Kennel Club updates field trial rules to reduce bias

Royal Kennel Club approves rule changes

The Royal Kennel Club has approved a raft of changes to field trial rules, effective from 2 February.

The headline change cracks down on potential bias. Judges have long been barred from officiating over dogs they’ve handled, boarded or trained within the previous 12 months. Now that restriction will extend to their spouse, immediate family and anyone living at the same address.

One experienced A-panel judge, speaking anonymously, acknowledged the change targets a real problem. “A lot of people probably do it and no one knows they’ve had that dog in training, but it always gets out some way or another,” they told Shooting Times. “You’re inevitably going to be a little bit biased towards a client that’s paid you or your spouse thousands of pounds to train a dog.”

They added that whilst the intention behind the change was “quite right”, not all instances of boarding would necessarily spark a conflict – suggesting “boarding for training” might have been clearer wording – but welcomed the effort to close potential loopholes.

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Updates to Gundog Working Tests

Gundog Working Tests received more substantial updates. The regulations now explicitly state they should be conducted in a “relaxed and friendly atmosphere, welcoming to newcomers”, whilst organisers must ensure test difficulty matches the standard. Puppy tests are now open to all dogs under 18 months regardless of awards gained, and the same type of dummy must be used within each exercise.

Other amendments include streamlined water certificate requirements for field trial champions and softened language around retrospective grading adjustments, changing from gradings “must never” to “should never” be altered once agreed.

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Positive reception

Ryan Kay of Farlavale Gundogs, an A-panel judge who recently won the HPR championship, said the changes would “help to add clarity for handlers, judges and gundog clubs alike”.

The full list of changes can be found here.