In posting some trial schedules today I was reminded how much I dislike hand writing trial entries. I had a quick look at member body rules in regard to entries and discovered that different Canine Councils seem to take a different stand on requirements to use of these forms. For example RNSWCC will only accept entries on the official form, whereas the ACTCA allows trial secretaries to accept a facsimile (presumably only needing to contain the same information, rather than needing to look the same).
My question is, why do we need to fill out these forms by hand every time? Surely in this modern age we can have a form that can be filled in electronically? I am not (yet) calling for electronic entries (although this would be great and relatively easy as every handler and dog has a unique membership/registration number with the ANKC), but surely we can at least have something that can be prepared on our computers, printed and sent off with a cheque for the entries.
Of course hand written forms could still be made available for those without computer access, but even they could be better designed to be easier to use.
I know several handlers (myself included) have a made up a computer generated facsimile of the entry form which is generally accepted by pragmatic trail secretaries, but it would be great if these were actually allowed by member bodies.
Anyway food for thought.
Cheers, Jason