NACSW™ K9 Nose Work® Rule Book
Version 7.0, November 30, 2011
Summary of changes:
· Restructured some sections to clarify the regulations and guidelines that apply to both ORTs and trials and to try to make information easier to locate.
· Updated email addresses to use to contact us with questions.
· Updated minimum trial age for the dog to 1 year of age. (Any dog that has participated in a trial prior to Jan 1, 2012 is still eligible to trial)
· Clarified minimum age of volunteers and the policy on adult supervision and waivers signed by a parent or guardian.
· Approved Nacsw guests may also spectate at orts. This is intended to allow us to approve people who might need training or possible future judges to be in the room for an ORT.
· Added clarification that the same handler must handle a dog for all 4 elements at a single trial.
· Updated our policy on accessories for dogs to state: Accessories for dogs are allowed if they are deemed to be for the wellbeing, comfort, or safety of the dog – for example boots, jackets, sweaters, hair pins. If the Certifying Official or Judge deems that the equipment interferes with the search, is a safety concern, or exhibits inappropriate advertising, you may be asked to remove the accessory from the dog before the search begins. If you have a specific concern or question, email trial@nacsw.net at least 14 days prior to the trial date.
· Moved the policy on retrialing after earning a title out of the rule book – this information will be available on the trial premiums.
· Clarified that the handlers shouldn’t touch objects in search areas (not just boxes)
· The Certifying Official may allow for an alternate alert if conditions do not make it conducive for the judge to hear the word ‘Alert’ (for example high winds)
· Updated the phrasing for NW3 interior search from “may be a blank room” to “will be a blank room”
· Added examples to the possible faults that may be given at the judge’s discretion: For example: taking your dog off leash in an on leash search, allowing your dog to go completely under a vehicle in the vehicle search, placing your dog in an unsafe situation, etc. Also updated phrasing for faults related to compromising the search area.
· Clarified scoring for the situation where a handler excuses themselves from a search vs the judge excusing them from the search
· Added in a scoring matrix as information to help understand placements for non-titling dogs.
· Other phrasing additions and updates to clarify things and to add information where we have received questions.
