Major Trials
Council discussed the major trials planned for 2021 considering the continuing COVID-19 problems. Plans are in place to hold the four Nationals, the International and World Trial. There is a determination that the Nationals and International should go ahead if at all possible. It is very difficult to make concrete plans and statements when the goalposts are constantly changing on an almost weekly basis. Council have however discussed the possible options open to us if circumstances do not allow for our normal showcase events to take place. Worst case scenario is possibly a basic trial with only competitors and necessary officials attending, no spectators. If this was the case, live streaming could take the action to our Members. I emphasis these are only contingency plans at this stage.
Plans for the World Trial are also being kept under review and further information will be released in the coming weeks.
I thank all Members for their understanding and patience, and hopefully we can all look forward to normal service being resumed by our next trial season.
Open and Nursery Trials
Many Members who are running Open and Nursery trials are asking for more guidance. To this end one of our members who is a solicitor by profession, has very kindly volunteered his help to draw together the necessary guidance and advice that anyone running an outdoor sporting or leisure event needs to adhere to. The document will now be submitted to the appropriate Government department who deal with dispensations for outdoor leisure and sporting events. Approval from this department would give all committees and individuals organising trials the comfort that they are properly compliant. In addition to the overall guidance and advice, organisers need to ensure they have insurance cover and check if there are any local authority restrictions exclusive to their immediate area. We are hopeful that this document will go onto the Society website next week.
Open Trial Points
Council discussed the issue of when the award of points should resume for open trials. There is a fear among Members that we will end up with a generation of talented young dogs which cannot compete at forthcoming Nationals because they have not had the opportunity to gain the necessary points in open competition.
After considerable discussion it was decided to commence awarding of open points from 1st October 2020.
Council ask that Members exercise caution in travelling long distances to other areas in the pursuit of open points for their dogs.
Please see the ISDS website www.isds.org.uk/trials/trials-diary for clarification of how to ensure trials being hosted are considered as Qualifying trials for National trial points.
This is a great start to helping us get going again.
