Official NACSW™

NW3, NW1 Trials

October 10-11, 2020

TRIAL LOCATION:  Peetz School, 311 Coleman Avenue, Peetz, CO  80747

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:  The Elemental Dog, LLC

NW3:  October 10, 2020

NW1:  October 11, 2020

There is no Breed Specific Legislation at this location.

Certifying Official:  Jill Kovacevich

Judges:  Dana Zinn and Bob Day

Entry Cost
NW1:  $95 per dog and handler team
NW3:  $135 per dog and handler team

Number of Entries
NW1: 45 entries
NW3: 35 entries

One dog per handler per level/element.

NACSW is requiring that all attendees adhere to social distancing – maintaining 6’ of distance – at all trials until further notice even if your jurisdiction has relaxed their requirements or recommendations. Social Distancing requirements at an event are MANDATORY. There is no option to mutually consent to be closer together than 6’. Please be respectful that your proximity or request for proximity may make others uncomfortable.

Please review the document COVID-19 Event Guidelines that is located in Google docs and was emailed to the membership on 5/8/2020.
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 in search areas and when away from their vehicles.
Competitors are asked to remain in the vicinity of their vehicles as much as possible.
Competitors are asked to bring their own hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes.

If there are any changes or updates that information will be included in your final details information that will be emailed 1-2 weeks before the trial weekend.

TRIAL ENTRY INFORMATION

Trial Entry Open and Closing

• The draw period for the trial will open on September 2, 2020 at 10:00 AM MDT. Entries will be awarded by random draw of all entries received between 10:00 AM MDT, September 2, 2020 and 10:00 AM MDT, September 4, 2020.
• Trial entry will close at the end of the draw if the trial and wait list are deemed full. If the trial and wait list are not full, the trial will remain open for entries until they are deemed full or on the closing date which is 10:00 AM MDT on October 1, 2020.
• 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 48 hours 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 an auto-response email confirming that we received your trial entry after registration – this email does not confirm your space in the trial. There will be a separate confirmation from the.elemental.dog@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:

1. Complete the on-line trial entry during the draw period listed above.
2. The Handler is a NACSW™ member for the 2020-2021 membership year (8/1/20 – 7/31/21).
3. The Dog is registered with the NACSW™.
4. Dogs participating in a trial must be at least one year of age.
5. The Dog has passed the appropriate ORT and prior title level at least 14 days before the trial opens for entries.
6. Qualified entry for NW1 – Dog has not yet earned a NW1 title level.
7. Qualified entry for NW3 – Dog has earned a NW2 title and has not yet earned the NW3 Elite title level.

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 or title requirements. These entries will be accepted pending completion of the requirements. Note: dogs must earn the appropriate ORT and prior title level at least 3 days prior to the trial date to be eligible to compete. If the required title or ORT is earned less than 14 days prior to the event, it is the competitor’s responsibility to notify the host that the requirement has been completed.
• After all entries received during the draw period are processed, if the trial level is still not full, entries will continue to be accepted in the order they are received through the closing date or when entries fill.
• For Exhibit Only Dogs (FEO): Dogs running FEO are not eligible to receive titles or earn placement ribbons.  FEO results will not be included in the posted trial results.
• If space remains after all qualified entries are accommodated on September 16, 2020, 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 after September 30, 2020.
• The trial host of an event has the right to refuse entry of any competitor or dog for just cause as approved by the National Trial Committee. Just cause includes lack of adherence to NACSW™ rules and guidelines and the policies outlined in each event entry premium.
• Some trial entries may be given priority entry based on contributions to the organization and the trial process.

You will be notified via e-mail of the results of the random draw by September 14, 2020.

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

You will then have 48 hours to complete your payment to confirm your space in the trial.  Trial payments are payable to The Elemental Dog, LLC by PayPal or credit card.  PayPal and credit card are paid through the PayPal site – no PayPal account required.

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

Alternates will be contacted when a space opens.

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

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

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

CANCELLATION POLICY

The following cancellation policy applies:

• For cancelation of entries on or before 5:00 PM Mountain Time September 25, 2020 Full refund minus $25 processing fee.
• For cancelations of entries after 5:00 PM Mountain September 25, 2020 No refunds will be issued after this date if the host can’t fill your space.

No refunds will be issued for cancelations during the last 72 hours before the event or no-shows.

Please note that due to time constraints, the host may opt to not fill your canceled spaces and no refund will be issued.

All cancelations must be emailed to the.elemental.dog@gmail.com.

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

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 the.elemental.dog@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 the.elemental.dog@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

Altitude:  Peetz, CO is at 4436’ above sea level.

Walking distances:  The Peetz School is reasonably compact and walking distances are not excessive.

Terrain:  The competitor parking lot is gravel with no shade.  Pathways to search areas may be somewhat rough consisting of a combination of paved, gravel, and natural surfaces.  There is no significant elevation change across the site.

Weather:  The average high in Peetz in early October is in the upper 60s with average lows in the upper 30s.  Sun, rain, or snow are all possible.  All attendees (competitors, volunteers, and officials) should plan to wear clothing, including outer layers, with the ability to add or subtract layers throughout the day.  Wind is likely.  Peetz is in the heart of a large wind farm and it’s often windy.  The climate is generally dry and competitors should bring plenty of water.

The town of Peetz:  Peetz is a very small community and has no hotel or grocery store.  The Farmer’s Co-Op sells fuel by credit card anytime and has a small convenience store open Saturday mornings.  There is also one restaurant, The Hot Spot Bar that may be open Saturday and is walking distance from the trial.  There will not be sufficient time to go out for lunch, but if they are open you could call for a take out order.  Otherwise, plan on bringing food to the trial.
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 be reactive dog parking at this trial for those who wish to park in this area, however the parking is tight and there will not be separate potty areas or warm up boxes.

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

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

RV Parking
There is very limited 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 the.elemental.dog@gmail.com to reserve RV space.  No overnight RV parking at the trial facility is available.

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 is tight at this location and running your vehicles or generators in the parking lot is not allowed at this trial.
Due to unforeseen conditions, such as weather or change in availability of areas at the location, this policy may be modified at the last minute.

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

Hotels
There are no lodging options in Peetz.  Lodging is plentiful in Sydney, Nebraska, 15 miles north of Peetz.  There are fewer options in Sterling, Colorado, 25 miles south of Peetz.  The list below is only a selection of available hotels.   One campground option is also provided.  There may be additional options available.  Always verify with any hotel or campground that pet-friendly rooms are available for your visit and what conditions or fees may apply.

Directions to the trial site will be provided with confirmation of entry.

Hotels – Sydney, NE:
Comfort Inn and Suites
825 Hoffies Drive, Sydney, NE  69162
308-254-8991
https://www.choicehotels.com/nebraska/sidney/comfort-inn-hotels/ne156?brand=CI

Quality Inn
730 East Jennifer Lane, Sydney, NE  69162
308-254-5122
https://www.choicehotels.com/nebraska/sidney/quality-inn-hotels/ne032

Fairfield Inn & Suites
889 Jennifer Lane, Sydney, NE  69162
308-254-9000
https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/bffsn-fairfield-inn-and-suites-sidney/

Motel 6
3040 Silverberg Drive, Sydney, NE  69162
308-254-5463
https://www.motel6.com/en/motels.ne.sidney.4123.html

Campground – Sydney, NE:
Cabela’s Full Service Campground
First come/first serve
One Angler’s Lane, Sydney, NE  69160
308-254-7889 for site availability
https://stores.cabelas.com/us/ne/sidney/115-cabela-drive.html

Hotels – Sterling, CO:
Best Western Sundowner
125 Overland Trail, Sterling, CO  80751
970-522-6265
https://www.bestwestern.com/en_US/book/hotels-in-sterling/best-western-sundowner/propertyCode.06108.html

Holiday Inn
1555 East Chestnut Street, Sterling, CO  80751
970-425-7414
https://www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/sterling/stkes/hoteldetail

Ramada
2500 East Chestnut Street, Sterling, CO  80751
970-522-2625
https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/ramada/sterling-colorado/ramada-sterling/overview

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.
• Reactive and/or spatially challenged dogs should wear a red bandana (to be provided by the dog’s handler) to help signal others that the dog needs extra space from other dogs.
• Dogs will be toileted in designated areas and handlers must pick-up and dispose of waste.
• Dogs and handlers must stay in designated areas to avoid contaminating testing space, interrupting a test, or from viewing any part of the testing.
• Competitors should expect to keep their dogs confined in a crate or vehicle when not competing. The logistics of a trial typically do not allow for dogs to hang out on leash in between searches. Competitors should plan to provide their own shade using canopies or shade cloths.
• Refer to Location Details (above) for information on unentered dogs.

Females in Season
Will be allowed to run wearing “pants” at the very end of the running orders after all other dogs have been judged. Females in season will be parked and pottied in areas separate from the other dogs while at the trial if the location logistics permit. Handlers must contact the.elemental.dog@gmail.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™, The Elemental Dog, LLC 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.

Harry Award
In order to expedite the end of the trial day and maintain social distancing, the Harry Award will not be given out at this time.

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
To minimize the number of people on site, anyone not volunteering, competing, or officiating should stay home except in the case where someone requires support to travel to the event. Spectating is currently not allowed. 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.

Videotaping and Photography
At this time, competitors may be allowed to take videos and photos of the search areas during the competitor walk through in order to help familiarize themselves with the search area. Due to site privacy issues or time constraints, competitors may not be allowed to photograph or video a search area during the walk through. At the host’s discretion, a photographer and/or video service may be present during the trial to offer photos and/or videos for sale to the competitors.

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

Questions
All trial related questions, contact Barb Sahl at The Elemental Dog, LLC, the.elemental.dog@gmail.com.