Official NACSW™

Summit Trial

July 10-11, 2021

TRIAL LOCATION: Search Dog Foundation National Training Center,

6800 Wheeler Canyon Rd, Santa Paula, CA 93060

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:
Rock Solid K9

Summit: Saturday, July 10, 2021

and Sunday, July 11, 2021

Certifying Official: Laurel Scarioni

Judges: Amy Herot and Jill Marie O’Brien

Entry Cost

Summit League: $395 per dog and handler team

Number of Entries

Summit League: 25 entries

One dog per handler per level/element.

Entry Link

https://nacsw.net/trial-registration/4637

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.

On April 1, 2021, the California Department of Public Health issued a revised Travel Advisory.

To prevent further spread of COVID-19 and help contain any new sources of infection, unvaccinated Californians should delay travel, unless they are traveling for essential purposes. Essential travel includes: work and study, critical infrastructure support, economic services and supply chains, health, immediate medical care, and safety and security.

Traveling into California from other states or countries for tourism or recreation is strongly discouraged. Anyone traveling into California who is not fully vaccinated should get tested before and after travel, and self-quarantine for 7 days if they have a negative COVID test result. If they weren’t tested, they should self-quarantine for 10 days.

All attendees (competitors and volunteers) will be required to bring and wear face masks when not in your vehicle.
Competitors are asked to remain in their vehicles as much as possible and maintain 6' social distancing when out of the vehicle. Running of vehicles is not permitted.

Competitors are asked to bring their own hand sanitizer and disinfectant.

If there are any significant changes or updates after the draw period, entrants will be notified via email.

Competitors are responsible for staying up to date on any jurisdictional requirements for their home location as well as the trial location including any travel guidance. California will align its mask guidance with CDC's on June 15, 2021. California will keep existing mask guidance in place until June 15 when it aims to fully reopen the economy.

TRIAL ENTRY INFORMATION

Trial Entry Open and Closing

The draw period for the trial will open on Monday, May 31, 2021 at 9:00 AM Pacific Time. Entries will be awarded by random draw of all entries received between 9:00 AM May 31, 2021 and 9:00 AM June 2, 2021.

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 on 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 7 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 trial@rocksolidk9.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 2020-2021 membership year (8/1/20 - 7/31/21).
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 Summit League – Dog has earned an ELT-CH or ELT3 title at least 14 days before the trial opens for entries. Any dog that has trialed twice in Summit League Trials during the calendar year will be considered to be an FEO entry for additional Summit League Trials.

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. Summit trials teams that meet the ELT-CH title requirement will be placed above teams that meet the ELT3 requirement in the draw.
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.
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.
After all entries received during the draw period are processed, if the trial level is still not full, entries will continue to be accepted in the order they are received through the closing date or when entries fill.
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 June 5, 2021, then we will offer spaces for those who wish to run a dog For Exhibition Only (FEO). Second dog/handler FEO entries will not be offered spaces.

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 9:00 AM Pacific Time June 9, 2021.

If you have a spam blocker on your email account, please configure it to allow email from trial@rocksolidk9.com in order to ensure delivery of confirmation and information about this trial.

You will then have 7 days to complete your payment to confirm your space in the trial. Trial payments are payable to Rock Solid K9 by credit card through Square or check.

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 5pm Pacific Time July 3, 2021 – full refund minus $25 processing fee.

For cancellation of entries after 5pm Pacific Time July 3, 2021 – no refunds will be issued.

All cancellations must be emailed to trial@rocksolidk9.com

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

Trial Conditions

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 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.

Site Specific Conditions

This trial location is a large facility for training shelter dogs in urban search and rescue and the site reflects the real-life environment of those searches.

The competitor parking lot is dirt. Shaded areas in the lot will be reserved for volunteers to block sight lines, so handlers should bring their own shade. Engine operation will not be allowed.

Search areas are spread out so there will be long walks to the search areas that will involve moderate elevation changes. Driving to search areas on sloping dirt, gravel, or paved roads may be required. Walking up flights of stairs, sidewalk ramps and/or sloping terrain may be required. Some pathways to search areas may be dirt or asphalt. The search areas may include dirt, gravel, grass, concrete, asphalt, woodchips, and wilderness surfaces and may have uneven, sloping terrain.

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.

The National Disaster Search Dog Foundation requires all visitors to its National Training Center (the trial site) to wear closed-toe shoes. This includes all volunteers, competitors, and spectators. Visitors are also required to sign the facility’s special liability waiver.

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.

Reactive Dog Parking

There may not be reactive dog parking at this trial but every effort will be made to provide it. There will not

be separate warm up boxes.

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

Example: Unentered dogs must remain in the competitor’s vehicle during the trial day. There will be ample potty areas, but unentered dogs should not be allowed to “play”, exercise, or train on the trial grounds.

RV Parking

RVs cannot be accommodated at this trial site.

Running Vehicles or Generators in the parking lot

The parking is tight at this location and running your vehicles or generators in the parking lot 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
A list of area hotels is available here:

https://www.rocksolidk9.com/trial-july-2021/summit-trial-accomodations.html

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 trial@rocksolidk9.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, Rock Solid K9 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.

Summit League Titles

The SMT Title is earned by placing in the top 20% overall of competing teams at a Summit League Trial.

No. of Competing Teams	No. of Titles to be Awarded
0 to 4	0
5 to 9	1
10 to 14	2
15 to 19	3
20 to 24	4
25 to 29	5

In the event of a tie for the last titling placement, both teams would receive a title. For example, if there are 25 competing teams and there was a tie for 5th place, both teams would receive a SMT title for a total of 6 titles given at that trial.

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

Due to facility and jurisdictional COVID-19 requirements, we need to restrict attendance at our event. Please leave guests at home. Contact the host at: trial@rocksolidk9.com if you REQUIRE someone to attend with you for assistance. Guests will not be allowed to spectate.

At this time, spectators are not allowed. If this policy is eased, entrants will be notified. Spectating may be allowed at some searches, space permitting and at the Certifying Official’s discretion. Spectators may not photograph or video searches. Children under 18 must always be directly supervised by a parent/guardian. No dogs will be allowed in the spectator area. No unentered dogs with spectators are allowed at the trial. Spectators are reminded that the hide placements must not be discussed nor should they speak with any competitors about what they saw until after the trial is complete.

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 this time, if there is an in person walk through, competitors may be allowed to take videos and photos of the search areas in order to help familiarize themselves with the search area. Due to site privacy issues or time constraints, competitors may not be allowed to photograph or video a search area during the walk through. 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.

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 Nicole Reusser, host, at trial@rocksolidK9.com.