives are essential, and therefore, all judges, contestants and officials who have a part in conducting trials should be familiar with the following:

6.2 On the day of the trial management will instruct all competitors of the exercise area for the dogs. A catalogue will be issued, showing the dogs running order. Vetting will be conducted. Judges will be introduced and competitors will be directed to the location of their runs.

6.3 Before commencement of a trial, all handlers will be informed of the procedure for the running of the trial. They will be taken to all runs, the judges will show all handlers the run and will give instructions, and then the trial will proceed.

In running catalogue order the handler with the dog on lead, will advance to the control point to commence the run, at the control point the handler shall place the dog in a sit, drop or stand position.

6.4 On instruction from the judge or steward the handler shall remove the lead, it should be realised at this stage the dog and handler are under the control of the judge, any lack of control shall be penalised accordingly. The dog must not be restrained by the handler at any time whilst in competition.

6.5 The gun steward will hand the handler the gun and blank cartridges. The handler will have the dog remain steady until instructed by the judge, and then with the dog at heel will advance to the firing point.

6.6 The handler will not close the gun until he reaches the firing point unless otherwise instructed by the judge (walk-ups etc.). At the firing point the handler must not wave the gun about unnecessarily before or after it has been fired, and it must be carried at all times. Gun safety should be of paramount importance.

6.7 When the judge feels both the dog and handler are ready, the item of game will be cast or placed as previously explained by the judge.

6.8 When the object is in the air, the handler, in a normal shooting position, (firing from the shoulder), shall fire the gun at the apex of flight of the item of game unless otherwise directed by the judge.

6.9 After firing at the game the gun can be broken before or after sending the dog to retrieve, or as otherwise directed by the judge.

6.10 When sent to retrieve the dog should proceed quickly and eagerly. The handler will remain at the firing point through the entire period of the retrieve, giving directions and commands as needed to the dog, or as otherwise directed by the judge. Once the object has been located, the perfect pick up should be quick with a fast return, without dropping the item of game, and the dog should deliver the object tot he handler. The delivery is required at the firing point.

6.11 The retrieve is completed when the game is brought within reach of the handler, and an attempt is made to deliver without the handler stepping forward of the pegs. The dog shall be stationary in the standing or sitting position in front of the handler.

6.12 Enabling the handler to accept delivery of multiple retrieves, the handler may gently place items of game retrieved on the ground or in a game bag, and have the dog continue until all items have been retrieved.

6.13 The handler will then, holding the gun, and all items of game retrieved, with the dog at heel, proceed to the gun steward at the control point. The handler will then hand over to the steward, the gun and retrieved items of game. The steward will hand back the dog’s lead and collar, which the handler will place on the dog. This signals the completion of the exercise.

6.14 Handler and dog will then await further instructions from the Judge.

SECTION 7: RETRIEVING TRIAL STAKE AND TEST ELIGIBILITY AND AWARDS

7.1 TESTS

7.1.1 Are provided for gundogs that have never been placed in a stake or won a test.

7.1.2 Gundogs that have won 3 tests must henceforth compete in intermediate stakes.

7.1.3 Tests shall consist of two runs, which will be two single marked retrieves on land, and one in, or through water, terrain permitting.

7.2 INTERMEDIATE RETRIEVING TRIAL STAKE

7.2.1 This is a stake confined to gundogs that have not won any stakes other than two Intermediate Stakes.

7.2.2 Intermediate stake, may consist of three or more runs, which may be single mark, double mark or a walk up retrieve (no blind retrieves to be included.

7.2.3 Ineligible after three Intermediate wins or one advanced stake win, and will be awarded Intermediate Retrieving Trial Dog.

7.3 ADVANCED RETRIEVING TRIAL

7.3.1 This is a stake confined to gundogs that have not won four Advanced Retrieving Trials or one Open Retrieving Trial.

7.3.2 Advanced stake may consist of three or more runs, which may be multiple retrieves. Blind retrieves may be included.

7.3.3 Ineligible after four Restricted Retrieving Trial wins or one Open Retrieving Trial win and will be awarded Advanced Retrieving Trial Dog.

7.4 OPEN RETRIEVING TRIAL STAKE

7.4.1 This is a stake confined to gundogs that have been placed in an Intermediate or Advanced Stake.

7.4.2 Open Retrieving Trial Stake may consist of three or more runs which may be multiple retrieves. Blind retrieves must be included.

SECTION 8: AWARDS

8.1 Qualifying Certificate may be awarded to any gundog that scores 100 or more points in an (Intermediate or Advanced) Retrieving Trial. It will be awarded once only.

8.2 The Award titles for Intermediate Retrieving Dog and Advanced Retrieving Dog may be awarded to dogs, which are no longer eligible to compete in these stakes because of wins in these stakes or higher stakes.

8.3 Any dog that wins an Intermediate Retrieving Trial can obtain points towards this title. One point can be claimed towards its Retrieving Trial Champion Dog Title.

8.4 Any dog that wins an Advanced Retrieving Trial, can claim two points towards its Retrieving Trial Champion Dog Title.

8.5 Any dog that wins an Open Retrieving Trial will be awarded ten points. For second place, four points, and for third place three points. For a dog to receive the title of Retrieving Trial Champion Dog, that dog must have won an Open Retrieving Trial.

8.6 The title of Retrieving Trial Champion Dog, may be awarded to a dog which has gained at least twenty points in Retrieving Trials.

SECTION 9: ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS

9.1 AUTHORITY

Authority, each state body is sanctioned by the WGAA National Discipline, that all Retrieving Trials are to be conducted in accordance with these rules.

9.2 GAME LAWS

The Shooting and Game Laws of each State or Territory must be observed and will govern the conduct of all Trials. The judge’s steward can ask any handler of a firearm to produce applicable game or shooters licenses, before the commencement of each trial.

9.3 SCHEDULES

Details of each event conducted under these rules will be published in a schedule that may include information relating to date and time, judge, judge’s steward, entry fees and closing date, approximate trial location and any other relevant information. The trial committee shall endeavour to ensure that all interested members are given the opportunity to enter.

9.4 COMPETITOR NUMBERS

No Stake at any retrieving trial can be conducted unless there are at least six bona fide runners and at least four different owners. Wins and other qualifications shall count as from and including the date they are gained.

9.5 SCORE SHEETS

The judge shall maintain a score sheet of each dog’s performance in each run. At the end of a trial the judge shall place the top three dogs in order or merit. In the event of a tie, dogs shall be given another run. It is at the judge’s discretion whether to show judging sheets to competitors. The judge must retain the score sheets. A marked catalogue must be forwarded to the trial committee within one month of trial completion.

9.6 THE DRAW

The draw is the selection by ballot of the order in which dogs in a stake are required to compete. The draw is to be held in a public place.

9.7 VETTING

The judge’s steward shall inspect any dog for sexual or other causes, which may interfere with the performance of its opponents.

SECTION 10: SCORE SHEET

	RETRIEVE	*MAX POINTS*	*RUN 1*	*RUN 2*	*RUN3*

3	Steadiness
3	Obedience	10
4	Walking To Heel
	Style, Eagerness, Action	10
5	Noes, Ears, Eyes
6	Perseverance
10	Marking	35
6	Direction Out
4	Direction In
4	Delivery
	TOTAL AWARDED POINTS	55
	DEDUCTIONS
5	Not Firing from Shoulder
10	Breaking to shot or fall of Game
5	Giving Tongue
10	Failure to obey Commands & Directions
5	Blinking & over running Game
5	Pottering
5	Dropping Game
10	Hard Mouth
	TOTAL DEDUCTIONS	55
	FINAL SCORE

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