Policies of NARA
Updated 08/03/2009

Policy 100:  Eligibility to Enter NARA Trials 
Policy 110:  Breeds Authorized to Compete  
Policy 120:  Temperament Test Required for Brevet
Policy 200:  Dog Identification Requirements 
Policy 300:  Scorebook Requirements 
Policy 310:  Obtaining a NARA Scorebook 
Policy 400:  Forming a NARA Club 
Policy 410:  Club Responsibilities 
Policy 500:  Trials must be sanctioned by NARA  
Policy 510:  Hosting a Regional Championship Trial
Policy 520:  Hosting of the NARA Championships
Policy 530:  Hosting the Coupe Intercontinentale  (tbd)
Policy 600:  Regional Championships 
Policy 700:  NARA Championship and Cup 
Policy 800: Coupe Intercontinentale (CIC) - Eligibility and Invitations 
Policy 900:  Decoy Selections 
Policy 910:  Decoy Super Selection 
Policy 1000:  Selecting Judges for NARA’s Prestige Events 
Policy 1100:  Voting 
Policy 1200:  Confidentiality of Member Information 
Policy 1300:  Insurance 
Policy 1400:  Training at NARA Events 
Policy 1500:  Communication 
Policy 1510:  Communication to Members 
Policy 1520:  Communication with France / SCC / GTR  
Policy 1610:  Director of Decoys 
Policy 1620:  Liaisons to France and Mexico 
Policy 1630:  Training Director 
Policy 1700:  Complaints 
Policy 1750:  Dispute About a Penalty 
Policy 1800:  Membership 
Policy 1850:  Non-Member Actions 
Policy 1900:  Photos and Video at NARA Events 
Policy 2000:  Unrecognized Sanctioning Bodies 

All persons desiring to enter a NARA trial must be a member in good standing of NARA, CRA, SCC, GTRM, or other CUN-recognized national French ringsport organization. All individuals who are citizens of the United States or who's primary domicile is in the United States or United States Territories are required to be NARA members in order to compete in NARA trials.

Policy Updated: January 28, 2009

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• NARA Authorized Breeds consist of any registered dog, registered by a nationally recognized breed registry.
• Males must be sexually intact.
• NARA also authorizes "Blue" dogs to compete.
• A "Blue" dog is any unregistered dog and/or a male dog that is sexually not intact.
• There is no limit as to how many Blue Dogs a handler may compete with (updated 6-22-2004).
• Only the Authorized Breeds on the S.C.C. listmay compete in France.

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Effective June 1, 2009, all dogs must pass a temperament test, either the Certificat de Sociabilité et d'Aptitude à l'Utilisation ( CSAU) or the Schutzhund BH, in order to compete at Brevet. All dogs titled before June 1, 2009 are not required to take a temperament test to compete in NARA trials. Any competitor who trials outside the United States is subject to the policies of that country. A passing evaluation for the temperament test must be recorded in the dog's scorebook. It is acceptable to pass the temperament test and then compete immediately in a trial.

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A dog is required to have a Tattoo or Microchip in order to compete in NARA events

·          No dog can receive a Brevet without a tattoo or microchip.

·          Dogs imported without a tattoo must be tattooed/microchipped prior to competing in any NARA event

·          Tattoo** must be EITHER: 

·          The dog’s full registration number from any National Registry, OR

·          Any tattoo listed on the dog’s registration papers, OR

·          Any tattoo from the breeder or owner of the dog, OR

·          Issued by the NARA Treasurer (done by request)

** The location of the Tattoo and the tattoo number MUST be listed on the application for the NARA scorebook. If the tattoo is assigned by NARA the tattoo location MUST be listed on the application for the NARA scorebook

It is the responsibility of handlers/owners using microchips to identify their dogs for entry in a NARA event to insure there is an appropriate microchip reader available at the event. It is not the responsibility of the event host to provide a reader. Handlers/owners declaring for an international team must comply with the international competition requirements in effect at the time of the event. The Board of Directors, or a judge at any NARA event, may request at any time to see microchips ID with the owner/handler providing the reader

Policy updated July 2008 to include microchip verbiage.

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A dog must have a valid scorebook from a NARA-recognized organization in order to be eligible to compete in a NARA-sanctioned trial.

NARA recognizes FCI- and SCC-affiliated organizations existing solely outside the United States and United States Territories. NARA recognizes the following organizations existing solely or partially within the United States and United States Territories:

• American Working Dog Federation (AWDF)
• American Working Malinois Association (AWMA)
• Authentic Hovawarts of North America (AHNA)
• DVG-America
• Federation American Bulldog
• North American Working Airedale Terrier Association (NAWATA)
• United Doberman Club (UDC)
• United States Boxer Association
• United Schutzhund Clubs of America
• United States Mondioring Association (USMRA)
• United States Rottweiler Club (USRC)
• North American Working Bouvier Association (NAWBA)
• Working Riesenschnauzer Federation
• Working Pitbull Terrier Club of America

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There are two types of NARA scorebooks - "standard" scorebooks and "blue dog" scorebooks. Standard scorebooks are for all registered dogs of authorized breeds (males must be intact). Blue Dog scorebooks are for unregistered dogs or non-intact males.

Dogs with "blue dog" scorebooks may compete in trials and be awarded titles, but he/she cannot win the NARA Championship, the Cup of the Americas, nor compete in France.

All dogs must be tattooed or microchipped.

Standard/Replacement Scorebook Application
Replacement Scorebook Supplemental Application

• Include with application a copy of your dog's registration papers from a recognized and legitimate registry
• Include $15.00 payable to NARA

• Include with application two Polaroid-size photos of your dog (1 front, 1 profile)
• Include $15.00 payable to NARA

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See NARA Bylaws for more information on the specific types of clubs.

To become a "forming" NARA Club you must:

• Have a minimum of 3 NARA Members
• Submit the following information to the NARA Secretary:
• The name of your club
• The names of your Board Members
• A list of your members and their NARA membership numbers
• A copy of your Bylaws (sample bylaws may be obtained here)

• Meet all the criteria of a forming club
• Have been a forming club for a minimum of 1 year
• Have successfully conducted at least one (1) NARA-approved trial / seminar
• Submit the following information to the NARA Secretary along with your request for affiliate status:
• The names of your Board Members
• A list of your members and their NARA membership numbers
• A copy of your current by-laws

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See NARA Bylaws for more information on the specific types of clubs.

All clubs, both forming and affiliate, must abide by the Club Responsibilities Policy

• All Clubs must keep the NARA Secretary informed of any changes in their general membership, Board of Directors and bylaws.
• All Clubs must submit the names of their officers to the NARA secretary by January 31st of each calendar year.
• Any club with fewer than three (3) members will lose their current status (either Forming or Affiliate). Clubs will be granted a minimum 30-day grace period to bring their membership up to the minimum of three (3) members.
• ALL club Officers MUST be NARA members in good standing.
• Clubs must maintain records of Trial Authorizations and Trial Reports for a minimum of 3 years.

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Any trial or seminar held without NARA sanction will be unofficial and no scores, certificates, or titles achieved at that event will be valid.

No Club can organize a trial or seminar without receiving permission from NARA to hold the event. The event will then be a Sanctioned event. Any trial or seminar held without the NARA sanction will be unofficial and no scores, certificates or titles achieved at that event will be valid.

Only NARA Recognized Clubs may hold a NARA trial in the US.

The procedures for trial authorization shall be: Trial Procedures

There must be a minimum of six dogs entered for the trial to be Official. (If one dog is entered at two levels, it is considered 2 entries).

If the Judges and Decoys are shared with several clubs, the total cost of the officials’ travel, from beginning to return home, should be divided by the number of Clubs sharing those officials, to get the cost per Club.

When a Decoy is requested, the Decoy's club must give permission for another club to use their Decoy on those particular dates.

Policy Modified: May 15, 2009

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Clubs wishing to host a Regional Championship trial will be responsible for all associated costs as they would for any club trial, with the exception of the awards, which will be provided by NARA.

To be considered to host a Regional Championship trial, interested clubs must submit a written proposal by December 1st, unless otherwise specified by the BOD, to the NARA Board of Directors stating their desire to host a Regional Championship trial and providing the following information:

• desired date of trial
  
• desired judge and decoys
  
• geographic location of trial and convenience of travel to and from location
  
• climate and season
  
• ability to provide a neutral field for the competition
  
• number of club members
  
• success of past trials
  
• ability to promote ring sport in a positive manner
  

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• Each year the Championship should be alternated between the Eastern zone, Central zone and the Western zone.
• The Board of Directors will send notification to all the Affiliate Clubs of any upcoming vote for hosting the NARA Championship. This notification may be a special mailing, an email, or through the Newsletter. All the Affiliate clubs in the designated NARA zone which are interested should respond to this notification with their proposal (form being developed) for hosting the Championship.
• All proposals must be received by the NARA BoD by <date> in order to be considered.
• If no Affiliate club in the zone designated for that year expresses a desire to host the Championship that year, the right to host the Championship will be offered to the Affiliate Clubs in the zone designated for the following year. The following year it must be offered to the next zone.
• An honest attempt must be made to alternate from one zone to the other, every year, so all of the NARA Members have a chance to attend the Championship without the expense of traveling an extreme distance.
• If more than one Affiliate club from the designated Zone is interested, but the other club(s) are not able or willing to do a Co-hosting, the List of interested Affiliate Clubs and their proposals will be sent to the Membership for a vote. 
• NARA may reimburse the Hosting Club for some or all of the expenses associated with hosting the Championships.  The reimbursement amount will be determined by the Board with the recommendations taken from the NARA Treasurer as to the availability of treasury funds and the corporation expense projections to be the determining factors. (This could conceivably result in a retraction of this offer if the NARA treasury is not financially sound in a given year.) Any Hosting Club not meeting the NARA Rules of the Championship will not be reimbursed in any amount.

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 To Be Determined

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The NARA Regional Championship trials shall be held on consecutive weekends, if possible, between September 15th and December 1st. There must be at least one weekend between the completion of the last Regional Championship trial and the start of the NARA Championship trial.

There will be two Regional Championship trials – an Eastern Regional hosted by a club east of the Mississippi River and a Western Regional hosted by a club west of the Mississippi River.

Both Regional Championship trials shall have the same jury comprised of a French judge and two NARA decoys of at least Level 2. An alternate decoy of at least Level 2 must be available at each Regional Championship trial, and it will be left to the discretion of the judge to maintain the consistency of the decoys' work.

The Regional Championship judge candidates shall be chosen according to the criteria defined by NARA Policy 1000: Selection of Judges for NARA's Prestige Events.

The two Regional Championship decoys shall be selected as follows from NARA Decoy Super Selection (DSS) participants, excluding the decoy who has opted to officiate at the NARA Championship trial:

First priority: the top placing NARA Level 3 decoys from the most recent NARA DSS, in order of placement (excluding the NARA decoy slated to officiate in the NARA Championship trial).

Second priority: the top placing NARA Level 3 decoys from the previous year's NARA DSS, in order of placement.

Third priority: the top placing NARA Level 2 decoys from the most recent NARA DSS, in order of placement.

Fourth priority: the top placing NARA Level 2 decoys from the previous year's NARA DSS, in order of placement.

Last Modified Feb 16, 2010

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The NARA Championship trial must be held between the dates of September 16th and December 15th, inclusive.

All dogs who qualify to compete in NARA trials may compete at the NARA Championship trial for an opportunity to win the NARA Cup for their level. The NARA Cup is awarded to the dog who earns the highest passing score in each of the levels Ring I, Ring II and Ring III at the NARA Championship trial. It is possible for one team to win both the NARA Cup and the NARA Championship for a given level. The owner of the dog is not required to be the handler.

A dog competing for the title of NARA Champion is required to have been in the United States and owned by the current owner for 18 months prior to the Championship trial. Upon request, the competitor is responsible to provide proof and date of ownership to trial officials prior to the trial.

Presentation of an official NARA-recognized scorebook is required prior to competing in the NARA Championship trial.

Dogs competing for the title of NARA Champion for a given level must compete in at least one NARA Regional Championship trial and at least two other trials at that level, at least one of which must be a pre-Regional trial, and one of which may be a club trial. A pre-Regional trial is defined as any NARA-recognized trial at which at least one of the decoys officiating at each level (except Brevet) is at least a Level 2 (a Regional Championship trial can also qualify as a pre-Regional trial). A pre-Regional trial may be held at any time during the trial season, regardless of the dates of the Regional Championship trials. A club trial is defined as any NARA-recognized trial at which none of the decoys officiating at each level (except Brevet) are Level 2 or higher. There must be at least one weekend between the completion of the last pre-Regional or club trial and the start of the NARA Championship trial.

The titles of NARA Champion and NARA Domestic Champion will be determined by totaling the four required scores as follows:

(Championship trial X 2 + Regional Championship trial + pre-Regional + pre-Regional)

Or, in the case of a competitor who wishes to use a club trial score:

(Championship trial X 2 + Regional Championship trial + pre-Regional + club trial)

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The Coupe Intercontinentale (CIC) is a competition that showcases Ring dogs from around the world.  Each year, the responsibility for hosting the CIC will rotate amongst participating countries.  The overall governance of the CIC will be by the rules noted by the C.U.N.-C.B.G  (the "Rules"  ( http://www.chienplus.com/archives-2007/La_coupe_intercontinentale_de_ring.pdf ).

Entries:

The number of entries per country is noted in the Rules.  Each country may invite up to two (2) Ring III, one (1) Ring II, and two (2) Ring I dog/handler teams to enter into the competition.  There will be a maximum of 5 teams invited per country, as noted in the Rules. 

Eligibility Requirements:

The teams that NARA invites to participate in the CIC must meet all the following eligibility requirements:

Handler Prerequisites:

* The handler must be a NARA member in good standing who resides in the USA or US Territory and is a US Citizen or US Permanent Resident.

* Proof of residence may be required.

Dog Prerequisites:

* Any dog attempting to qualify for an invitation to the CIC must have been owned by its current owner for at least 12 months prior to the CIC.

* The owner of the dog does not have to be the handler at the competition, but the dog must be owned by the same person for the 12 months immediately prior to the CIC.

* If the dog is an import, the dog must have been imported at least 12 months prior to the CIC.  Import date may be proven by the date on the manifest from shipping.

* Only dogs that were imported titled at levels lower than Ring III are eligible to represent NARA in the CIC. If a dog is imported to the US they can only represent NARA at the CIC in a level higher than the titled level they were imported with.

* Proof of ownership and dates of titles, if in question, will be provided by A.K.C., A.C.A. or S.C.C. or any nationally recognized registration papers or Scorebook, which each competitor is responsible for providing to the officials before the competition.

Scoring Prerequisites

* Teams that are trying to qualify for the CIC must have earned three passing scores with an average of 85% or greater for Ring 1 and 2, and 90% or greater average for Ring 3 of the available points in the level in which they wish to compete.

* All three requisite scores must be obtained during the same trial season in which the CIC is being held

* Two of the required passing scores may be obtained at any club (or other) trial conducted by an organization under of the auspices of the SCC ( NARA , CRA, GTRM, GTR, etc…) but they must be by two different judges.

* Only one score from a club trial may be from a trial that is hosted by, or on the same training or trial field, as that of the team’s own club.

* One of the three required scores must be from a NARA Selectif trial held within the same trial season as the CIC.

Invitations

Only teams who meet all handler / dog / scoring prerequisites will be eligible to be invited to represent NARA at the CIC.  Not all eligible teams will be invited.

The NARA Board of Directors will invite teams who meet the prerequisites based on the following methodology:

Ring III

* Two dog/handler teams will be invited for Ring III. 

* The Ring III dog/handler teams must meet all prerequisites as stated above.

* The first Ring III team to be invited will be the NARA Grand Champion with a score 370 or better for the NARA Championship happening prior to the CIC (this may have been in a previous calendar year, depending on the timing of the CIC and the NARA Championship), providing this team meets all other prerequisites.

* Of all eligible Ring III teams, the remaining team invited will have the highest average scores for the three required trials using the following methodology:  ((average of two club/other trials) + NARA Selectif ) / 2

* If the highest average team declines the invitation, the next highest average team will be invited, and so on.

* If the NARA Grand Champion does not meet all eligibility criteria, or if the NARA Grand Champion declines the invitation, then the Ring III teams invited will be the two teams with the highest average scores for the three required trials.  If one of these teams declines the invitation, the next highest average team will be invited, and so on.

* If there are not two Ring III teams who meet the eligibility criteria, or who accept the invitation, then NARA may, at its discretion, elect to invite an additional Ring II team, or the next best qualified Ring III team based on NARA Selectif performance, or may choose to leave a team slot open.

Ring II

* One dog/handler team will be invited for Ring II. 

* The Ring II dog/handler team must meet all prerequisites as stated above.

* Of all eligible Ring II teams, the team invited will have the highest average scores for the three required trials using the following methodology:  ((average of two club/other trials) + NARA Selectif ) / 2

* If the highest average team declines the invitation, the next highest average team will be invited, and so on.

* If there is not a Ring II team who meets the eligibility criteria, or who accepts the invitation, then NARA may, at its discretion, elect to invite an additional Ring I team, or the next best qualified Ring II team based on NARA Selectif performance, or may choose to leave a team slot open.

Ring I

* Two dog/handler teams will be invited for Ring I. 

* The Ring I dog/handler teams must meet all prerequisites as stated above.

* Of all eligible Ring I teams, the teams invited will have the highest average score for the three required trials using the following methodology:  ((average of two club/other trials) + NARA Selectif ) / 2

* If the highest average team declines the invitation, the next highest average team will be invited, and so on.

* If there are not two Ring I teams who meet the eligibility criteria, or who accept the invitation, then NARA may, at its discretion, elect to invite the next best qualified Ring I team based on NARA Selectif performance, or may choose to leave a team slot open.

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Decoy Selections for Level I and Level II may occur at any NARA sanctioned event under the supervision of a French QS judge.  Decoy Selections for NARA Level I may also be held under the supervision of a NARA QS judge.  Decoy Super Selection occurs only in conjunction with the annual NARA Cup/Championship.

Eligibility Requirements

·          Anyone wishing to become a NARA decoy must be a NARA member AND a member of a NARA-recognized club.

·          Anyone wishing to become a NARA decoy must certify/recertify in the United States of America or its territories.

·          Applicants for selection must be at least 16 years of age.  Applicants under the age of 18 require a signed parental consent form (NOTE:  Decoys under the age of 18 cannot decoy trials)

Health Certificates

·          All Applicants for a Decoy Selection (regardless of level) must present a recent (no more than 30 days old) doctor's Health Certificate indicating that:

o         the Applicant is eligible to participate in contact or violent sports

o         the Applicant is up-to-date on Tetanus shots (documentation required)

·          The original Certificate must be presented to the Officials at the Selection prior to the selection.

·          A copy of the Health Certificate and Tetanus shot verification must also be sent to the Director of Decoys after selection.

Dog Requirements

·          Decoys must arrange for the use of a dog capable of performing at Brevet and Ring III for the Level 1selection and 2 dogs capable of performing at Ring 3 for Level 2 or Super selections. It is not the Hosting Club's or NARA's responsibility to supply dogs for any decoy selection.

Ongoing Requirements

·          All Selected Decoys MUST send a copy of the inside cover of their Decoy Book and all trials in which the decoy participates each year to the NARA Director of Decoys, without which they will not be allowed to decoy any trials.

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Decoy Super Selection (DSS) is a process that is used to determine which decoys will be invited to be part of the jury for NARA's prestige events, including:

-          the annual NARA Cup/Championship

-          the NARA Selectifs

-          NARA representation at international competition such as the CIC

The DSS shall be conducted at the NARA Championship/NARA Cup Trial.  Placements of the DSS shall be announced during the awards ceremony at the culmination of the NARA Championship/NARA Cup Trial.

Eligibility to Participate

* NARA decoys of all levels shall be eligible to compete in the NARA DSS

* International decoys must have a current certification at Level II or above prior to the NARA DSS

Results

Certifications / Levels

* A Level I NARA decoy participating in the DSS may be elevated to Level II status, if, in the opinion of the French QS Judge presiding over the DSS, Level II is the appropriate classification for that decoy.  

* NARA Level II decoys who pass the DSS will earn the "Level III" designation.  This designation will be in effect for two years from the DSS.  After two years, they will return to their original designation.  (Note:  If the original certification expired during this timeframe, decoys are reminded they will need to re-certify prior to the expiration of their Level III status)

Prestige Events

NARA currently has four "prestige" slots for decoys, as noted below.

The top placing NARA decoys* who pass the DSS will earn the right to choose to officiate in one of the following, in the order of their placement in the DSS:

* The NARA Championship/NARA Cup Trial of the following year (see below) AND   the next Coupe Intercontinentale  ( NOTE :  these must be chosen together - a decoy who does not wish to officiate at both of these events should instead elect to officiate at the selectifs)

* Two decoy positions in the jury for all three of the following season's NARA selectif trials **

* The NARA Championship/NARA Cup Trial of the following year (if no international decoys are invited per the below)

The top placing international decoy in the NARA DSS with a passing score shall be invited to officiate at the following year's NARA Championship/NARA Cup Trial only if there are not enough NARA passing decoys to fill all four prestige slots .

For example:

*  Only NARA Decoys with US Citizenship / Permanent Resident status are eligible to represent NARA in "prestige events".  Proof of residency may be required.  See list of documents that are acceptable as proof of residency.

** Decoys electing to officiate as part of the jury for the following year's NARA Selectif trials are prohibited from officiating in ANY other trials during that season until the last Selectif is completed.

PLEASE NOTE:  Decoys that have been designated to officiate in any of the "prestige events" are prohibited from working any dogs during open field at those events.

Alternates

In the event that there are not enough NARA decoys competing in and passing the DSS in any given year to fill all the decoy slots at our prestige events, the following approach will be used to invite alternate decoys to participate.  This approach is intended to ensure that the decoy work at NARA's prestige events is always of the highest caliber.

For Championship / Cup openings:

Invitations will be extended to International Level II decoys who passed the current year's NARA DSS.  If none are willing / available, then:

1.       Invitations will be extended to SCC Level II decoys who officiated in the Coupe or the French Selectifs the previous year (or current year, depending on timing), in order of super selection placement.  If none are willing/available, then:

2.       Invitations will be extended to SCC Level II decoys who passed the most recent French super selection, in order of placement.  If none are willing/available, then:

3.       Invitations will be extended to SCC Level II decoys who passed the previous French super selection, in order of placement.  If none are willing/available, then:

4.       Invitations will be extended to the NARA decoys who passed the previous year's DSS.  If none are available, then:

5.       Invitations will be extended to Mexican Level II decoys who passed the most recent Mexican super selection, in order of placement

For Selectif Openings:

1.       Invitations will be extended to the NARA decoys who passed the most recent DSS, but are not officiating in any of the current year's prestige events, in order of placement.  If none are available, then:

2.       Invitations will be extended to current NARA Level II decoys who have been active in officiating in at least two (2) Ring III trials within the past year.  If none are available then:

3.       Invitations will be extended to International Level II decoys who competed in and passed the NARA DSS, in order of placement***.  If none are available, then:

4.       Invitations will be extended to International Level II decoys who competed in and passed the SCC Super Selection, in order of placement. ***

  For CIC Openings:

1.       Invitations will be extended to the NARA decoys who passed the most recent DSS, but are not officiating in any of the current year's prestige events, in order of placement.  If none are available, then:

2.       Invitations will be extended to current NARA Level II decoys who have been active in officiating in at least two (2) Ring III trials within the past year.

3.       Invitations will be extended to current NARA Level II decoys who have been active in officiating in at least four (4) Ring III trials within the past two years.

*** If an International decoy is selected for the Selectifs, NARA will work with hosting clubs to provide some measure of financial assistance, if necessary, to cover increased costs associated with travel.  The level of assistance available will depend on the funds available to NARA at that time.

Emergency Alternates

Each NARA prestige trial must have an alternate Level II decoy available to officiate in the event of illness, injury, or other unforeseen circumstances.

Championship / Cup Emergency Alternates:

1.        Invitations will be extended to the NARA decoys who passed the previous year's DSS, but are not officiating in any of the current year's prestige events, in order of placement.  If none are available, then:

2.        Invitations will be extended to current NARA Level II decoys who have been active in officiating in at least two (2) Ring III trials within the past year.

3.        Invitations will be extended to current NARA Level II decoys who have been active in officiating in at least four (4) Ring III trials within the past two years.

Selectif Emergency Alternates:

Each club proposing to host a NARA selectif must ensure there is a qualified NARA Level II decoy available to officiate in the event of an emergency.  Clubs should use the following approach when determining their alternates:

1.        First, consider NARA decoys in their zone who passed the previous year's DSS, but are not officiating in any of the current year's prestige events, in order of placement.  If none are available, then:

2.        Second, consider current NARA Level II decoys in their zone who have been active in officiating in at least two (2) Ring III trials within the past year.

3.        Third, consider current NARA Level II decoys in their zone who have been active in officiating in at least four (4) Ring III trials within the past two years.

4.        Finally, follow the same approach but consider decoys outside of their zone.

Any decoy agreeing to be a Selectif alternate must commit to being available for any remaining Selectif trials that season, and will be required to fill the spot of the decoy he replaces if that decoy cannot complete the remaining Selectifs.

Policy Implemented:  August 2007 for 2008 Trial Season & beyond

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The judges for NARA's prestige events will be selected without prejudice or bias from qualified judges from the jury of the previous year's French Coupe and Selectifs.

The first judge to be invited to judge the NARA Championship will be the primary judge of the previous year's French Coupe. If that judge is not available, the following procedure will be used to select an alternate:

- the secondary judge for the previous year's French Coupe
- the primary judge for the previous year's "A" French Selectif jury
- the primary judge for the previous year's "B" French Selectif jury
- the primary judge for the previous year's "C" French Selectif jury
- the secondary judge for the previous year's "A" French Selectif jury
- the secondary judge for the previous year's "B" French Selectif jury
- the secondary judge for the previous year's "C" French Selectif jury

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Any member desiring to vote by E-mail is authorized to do so.

• The Secretary upon receipt of this E-mail vote will send a verification of this vote to the recipients E-mail address of record in the NARA Membership files.
• The verification must not be sent as a "Reply".
• All members desiring to vote by E-mail must make certain the NARA Secretary and Treasurer have their current E-mail address on file.
• In special situations, the Secretary may conduct ‘electronic’ elections with the permission of the Board of Directors.

Policy Date:  January 1, 2000

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It is forbidden for any Board Member to make available the confidential NARA Membership database or Membership list, partially or in its entirety, to anyone outside the NARA Board of Directors, NARA Newsletter Editor(s) or NARA Director of Decoys.

Policy Last Changed Jul 30, 2009

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The Treasurer shall purchase and renew NARA’s own liability insurance annually without a need for a vote by the Board of Directors.

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It is at the discretion of the hosting club of a NARA Ring Trial to have an "open field" prior to the trial in order to allow dog/handler teams to familiarize themselves with the trial field.  As such it is the responsibility of the hosting club to control what happens at the NARA sanctioned event and ensure everyone abides by NARA policies.

·          During "Open Field", the only training that shall be allowed on the grounds or property of the NARA sanctioned event shall be within the area designated as the "trial field."  There shall be no training of any kind on the grounds or property outside of the "trial field" while Open Field is being conducted.

·          After the close of "Open Field" and until the trial has ended, there shall be no training of any kind on the grounds, property or trial field. 

·          Further, it is unacceptable to strike any dog with any object or projectile at any time during a NARA sanctioned event and this type of behavior will not be tolerated. Any infractions of this policy will warrant an investigation.  If the results of the investigation find that a NARA member or NARA club did not follow the above said policy the NARA BoD may impose sanctions including, but not limited to, suspending the NARA member(s) involved and rejecting the club’s request for further Ring trials.

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The Secretary will have the minutes and or results of each Board meeting published in the first Newsletter following the meeting.

The Treasurer must provide a Detailed Treasurer’s Report to be printed in each copy of the Newsletter.

There must be a Newsletter at least four times per year.

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Only the NARA Board of Directors or the NARA Liaison may contact the Commission D'Utilisation Nationale (CUN) in France, directly. Anyone requesting information must go through the NARA Board of Directors or the Liaison.

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Each Administration will establish and maintain the position of Director of Decoys:

Director of Decoy’s Description of Duties

 

The NARA Director of Decoys (DOD) must be a NARA member in good standing and an active decoy at the time of appointment, who shall be appointed and approved by the Board of Directors. The DOD will be on a probationary period of not less than 9 months. This probationary period may be extended if warranted by the Board of Directors. During such persons term in the capacity of DOD he/she is to direct and control the activities of all NARA Select Decoys. He/she shall act as a leader and role model for current and aspiring decoys of NARA.

1. The DOD will maintain a file of all former and current NARA decoys as well as those attempting certification. This file shall be a duplicate of the file kept by the NARA Secretary who will provide the DOD all copies of sheets pertaining to decoys. This file will include copies of the decoy's test(s), proof of health clearances and tetanus, decoy selection sheet(s), decoys assessment sheet(s), current copies of decoys log books in their entirety, any complaints filed by or against a decoy, and any other information considered necessary by the Secretary and DOD.

2. The DOD has the option to appoint a Decoy Committee if he/she feels the need. The committee, if one is desired, will include one active decoy from each zone. Each decoy chosen by the DOD must be a NARA member in good standing. The committee does not have to be voted on by the Board of Directors, but committee member’s names will be presented to the Board in writing for informational purposes.

3. The DOD should contact each NARA decoy on a regular basis via telephone, mail, or email. (Monthly minimum recommended)

4. The DOD must deliver the decoys ideas and opinions on current issues directly pertaining to decoying to the Board on a regular basis. If a decoy has an issue that is not specifically decoy related, the issue and/or problem should be referred to the decoys Zonal Representative.

5. The DOD must work with and inform the Board of Directors on all matters decoy related.

6. Protocol for Decoy Performance Review:

Part One – Regarding Formal Complaints about Rules Infractions

First Offense: Any decoy that is verbally reprimanded, written up on his/her Decoy Assessment sheet by a Judge during a trial, or has a formal complaint from a competitor/handler submitted against him/her*, will be immediately placed under investigation. A Judge may also submit a written summary of the alleged infraction(s) in writing directly to the Director of Decoys (DOD), or a member of the Board of Directors (BOD).

During the investigation period, the Decoy will immediately be placed on a hold status and not be allowed to Decoy any trials, or teach at any NARA Approved seminars until the investigation period is over. The time allotted for the investigation shall not exceed 30 days.

The investigation shall consist of a review of all possible evidence by the DOD, including, but not limited to: Review of any video footage made available, and personal conversations with any members present at the time of the alleged infraction(s). The BOD MAY also review said evidence if it is deemed necessary and prudent to do so.

If the allegations are found to have no merit, the Decoy will be immediately released from his/her hold status and will be free to trial & teach seminars as usual.

Once the investigation period is complete the DOD will present a written assessment and proposal to the BOD as to the findings and any action to be taken. The Board of Directors must be consulted with, and give consent via majority vote, before any action is taken against a Decoy for any reason. This Protocol assumes the compliance of the BOD with the ‘hold status’ of a Decoy under investigation.

If the DOD and BOD find the Decoy responsible for the rule(s) infraction(s) as long as there was no danger to the dog(s), the Decoy shall receive a Formal Letter of Reprimand. One copy of the letter shall be issued to the Decoy, and the original shall be placed in the Decoy’s NARA File. He/she will then be placed on probation until he/she has officiated in another trial.

If the next trial in which the Decoy officiates is completed without issue, the Decoy shall be released from the probationary status.

Second Offense (within 12 months of the date of the first): If the DOD & BOD find the Decoy responsible for further rule(s) infraction(s), as long as there was no danger to the dog(s), the Decoy will incur a 3 month suspension with a 6 month probation period immediately following.

Third Offense (within 12 months of the date of the first): A third offense will result in a 6 month suspension from all trials and NARA Approved seminars, and forfeiture of the Decoy Book. The decoy must recertify at the end of the suspension to become eligible for trials again.

*The following shall constitute a Formal Complaint: A competitor/handler/member may file a Formal Complaint against a Decoy by submitting a summary of the alleged infractions to the DOD or a member of the BOD. The complaint must be signed and notarized to prove the authenticity of the complainant.

Part two – Regarding Formal Complaints Involving Endangering the Dog
First Offense: Any decoy that is verbally reprimanded, written up on his/her Decoy Assessment sheet by a Judge during a trial, or has a formal complaint from a competitor/handler submitted against him/her* involving endangering the dog(s), will be immediately placed under investigation. A Judge may also submit a written summary of the alleged infraction(s) in writing directly to the DOD, or a member of the BOD.

During the investigation period, the Decoy will immediately be placed on a hold status and not be allowed to Decoy any trials, or teach at any NARA Approved seminars until the investigation period is over. The time allotted for the investigation shall not exceed 30 days.

The investigation shall consist of a review of all possible evidence by the DOD, including, but not limited to: Review of any video footage made available, and personal conversations with any members present at the time of the alleged infraction(s). The BOD MAY also review said evidence if it is deemed necessary and prudent to do so.

If the allegations are found to have no merit, the Decoy will be immediately released from his/her hold status and will be free to trial & teach seminars as usual.

Once the investigation period is complete the DOD will present a written assessment and proposal to the BOD as to the findings and any action to be taken. The Board of Directors must be consulted with, and give consent via majority vote, before any action is taken against a Decoy for any reason. This Protocol assumes the compliance of the BOD with the ‘hold status’ of a Decoy under investigation.
If the allegations are found to have merit the Decoy will be suspended for 3-6 months depending on the severity of the action. After the suspension the decoy will be on a 6 month probation period or until he/she has completed his/her first trial with a positive assessment from the Judge.

Second Offense (within 12 months of the date of the first): If the DOD & BOD find the Decoy responsible for endangering a dog a second time he/she will forfeit their Decoy Book and be suspended for a period of not less than 1 year from the date of the Second Offense. The decoy must recertify at the end of the suspension to become eligible for trials again.

*The following shall constitute a Formal Complaint: A competitor/handler/member may file a Formal Complaint against a Decoy by submitting a summary of the alleged infractions to the DOD or a member of the BOD. The complaint must be signed and notarized to prove the authenticity of the complainant.

7. The DOD shall receive all requests for approval of decoys in NARA sanctioned trials from the Secretary. The DOD will respond back to the Secretary within 5 days as to the current standing of requested decoys. If the DOD does not approve a decoy for a trial, the DOD must notify the Secretary, the decoy in question as well as the club requesting authorization as to the reason(s) why the request has been denied.

8. All requests from members regarding information pertaining to the performance and/or status of a NARA decoy shall go thru the DOD.

9. The DOD should offer any assistance in helping current and aspiring decoys in their Ring endeavors.

10. The DOD shall be required 60 days prior to the NARA Championships, to put together all the information necessary for the Decoy of the Year nominations. Once the nominations are received, the DOD will then be required to send out the ballots for voting or make arrangements for Decoy of the Year Selection as required. He/She will also be required to contact the present Decoy of the Year to make arrangements for the return of the plaque for the next Decoy of the Year. The DOD shall also put in a budget request to the Board of Directors for the purchase of the trophy that stays with each years winning decoy.

11. The DOD understands that he/she may be removed from office for not performing the duties of said position to the satisfaction of the Board.

12. The DOD may be obliged to perform other duties as required by the President and/or the Board of Directors.

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The Liaisons to France and Mexico may be appointed by the President or the NARA Board of Directors and may act as the Liaison to France and/or Mexico for NARA, along with whatever other duties that may be required of this position by the Board.

• The Liaison to France will be responsible for informing the NARA Board of Directors about any trial and/or rules changes.
• The Liaisons to France and Mexico may sit as advisors to the Board, but will not be voting members of the Board.

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The Training Director (if appointed) is not part of the Board of Directors, but acts as a Special Official under the authority of the Board.

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Any complaints against a member must be for offenses that seriously effect the sport of Ring, as determined by the Board, or they will be dismissed.

• Personality clashes, get even schemes, likes or dislikes, or irritation complaints are not legitimate and will be dismissed.
• Several unconfirmed complaints from one source, will be considered as possible undesirable conduct and sanctions may be warranted.

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It is the handler’s right to present to the judge, with courtesy and respect, any dispute he or she has regarding a MISAPPLICATION OF THE REGULATIONS , until 1 hour after the posting of the scores at the completion of the trial. The handler is obliged to review the penalties in the rulebook prior to initiating the discussion with the judge, so that he or she can show the judge the item in question in the rulebook. Brief video viewing will be allowed during this discussion at the judge’s discretion.

If the issue cannot be resolved amicably by the judge and the handler, the handler has the option to submit a formal complaint. If the handler wishes to take this step, he or she must complete the following items:
1. Fill out a Reclamation Request form. The handler shall keep one copy of the form and submit the remaining two copies to the organizing club’s president within 24 hours of the completion of the trial. The hosting club shall keep one copy on file with the club’s copies of the trial paperwork and submit the remaining copy to the NARA Secretary with the trial paperwork.
2. Submit the required fee to the NARA Treasurer in order for the Reclamation Request to be reviewed.
$75 for a club trial
$125 for a Selectif or Championship trial
3. Submit video or any other supporting information for the review process to the NARA President within 5 business days.

The review process will not begin until Items 1 and 2 are completed by the handler. If the handler indicates on the Reclamation Request form that he or she will be submitting video or supporting evidence, the review process will commence once the evidence is received.

The NARA BoD will appoint a Reclamation Review Committee consisting of the following five members:

• the NARA President
• the NARA Vice President
• the Director of Decoys
• one NARA judge not involved with judging the trial in question
• the handler’s zone representative

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An individual’s Membership shall be terminated if Annual Dues are not remitted within 30 days of the due date (or January 31 at the latest).

• If Annual Dues are not remitted within the aforementioned timeframe, renewal of the Membership within the next 12 months will be $75.00.
• Members may begin renewing their Memberships in after November 1st of the current year. All Memberships renewed after November first will be viable for the entire following year.

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Individuals who are not members of NARA who behave in a manner detrimental to NARA may be banned from participating in NARA-sanctioned events. Former NARA members may be charged and/or investigated for actions committed during their membership or as a result of their membership. Any subsequent disciplinary action shall be enforced at such time as they re-join NARA.

Policy Date: January 28, 2009

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All Photographic and Videographic Rights of NARA Sanctioned Events (Trials and Seminars) are governed by US Copyright laws. For more information on these laws visit http://www.copyright.gov/.

Policy Date: May 15, 2009

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NARA does not recognize temperament tests, scores or titles acquired at events from unrecognized sanctioning bodies, but does not restrict NARA members from participation in said events.

As of 15 July 15, 2009, Trial Secretaries at all NARA trials must write "NARA Trial" in the entries for all NARA trials recorded in decoy books and scorebooks, regardless of the organization who issued the book.

The following criteria define the eligibility requirements for competition at NARA trials:

• To be eligible to compete in Brevet at a NARA trial, a dog must have a passing CSAU or BH from a NARA-recognized sanctioning body recorded in its NARA-recognized scorebook.
• A dog which has been awarded the Brevet for Dogs of Defense from a NARA-recognized sanctioning body is eligible to compete in Ring I at a NARA trial.
• A dog which has been awarded the Brevet for Dogs of Defense from a NARA-recognized sanctioning body, and has obtained at least 160 points twice in Ring I under two different judges at events hosted by NARA-recognized sanctioning bodies is eligible to compete in Ring II at a NARA trial.
• A dog which has been awarded the Brevet for Dogs of Defense from a NARA-recognized sanctioning body, has obtained at least 160 points twice in Ring I under two different judges at events hosted by NARA-recognized sanctioning bodies, and has obtained at least 240 points twice in Ring II under two different judges at events hosted by NARA-recognized sanctioning bodies is eligible to compete in Ring III at a NARA trial.

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