Sheep Field Classes

Novice Handler Class - A novice handler is a handler that hasn’t placed more than FIVE times in the top three of a novice handler class with any dog, or THREE times in the top half of a pro novice class.  The placings apply to both field and arena trials combined (ie: If a handler places in the top three in three arena trials and two field trials, they lose their novice handler status).  If a novice handler enters an open class they forfeit their novice handler status and can no longer run in the novice handler class.  The placings are on the handler, not the dog. Year end awards available for members.  Course requirements - @100 yard outrun.  If a novice handler enters a trial which does NOT offer a Novice Handler Class, they will NOT lose their novice handler status. (ie: Agribition)

Pro/Novice Class - This class may be entered by novice handlers with any class of dog or by open handlers with non-open dogs. Year end awards available for members.  Course requirements - @200 yard outrun, drive and cross drive.

Open Handler Class - This class if for open dogs and handlers.  Year end awards available for members. Course requirements - @400 yard outrun, drive, cross drive, pen and shed.  Any dog or handler that is eligible to compete in pro/novice and open can move back and forth between classes as they see fit.

Sheep Arena Classes

Novice Handler Class - A novice handler is a handler that hasn’t placed more than FIVE times in the top three in the novice handler class with any dog, or THREE times in the top half of a Pro/Novice Class.  The placings apply to both field and arena trials combined (ie: If a handler places in the top three in three arena trials and two field trials, they lose their novice handler status).  If a novice handler enters an open class at a trial which offers both novice and open, they forfeit their novice handler status and can no longer run in the novice handler class.  The placings are on the handler, not the dog.  Year end award (small keeper plaque).  If a novice handler enters a trial which does NOT offer the Novice Handler class, they will NOT lose their Novice Handler status (ie: Agribition).  This class is for the novice and intermediate levels.

Pro/Novice Class - This class if for novice handlers and their dog or for pro novice dogs and their open handler. Cross entering between classes is allowed as per field trial rules.  Small keeper plaque for year end award.

Open Handler Class - This class is for open levels.  Year end awards (small keeper plaque). Any dog or handler eligible to compete in pro/novice and open can move back and forth between classes as they see fit.

Cattle Arena Classes

Novice Handler Class - This class is for novice (beginner) level dogs and handlers . No cross entry between classes. Year end awards available for members.

Intermediate Class  - This class is for intermediate level dogs and handlers . No cross entry between classes. Year end awards available for members.

Open Class - This class is for open dogs and handlers.  Year end awards for members available.  

Horseback Class - This class is open to any level handler. Obstacles are completed by the dog with the handler assisting on horseback. Year end award for members available. 

*Open Handlers who have not competed* in any trial of the opposite type (cattle or sheep) may start in a lower class when entering their first trial in the other division, at the discretion of the trail organizer. For example an Open level cattle handler may enter into Pro-Novice division if the have never run in a sheep field trial.

Code of Conduct

     i. SSDA member’s behaviour on the field is a reflection of the Association.  As such, members will at all times conduct themselves with good sportsmanship and will not disrespect, intimidate or argue with any participants at the trial.

     ii. Members will not subject any dog or livestock to inhumane treatment, nor tolerate such by others.

     iii. Grievances will be heard upon a $50 fee payable to the SSDA. If the matter is deemed by the board to be frivolous, the monies will not be returned. Monies will be refunded if the board decides that the grievance is warranted.

     iv. Sanctions which may be carried out by the SSDA board include membership refusal or termination and/or withholding year end points.

Year End Award Points 

You must be a member of the SSDA to accumulate points for year end awards.  The points are awarded from the date the membership is purchased. There must be one sanctioned trial per class to have a year end award.  The number of trials you attend does not matter.  Whoever has the most points accumulated wins the award. All points in a calendar year will go towards that year’s award.  Open handlers who choose to run in the novice classes of the opposite type (cattle or sheep) will no accumulate novice SSDA points. January 1st to December 31st.  

Points will be Calculated as follows:

Example: 10 Dogs in the Class

1st - 9 Points

2nd - 8 Points

3rd - 7 Points

4th - 6 Points

5th - 5 Points

6th - 4 Points

7th - 3 Points

8th - 2 Points

9th - 1 Point

10th - 0 Points

Running A Standard

Any time a standard is run for an individual class, that when a standard is in place, for that day and that class, points will NOT count for year end award.

Tie Breaking Options For Year End Awards

1. If the two tied can, they will have a run-off at a sanctioned trial. Both handlers agree to judge, location, course and time.
2. Take the number of points and divide by the number of trials attended.

NEW Award in 2023: The Ultimate Stock Dog

This award goes to the top Open dog and handler team who have the most points for both sheep and cattle trials. Points must be attained from at least 3 of the following events: sheep field, sheep arena, cattle field, cattle arena or horseback classes, at SSDA sanctioned events. In the event of a tie for points, the total number of points will be multiplied by the number of events the dog competed in and divided by the total number of trials run. If there is still a tie, the award will be given at the discretion of the board.