Official NACSW™
FLT & NW3 Trials
March 16-17, 2024
TRIAL LOCATION:
Harford County Equestrian Center
608 North Tollgate Road
Belair, MD 21014
It is not appropriate to contact or visit the trial location prior to the trial date, nor should training take place on trial grounds once an event is approved/announced. Our locations are real life search environments where people work, go to school, etc. Pre-trial contact or visits risk the host losing the opportunity to use the location again in the future.
Trial Host:
Chesapeake Search Dogs
Trial Host Contact Info:
Jacqui Reardon – jmrmdcpa@gmail.com
ELT: Saturday, March 16, 2024
NW3: Sunday, March 17, 2024
Certifying Official:
Karin Damon
Judges:
Sandy Banthem
Robert Boyles
Entry Cost:
NW3: $175 per dog and handler team
ELT: $190 per dog and handler team
Number of Entries:
NW3: 38 entries
ELT: 30 entries
One dog per handler per level/element.
TRIAL ENTRY INFORMATION
Trial Entry Open and Closing
- The draw period for the trial will open on Tuesday, January 30, 2024 at Noon EST. Entries will be awarded by random draw of all entries received between Noon, Tuesday, January 30, 2024 and 11:59 a.m., Thursday, February 1, 2024.
- Trial entry will close at the end of the draw if the trial and wait list are deemed full. If the trial and wait list are not full, the trial will remain open for entries until they are deemed full or the day of the trial.
- We will not be taking payment until you are given a space in the trial. If you are given a space in the trial, you will receive information on how to submit payment. You will then have 5 calendar days to complete your payment to confirm your space in the trial.
Entry Method
All entries will be on-line via the link provided to the NACSW trial entry form. Paper and phone entries will not be accepted. Completing the form is not a guarantee of entry. You will receive a confirmation from the Trial Host Contact to let you know if your entry has been given a space in the trial.
Entry Requirements & Selection
A Qualified Entry is one that meets all the following criteria:
- Complete the on-line trial entry during the draw period listed above.
- The Handler is a NACSW member in good standing for the 2023-2024 membership year (8/1/23 – 7/31/24).
- The Dog is registered and in good standing with the NACSW.
- Dogs participating in a trial must be at least one year of age.
- The Dog has achieved the prior title level and ORT title (passed all 3 odors) at least 14 days before the trial opens for entries. This applies to all levels.
- Qualified entry for NW3 – Dog has earned a NW2 title and has not yet earned the NW3 Elite title level.
Qualified entry for Elite – Dog has earned a NW3 elite title and has not yet earned an ELT-CH title.
Trial spaces will be determined in the following manner:
- Spaces will be awarded by a random draw of all Qualified Entries received during the draw period listed above.
- Once the trial opens for entry, if you are having technical difficulties entering during the 48 hour draw period, please email trialentry@nacsw.net prior to the end of the draw period. For any other questions that are not related to the trial entry system, contact the Trial Host Contact.
- No dog will be given a space in more than one trial of the same level and type at a single event.
- You may enter multiple dogs for entry in the draw. However, only one dog/handler per title level will be accepted into the trial. Entry will go to the dog selected in the draw – you may not swap to an alternate dog. If multiple dogs are selected in the draw, you may select which dog you wish to enter. Once a dog has been entered as a second dog/handler entry, you may not swap handlers after the draw to change the entry to a first dog/handler unless the trial is not full.
- If a trial level is not full after the draw of Qualified Entries, then there will be a Secondary Draw of any entries received that did not meet the ORT title or title requirements. These entries will be accepted pending completion of the requirements. Note: dogs must earn their ORT title and prior title level at least 3 days prior to the trial date to be eligible to compete. If the required title or ORT title is earned less than 14 days prior to the event, it is the handler’s responsibility to notify the Trial Host Contact that the requirement has been completed.
- If the trial level and wait list are not full after all entries received during the draw period have been processed, entries will continue to be accepted in the order they are received until the trial and wait list are deemed full.
- For Exhibit Only Dogs (FEO): Dogs running FEO are not eligible to receive titles or earn placement ribbons. FEO results will not be included in the posted trial results.
If space remains after all qualified entries are accommodated on February 15, 2024, then we will offer spaces for those who wish to run a dog For Exhibition Only (FEO). Second dog/handler FEO entries on the same day will be offered spaces after February 29, 2024.
- The trial host of an event has the right to refuse entry of any handler or dog for just cause as approved by the National Trial Committee. Just cause includes lack of adherence to NACSW rules and guidelines and the policies outlined in each event entry premium.
- Some trial entries may be given priority entry based on contributions to the organization and the trial process.
Notification
You will be notified via e-mail of the results of the random draw by 5:00 p.m. EST, Saturday, February 10, 2024.
If you have a spam blocker on your email account, please configure it to allow email from Trial Host Contact in order to ensure delivery of confirmation and information about this trial.
You will then have 5 calendar days to complete your payment to confirm your space in the trial. Electronic trial payments are submitted on the Chesapeake Search Dogs website www.chesapeaesearchdogs.org/support-us. Scroll to the bottom of the page and use the link on the right to submit your payment using paypal.
A waiting list for alternates will be started as soon as entries fill.
Alternates will be contacted when a space opens.
Depending on last minute event logistics, we may opt to not fill all canceled spaces.
NACSW reserves the right to cancel an event if minimum entry numbers are not met.
Be sure you read and understand the guidelines for this event before entering. By submitting a registration for this NACSW event, you acknowledge that you have read, understand, and accept the policies and liability information of NACSW.
CANCELLATION POLICY
The following cancellation policy applies:
- For cancellation of entries on or before 9:00 a.m. EST, Saturday, March 2, 2024 – Full refund minus a $25 processing fee.
- For cancellation of entries between 9:01 a,m. EST, Saturday, March 2, 2024 and before 9:00 a.m. EST, Wednesday, March 13, 2024 – Full refund minus a $25 processing fee if the host fills your space. No refund will be issued if the host doesn’t fill your space. If the space is filled with a discounted or free entry, you will receive a refund dependent on the income from the replacement entry.
- For cancellation of entries after 9:01 a.m. EST, Wednesday, March 13, 2024 – 50% of the trial entry fee will be refunded if the host fills your space. No refund will be issued if the host doesn’t fill your space. If the space is filled with a discounted or free entry, you will receive a refund dependent on the income from the replacement entry.
If you earn the title that makes you no longer eligible for the level you are entered, then you must contact the trial host to cancel your entry and will be subject to the published cancellation policy. You may opt to change your entry to an FEO entry in this case and will be placed on the FEO waitlist and only receive a space in the trial if the host is accepting FEO entries.
All cancellations must be emailed to the Trial Host Contact.
For cancellations that meet the above guidelines, refunds will be issued within 30 days of the request and no later than 14 days after the event date.
Entry fees shall not be refunded if a dog or handler is absent, disqualified, or excused by the NACSW official or judge.
This cancellation and refund policy applies to handlers that must withdraw for any reason including but not limited to injury, illness, emergency, and personal or work-related reasons.
If the event cannot take place or be completed by reason of fire, civil disturbances, an Act of God, public emergency, or any other cause beyond the control of the event organizers, then the event host will make their best effort to provide partial refunds after recouping their expenses.
LOCATION DETAILS
Trial Conditions
Modeled after real-life detection work, NACSW events are held in many different locations, with a variety of terrain, under varying weather conditions. Dogs and handlers need to be able to safely negotiate a variety of surfaces, including, but not limited to, tile, linoleum, carpeting, gravel, asphalt, uneven surfaces, and slippery footing. Handlers should be prepared to deal with a variety of weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain and snow. Events frequently require covering extensive distances to get to and from the parking area to each of the search areas and generally require that this be done across natural, uneven surfaces. Handlers should be prepared for the physical demands and must be able to navigate the terrain with their dog accordingly. Handlers should expect to spend most of the day outside or in their vehicles as there are rarely indoor crating options at events. Please be prepared for you and your canine partner to deal with all of these varying environmental challenges. Handlers should familiarize themselves with potential regional risks and health concerns that may affect themselves or their dogs. Handlers agree that they are entering this event at their own risk.
ADA Site Specific Conditions
This event location is an equestrian center. The parking lot is an unpaved field. Port a potties will be located in the parking lot for competitor use. Pathways and search areas may require you to navigate paved, gravel, dirt or grassy pathways or rough terrain. The search areas and parking lot are spread out so there may be long walks to the search areas that will involve elevation changes and some search areas may require you to drive to them. Access to search areas may require navigating several steps.
Due to unforeseen conditions, such as weather or change in availability of areas at the location, these conditions may be modified at the last minute.
Parking
The parking lot will be grass with no shade.
RV Parking
There is space for RVs to park in the handler parking area during the event day however you may be driving to some of your search areas. No overnight RV parking is available.
Running Vehicles or Generators in the parking lot
Running your vehicles or generators in the parking lot is allowed at this event as long as you have permission from your neighbors or are willing to park away from others.
Reactive Dog Parking
There will not be specific reactive dog parking at this event.
Unentered Dogs
Unentered dogs must remain in the handler’s vehicle during the event day. There will be ample potty areas, but unentered dogs should not be allowed to “play”, exercise, or train on the event grounds.
Smoking
Smoking is not allowed on this event site, including the use of e-cigarettes.
Hotels
A list of area hotels and directions will be provided with entry confirmations.
DOG INFORMATION
Dog Policies
- All dogs must be on a 6’ leash at all times when not being tested. NO flexi-leashes while not participating in a competition search.
- Dogs that need space from dogs may wear a red bandana, provided by the dog’s handler, to help signal others that the dog needs extra space from dogs.
- Dogs will be toileted in designated areas and handlers must pick-up and dispose of waste.
- Dogs and handlers must stay in designated areas to avoid contaminating testing space, interrupting a test, or from viewing any part of the testing.
- Competitors should expect to keep their dogs confined in a crate or vehicle when not competing. The logistics of a trial typically do not allow for dogs to hang out on leash in between searches. Competitors should plan to provide their own shade using canopies or shade cloths.
- Refer to Location Details (above) for information on unentered dogs.
Females in Season
Will be allowed to run wearing “pants” at the very end of the running orders after all other dogs have been judged. Females in season will be parked and pottied in areas separate from the other dogs while at the trial if the location logistics permit. Handlers must contact jmrmdcpa@gmail.com so plans can be made for the dog.
OTHER INFORMATION
COVID-19 Information
Event attendees are required to adhere to the NACSW COVID-19 Event Guidelines and Rules
In addition to those guidelines the following changes and guidelines are in effect for this event due to COVID-19:
There are currently no travel or mask restrictions for this area.
If there are any significant changes or updates after the draw period, handlers will be notified via email. Handlers are responsible for staying up to date on any jurisdictional requirements for their home location as well as the event location including any travel guidance.
Rules
Complete rules are available at www.NACSW.net. It is the responsibility of each handler to read and understand the current NACSW Rule book prior to participating in a NACSW event.
Liability
By registering for the event, the handler hereby assumes all risks of, and responsibility for, accidents and/or damage to her/himself or to her/his property or to others, resulting from the actions of her/his dog. The handler expressly agree that the NACSW, Chesapeake Search Dogs and its assignees or any other person, or persons, of said groups, shall not be held liable personally, or collectively, under any circumstances, for injury, and/or damage to her/himself, for loss or injury to property, whether due to uncontrolled dogs or negligence of any member of said groups, or any other cause, or causes. The handler also agrees to assume all financial liability that may be incurred by the NACSW due to the actions of themselves or their dogs regardless of the cause.
Sportsmanship
All handlers and spectators are expected to follow the rules of the NACSW and demonstrate good sportsmanship. This includes making sure the hide placements are unknown to the handler prior to searching and kept secret from other handlers. Please do not discuss hide placement or any details of a dog’s performance that may provide information or clues to other handlers or may be overheard.
NACSW Results
Results for each search and overall will be posted after all searches are completed and scores are verified for you to record your results for your own records. It is your responsibility to ensure your scores are accurate prior to leaving trial grounds. If a discrepancy cannot be verified at the trial, you may be instructed to submit a score card review request. It is not the responsibility of the host or NACSW to return score sheets that are left behind or to mail ribbons that are not picked up.
Spectators
Spectating is allowed with no group gathering limits. Spectating will be allowed at searches, space permitting and at the Certifying Official’s discretion.
Spectators may not photograph or video searches.
Spectators are reminded that the hide placements must not be discussed nor should they speak with any handlers about what they saw until after the event is complete.
No dogs will be allowed in the spectator area. No unentered dogs with spectators are allowed at the event.
An adult accompanying a minor must be present during the searches.
Everyone at the site must sign the waiver provided by the host and comply with all event requirements.
Handlers are not allowed to watch the searches at any time.
Videotaping and Photography
If the site allows public video to be taken, handlers may wear visible head or chest cameras to record their searches. You will not be allowed extra time at the start line to get your camera functioning. Please be sure it is ready to go prior to arriving at the search area. Videos may not be made public until completion of the event day.
Alyssia Greiner/Flash of Paws will be taking photos of selected searches. Details will be available at check in.
Kim Boyles/Sport Dog Video will be taking video of the searches. Details will be available at check in.
There is no photography or video allowed by spectators or volunteers.
As a condition of your entry, you agree to allow NACSW, or their agents, to video you and your dog during the entirety of the NACSW event. These videos are the property of NACSW. All handlers, through entry at any NACSW event, waive any and all rights relative to video broadcast or photography of such event.
Volunteering
Handlers can volunteer for any trial that they are not running in during a trial weekend. If you are available and not running in the trial level, you are welcome to volunteer. If you know of someone who would like to volunteer, please go to www.chesapeakesearchdogs.org/nosework and click on the “volunteers” link. Your time and effort are GREATLY appreciated! We provide hot chocolate and/or hot cider, lunch, bottled water and a volunteer gift from K9NWSource for all of our volunteers.
Emergency Veterinary Hospital
The closest emergency veterinarian to the event location:
Animal Emergency Hospital
722 Baltimore Pike
Bei Air, MD 21014
410-420-7297
Questions
All trial related questions, contact the Trial Host Contact – Jacqui Reardon (jmrmdcpa@gmail.com).