APLA Judge S Guidelines

APLA Judge’s Guidelines

REVISED August 2013

American Pointing Labrador Association Table of Contents

Page Purpose of Judge’s Guidelines………………………………………………….. 3 Judge’s Responsibilities…………………………………………………….….. 3 Judge’s Qualifications………….…………………………………...... ….. 4 Accepting A Judging Assignment………………………………………….…… 5 Judge/ Handler Relationship……………………………………………………. 6 Planning and Executing Hunt Tests………………………………………...... 7 Setting Up The Hunt Test………………………………...... 9 Marking and Memory Testing……………………………………...... 10 Blind Retrieve Testing……………………………………………...... 12 Upland Hunting Testing……………………………………………………….. 13 Bird Planting…………………………………………………………………… 13 Bird Handling………………………………………………………………….. 13 Firearms Safety……………………………………………………………...... 14 Judge’s Code of Ethics………………………………………………………… 14

2 Purpose of Judge’s Guidelines

APLA’s objective and purpose is to identify, certify, and promote a strain of Labrador Retriever that points game as a natural act while retaining its traditional ability to retrieve game on land and water.

To implement these goals, APLA conducts hunt tests to recognize dogs that perform in a desirable manner consistent with the demands of actual hunting conditions against a written standard, the APLA Rule Book. Although the complexity of these tests will vary from the Certified, Advanced, or Master levels, the underlying philosophy should remain the same: to test pointing Labradors in hunting tests and to evaluate them as useful and skillful hunting companions. The Guidelines that follow describe the requirements to become a Judge, the requirements for maintaining approved status for APLA Judges and guidelines for preparing to and carrying out Judging assignments. This document in no way represents the Rules, but guidelines to implement the rules at a Hunt Test for Judges at all 3 levels of testing.

Judge’s Responsibilities Judging is voluntary, but it is also a serious responsibility. The decisions of the judges are final in all matters concerning the performance of the dogs under judgment. It is the judge’s responsibility to ensure that all aspects of the test are in strict compliance with the APLA Rule Book.

An APLA Judge represents the APLA program to the public and entrants. It is important to be thoroughly knowledgeable of the entire rulebook, both the letter of its law and the intent behind the rules. Professional behavior is expected at all levels, awareness of the needs of new and inexperienced handlers, courtesy to all participants and a general effort to make all involved in the test feel comfortable and oriented toward the goal of testing their dog in an enjoyable fashion, as any hunting venture might be.

3 Judging Qualifications Approved Judge To become an approved judge an individual must: 1. Attend a judge’s clinic or seminar and acquire a signed Seminar Attendance Form to indicate completion. 2. Successfully apprentice under approved judges at an approved hunt test, and be determined by both judges to be capable of judging independently. Apprenticing may occur as many times as deemed necessary until both judges agree the apprentice is capable of handling the judging responsibilities knowledgeably and professionally. 3. Perform documented Hunt Test Service at one or more APLA Tests in the form of stake marshal, bird thrower/planter/gunner, Test Marshall or Secretary.

Apprenticeships To be eligible for apprentice judging the person shall have trained and successfully passed a dog at that level or a higher level. All prospective judges shall be required to apprentice with approved judges until approved for each standard level prior to becoming an approved judge and judging for that respective level. The apprentice and judging steps are detailed as they must apprentice and be approved at CPR, then judge at least once at CPR before proceeding to APR apprenticeship and judging an APR test, and then MPR apprenticeship before judging a MPR test. An Apprentice Review form shall be completed by the each of the approved judges of the test the apprentice judge is serving with. The apprentice judge must receive approval from these approved judges to pass that judging level to become eligible to be an approved judge for that respective level. All completed apprentice forms are to submitted to the hunt test secretary, who will forward to the APLA secretary with the complete hunt test report. The APLA secretary will forward a copy to the judges committee for their review and approval, prior to presentation to the APLA board for approval.

Eligibility A judge must have titled at least one dog at the level they are judging. A judge is solely responsible for deciding if he can objectively judge a dog he may have bred, owned, trained, been associated with the dog’s owner, etc.

Maintaining Approved Judge Status To maintain status as an approved judge you must: 1. Maintain membership and good standing in the APLA, Inc.;

4 2. Attend an APLA judge’s clinic or other judge’s seminar at least once every 3 years; 3. Judge or run a dog in at least one event within that three-year period.

It is expected judges approved at the Master and Advanced levels will judge not only at the highest approved level, but also at lower levels.

Documentation The Judges Committee will maintain record of Judging requirements, Approved Judges, and the documentation required to acquire Approved Status for each level in the form of the Apprentice Approval Form, the Seminar Attendance sign off on the Approval Form, and the Hunt Test Sign off on the Approval Form. A copy of this will be maintained by the APLA Secretary and the APLA website.

Approved Status Expiration or Revocation Approval as a judge will expire if any of the requirements for maintaining the approval are not met. Judge’s approval may be suspended, revoked, or not renewed by APLA, Inc., at the discretion of the Board and its Officers at any time with reasonable cause.

Accepting A Judging Assignment When approached by phone or email to judge you should clarify the following: . What is the date and location of the event and level to be judged? . With whom are you judging along with their contact information? . What are the grounds like? (This should assist in planning the type of test setup.) . When do they want you to arrive? . Who is the test contact person? . Will transportation be available to and from the test grounds? . Will your expenses be covered? Which expenses will be covered? . Invited Judges will be given a Judges Affirmation Sheet which must be signed and returned to the Hunt Test Officials prior to the entries for the test being made available to the members.

5 Before accepting any judging assignments look at your calendar for potential conflicts. Remember that you will need to arrive at the test grounds the day before the test with adequate time to set up the tests. Do not accept the assignment if you are doubtful about being able to attend.

Be properly prepared for the test by: . Arrange to be at the test grounds at least the day before the event; . Attempt to use set-up dogs to design your tests; . Always inspect the routes to your falls and blinds for hazards; . Coordinate with the Marshal or Hunt Test Chair the day before to ensure proper equipment is on hand; . Arrive at the test grounds at least one (1) hour before test starting time (workers and officials should do the same); . Give clear and complete instructions to bird throwers, bird planters, and gunners . Designate a safe gallery location that does not interfere with handlers or dogs; . Utilize a test dog before the start of every series, and this test dog should fairly represent the field running the test. An overly qualified dog is not an appropriate test dog. It is the responsibility of the Test Marshall to ensure test dogs are available for judges.

Judge/ Handler Relationship A judge must build and maintain a good working relationship between themselves and their co-judge(s), the Hunt Test Chair, Marshal(s), Stakes Chair(s), bird throwers, bird planter(s), bird steward, other hunt site workers, and handlers if the event is to be an enjoyable, successful event. It is most easily accomplished by treating others with the same respect you would expect and appreciate. Attitude and communication are most important factors in these relationships.

Judges should consider equipment, quantity and abilities of workers, and weather conditions in preparation for the hunt test. Judges should greet each handler in a friendly and courteous

6 manner. Make reasonable efforts to settle down a nervous handler. Each approved judge should guide, train, assist, and include an apprentice judge in every way possible.

At the start of each set up, gather available handlers, describe the test and ask for any questions or confusing issues for the handlers. Make sure the handlers are aware of important details in running the test, aspects of the rules affecting this segment of the test, etc.

During the test, minimize conversations with handlers, especially while the dog is working. While dog and handler are at the line, confine your conversations with your co-judge and others to as little as necessary while being as quiet and least disruptive as possible.

Judges may remain at the hunt tests site after the test if feasible, to discuss individual test results. Pass or fail decisions must be made jointly by both judges and they must mutually agree on each dog’s performance. All communication with a handler about the dog’s performance or scoring should be done with both judges present. All discussions should be with one handler at a time. If there are any problems or conflict as a result of a Judging decision, it is the responsibility of the Test Marshall and Head Judge to step in and mediate. There are to be no arguments or inappropriate outbursts. Judges decisions are final and if any contestant feels they have been treated or handled in an unfair manner, they can lodge their complaint with the Test Marshall and the Officials will evaluate the complaint with any assistance required from the Officers of the APLA.

Planning and Executing Hunt Tests It is important to arrive the day before the test to adequately assess grounds and resources to set up tests. When Judge and co-judge arrive they should meet with the host representatives to get a view of the test areas, workers, and equipment available. The host representatives usually know the grounds better than any of the judges and normally the needs of more than one test must be accommodated. Master level will most often be offered first choice of grounds as they require more room and time than other test levels. Meet with the other judges to coordinate between tests for the next day. Paired Judges should then:

7 . Set up tests in strict compliance with APLA rules and intent. Any deviation is not acceptable and has potential to invalidate the test, which would be embarrassing to judges and the APLA. . Discuss philosophies and plan specific tests, including alternate tests in the event of changes in wind, weather or unforeseen circumstances. . Consider the sun and the likely wind direction for the following day. . Check for hazards and inspect the grounds for dangerous objects (glass, holes, cactus, briars, etc.) . Locate the gallery considering traffic, noise, and other distractions. A test layout that allows the gallery and handlers to remain in one parking area for multiple series will save considerable time. . When both judges are happy with the tests, make out a list of items needed that should be given to the Test Marshall (blinds, bird boys, shells, birds, calls, wingers, gunners, boats, guns, gun stands, holding blinds, bird planters, etc.)

Scoring  Be sure of each dog’s number- the marshal should call out the number as the dog comes to run, if not, ask the handler to verify his or her number.  Each scoring category is based on a 1-5 basis.  Draw each dog’s course accurately and consistently and mark important features (e.g., pond edges, islands, tree lines, etc.)  Make notes on details relevant to the dog’s performance.  Carefully watch each throw and performance of the dog. Be aware of any distraction or circumstance that may cause the dog to be unfairly evaluated. Don’t be afraid to stop a test or call a “no bird” and grant a rerun if truly merited.  Judges are expected to individually evaluate and score each dog.  Confer with your co-judge on any notable or unusual things that need immediate discussion, but never within earshot of any handlers.  Don’t assume your co-judge has your interpretation. Always review performances and scores together with open and clear discussion and reasoning on each dog for callbacks and before determining qualifying dogs.

8  Judges scores do not have to agree exactly; they must agree on whether each dog qualifies or not (e.g., one judge may score a 44 while the other judge scores a 47).  Callbacks should always be communicated through the stake Marshal.

When in doubt give the benefit of the doubt to the dog and handler. You can’t fail any dog unless you can point to a specific reason in the rulebook.

Setting Up The Hunt Test True-to-life hunting situations are key ingredients to setting up and properly evaluating hunting dogs. Judges are encouraged to incorporate elements and conditions that lend realism to their hunting situation. It is important judges continually ask themselves “Would I hunt like this?” Tricky or unrealistic tests are not only counterproductive, but against the APLA principles. Judges should ensure the dog and handler are placed in a hunting environment while on the line, bird throwers are well concealed, adequate and appropriate decoys are in place, and appropriate game calls are used.

When setting up, Judges should discuss and agree on the following:  Establish location of bird boys/ blinds and signaling for birds to be thrown  Discuss order of marks being thrown and connection to realistic hunting situation  Define the area of the fall for each mark  Define the parameters for the blinds  Situations requiring a “no-bird” and procedure for declaring it  Discuss location and timing for diversion bird/shot  Predetermine extent of movement for creeping, control breaks vs. breaks  Consider procedures for re-birding bird stations.

Tests must be set up to evaluate the abilities of dogs. If dogs do well on the first series, the next series should not necessarily be more difficult- elimination is not the point of hunt testing. Judges should remain sensitive to the level they are judging to ensure the appropriate difficulty level matches the testing standard.

9 Marking and Memory Testing A marking test evaluates a dog’s natural and trained ability to watch where birds fall and to remember the area of the fall. It is easier to evaluate dogs using natural hunting situations than setups that are very easy or too tricky or difficult and time consuming. Remember, the simulation of natural hunting conditions is of primary importance. Tests should not be set up to test the level of training of the dog, but the ability to mark a bird or multiple birds.

Be sure instructions to bird throwers are clear about when and how to throw, and to remain quiet and not move while the dog is working. Bird throwers should be given specific instructions on where the bird is to land and the importance of arc on the throw.

Be sure that calls and/or shots are sufficient to get the dog’s attention. Scent the fall areas before the test dog runs. Dogs must see the marks well; consider the dog’s view by getting down on the dog’s level for a look.

It is recommended for the Certified dog level on consecutive single marks from the same retrieving line, the line to the falls should not be less than 90 degrees. These marks also should not be run through difficult water or multiple cover changes, including reentries.

It is recommended for the Advanced dog level that marks be clearly separated using spacing and/or natural obstacles or barriers. Marks at the Advanced level are not to test the degree of training the Advanced dog has had, but to demonstrate the rudimentary ability to remember two birds and retrieve with relative ease that both birds that were shot. Length, difficulty or trickery is not appropriate to any degree at this level.

The sequence of the marks for the Advanced and Master/Grand Master levels should be incorporated in a way that the birds would be expected to fall when hunting. We shoot first at the birds when they are close and progressively the shots get longer. The first bird will generally fall the closest, and so should the birds in a hunting test. At the Master level, marks may involve more complication than lower level marks, but the ultimate objective is to demonstrate a dog that is capable of picking up a double clearly seen, with a diversion or a blind retrieve incorporated into the scenario. The Master level is not to mimic testing at

10 levels in other retriever venues, but to test the skills of a good upland dog hunting on land or water.

Consider the impact of the following factors: . Sun position and shadowing, and changes over the course of the test . Weak or inaccurate throws and straight in or back throws . Height and length of the throws . Water configurations . Terrain . Wind . Cover and changes in cover . Separation of marks using natural terrain, barriers, obstacles, etc. . Background contrasts (tree lines, skylines, etc.) . Field of vision (dog and handler) . Distractions (echoes, high winds, other tests, traffic, etc.) . Beaten down paths in cover . Distances from the line . Time Considerations . Placement of bird throwers/stations

The area of the fall should be predetermined by the judges and is impacted by: . The type, height and uniformity of the cover . Light conditions . Direction and intensity of the wind . Distance of the fall . Sequence of the fall in multiple marks (longer memory time generally increases the area of the fall) . Changes in cover . Stubble, plowed ground, picked corn, ripe hay field, tall/short grass . Beyond a shrub or hedge row . Across a road or over a ditch

11 A dog that takes a confident, reasonable path to the bird and hunts tight within the area of the fall should receive a score commensurate with a dog that laser lines the bird.

Blind Retrieve Testing When setting up the blind retrieve test at Advanced or Master level, control is the key factor being judged- the dog must be under handler control. It is highly desirable for the dog to demonstrate the ability to promptly and willingly respond to the commands of the handler (whistle, voice and directional).

Make sure the dog and handler are visible to each other throughout the test while staying reasonably close to the desired corridor. Don’t force the handler to remain in a man-made blind while the retriever is working. If the handler’s movement is restricted, it will limit their ability to control their dog. A reasonable are for the handler to move within should be established prior to beginning the test.

Consider from the dog’s perspective the sun, background, including tree lines, vehicles and gallery. Avoid dangerous conditions like steep banks or drop-offs, beaver cuttings or channels, fences, roads, etc. Keep the gallery and bird stations quiet and unobtrusive. A shot can be used to indicate a downed bird while a dog is out retrieving another bird.

Response is important in handling tests. It is not required for a dog to line the blind to achieve a perfect score. A dog that responds to direction should take the original direction given to it by the handler and continue on it until it either makes the find, or until stopped by the handler and given a new direction. If the dog sits to every whistle and takes every cast there should be no significant reduction in score. Isolated whistle or cast refusals are acceptable; multiple refusals indicate a lack of control.

Advanced blinds are to test a dog’s ability to retrieve a downed bird it did not see in the upland field, at a reasonably short distance and with few obstacles or diversions. At the Master level more elements may be added to the test to verify a higher degree of control and skill on a more experienced and trained dog.

12 Upland Hunting Testing

NO where in any of the APLA rules does the word Average appear, Each bird contact should be looked at as an opportunity to perform to the APLA’s standard, of showing natural signs of pointing. The upland portion of all three levels in the APLA testing is to test the natural hunting and pointing ability of these retrievers. Dogs are evaluated on natural desire and ability to hunt, natural ability to point and the concurrent ability to retrieve shot game. Stipulations and control at each of these levels becomes increasingly more stringent. A thorough understanding of the rules will be necessary to determine scoring in the categories being judged. A Dogs overall pattern, the dog should enthusiastically demonstrate purpose and pattern while using its sense of smell, showing a natural ability to locate birds on its own”. Given that a dog must ‘enthusiastically demonstrate purpose and pattern’, that is enough to lower a score for a dog that is clearly not showing enthusiastic purpose in the upland field. Intensity shows that the dog has confidence that he or she has located the bird. But intensity should not be judged on a time limit. The wind could fluctuate or the distraction of the judges and handler approaching could change the dog’s intensity level.

Bird Planting Birds are to be planted in the available natural cover, without the use of any type of restraint. The judges are to instruct the bird planters on how to plant the birds, and make adjustments as required or as conditions change. Birds should be planted with the following goals in mind: 1) Birds should be able to fly away strongly. 2) Birds are not to be running or flying immediately after being planted. 3) Our intent is to plant birds so that we can observe “scent- pointing”, not “sight-pointing”. If a judge, bird planter, or marshall observes a freshly-planted bird leaving the field prior to the dog entering the field, the judges shall instruct the bird planter to plant another bird. If the judges observe a significant surplus of birds in the upland field which makes it difficult to fairly judge dogs, they may choose to clear the field of birds prior to planting birds for the next dog. Any dogs used to clear the field must not be in contention, and it should be done in an expeditious manner.

Bird Handling Judges should work with the Hunt Test Chair to insure that all birds are handled properly. Upland birds need to be kept hydrated and in a shaded area. Ducks are to be dispatched humanely and away from spectators. Birds that are to be used for retrieving should be kept clean and dry. Dead upland birds should be stored out of site of the gallery. In general, it’s important to treat all our birds with respect.

Firearms Safety The APLA program is focused on the hunting nature of Labradors. This revolves around the hunter, the retriever, and the gun. As the gun is used in our tests, we must continuously be aware of potential danger.

The judge is primarily responsible for gun safety at the hunt test. The best way to avoid any potential danger is to warn gunners of the potential before it occurs.

Gun Safety Checklist 1. Be aware of gallery, bird throwers and other people at the hunt test site when planning setups 2. Instruct all gunners in proper gun safety procedures and requirements. 3. Keep poppers and live ammunition separated. 4. Inspect and approve all guns to be used in the test.

Proper gun safety is not only important for the handler, judges, and the dog. Remember, serious injury or death may result in the event of mishandling of a firearm- think gun safety!

14 Code of Ethics APLA Hunt Test Judges, to the best of their ability, will uphold these high ideals at all times: Be mindful of and consistent with the Philosophy, Purpose, and Rules of APLA, its programs and APLA approved Hunt Tests; Portray a neat and appropriate appearance and manner; Refrain from gossip and rumor spreading about individuals, dogs, or other Judges; Be mindful to be fair in judging the dogs’ performance, not the Handler’s personality; Set an example for which future Judges and participants will seek to aspire; Be mindful that while judging, you are the APLA.