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RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES OF THE MARSHAL

• READ AND BECOME FAMILIAR WITH THE AKC FIELD TRIAL RULES AND STANDARD PROCEDURES FOR RETRIEVERS

The rules can be found on the Internet at www.akc.org/dic/events/perform/ret1.cfm

If you are unable to access the rules on the Internet, request a copy from the Field Trial Chairman

• ARRIVE AT THE CLUBHOUSE AT 7:00 AM EACH DAY YOUR ASSIGNED STAKE IS RUNNING

• OBTAIN THE LIST OF DOGS/HANDLERS FROM THE FIELD TRIAL SECRETARY

  Consult with Field Trial Secretary to determine scratches and starting order

  Make appropriate notes in catalog to distinguish scratches from running dogs

• INTRODUCE YOURSELF TO YOUR STAKE COORDINATOR

  Obtain your radio from your stake coordinator

  Ensure you know how to use the radio

  Assist the stake coordinator in assembling, transporting and setting up equipment for each series

• INTRODUCE YOURSELF TO YOUR JUDGES

  Discuss the running order of the dogs with the judges

  Inquire of judges the rotation to be used for running order in subsequent stakes

  Inquire if they have any special instructions of which you need to be aware

  Discuss the proper location for the gallery and parking of vehicles

  You are responsible to ensure that the gallery and participants comply with the parameters set forth by the judges

• DETERMINE THE SITE OF THE SERIES AND PLACE DIRECTIONAL SIGNS TO ASSIST PARTICIPANTS IN FINDING YOUR STAKE

• ARRANGE FOR A TEST DOG (PRIOR TO THE BEGINNING OF EACH SERIES) AND BYE DOG (IF APPLICABLE) FOR HONORING

• ANNOUNCE THE RUNNING ORDER AND ROTATION OF SUBSEQUENT SERIES TO THE GALLERY/PARTICIPANTS AFTER THE TEST DOG IS RUN

• THE MARSHAL IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SAFETY AND EFFICIENCY OF THE RUNNING OF THE STAKE

  Ensure that each dog is called to the line and that there is always a dog in the holding blind and one getting ready

  Be consistent and fair to all handlers. When a handler is told to get ready, do not change their running order

  Determine if workers in the field need to run a dog in your stake or another stake. Consult with the Stake Coordinator to rotate workers out of the field to allow them to run their dogs. Use radio communications to coordinate with the Marshals of simultaneous stakes to coordinate the running of dogs that are entered in more than one stake.

  Take time to observe the gun handling practices of gunners/poppers in the field or on the line to ensure safe gun handling practices. Correct any unsafe gun handling practices that you observe.

  Ensure that dead birds are placed in bags, containers or drying racks. Dead birds must never be placed on the ground.

• FOLLOWING EACH STAKE (EXCEPT THE LAST) OBTAIN SIGNED CALL BACK LIST FROM THE JUDGES

  While the judges are working on the call back list, assist the Stake Coordinator with moving equipment in preparation for the next series.

  Police the area of the test to ensure that no litter, garbage, shells or unwanted articles are left behind.

  Post call back lists at the club house on the bulletin board.

  Record those dogs called back for your use in determining subsequent series running orders.

• IT IS THE MARSHAL’S RESPONSIBILITY TO REPORT ANY INCIDENTS OF UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT, VIOLATIONS OF THE RULES OR REGULATIONS, HANDLER PROTESTS AND UNUSUAL OCCURRENCES TO THE CHIEF MARSHAL OR FIELD TRIAL CHAIRMAN

• AT THE END OF EACH DAY ASSIST THE STAKE COORDINATOR IN BREAKING DOWN THE TEST AND TRANSPORTING THE EQUIPMENT TO THE CLUBHOUSE

  Pick up all directional signs and return them to the clubhouse.

  Assist the Stake Coordinator with hanging dead birds in the shed adjacent to the clubhouse.