Nose Work Trial -- Sniffketeers: Pumpkin Patch at Sauvie Island, Portland, OR

Official NACSW™

NW2/NW1 Trials

November 13, 14, 2021

TRIAL LOCATION:

The Pumpkin Patch at Sauvie Island, Portland, OR

16511 NW Gillihan Rd, Portland, OR 97231

Entry Link NW2 Saturday: Click Here

Entry Link NW1 Sunday: Click Here

This trial location is a retail produce farm and farm stand. The parking lot is a combination of pavement and rough dirt/gravel and the pathways and search areas may require you to navigate gravel, mud, dirt and rough terrain, it may also be overall muddy and wet. There may be a variety of farm animals within sound and smell range and possibly within obscured visual range of the search areas and paths to/from the search areas.

It is not appropriate to contact or visit the trial location prior to the trial date, nor should training take place on trial grounds once an event is approved/announced. Our locations are real life search environments where people work, go to school, etc. Pre-trial contact or visits risk the host losing the opportunity to use the location again in the future.

Trial Host:

Terri Spaeth-Merrick

Levels:

NW2: Saturday, November 13, 2021

NW1: Sunday, November 14, 2021

Certifying Official:

Angie Falcsik

Judges:

Crystal Schuster, Cathie Laber

Entry Cost:

NW1: $100 per dog and handler team

NW2: $125 per dog and handler team

Number of Entries:

NW1: 50 entries

NW2: 42 entries

One dog per handler per level/element.

COVID INFORMATION

Event attendees are required to adhere to the NACSW COVID-19 Event Guidelines and Rules

In addition to those guidelines the following changes and guidelines are in effect for this trial due to COVID-19.

All attendees (competitors and volunteers) will be required to bring and wear face masks when not in your vehicle.

Competitors are asked to remain in their vehicles as much as possible. Running of vehicles is not permitted.

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

Oregon has instituted a mandatory mask requirement for all indoor activities. See this link for complete details: Oregon Mask Mandate

Fully vaccinated (def. 2 weeks after your last vaccination):

People who are fully vaccinated with an FDA-authorized vaccine can travel safely within the United States and will not be required to wear a mask.

If you are NOT fully vaccinated (def. 2 weeks after your last vaccination): You should adhere to the CDC guidelines https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/participate-in-activities.html

This includes wearing a mask and maintaining social distancing at all times while at the event.

Everyone at the event must sign an on-line waiver with the following info:

I represent and affirm that to the best of my knowledge and belief:

(1) I do not have COVID-19 nor am I waiting for test results;
(2) I have not been tested and found positive for COVID-19 or if I have tested positive for COVID-19, I certify that I have been released by government officials and/or health care providers to resume normal activity without limit;
(3) I have not during the past 14 days experienced symptoms associated with COVID-19 including fever, coughing, or shortness of breath; and
(4) I have not within the past 14 days, to the best of my knowledge and belief, been in contact with or exposed to any known carrier of COVID-19.
I agree to follow any specific event guidelines, precautions and requirements to mitigate the possibility of event participants or attendees contracting or spreading COVID-19.
I understand the risks of contracting or being exposed to COVID-19 associated with my attendance at this event, and I knowingly accept those risks.

Everyone at the event is encouraged to maintain social distance and be respectful of the wishes of others.

If there are any significant changes or updates after the draw period, entrants will be notified via email. Competitors are responsible for staying up to date on any jurisdictional requirements for their home location as well as the trial location including any travel guidance.

TRIAL ENTRY INFORMATION

Trial Entry Open and Closing:

The draw period for the trial will open on Thursday, October 7, 2021 at 9:00 AM Pacific Daylight Time.

Entries will be awarded by random draw of all entries received between Thursday, October 7, 2021 at 9:00 AM Pacific Daylight Time and Saturday, October 9, 2021 at 9:00 AM Pacific Daylight Time.

Trial entry will close at the end of the draw if the trial and wait list are deemed full. If the trial and wait list are not full, the trial will remain open for entries until they are deemed full or the day of the trial.

We will not be taking payment until you are given a space in the trial. If you are given a space in the trial, you will receive information on how to submit payment. You will then have 6 days to complete your payment to confirm your space in the trial.

Entry Method:

All entries will be on-line via the link provided to the NACSW trial entry form. Paper and phone entries will not be accepted. Completing the form is not a guarantee of entry. You will receive a confirmation from NoseWorkTrial@gmail.com to let you know if your entry has been given a space in the trial.

Entry Requirements & Selection:

A Qualified Entry is one that meets all the following criteria:

Complete the on-line trial entry during the draw period listed above.
The Handler is a NACSW member for the 2021-2022 membership year (8/1/21 - 7/31/22)
The Dog is registered with the NACSW.
Dogs participating in a trial must be at least one year of age.
The Dog has achieved the ORT title (passed all 3 odors) and prior title level at least 14 days before the trial opens for entries. This applies to all levels effective April 1, 2021.
Qualified entry for NW1 – Dog has not yet earned a NW1 title level. Qualified entry for NW2 – Dog has earned a NW1 title level and has not yet earned a NW2 title.

Trial spaces will be determined in the following manner:

Spaces will be awarded by a random draw of all Qualified Entries received during the draw period listed above.

In the event that you are having technical difficulties with the entry system, please email trialentry@nacsw.net prior to the end of the draw period.

No dog will be given a space in more than one trial of the same level at a single event.

You may enter multiple dogs for entry in the draw. However, only one dog/handler per title level will be accepted into the trial. Entry will go to the dog selected in the draw – you may not swap to an alternate dog. If multiple dogs are selected in the draw, you may select which dog you wish to enter. Once a dog has been entered as a second dog/handler entry, you may not swap handlers after the draw to change the entry to a first dog/handler unless the trial is not full.

If a trial level is not full after the draw of Qualified Entries, then there will be a Secondary Draw of any entries received that did not meet the ORT title or title requirements. These entries will be accepted pending completion of the requirements. Note: dogs must earn their ORT title and prior title level at least 3 days prior to the trial date to be eligible to compete. If the required title or ORT title is earned less than 14 days prior to the event, it is the competitor’s responsibility to notify the host that the requirement has been completed.

If the trial level and wait list are not full after all entries received during the draw period have been processed, entries will continue to be accepted in the order they are received until the trial and wait list are deemed full.

For Exhibit Only Dogs (FEO): Dogs running FEO are not eligible to receive titles or earn placement ribbons. FEO results will not be included in the posted trial results.

If space remains after all qualified entries are accommodated on Thursday, October 21, 2021 at 9:00 AM Pacific Daylight Time, then we will offer spaces for those who wish to run a dog For Exhibition Only (FEO). Second dog/handler FEO entries on the same day will be offered spaces Thursday, October 28, 2021 at 9:00 AM Pacific Daylight Time.

The trial host of an event has the right to refuse entry of any competitor or dog for just cause as approved by the National Trial Committee. Just cause includes lack of adherence to NACSW rules and guidelines and the policies outlined in each event entry premium.

Some trial entries may be given priority entry based on contributions to the organization and the trial process.

Notification:

You will be notified via e-mail of the results of the random draw by Thursday, October 14, 2021 at 11:00 PM Pacific Daylight Time.

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

You will then have 6 days to complete your payment to confirm your space in the trial. Trial payments are payable to Terri Spaeth-Merrick by check sent to 1908 NE 50th Ave., Portland, OR, 97213 or electronic payment via Zelle, or Venmo.

A waiting list for alternates will be started as soon as entries fill.

Alternates will be contacted when a space opens.

Depending on last minute trial logistics, we may opt to not fill all canceled spaces.

NACSW reserves the right to cancel a trial if minimum entry numbers are not met.

Be sure you read and understand the guidelines for this trial before entering. By submitting a registration for this NACSW Trial, you acknowledge that you have read, understand, and accept the policies and liability information of NACSW.

CANCELLATION POLICY

The following cancellation policy applies:

If the trial is cancelled due to issues related to COVID entry fees will be refunded minus any non-refundable costs that the host has incurred to up to the date of trial cancellation, those costs will be distributed equally across all entry fees received.

For cancellation of entries on or before 5 PM Pacific Standard Time Thursday November 4, 2021 – Full refund minus $25 processing fee.

For cancellation of entries after 5 PM Pacific Standard Time Thursday November 4, 2021 - 75% refund will be issued if host can and does fill your space. No refund will be issued after this date if the host can not fill your space. Except for titled earned and properly notified as stated below full refund minus a $15 processing fee. No refunds will be issued for cancellations during the last 48 hours before the event or no-shows. Please note: Due to time constraints, the host may opt to not fill cancelled spaces and no refund will be issued.

If you earn the title for the level you are entering after the refund period has ended then you must contact the trial host at NoseWorkTrial@gmail.com within 48 hours of earning your title and at least 72 hours before the trial you are registered for to let them know you are no longer eligible. If you contact the host within 48 hours of titling and at least 72 hours before their trial and (1) they are unable to fill your space then you won't be given a refund but will be allowed to keep your space in the trial and run your dog FEO or (2) they are able to fill your space then a refund will be issued minus the processing fee listed in the cancellation policy. If you fail to contact the host within 48 hours of earning your title and at least 72 hours before the trial you are registered for then you will forfeit your space, you will not be allowed to run as FEO, and no refund will be issued.

All cancellations must be emailed to NoseWorkTrial@gmail.com.

Entry fees shall not be refunded if a dog or handler is absent, disqualified, or excused by the NACSW official or judge.

This cancellation and refund policy applies to competitors that must withdraw for any reason including but not limited to injury, illness, emergency, and personal or work-related reasons

If the trial cannot take place or be completed by reason of fire, civil disturbances, an Act of God, public emergency, or any other cause beyond the control of the trial organizers, then the trial host will make their best effort to provide partial refunds after recouping their expenses.

LOCATION DETAILS

Trial Conditions:

Modeled after real-life detection work, NACSW trials are held in many different locations, with a variety of terrain, under varying weather conditions. Dogs and handlers need to be able to safely negotiate a variety of surfaces, including, but not limited to: tile, linoleum, carpeting, gravel, asphalt, uneven surfaces, and slippery footing.

Handlers should be prepared to deal with a variety of weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain and snow. Trials frequently require covering extensive distances to get to and from the parking area to each of the search areas and generally require that this be done across natural, uneven surfaces.

Handlers should be prepared for the physical demands and must be able to navigate the terrain with their dog accordingly. Participants should expect to spend most of the day outside or in their vehicles as there are rarely indoor crating options at trials.

Please be prepared for you and your canine partner to deal with all these varying environmental challenges.

Handlers should familiarize themselves with potential regional risks and health concerns that may affect themselves or their dogs.

Handlers agree that they are entering this trial at their own risk.

Site Specific Conditions:

There may be a variety of farm animals within sound and smell range and possibly within obscured visual range of the search areas and paths to/from the search areas.

Due to unforeseen conditions, such as weather or change in availability of areas at the location, the expected search areas, parking, and pathways to the search areas may be modified at the last minute.

Reactive Dog Parking:

There will not be reactive dog parking at this trial.

Due to unforeseen conditions, such as weather or change in availability of areas at the location, this policy may be modified at the last minute.

Unentered Dogs:

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

RV Parking:

There is space for small RVs to park in the competitor parking area during the trial day. To reserve a space, you will need to contact the host after you receive a confirmation that you have received a space in the trial. Email NoseWorkTrial@gmail.com to reserve RV space. No overnight RV parking is available.

NOTE: There may be mud, gravel, and other unpaved surfaces that you may need to drive over or through to get to the parking area.

Due to unforeseen conditions, such as weather or change in availability of areas at the location, this policy may be modified at the last minute.

Running Vehicles or Generators in the parking lot:

The parking may be tight at this location and running your vehicles or generators in the parking lot is not allowed at this trial.

Due to unforeseen conditions, such as weather or change in availability of areas at the location, this policy may be modified at the last minute.

Smoking:

Smoking is not allowed on this trial site, including the use of e-cigarettes

Hotels:

A list of area hotels will be available here: NoseWorkTrial.com.

DOG INFORMATION

Dog Policies

All dogs must be on a 6’ leash at all times when not being tested. NO flexi-leashes while not participating in a competition search.

Dogs that need space from dogs may wear a red bandana, provided by the dog’s handler, to help signal others that the dog needs extra space from dogs.

Dogs will be toileted in designated areas and handlers must pick-up and dispose of waste.

Dogs and handlers must stay in designated areas to avoid contaminating testing space, interrupting a test, or from viewing any part of the testing.

Competitors should expect to keep their dogs confined in a crate or vehicle when not competing. The logistics of a trial typically do not allow for dogs to hang out on leash in between searches. Competitors should plan to provide their own shade using canopies or shade cloth.

Refer to Location Details (above) for information on unentered dogs.

Females in Season:

Will be allowed to run wearing “pants” at the very end of the running orders after all other dogs have been judged. Females in season will be parked and pottied in areas separate from the other dogs while at the trial if the location logistics permit. Handlers must contact NoseWorkTrial.com so plans can be made for the dog.

OTHER INFORMATION

Rules:

Complete rules are available at www.NACSW.net. It is the responsibility of each competitor to read and understand the current NACSW Rule book prior to participating in a NACSW event.

Liability:

By registering for the trial, the competitor hereby assumes all risks of, and responsibility for, accidents and/or damage to her/himself or to her/his property or to others, resulting from the actions of her/his dog. The competitor expressly agree that the NACSW, Terri Spaeth-Merrick and its assignees or any other person, or persons, of said groups, shall not be held liable personally, or collectively, under any circumstances, for injury, and/or damage to her/himself, for loss or injury to property, whether due to uncontrolled dogs or negligence of any member of said groups, or any other cause, or causes. The competitor also agrees to assume all financial liability that may be incurred by the NACSW due to the actions of themselves or their dogs regardless of the cause.

Sportsmanship:

All competitors/handlers and spectators are expected to follow the rules of the NACSW and demonstrate good sportsmanship. This includes making sure the hide placements are unknown to the handler prior to testing and kept secret from other competitors. Please do not discuss hide placement or any details of a dog's performance that may provide information or clues to other handlers or may be overheard.

NACSW Results:

Results for each search and overall will be posted after all searches are completed and scores are verified for you to record your results for your own records. It is your responsibility to ensure your scores are accurate prior to leaving trial grounds. If a discrepancy cannot be verified at the trial, you may be instructed to submit a score card review request. It is not the responsibility of the host or NACSW to return score sheets that are left behind or to mail ribbons that are not picked up.

Spectators:

Please make any spectating arrangements at least 36 hours prior to the trial by contacting the Host at NoseWorkTrial@gmail.com.

Limited spectating by people arriving with a competitor may be allowed at some search elements, space permitting, and per any COVID related jurisdictional limits, and/or at the Certifying Official’s discretion. Spectators must follow all COVID related requirements and guidance noted in the Premium and/or announced at the trial.

Spectators may not photograph or video searches.

Spectators are reminded that the hide placements must not be discussed nor should they speak with any competitors about what they saw until after the trial is complete.

No dogs will be allowed in the spectator area. No unentered dogs with spectators are allowed at the trial.

Children under 18 must always be directly supervised by a parent/guardian.

An adult accompanying a minor must be present during the searches.

Everyone at the trial site must sign the waiver provided by the host and comply with all event requirements.

Competitors are not allowed to watch the trial at any time.

Videotaping and Photography:

At the host's discretion, a photographer and/or video service may be present during the trial to offer photos and/or videos for sale to the competitors.

As a condition of your entry, you agree to allow NACSW, or their agents, to video you and your dog during the entirety of the NACSW event. These videos are the property of NACSW. All competitors, through entry at any NACSW event, waive any and all rights relative to video broadcast or photography of such event.

Questions:

All trial related questions, contact Terri Spaeth-Merrick at NoseWorkTrial@gmail.com