Official NACSW™
Elite & NW2 Trials
~ The listed trial start & end times are estimated. The ACTUAL start times and schedule will be emailed to competitors closer to the trial date.
TRIAL LOCATION:
University of St. Thomas, 2115 Summit Ave, St Paul, MN 55105
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: Yas Bakshian, The K9 Nose
Elite: Friday, October 28, 2022 | ONLINE REGISTRATION opens Sept. 20, 2022 at 11am (CT) | Elite Waitlist
NW2: Saturday, October 29, 2022 | ONLINE REGISTRATION opens Sept. 20, 2022 at 11am (CT) | NW2 Waitlist
There is no Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) requirements at this location.
Certifying Official: Nancy Reyes
Judges: John Buchmeier, Brian Cline
Entry Cost
Elite: $170 per dog and handler team
NW2: $125 per dog and handler team
~ Payable with a credit card through thek9nose.com website ~
Number of Entries
Elite: 30 entries. One dog per handler per level/element.
NW2: 42 entries. One dog per handler per level/element.
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 trial due to COVID-19.
All attendees (competitors and volunteers) will be required to bring an optional face mask to the trial.
Competitors are asked to bring their own hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes.
If there are any changes or updates that information will be included in your final details information that will be emailed 1-2 weeks before the trial weekend.
TRIAL ENTRY INFORMATION
Trial Entry Open and Closing:
The draw period for the trial will open on Tuesday, September 20, 2022 at 11 AM, CENTRAL TIME ZONE (CT). Entries will be awarded by random draw of all entries received between 11am (CT) September 20, 2022 and 11am (CT) September 22, 2022.
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 48 hours 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 shop@thek9nose.com 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 for the 2022-2023 membership year (8/1/22- 7/31/23).
The Dog is registered with the NACSW™.
Dogs participating in a trial must be at least one year of age.
The Dog has achieved the ORT title (passed all 3 odors) and prior title level at least 14 days before the trial opens for entries. This applies to all levels effective April 1, 2021.
Qualified entry for Elite – Dog has earned a NW3 elite title and has not yet earned an ELT-CH title.
Qualified entry for NW2 – Dog has earned a NW1 title level and has not yet earned a NW2 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.
In the event that you are having technical difficulties with the entry system, please email trialentry@nacsw.net prior to the end of the draw period.
No dog will be given a space in more than one trial of the same level 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 competitor’s responsibility to notify the host 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 Sept. 28, 2022 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 October 14, 2022.
The trial host of an event has the right to refuse entry of any competitor 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.
You will be notified via e-mail of the results of the random draw by 6pm (CT) Sept. 27, 2022. If you have a spam blocker on your email account, please configure it to allow email from shop@thek9nose.com in order to ensure delivery of confirmation and information about this trial.
You will then have 48 HOURS to complete your payment to confirm your space in the trial. Trial payments are payable through www.thek9nose.com website using your credit card or PayPal account - no PayPal account required.
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 trial logistics, we may opt to not fill all canceled spaces.
NACSW™ reserves the right to cancel a trial if minimum entry numbers are not met.
Be sure you read and understand the guidelines for this trial before entering. By submitting a registration for this NACSW™ Trial, 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 6pm on Oct. 14, 2022 – Full refund minus $25 processing fee.
For cancellation of entries between 6:01pm on Oct. 14, 2022 and before 6pm on Oct. 24, 2022 – Full refund minus $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 of entries after 6pm on Oct. 24, 2022 – 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 at shop@thek9nose.com 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 shop@thek9nose.com
For cancellations that meet the above guidelines, refunds will be issued within [10 days of the request and no later than 10 days] after the trial 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 competitors that must withdraw for any reason including but not limited to injury, illness, emergency, and personal or work-related reasons.
If the trial 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 trial organizers, then the trial host will make their best effort to provide partial refunds after recouping their expenses.
LOCATION DETAILS
Modeled after real-life detection work, NACSW trials 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. Trials 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. Participants should expect to spend most of the day outside or in their vehicles as there are rarely indoor crating options at trials. 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 trial at their own risk
ADA Site Specific Conditions
This trial location is a college campus within the city limits of St. Paul. The parking will be in a parking ramp with stairs to navigate to go up & down to search areas and to potty the dogs & humans. Pathways and search areas may require you to navigate rough terrain and possible snow & ice. There will be long walks to the search areas that will involve crossing a city street and going up & down stairs. Search areas may include pavement, gravel, grass, with snow & ice.
Due to unforeseen conditions, such as weather or change in availability of areas at the location, the expected search areas, parking, and pathways to the search areas may be modified at the last minute.
Parking
The parking lot is a parking ramp with stairs to and from search areas and to potty the dogs and humans. Due to unforeseen conditions, such as weather or change in availability of areas at the location, this policy may be modified at the last minute.
Reactive Dog Parking
There will not be reactive dog parking at this trial. Due to unforeseen conditions, such as weather or change in availability of areas at the location, this policy may be modified at the last minute.
Unentered Dogs
Unentered dogs must remain in the competitor’s vehicle during the trial day and they should not be allowed to “play”, exercise, or train on the trial grounds.
RV Parking
There is no space for RVs to park in the parking area during the trial day, unless they are low in height to be able to safely enter the parking ramp. Due to unforeseen conditions, such as weather or change in availability of areas at the location, this policy may be modified at the last minute.
Running Vehicles or Generators in the parking lot
The parking is in a parking ramp at this location and running your vehicles or generators is not allowed at this trial. Due to unforeseen conditions, such as weather or change in availability of areas at the location, this policy may be modified at the last minute.
Smoking
Smoking is not allowed on this trial site, including the use of e-cigarettes
Hotels
Competitors are encouraged to research hotel accommodations using the website http://www.bringfido.com or a comparable website. Directions to the trial site will be provided in the final details email.
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 shop@thek9nose.com so plans can be made for the dog.
OTHER INFORMATION
Rules
Complete rules are available at www.NACSW.net. It is the responsibility of each competitor to read and understand the current NACSW™ Rule book prior to participating in a NACSW™ event.
Liability
By registering for the trial, the competitor 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 competitor expressly agree that the NACSW, Yas Bakshian & The K9 Nose 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 competitor 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 competitors/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 testing and kept secret from other competitors. 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
Additional guests are welcome, however spectating opportunities may be limited. Please verify attendance policies with the host before bringing or inviting anyone not volunteering, competing, or officiating. An adult accompanying a minor must be present during the searches. Everyone at the trial site must sign the waiver provided by the host and comply with all event requirements. Competitors are not allowed to watch the trial at any time
Videotaping and Photography
At the host's discretion, a photographer and/or video service may be present during the trial to offer photos and/or videos for sale to the competitors.
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 trial day.
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 competitors, through entry at any NACSW event, waive any and all rights relative to video broadcast or photography of such event.
Questions All trial related questions, contact Yas Bakshian, shop@thek9nose.com