GRC is a grassroots movement in the world of dogsports.
Sanctioned events can only hosted by official GRC clubs.
Those clubs putting on events, is the engine that drives the whole sport forward.
Because it is so important to the development of the sport…… For clubs to keep their charter they have to host at least one event a year.
To help you guys figure out what kind of event you want to host I’ll list the different types of events and the pro’s and cons.
Seminar: For a seminar to count as a cubs required event, the presenter must be a current GRC judge in good standing in the subject matter being covered. (IE- SR workshop should be an SR judge. SP workshop should be a SP judge. etc…. An apprentice judge may be accepted by GRC Dogsports under the right circumstances). The subject matter must be in SOME way related to the sport or prepping for the sport. Basic training skills. Sport specific. General athletic development. All these would work. A nosework seminar….. While cool….. Isn’t related. To register a seminar, or get approval on a seminar’s recognition just contact GRC Dogsports. Pros- Easier for people to do because someone is presenting. No one has to “know” GRC to do it. Most people can make money on a seminar depending on the presenter. But at the very least they usually don’t lose any money. Cons- Have to arrange it. Generally more up front expenses to host.
Fun Run Through Event: A “version” of GRC events. Able to scale and modify events to the experience level of the participants (IE- Lower SP height, Ramps for WC, allow rewards and leashes in events, etc…..). Pros- Not a lot of pressure on being up to “standards”. Open to participation from people that aren’t fully invested in the sport. No need for official judges. Cons- Not the actual picture of competition. No scores, or points go towards any titles. No accomplishments are recorded.
“Mock” Events: These are events that are run to the exact same standard as a real event. There should be no difference in any way. Pros- This allows competitors, apprentice judges AND staff practice in the EXACT competition picture they will see. This is invaluable practice for people wanting to pursue GRC in earnest. Because it is not a recorded event…. There in no need for official judges. And…. Competitors do not need to be GRC registered. Cons- Results are not recorded. Any accomplishments do not go towards titles.
Fully Sanctioned Events: These are events that will have official judges. They will be held to standard in all respects. THIS is the gold standard. This is the goal. This…. IS the sport. Pros- All accomplishments will be recorded. Points towards titles will be accrued. Cons- You must meticulously hold the standards of an official competition. You must have an official judge. Every competitor must be registered with GRC to participate.
All of these events must be open to the public. No private, “closed door” trials.
Any event that is to be recognized must have written approval from GRC Dogsports. Please make sure you follow the appropriate steps to have your event sanctioned and your club credited with it. For more info about registering an event, contact grcdogsports@gmail.com.
I hope this has been helpful in showing you on what event may be right for your club.
I look forward to seeing 2020’s events!
-Jay