by Joe Vella » Mon 30 Apr 2018 9:17 am
In my previous post I suggested to Peter Betteridge as follows, Rather than to try to ruin the game of Retrieving I suggest that you should endeavour to create a new discipline one which would be recognised nationally through the ANKC to conduct trials just how you guys would want them to be. I am sure you would have the support of most people if not all around the country.”
I believe If this is accepted this would result in a win for all who have concerns over the use of pigeons in Retrieving Trials.
I also believe that the Game of Retrieving as we currently know it should be preserved as it has been in the past for future generations of Handlers who may want to participate in the thorough testing of Retrieving Gundogs.
The Retrieving Hall of Fame was created to honour those Prominent People who's effort and know how helped to make the Game the success it is today and the Dogs which excelled so brilliantly in the sport of Retrieving as we currently know it. Contrary to how some may think this will change if the Game of Retrieving is so drastically modified as is being suggested.
If certain Handlers do have concerns over the use of pigeons in Retrieving Trials and do believe that Retrieving Trials should be modified to include Plastic dummies as Artificial Game for the dogs to retrieve then this will be accommodated by the creation of the New Retrieving Discipline.
If a new Retrieving Discipline is created, the clubs would have a choice of two disciplines to conduct and for the Handlers to participate in.
One Retrieving Discipline as we currently know it.
the other
A New Retrieving Discipline which would include the use of Plastic Dummies as Artificial Game. Rules to govern the discipline can be established just as RATG. and the Retrieving Ability Test were established by the ANKC.
If accepted this will end all of the arguments that arise over the use of Pigeons and/or Plastic Dummies as Artificial game at every time when a Retrieving Rule review is conducted.
If Game is available then clubs do have a choice of 2 disciplines If Game is not available then the only choice that clubs have is to conduct Trials within the Rules of the newly created discipline.
If one discipline fails then there is still the other to continue on with.
I am of the opinion that through the ANKC the States should be arguing this point and this should be decided upon before the the Retrieving Rule Review continues.
If the States decide that there should only be one discipline then the States would be required to meet with their rank and file and decide and make submissions to the ANKC as to which rules would require modification to accommodate Plastic Dummies as Game and the combination of the current Game list and the inclusion of Plastic Dummies as Game which may be used together during the conduct of one Run by judges.
I suggest that the rules which will be impacted upon are numerous as every rule which makes reference to Game would have to be looked at. Hardmouth issues when a combination of the two, plastic and pigeons,ducks et,etc. are used will Judges be instructed that when real Game is used Hardmouth is an issue but not when Plastic Dummies are used.
I suggest there is more to it than the people who are commenting on this issue are thinking off.
There is only one way to satisfy all and that is, two separate disciplines.