Flushing Rules

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" height=90 BGCOLOR="#000000" TEXT="#F7F7FF"> <div> <FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Arial" ><B>First Creek Farm and Kennel</B></FONT><B>    </B><B> |     </B><A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="First Creek Farm and Kennel"><U><B>home</B></U></A></div> <div>                                                   </div> <div> </div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" height=390 BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <I>Flushing Rules</I></div> <bR> <div> <I>                              </I></div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>United Field Trialer's Association, Inc.</B></div> <div> <B> Open Shooting Flushing Dog Division     </B></div> <bR> <div> UFTA Flushing division trials may be held in conjunction with other organization field trials but must follow the UFTA flushing division rules.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Rule 1; Definitions:</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 1:  Acted On:  </B>Acted on is when a handler fires his gun at a bird for the purpose of bagging it.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 2:  Bagged Bird:  </B>A bagged bird is a bird that has been shot, retrieved, or picked up after a bird is flush, and in the possession of the handler or the judge</div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 3:  Designated Shooter (DS):  </B>A Designated Shooter is a person Designated or Approved by the Field Marshal, Trial Host or Trial Committee to shoot for a handler.  Designated Shooter may not assist handler in any way.  The Designated Shooter's sole purpose is to shoot for the handler.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 4:  Designated Walker (DW):  </B>A Designated Walker is a person Designated or Approved by the Field Marshal or Trial Committee to walk for an injured or physically challenged handler.  </div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 5:  Field Marshal:  </B>A field Marshal is a person appointed by the trial committee or host to oversee a particular field(s).  A Field Marshal has the authority to make rulings on protests, changing of running order and to oversee the overall proceedings of the field he/she has been assigned too.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 6:  Illegal Dog:  </B>Is a dog that enters into a field in which the dog is not assigned too. </div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 7:  Ineligible Dog:  </B>Is a dog that does not meet the registration requirements of the UFTA By-laws or that has been suspended from UFTA events, or that is running under an assumed name.  <B>EFFECT:  </B><I><B>Immediate disqualification of the dog and handler.</B></I></div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 8:  Interference:</B><I>  </I>Any dog or person not assigned to the field in which the run is taking place enters into that field and distracts the legal dog in any way.  Or flushes a bird from the field, or in the judgment of the judge, hinders the legal dog in any way will be considered interference. </div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 9:  Perfect sequence</B> is worth forty (40) total points and consists of a flush, one shot, a full retrieve, and a bagged bird.  A partial sequence is a total of anything less than (40) forty points.   </div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 10:  Re-runs:  </B>A re-run is an aborted run, which is to be started over.  </div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 11:  Retrieves:  </B>There are two kinds of retrieves, a full retrieve and a partial retrieve.<B> </B></div> <div> <B>a)     </B><I><B>A full retrieve is worth 10 points </B></I>and is awarded when a dog brings the bird(s) back to within one step of the handler. </div> <div> <B>b)     </B><I><B>A partial retrieve is worth 5 points </B></I>and is awarded when a dog only partially brings a bird back to the handler.  To be scored as a partial retrieve, the dog has to have the bird in its mouth and make an attempt to bring the bird to the handler (the dog must make a complete step with at least one foot)</div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 12:  Running:  </B>The definition of running is the handler, the designated walker or designated shooter not having at least one foot on the ground at all times while competing.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 13:  Safety:  </B>A safety can be called by the handler, DS, or the judge.  A safety shall is called only when the dog, judge, gallery, or personal property would be in peril if the handler would choose to shoot.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 14:  Time Limit:  </B>A UFTA field trial will be run with a Twenty (20) minute time limit for the singles division (both Open Shooting Flushing Dog and Amateur Shooting Flushing Dog).</div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 15:  Trapped Bird(s):  </B>A trapped bird is a bird that has been caught (trapped) by the dog before leaving the nest.  <I>If the bird has gotten up, has moved, fluttered, or is moving, this bird by definition HAS left the nest.</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 19:  Trial Grounds:  </B>The field trial grounds are 7-12 acre fields with mown or fixed boundaries with either fence or flags or some other approved markings to clearly mark out of bounds areas.  Trial grounds may be larger if approved in advance by the Board of directors or State Director. </div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 20:  Walking:  </B>The definition of walking is a handler, designated walker or designated shooter having at least one foot on the ground at all times while competing.  The cadence of the walk should be heel - toe, heel - toe</div> <bR> <div> <B>Rule 2; The Field Trial & Divisions:</B></div> <div> <B>Note:  </B>At no time can any handler, DW, or DS in any division use any communication devices which includes but is not limited to; radios, transmitters, flags, signs, etc.  This will be considered un-sportsmanlike conduct and grounds for immediate disqualification.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 1:  Open Shooting Flushing Dog division </B>is open to any flushing dog and consists of one handler and one dog.  The Open Shooting Flushing Dog Division will compete in two (2) twenty (20) minute runs.  The two scores will be added at the end of the trial for one total score.  The total score of the two runs will determine the order of finish.  The Open Shooting Flushing Dog Division will be a three (3) Bird Run unless otherwise approved by the Board of directors prior to the start of the trial.  <I>EXCEPTION:  more than one hunter may be in the field if the handler is utilizing the Designated Walker or the Designated Shooter.  All rules and penalties of the Designated Shooter (Rule 9) and Designated Walker (Rule 10) apply.  </I></div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 2:  Amateur Shooting Flushing Dog Division </B>is open to any flushing dog if the dog turns three (3) before January 1<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >st</FONT> it will not be eligible for that years amateur qualifying runs.  This division is run with one dog and one handler for twenty (20) minute time limit.  This division runs only one time.<I>  EXCEPTION:  more than one hunter may be in the field if the handler is utilizing the Designated Walker or the Designated Shooter.  All rules and penalties of the Designated Shooter (Rule 9) and Designated Walker (Rule 10) apply.  </I></div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 3:  A dog can compete only one time per division </B>per trial.  However, the dog may compete in more than one division per trial.  <I>EXCEPTION:  When the dog has earned a 1st, 2nd or 3rd place placement in an Open Shooting Flushing Dog Division, the dog may no longer compete in the Amateur Shooting Flushing Dog Division.</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 4:  Scheduling of run times will be determined </B>by a witnessed blind draw at least two days prior to the event.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 5:  All fields must be flushed each morning prior to the event </B>by dogs that are not scheduled to compete in that field that day</div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 6:  A handler may not </B>use any objects to assist him/her to reach a dropped bird other than the one step and his arms length to pick up the bird.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 7:  A handler may not </B>lie down to reach a dropped bird.  </div> <div> <B>EFFECT: Sec 6-7:  </B>A partial retrieve will be scored if the dog has completed all necessary phases of the partial retrieve rule.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 8:  If the twenty minute time limit</B> has expired and a bird has been shot, the handler has a thirty (30) second grace period to complete the retrieve.  If the retrieve is not completed within the thirty (30) second grace period, no (0) points will be awarded for neither the bagged bird nor the retrieve.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 9:  If a shot bird falls behind an obstruction</B> that the dog cannot pass safely over or through, the handler or designated shooter may help the dog over the fence and back and receive full points for the retrieval if the dog brings the bird back to within one step of the handler or designated shooter.  Once the handler or designated shooter helps the dog over the fence the handler must now remain stationary until the dog retrieves the bird to within one step of the new position.    <I><B><U>NOTE:</U></B></I>  The handler is allowed one step from this new position; however the pivot foot must remain stationary.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 10:  If a fence is used to divide fields and a handler or</B> designated shooter shoots a bird the judge must witness the bird had fallen dead in order for the handler or designated shooter to set the dog over the fence to attempt to make the retrieve in the field on the other side of the fence.  Once the handler or designated shooter helps the dog over the fence the handler must now remain stationary until the dog retrieves the bird to within one step of the new position.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 11:  If the dog flushes another bird during a retrieve</B> in bounds.  The handler or designated shooter may move to shoot the second bird with no penalty on the first bird.  However, he/she must use the second shooting spot as the stationary position for both birds.  If no bird is produced the second shooting spot is still the stationary position for the first retrieve and the handler will be awarded a full retrieve provided the dog completes the retrieve to this new position.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 12:  Once the dog has moved</B> his quota three (3) plus one extra bird without the handler bagging three (3) birds then the handler must pick up his dog.  Birds flushed only count if the dog is working that bird.  Multiple birds flushed only count as or for the ones acted on.  If a dog flushed a bird on the retrieve it does not count towards quota rule.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 13:  Trees and bushes</B> that are inside the boundaries are considered to be in bounds if the trunk of the tree is on the boundary or inside the boundary (over hanging limbs that are outside the boundary are considered in bounds if the trunk of the tree is in bounds.  Over hanging limbs that are in bounds from a tree that is out of bounds are considered in bounds.  An acted on bird that lands in or lodges in a tree can be shot again with the penalty of ten (10) points for the additional shell.  If the handler or designated shooter must move in order to shoot the bird again a partial retrieve will be scored if the dog makes a retrieve.  If the judge witness that the bird had fallen dead in an in or out of bounds tree/object and a retrieve is impossible the handler will receive full points for the bagged bird.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 14:  Ties for first, second, third and beyond</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" ><B> </B></FONT><B>will be broken as follows:</B></div> <div> a) For first place ties, the trial host has two options:  1 (which is highly recommended by the UFTA if time and birds are permitting).  First place ties will be determined by a sudden death "ONE BIRD" run off.  All tied contestants will draw a number or flip a coin to determine who runs first (the winner of the coin flip or draw has the option to go first, second or wherever depending on the number of dogs that are tied).  All contestants will go to the blind and will be called out one at a time for their respective runs.  While the first handler is making his/her run, all other handlers, designated shooters and designated walkers must remain in the blind.  All birds planted for the "Sudden Death One Bird" run off shall be planted in a close proximity to the same exact spot.  The dog with the highest One Bird Sequence Score wins.  If two or more handlers are still tied after the one “ONE BIRD” run off, the handler that ran the quickest time will be the winner.  See Sec. 13 b) below for details. If further ties persist, see Sec 13, c) & d) below for details</div> <div> b) Time used based on seconds will be used as the first tiebreaker (open division will have both runs times totaled)<B> example: </B>12 minutes 30 seconds beats 12 minutes and 31 seconds) Number of unused shells will be used as the second tiebreaker d) Time the first bird is retrieved as the third tie breaker.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 15:  On the last bird, including a safety, </B>time does not stop until the dog is on the handler's leash or held by the collar and the bird is in possession of the handler.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 16:  The field trial grounds are 7-12 acre fields unless larger fields are approved by the State Representative or Board of directors </B>that are clearly marked with fixed or mown boundaries.  Fence, flags, paint can mark boundaries or mown strips or any other method approved by the UFTA Board of directors.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 17:  Any female dog in season</B> must be run last.  Handler must make the trial committee or field marshal aware of this.  Failure to do so may result in the disqualification of the dog.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 18:  Trial Chairman, his/her immediate family</B> or employees may compete in their own trials.<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >  </FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 19:  Trial committee members may </B>compete for the cash and prizes, as well as the trophies and the points.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 20:</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" ><B>  </B></FONT><B>All dogs must be registered </B>with a traceable pedigree.  (Proof must be made available on request) </div> <div> NOTE<I>:  If handler does not have the proper registration papers on hand.  The handler has 7 days from the end of the trial to supply proper papers or any placements will be forfeited, and all prize money and prizes must be returned</I></div> <div> <B>EFFECT:  Penalty </B>for failure to return prizes and/or prize money will be the indefinite suspension of the offender until said prizes and/or prize money is returned  </div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 21:  The UFTA will not under any circumstances tolerate</B> poor sportsmanship, mistreatment of a dog, unsafe handling of a firearm, alcohol or drug use or any other act that is un-becoming of a gentleman or a lady or that is a detriment to the Field Trial Game.  </div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 22:  A field trial must be set at least 21 days </B>in advance to be recognized as an official trial.  </div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 23:  In any trial, </B>a handler can run at least <B>THREE (3) dogs</B>, but otherwise no more than 10% which would allow four dogs in a 35+ dog trial.  NOTE:  <I>This applies to each division and not the amount of dogs entered into the whole trial.</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>Rule 3; Scoring:</B></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>All scorecards must be signed by the handler and by the judge.  Scorecards are FINAL and the only additions/changes that can be made to the scorecard once signed is for a mathematical error, or a judge giving a handler credit for something that the dog did not earn.  If the handler should have a protest, the handler </B></I><I><B><U>SHOULD NOT</U></B></I><I><B> sign the scorecard until a final decision has been reached by the trial committee or field marshal, following the protest.  A handler refusing to sign a scorecard after a final decision has been reached by the trial committee or the field marshal shall receive (0) zero points </B></I></div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 1:  (0) No points </B>will be awarded unless a bird is produced (bird seen by the judge)<I> If a handler gets no bird work in the allotted time limit, his final score shall be (0) zero.  </I></div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 2: (2) two points </B>will be awarded for each minute under the time limit.  </div> <div> <B>  </B></div> <div> <B>Sec 3:  (1) one bonus point </B>will be awarded for each shot bird</div> <div> <B> </B></div> <div> <B>Sec 4:  (5) five points </B>will be awarded for each partial retrieve</div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 5: (10) ten points </B>will be awarded for each full retrieve.  A handler only gets credit for one (1) retrieve per bird</div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 6:  (10) ten points </B>will be awarded for each shell not used</div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 7:  (10) ten points </B>will be deducted if the handler doesn't shoot but still bags a bird</div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 8:  (10) ten points </B>will be deducted for each time the handler shoots.  <I>EXCEPTION:  When the judge instructs the handler or DS to take a bird out.</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 9:  (20) twenty points </B>will be awarded for each bagged bird<B> </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 10:  The judge for certain safety violations </B>can deduct Penalty points.  </div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 11:  A bird may be scored on </B>only one time during the run.   The judge may instruct the handler to "take out" the "scored on bird" if feasible to do so with NO DEDUCTION'S FOR THE SHELL (S).  Otherwise the judge will remember the immediate area where the bird is and the trial will continue.  If a handler tries to score on the same bird more than one time the judge will not allow it.  If handler shoots a shell while trying to score on the same bird twice the judge will deduct ten (10) points for each time the handler shoots.  </div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 12:  Zero (0) points will be awarded </B>for a cold, dead bird retrieved from out of bounds.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 13:  A perfect sequence will be awarded</B> for a whole dead bird that is produced byt the dog in bounds.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 14:  Zero (0) points will be awarded </B>for any bird shot with an illegal shell.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>Rule 4; Retrieves/Partial Retrieves</B></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>Once a bird has been "Acted on" which means shot at; the handler must keep one foot stationary at all times to be awarded a full retrieve.  The foot that is stationary is a pivot foot and the handler may use this pivot foot to pivot in any direction.  In order for the dog to be awarded a full retrieve must bring the bird back to within one step of the stationary pivot foot.  If the handler drags his/her pivot foot or moves that pivot foot in ANY manner prior to securing the bird from the dog, or prior to the dog bringing the bird back to within the one step; the handler cannot receive points for a full retrieve.  </B></I></div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 1:  The dog must retrieve the bird to </B>the handler, (if using a designated shooter) the DS must step behind the handler immediately upon shooting the bird.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 2:  Once the bird has been acted on (shot at) </B>all participants must remain stationary.  <I>EXCEPTION: 1) The designated shooter must immediately step behind the handler.  </I></div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 3:  If a shot bird falls behind an obstruction</B> that the dog cannot pass safely over or through, the handler or designated shooter may help the dog over the fence and back and receive full points for the retrieval if the dog brings the bird back to within one step of the handler or designated shooter.  Once the handler or designated shooter helps the dog over the fence the handler must now remain stationary until the dog retrieves the bird to within one step of the new position.  <I><B><U>NOTE:</U></B></I>  The handler is allowed one step from this new position; however the pivot foot must remain stationary.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 4:  If the dog flushes another bird during a retrieve</B> in bounds.  The handler or designated shooter may move to shoot the second bird with no penalty on the first bird.  However, he/she must use the second shooting spot as the stationary position for both birds.  If no bird is produced the second shooting spot is still the stationary position for the first retrieve and the handler will be awarded a full retrieve provided the dog completes the retrieve to this new position.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 5:  The dog may not bring the bird to </B>the designated walker.  This will be scored as a partial retrieve if the handler cannot get the dog to retrieve to him/her</div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 6: A handler may</B> kneel down but MAY NOT lie down to retrieve a bird.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 7</B><FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B>:  </B></FONT><B>A handler MAY NOT </B>lay his gun on the ground during a retrieve.</div> <div> <B>EFFECT: </B>1st offense the handler or shooter gets a warning.  2nd offense the handler is penalized five (5) points, and third offense the handler is disqualified for this particular<FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > run</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 8:  The handler MAY NOT </B>physically assist the dog other than the one step limit during the retrieve and still receive 10 points for the retrieve.  <I>EXCEPTION:  The handler may take Golf balls, empty hulls or other safe objects to throw in order to help the dog mark a fallen bird(s).  REFER TO RULE 4 Sec 3 for impassable obstructions.</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 9: ABSOULUTLEY</B><I><B><U> NO LIVE SHELLS OF ANY KIND MAY BE THROWN</U></B></I> to assist a dog in the retrieval of a bird.</div> <div> <B>EFFECT:  An immediate 5-point deduction will be assessed for each shell thrown.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 10:  The handler may </B>lift the dog over or through an obstruction such as a fence (electric or otherwise), hedgerow, or any barrier that is impassable by the dog with no deduction in points.  However, this new position where the handler assisted the dog is now the position where the handler must adhere to all Rules set forth in Rule 4. </div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 11:  No more than one (1) retrieve</B> may be scored on each bird.  </div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 12:  Zero (0) points will be awarded </B>for a cold, dead bird retrieved from out of bounds.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Rule 5; Shells:</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 1:  Ten points will be given for each unused shell.</B>  Each handler or designated shooter will be allowed two (2) shells per bird.  Handler or designated shooters are not limited to how many shells that they may have in their possession in the field.  However, the handler is only permitted to shoot double the amount of shells that the established quota of birds is.  <I>Example:  6 shells for 3 birds</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 2:  One shell shall be forfeited </B>for each trapped bird.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 3:  One shell shall be forfeited </B>for each bagged bird that was not shot at.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 4:  One shell shall be forfeited </B>for each safety called.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 5:  The handler, designated shooter or judge </B>may call a safety as long as there is a shell in the gun.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 6: ABSOULUTLEY</B><I><B><U> NO LIVE SHELLS OF ANY KIND MAY BE THROWN</U></B></I> to assist a dog in the retrieval of a bird.  <B>EFFECT:  An immediate 5-point deduction will be assessed for each live shell that is thrown.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Rule 6; Birds:</B></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>The UFTA highly recommends planting Two (2) extra birds for the first run (example-on a 3-bird plant, put out 5 birds for the first run) in any single event. </B></I><B>  </B><I><B>The birds must not be planted (if cover permits) closer than 30 feet of any boundary line.</B></I></div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 1:  A bagged bird </B>must be in-bounds when flushed.  </div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 2:  If a bird enters into the field of its own accord, </B>this bird is then considered a legal bird.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 3:  If a bird is unintentionally </B>pushed into the field by an out-of-bounds dog or if a hunter leaves the field to retrieve an out of bounds dog and accidentally flushes a bird back into the field.  That bird becomes a "Marked Bird" and the handler has two options. </div> <div>      </div> <div> a) The handler may go directly to the bird and take a six-point deduction.</div> <div> b) The handler may keep his dog off of the bird for three minutes and then hunt the bird for a full sequence.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 4:  No points will be awarded </B>for a cold, dead bird retrieved from out of bounds.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 5:  An out of bounds dog </B>may flush a bird that is in bounds.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 6:  The whole bird </B>must be completely out of bounds before the bird cannot be scored on.  If the bird is standing on or directly above an out of bounds stake, fence or line, that bird is considered to be IN BOUNDS.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 7:  Dead Birds</B> are a safety and shall be scored as a perfect sequence.  The bird must be a whole bird.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 8:  The dog MUST make an attempt</B> to flush the bird.  If after the attempt to flush the bird fails and the judge sees that the bird cannot or will not fly, the handler or designated shooter may pick up the bird and the sequence will be scored as a safety.  </div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 9:  After a bird has been scored on</B> the handler or designated shooter (at the judges request) may fire his gun to take the bird out or to have his/her dog retrieve the bird to get it out of the field.  <B>NOTE:</B> <I> An extra shell will not be deducted if done at the judge's request</I><I><B> and no more than one retrieve will be scored on the bird. </B></I></div> <div> <I><B>  </B></I></div> <div> <B>Sec 10:  If after attempting to flush the bird to flight</B> the dog catches the bird after the bird leaves its nest.  The handler is not deducted any points.  </div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 11:  If after attempting to flush the bird </B>the dog traps the bird before the bird leaves its nest.  The handler is not deducted any points.   </div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 12:  It is considered un-sportsmanlike</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT>for a handler to refrain from calling a dog in from out-of-bounds in hopes of flushing a bird into the field.  </div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 13:  Handler or Designated Shooter</B> may not intentionally mutilate a bird.  For any bird that is mutilated whether judged intentional or not, the handler or DS must completely pick up all remaining parts of the bird to the judges satisfaction while the clock is running.</div> <div> <B><U>NOTE:</U></B><B> </B><I>Intentional mutilation could be considered grounds for disqualification</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 14:  Handlers intentionally cleaning or loading </B>the field will be automatically disqualified</div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 15:  In all UFTA field trials</B> the bird planters must wear gloves that are free of any scent other than that of the birds</div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 16:  The Judge must wear a vest or have</B> a means of carrying all shot or dead birds for that run.  The judge may carry all shot or bagged birds if the handler desires</div> <bR> <div> <B>Rule 7; Safety </B></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>A GOOD, SAFE SHOOT IS </B></I><I><B><U>ALWAYS </U></B></I><B>the</B><I><B> responsibility of the shooter.  Failure to display safe shooting or gun handling practices while competing in a UFTA event is grounds for immediate disqualification.  This is left solely up to the judgment of the judge, trial host, field marshal or trial committee</B></I></div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 1:  No bird in flight </B>may be shot unless it is safe to do so.  A safety shall be called for <B>ANY</B> unsafe shooting condition involving potential injury to any person, dog, or personal property.  </div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 2:  The handler or judge may call a safety</B>.  The final decision as to whether the safety will be allowed will be left up to the judge's discretion.  <B>NOTE:  </B>It is possible though NOT LIKELEY for two or more safeties to be awarded if multiple flushes occur and there is no safe shot on any bird.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 3:  Running by any handler, </B>designated shooter or designated walker is prohibited during the field trial.  It is the handler's responsibility to control his/her designated shooter or designated walker from running.  </div> <div> <B>EFFECT</B><I><B>:  The first warning assessed to the handler; zero (0) points will be deducted.  For the second   warning to the handler a five (5)-point deduction will be assessed.  For the third warning, the handler WILL BE DIS-QUALIFIED</B></I></div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 4:  A handler will be awarded a safety </B>if the judge or cameraman flushes a bird out of the field.  If the bird stays in the field the handler can immediately hunt the bird but will not be awarded the safety from the 1<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >st</FONT> flush</div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 5:  For a third bird safety</B> (or quota ending bird) the time stops when the handler, judge or designated shooter calls safety and the dog is on the leash.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 6:  As long as the handler</B> or designated shooter has a shell in his/her gun, a safety can still be awarded</div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 7:  Handler Safety</B></div> <div> <B>     </B>a) No bird is to be shot on the ground.</div> <div>      b) Blaze Orange Vest; Cap, or Coat must be worn during the trial.</div> <div> c) All guns MUST have the shells removed and the chamber left open at all times except while competing.</div> <div> d) All dogs must be leashed, staked out, in a vehicle or restrained in some manner (approved by trial committee or field marshal) unless competing.</div> <div> e) If the handler must help a dog over or through any obstruction, the handler must give the gun to the judge unloaded, with the chamber open.</div> <div> f) If the handler must leave the trial grounds for any reason during the run, the handler must give the gun to the judge unloaded, with the chamber open.</div> <div> g) Only 2 3/4 inch shells will be allowed for 16 gauge and larger bore guns.  20 gauge and smaller bore guns may use 3-inch shells.  Maximum size shot is six (6) shot for ANY gun.  <I>NOTE:  Some facilities or clubs may allow only smaller shot than six (6) shot, example, 7 ½, 8 or 9 shot.</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>Rule 8; Dog Handler</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 1: It is each handler's responsibility</B> to be in the blind on time.  The decision on how many handlers are to be in the blind is left up to the trial committee. </div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 2:  No electric training collars, </B>combination collars, check cords or any other training device will be allowed during the trial </div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 3:  The dog's regular collar</B> must not have any kind of prongs.  Refer to Rule 8 Sec. 2 for further information</div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 4:  The handler</B> may not use any outside assistance whatsoever while competing in the trial.  This includes help from the gallery prior to or during the run, the Designated Shooter or the Designated Walker.  UFTA events are designed for one handler and his/her dog to locate and bag game with their own abilities.  <I><B>EXCEPTION:  </B></I><I>The handler may use an ATV, Golf Cart or other means of transportation if the handler is physically challenged.</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 5:  Any participant in a UFTA</B> trial event is required to sign a waiver and release agreement before participating in the trial.  This includes among others, handlers, designated shooters, designated walkers, field marshals, judges and bird planters.</div> <bR> <div> <B><U>EFFECT:  Sec 1-5:  Immediate Disqualification </U></B></div> <bR> <div>  <B>Sec 6:  If a conflict occurs with starting times</B> or fields, the next handler in rotation will be moved up, and the trial shall continue.  The UFTA will try to make every attempt to make sure that this does not happen.  The handler who had the conflict will move back into the regular rotation as soon as possible.  <I><B><U>NOTE:  Moving ANY handler around in rotation is not grounds for protest.    Handlers intentionally stalling to keep from moving back into rotation will be considered un-sportsman like conduct, and the handler may be disqualified.</U></B></I></div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 7:  A Physically challenged or injured </B>handler may use an ATV, Golf Cart or other means of transportation.  The trial committee should be made aware of this at least 24hrs a head of the scheduled start time of the trial.  The contestant must provide a designated walker (DW) (and must be approved by the field marshal or trial committee).  The handler must follow along behind the DW at a walking pace.  The DW may be another contestant provided the contestant has no more runs in that field on that day, or the DW may be a Designated Shooter.  <I><B><U>NOTE</U></B></I><I><U>:  The trial committee or trial host IS NOT responsible for providing an ATV, Golf Cart or other mode of Transportation.  However, the trial committee or trial host DOES RESERVE THE RIGHT to approve or to not approve a particular mode of transportation.  Physically challenged competitors in their own best interest need to contact the trial committee or host prior to the start of the trial to get their particular mode of transportation approved</U></I><I><B><U>.</U></B></I></div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 8:  The handler when using a Designated Walker</B> does not carry the gun while on the ATV or other vehicle.  The Designated Walker carries the gun until the dog flushes the bird and is safely off of his/her ATV or other vehicle, and can safely handle the gun. </div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 9:  Handlers under the age of eighteen </B>may not shoot in a UFTA event</div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 10:  Handlers under the age of eighteen </B>must make it known to the Trial Chairman or Trial Committee that he/she is under the age of 18 prior to the start of the field trial.  </div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 11:  All handlers must </B>have an identification card to verify age.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 12:  Any handler </B>that get disqualified for any reason, that trial DOES NOT count towards his/her qualification into the NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Rule 9; Designated Shooter (DS)</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 1:  A designated shooter (DS) </B>is a person that is assigned or approved by the field marshal, trial host or trial committee for the sole purpose of shooting for a handler.  </div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 2:  No one under the age of 18 </B>may be a DS</div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 3:  The DS may not assist</B> the handler in anyway other than to carry the gun, flush the bird(s) and shoot for the handler</div> <div> <B>EFFECT:  </B><I><B>If the DS assists the handler in </B></I><I><B><U>any way</U></B></I><I><B>, the judge will score the sequence as a Zero (0) and the bird if still alive will not be scoreable for the remainder of the time limit.</B></I></div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 4:  The handler </B>must remain with the judge while the DS attempts to shoot the bird.  The handler may give vocal instructions only to the DS to assist him/her in finding the bird.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 5:  The handler and DS </B>must walk together</div> <bR> <div> <B>Rule 10; Designated Walker (DW)</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 1:  A Designated Walker (DW) </B>is a person that is assigned or approved by the field marshal or trial committee for the purpose of walking for an injured or physically challenged handler.  The injured or physically challenged handler may ride in golf cart, ATV or similar mode of transportation approved by the field marshal or trial committee.  The Handler must follow behind the Designated Walker (DW) at all times and may guide the DW in any means necessary, as long as the DW and the Handler adhere to the official Rule Book of the UFTA.  </div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 2:  The DW will carry the gun </B>while the handler rides along behind in an ATV or other vehicle approved by the trial committee or field marshal.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 3: The DW must walk at all times</B> as defined in Rule 1, Sec 12:  </div> <div> <B>EFFECT:  </B><I><B>The first warning assessed to the handler; zero (0) points will be deducted.  For the second warning to the handler a five (5)-point deduction will be assessed.  For the third warning, the handler WILL BE DISQUALIFIED.</B></I></div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 4:  The DW will stop walking when </B>the dog is attempting to flush a bird and wait for the handler to dismount his/ her ATV or other vehicle.  The DW will give the handler the gun when it is safe to do so.  The DW will then remain with the judge until the sequence is complete and the handler moves on to the next bird or the Time Limit has expired</div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 5:  The DW will not assist </B>the handler in ANY WAY other than to walk and carry the gun for the handler</div> <div> <B>EFFECT:</B><I><B>  For giving assistance to the handler:  No points will be awarded for the sequence and if the bird is dead or alive, will not be scoreable for the remainder of the time limit.</B></I><B> </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 6:  No one under the age of 18 may be a DW </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Rule 11; Re-runs:</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 1: A re-run is an aborted run that will start over.  </B>The field will be replanted with the number of birds removed since the beginning of the original run.  A reasonable rest period will be granted prior to the re-run.  The rest period will be no less than 5 minutes and no more than 15 minutes. </div> <div> <B>NOTE: </B><I>If the handler chooses not to take the rest period and chooses to continue immediately, this will not be grounds for protest once the handler proceeds with the re-run.  </I></div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 2:  If the handler chooses a re-run</B>, he/she must remain in the blind while the replacement birds are being planted.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 3:  If ANY dog other than the dog competing in the assigned field</B>, interferes in the field with the competing dog; the handler will have the option of a re-run or to continue the run already started.  If the handler continues the run in progress, a re-run will not be allowed.  EXAMPLES OF INTERFERENCE:  Any dog or person not assigned to the field in which the run is taking place enters into that field and distracts the legal dog in any way.  Or flushes a bird from the field, or hinders the legal dog in any way will be considered interference.  <B><U>NOTE:</U></B> An illegal dog simply pointing a bird is not necessarily interference, especially if the illegal dog can be removed from the field without flushing a bird. </div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 4:  A re-run may be awarded for</B> various safety reasons such as but not limited to lightning, darkness or any other incidents that the field marshal or trial committee deems necessary.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 5:  A re- run may be awarded for </B>any inconsistencies in scoring or bird quota.  Or for a judges error in applying the rules of the UFTA that puts the handler at a disadvantage</div> <bR> <div> <B>Rule 12; Time:</B></div> <div> <B><U>NOTE:</U></B><B>  During Any UFTA Field Trial, the time will be stopped only at the judge's discretion.  </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 1:  The judge will record Time used</B> in minutes and seconds.  Un-used time is calculated for additional points. <I> Example:  For a run of 12 min. 15 seconds the unused time is 8 minutes giving the handler 16 points for the un-used time (previous example was for a 20 minute time limit).  The recording of the seconds if merely for tie breaking purposes </I></div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 2:  Time will be called by the scorekeeper</B> for any of the following:</div> <div>      a) The hunter ceases to hunt (no points will be awarded for the un-used time).</div> <div>      b) The Time Limit has expired.</div> <div>      c) The handler has bagged the established quota of birds.  Points will be awarded for un-used time.</div> <div>      d) All shells have been used.</div> <div>      e) An infraction of a rule, which leads to immediate disqualification.</div> <div> f) During “Sudden Death” run off situations when it is obvious that there is a clear cut winner.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 3:  If a protest in the field should arise</B>, the judge should note the time and any details of what is being protested and the run should continue.  <I>EXCEPTION:  When a re-run may or may not be awarded to the handler.</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 4:  If time must be stopped</B> for ANY REASON, the dog must be immediately leashed.  Time is stopped once the dog is on the leash and in control of the handler.  When the handler unleashes the dog the time will continue.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 5:  Time stops when the handler </B>has bagged the established quota of birds, the last bird is in hand and the dog is on the leash.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 6:  Time stops when the handler </B>designated shooter or judge calls safety and that particular bird will give the handler his/her established quota and the dog is on the leash.<B> </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 7:  The run is over and the handler</B> must leash his/her dog. </div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 8:  The dog and/or handler has 30 seconds</B> after the time limit has expired to retrieve, partially retrieve or to find a downed bird.  <I><B><U>NOTE</U></B></I><I><B>:  </B></I><I>To receive full points for the retrieve the handler must adhere to all Rules concerning Retrieves.  Refer to Rule 4.   The handler may elect to simply pick up the bird and lose his/her retrieval points in order to bag the bird prior to the 30- second grace period expiring.</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>Rule 13; Judges:</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 1:  All Judges must be certified and registered</B> by each State Representative or duly appointed official</div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 2:  Judges must be certified by the UFTA or appointed official.  </B>Certification is complete once the judge has passed the UFTA OFFICIAL TEST, and has co-judged (with a certified judge) 8 separate runs consisting of both singles and doubles runs in the Pointing Division.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 3: Judges and Field Trial Committee's </B>have the authority to rule on situations not specifically covered by the rules if The National Rules Interpreter cannot be reached.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 4: </B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" ><B> </B></FONT><B>The Judge must wear a vest or have</B> a means of carrying all shot or dead birds for that run.  The judge will carry all shot or bagged birds</div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 5:  Judges MAY NOT </B>compete in the field in which they are judging until their respective runs in that field are completed for that day. </div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 6:  Judges may use ATV's, Golf Carts, </B>or other means of transportation or they may choose to walk.  The decision will be left solely up to the judge.<B>  </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Rule 14; By Laws and Constitution:</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Sec 1:  The Open Shooting Flushing Dog Division shall abide by all By Laws and Constitution that govern the UFTA except the following:</B></div> <div> a)  ARTICLE VI, Section National Championships - Any dog that competes in four (4) trials in the Open Shooting Flushing Dog Division will automatically qualify the National Championships.          </div> <bR> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>