In Response to a Facebook Post

• There is no official or national organization that sanctions and oversees youth field trials. Clubs hosting youth stakes or trials are not required to adhere to any particular set of rules. Regional organizations (i.e. Alabama Youth Field Trial Assoc.) have come up with rules that dictate how their youth trials are run based on years of experience.

• Alabama clubs, largely due to the efforts of Darron Hendley have been hosting youth field trials for about half a century!

• The rules Alabama clubs formulated and adhere to are the result of years of experience which can benefits new clubs hosting youth stakes and trials. They may need to adapt these rules to fit their own region.

• Both the Alabama Youth Field Trial Association and the Dixie Trace Field Trial Association offer Annual Handler Awards that lead to scholarships. For this reason, fairness—and the perception of fairness—is critical. Accordingly, for example, clubs hosting point trials under the banner of these organizations must advertise their youth trials in The American Field so everyone interested receives official trial details, including location and date, at the same time and that the host club adheres to these published details.

YFTA encourages clubs across the country to host youth stakes or trials in whatever way best fits their circumstances. When clubs are just starting out, too rigid rules can sometimes be prohibitive—particularly when there are only a few young handlers, wide differences in age and experience, or enthusiastic kids who do not have access to a family-owned bird dog. We believe clubs should conduct youth stakes as fairly and thoughtfully as possible, tailoring them to their unique conditions while keeping the primary focus on young handlers enjoying themselves while learning about bird dogs. Above all, we want kids to get hooked on bird dogs and field trials AND to learn good sportsmanship. (Alabama YFT Assoc. 2021 Youth Field Trial Seminar/Mike Tracy)

As host clubs gain experience and young handlers continue to improve, we strongly encourage clubs to move toward what is commonly referred to as a Gun Dog Standard—as established by American Field–sanctioned trials (not AKC, which uses a different definition). Our hope is that today’s young handlers will grow to love the dogs and the sport and, when they age out of youth trials at their 17th birthday, be fully prepared to compete successfully in adult trials. Running youth stakes to a well-understood standard helps ensure a smooth and seamless transition from youth to adult competition.

The great news is that youth field trials are spreading across the country—and the impact is undeniable!

Having attended, photographed, videotaped, and helped with dozens of youth trials as well as seminars over the past six years, I can say without hesitation that they showcase the very best of our field trial sport. From the attentiveness and positivity of the judges, to the mile-wide smiles and support of the gallery, and most important, to the enthusiasm and exceptional talent displayed by younsters handing bird dogs, these trials are strengthening our sport and reinforcing its long-term future.

YFTA invites you to be a part of this wonderful movement!

Chris Mathan, Director, Youth Field Trial Alliance