ISCA Versatility Certificate Program

 

  

Upcoming VC Tests

Irish Setter Club of Central California
March 28, 2008
Breed versatility test
Judge: Honey Glendinning
Test Chairman: Wendy Reed Czarnecki
Test Secretary: Kim Guinn kimgdogs@yahoo.com

ISC Pacific—SF
March 29, 2008
Breed versatility test
Judge: Mary Olich Nie
Test chair: Janet Jenkins Hylton Astonirishsetters@comcast.net
Test Secretary: Kim Guinn kimgdogs@yahoo.com

Irish Setter Club of Sacramento
March 30, 2008
Breed versatility test
Judge: Sheila Smith
Test Chairman: Judy Ayres
Test Secretary: Kim Guinn kimgdogs@yahoo.com 

The primary object of the ISCA Versatility Certificate is to demonstrate the Irish Setter’s hunting ability and reasonable obedience to the handler’s commands and to determine whether the overall breeding program adheres to the Irish Setter Standard. Dog shows give the breeder an opportunity to demonstrate the progress made in breeding type and quality as outlined in the Standard. Obedience trials demonstrate the usefulness of the purebred dog as a companion to mankind and his fitness to a place in our modern scheme of living. The Field trial is an exhibition of a sporting dog demonstrating his ability to hunt in his natural environment, proving his natural instincts.

The Versatility Certificate program is a combined exhibition of breed, obedience and field leading to the development of the full potential of the breed as outlined in the breed ring, the obedience trial, the field trial and certified in the AKC Standard.



CLUB PROCEDURE
1. Any AKC recognized Irish Setter Club, recognized by and registered with the Irish Setter Club of America, Inc., shall be eligible to conduct Versatility Tests provided the club complies fully with all portions of the Procedures, Rules, and Requirement tests.
2. All tests shall be witnessed either by a Board Member of ISCA or a local club Board Member who is approved by ISCA and is thoroughly familiar with the rules and regulations. This Local Club Board Member, in conjunction with the Testing Committee, shall be willing to vouch for the accuracy, honesty and compliance with regulations and conduct of the tests.
3. The Local Club shall appoint a Test Committee consisting of a Chairman, Test Secretary, Field Representative, Obedience Representative, and Conformation Representative who shall be knowledgeable in their areas. The Club Board Member may be any one of the Committee. The Test Committee shall be responsible for the entire running of the Tests and the selection of the judges.
4. The Secretary of the Local Irish Setter Club desiring to conduct the Versatility Test(s) shall make a written request to the ISCA Recording Secretary using the VC Application form and postmarked at least three months prior to the first day of the proposed test. Each request shall include:
a. Date or dates with the starting time of the event
b. Exact location
c. Names of the Judges. At least two (2) Judges are required for the field test and one for the obedience and conformation tests. They shall be selected by the Test Committee and shall be in good standing with the AKC.
d. In the test for field, types of birds to be used must be indicated.
e. Names and addresses of the Club Test Chairman, Secretary, Committee, and the person who is a Local Club Board Member or ISCA Board Member.


ELIGIBILITY OF DOGS
1. Any AKC registered or ILP Irish Setter who has reached the age of six (6) months on the first advertised day of the test(s) may compete for any or all tests offered.
2. Bitches in season are not permitted to participate in the Obedience Test.
3. Spayed bitches and neutered dogs shall be eligible for all tests.

RULES
1. The Versatility Program is an ISCA event. Results of all tests shall be sent to the Versatility Chairman who shall be a member of the Board of Directors of the Irish Setter Club of America, Inc.
2. All ratings are to be Pass or Fail and no rating is to be considered official until confirmed by ISCA. Aside from Pass or Fail, Judges may make recommendations, and/or suggestions.
3. Applications to hold a Versatility Test, entry forms, and judging sheets will be issued by ISCA.
4. Entries must list the registered name of the dog, sex, AKC registration number, whelping date, sire and dam, breeder, test(s) entered, name of handler if different from the owner, and name and address of owner.
5. Entry may be made as many times as necessary to complete the Certificate, but no dog may be entered twice for the same test(s) in any one event.
6. Entries for all tests must be received by the Test Secretary at least one week prior to the test date.
7. The Versatility Test(s) may be conducted at Field Trials and Specialty Shows, but for more practical purposes a special day should be set aside by the local club for the running of the test(s).
8. The Field, Obedience, and Conformation Tests may be conducted on the same day or may be conducted separately whichever is convenient for the Local Club. If they are conducted in conjunction with any AKC event, their scheduling must not interfere with the programming of the licensed show or trial and AKC permission will be required in advance.
9. An entry fee may be charged by the Local Club to offset the expenses of running the event.
10. When a Field VC Test is conducted in conjunction with a Field Trial, the Drawings should be concurrent. Drawing for an independent Field VC Test should be no later than the Wednesday preceding the test date.
11. No entry or substitution can be made after the draw.
12. The Field Test shall be conducted as in the judging of the Derby Stake with each dog in the brace evaluated separately and marked Pass or Fail with recommendations permitted.
13. The Obedience Test shall consist of four exercises. At least fifty percent (50%) of each of the four (4) exercises must be completed in order to pass. The entry shall be marked Pass or Fail on the obedience test in its entirety with recommendations and reasons permitted.
14. The Conformation Test shall be conducted on the format of a regular class in a point show with no placements made. The Judge shall mark his book Pass or Fail and may state his reasons or recommendations. There shall be two age groups: (Division by age optional.)
a. Novice: Twelve (12) months (on the first day of the test) and under two (2) years of age.
b. Open: Two (2) years and older on the first day of the test.
15. The required information on each dog qualifying in a test must be recorded in duplicate on forms provided by ISCA. The original copy must be received by the ISCA Versatility Certificate Chairman for review and issuance of Certificate letter within fourteen (14) days after completion of the test(s). The Test Secretary shall submit a report of the event on a form provided by ISCA.

PROCEDURE FOR REQUESTING THE VERSATILITY CERTIFICATE
1(a). Upon successful completion of the three tests, Field, Breed and Obedience requirements, the applicant must submit proof of his dog’s qualifications to the V.C. Chairman of the ISCA. Copies of the following will be accepted as verification of the dog’s eligibility.
a. Photocopy of AKC Certificates for Bench and Field Championships, Amateur Field Trial Championships, Obedience Trial Championships, and Obedience Titles, or copies of pages from the AKC Gazette indicating that these titles have been awarded.
b. ISCA Breed, Field and Obedience Test Certification letters of acknowledgement from the Versatility Chairman of ISCA.
c. Photocopies of GAZETTE pages indicating appropriate placements in Field Stakes and All Breed Specialty Show classes.
1(b). ILP dogs competing their VC requirements will receive a certificate that says VC Certificate, ILP.
2. The Irish Setter must be living as of the effective date of the program. No retroactive certificate shall be awarded.
3. After issuance of the Versatility Certificate by the ISCA, the letters V.C. may be used after the dog’s name.

Judge’s selection for Conformation: Any person approved by AKC to judge Irish Setters.
Judge’s selection for Field Trial Test: Any AKC field trial judge, but the judges for the field test must have judged a combined total of five (5) AKC pointing dog trials (regular stakes). Comparable Hunting Test judging experience may be substituted.
Judge’s selection for Obedience Tests: Any person approved by AKC to judge licensed Obedience Trials.


FIELD REQUIREMENTS
1. Three Passes under three (3) pairs of different judges at field tests. The test shall be run as a modified AKC Derby Stake. The modification is in the time limit of the stake and the age eligibility. Any dog twelve (12) months of age or older shall be eligible.

Derby Stakes: Derbies must show a keen desire to hunt, be bold and independent, have a fast, yet attractive style of running, and demonstrate not only the intelligence in seeking objectives but also the ability to find game. Derbies must point but no additional credit shall be given for steadiness to wing and shot. If the handler is within reasonable gun range of a bird which has been flushed after a point, a shot must be fired. A lack of opportunity for firing over a Derby dog on point shall not constitute reason for non-placement when it had game contact in acceptable Derby manner. Derbies must show reasonable obedience to their handler’s commands. Each dog is to be judged on its actual performance as indicating its future promise. Stake shall be limited to fifteen (15) minutes.
OR
2. Any three (3) placements under three different pairs of judges in regular stakes at licensed or Member Field Trials. Puppy stake placements do not count.
OR
3. A combination of the above requirements which total three.
OR
4. Any dog who has obtained an AKC Field Championship or Amateur Field Championship shall qualify automatically.
OR
5. A Junior or Senior Hunter pass qualifies as a VC pass.


GUIDELINES FOR CONFORMATION VERSATILITY JUDGING
Versatility Conformation judging should be based on the present Standard which emphasizes the make and fit of all the parts and over-all balance. You are not attempting to determine whether the dog is of championship caliber in conformation but whether the specimen reflects the qualities of a pure-bred Irish Setter. A Versatility Pass should be withheld only if you would withhold a ribbon at a regular AKC Breed Show. Dogs will be presented in a condition that will allow for the adequate evaluation of coat, color, structure and movement.

CONFORMATION REQUIREMENTS
1. Three Passes under three (3) different judges in conformation tests. ILP dogs will only be able to get passes in the conformation portion at events where the pass/fail is offered.

The judging will be guided by the following scale of points:
Head 20
Body 20
Running Gear 30
Coat 5
Size, temperament, and General appearance 25
OR
2. Three (3) placements under three (3) different judges in all breed or specialty shows in a regular class of six (6) or more. In addition, defeating a total entry of six (6) or more of the same sex by going Reserve or Winners or by defeating six (6) or more of the Opposite Sex by going Best of Winners. Best of Breed constitutes defeating all dogs entered, minimum of six (6) entered required. Best of Opposite Sex included all dog defeated of the same sex as outline in the AKC Rules and Regulations, minimum of six (6) required. Puppy classes do not count.
OR
3. A combination of the above requirements which totals three.
OR
4. A minimum of three (3) single points won under three (3) different judges.
OR
5. AKC Champions of Record shall qualify automatically


OBEDIENCE REQUIREMENTS
1. Three passes under three (3) different judges in Obedience Tests on the following commands:
Heel Free 40
Stand, Stay 20
Recall 20
Down, Stay 20


STANDARD OF JUDGING FOR OBEDIENCE TEST:
At least fifty percent (50%) of each of the four (4) exercises must be completed in order to Pass. The entry will be marked Pass or Fail on the Obedience Test in its entirely with recommendations or reasons permitted. A minor deduction shall be from one-half point to two and one-half points. A substantial deduction shall b at least three points.

HEEL FREE: This exercise shall be executed on a simple “L” pattern. Orders and scoring for the exercise shall be the same as written in the AKC Obedience Regulations with the exception of the sit at the handler’s halt which is not a requirement but which is allowed if desired, and in place of which the dog may stand quietly at the handler’s left side..
STAND, STAY: Orders are “Stand your dog and leave when you are ready”, “Back to your dog”, and “Exercise Finished”. There will be no further command from the judge to the handler to leave the dog. On judge’s order the handler will stand his dog by the method of his choice, taking any reasonable time. When he is ready, the handler will give his command and/or signal to the dog to “Stay”. Walk forward about fifteen (15) feet in front of the dog, turn around and stand facing the dog. The judge shall not approach the dog, but remain standing in his original position. At the end of one (1) minute he shall then order “Back to your dog”, whereupon the handler shall walk around behind his dog and return to Heel position. The dog must remain standing until after the judge has said, “Exercise finished”. The scoring of this exercise will not start until the handler has given the command and/or signal to Stay, except for such things as rough treatment of the dog by its handler or active resistance by the dog to its handler’s attempts to make it stand. Either of these shall be penalized substantially. A dog that displays any shyness or resentment or growls or snaps at any time shall be scored Zero as shall a dog that sits or moves away from the place where it was left for one (1) minute. Minor deductions shall be made for a dog that moves its feet at any time.

Recall orders and scoring for this exercise shall be the same as written in the AKC Obedience Regulations with the exception that the dog may be left standing or sitting and upon recall may stand or sit in front or at the side of the handler.

DOWN, STAY: The handlers shall stand thirty (30) feet away from their dogs. This shall be performed as a group exercise and shall be executed and scored according to the AKC Obedience Regulations for the Novice Class.
OR
2. An AKC Obedience Leg or Agility pass or Rally Advanced pass shall be counted as an Obedience VC Pass.

OR

3. One CGC pass OR one Rally Novice pass shall count as an Obedience VC Pass. (Since both of these tests are on leash, only one pass can be counted.)

OR

Any dog who has earned a C.D. degree or better, Rally Advanced or better, or any Agility title shall qualify automatically
 
As of January 1, l984, the Versatility Excellence Program became effective and operational. The VERSATILITY PROGRAM, which is a Pass or Fail program, has proven the Irish Setter’s credibility for duality. The VERSATILITY EXCELLENCE PROGRAM should transcend the original V.C. program in order to honor Championship-type Irish Setters who denote excellent qualities and abilities. These new V.C.X. achievements will attest the highest merits of Irish Setter duality inherent in the breed. This new program is selective and difficult but not impossible.

Six credits or more must be earned; at least one credit must be earned in each of three categories. If points and placements are earned on the same day, they must be in separate events.
CONFORMATION
Bench Champion 3 credits
8 Ch. Points 2 credits
3 Ch. Points 1 credit
4 placements in AKC class of 6 or more 1 credit

OBEDIENCE
U.D 3 credits
C.D.X 2 credits
C.D 1 credit
2 placements in either Open or Utility 1 credit
Rally Excellent 2 credits
Rally Advanced 1 credit
2 placements in Rally Excellent or Advanced 1 credit
Agility Excellent 3 credits
Agility Open 2 credits
Agility Novice 1 credit
2 placements in either Open or Excellent Agility 1 credit

FIELD
Field Champion 3 credits
5 points 2 credits
2 placements in AKC Trials 1 credit
(any gun dog stake or higher)
3 passes (VCX tests) 1 credit
A Master Hunter pass is considered as a VCX pass.

BREED Only AKC titles, points or placements in a class of six or more at AKC licensed shows will be credited.

OBEDIENCE Only AKC titles, degrees or placements in Open or Utility classes at AKC licensed trials will be credited.

FIELD AKC titles, points, and placements in any Gun Dog Stake or higher at AKC Licensed Trials or Local Club VCX Field Tests will be credited.


LOCAL CLUB V.C.X. FIELD TESTS
An application to hold a Club VCX Field Test must be mailed to the Versatility Chairman at least three months prior to the test. The Test shall be run under AKC Gun Dog Stake Rules. The Field Test may be run in conjunction with an AKC Field Trial but the Test schedule must not interfere with that part of the Field Trial. It may also be conducted independently.

The Local Club shall appoint a Field Test Committee consisting of a Chairman, Test Secretary, and a Field Representative who shall be knowledgeable in that area. The Test Committee shall be responsible for the running of the Test and the selection of the judges.

The AKC judges selected (2) must have judged a combined total of five (5) AKC pointing dog trials (regular stakes). Master Hunter judging experience is acceptable.


ISCA VERSATILITY CHAIRPERSON:
Mrs. Anne Marie Kubacz
170 South Hope Chapel Road
Jackson, NJ 08527-5020
(732) 367-9658