M.G.D.A's Grounds Use Policy Statement**

Use of grounds by other than the Association

 

1. Prior to February 28 of each year, the Executive Committee will determine the availability of the Association's grounds in the calendar year, for use by retriever clubs and associations, duly registered and in good standing with the Canadian Kennel Club for purposes of holding field trials, either formal or informal; hunt tests; matches; competitions; or displays.
    
   
2. If the Executive Committee determines that the Association's grounds will be made available, up to a maximum of 3 available dates (total 6 days) per calendar year for use by retriever clubs and associations, the Committee shall:
   1. ensure that the available dates are at least 7 days prior to a licensed field trial scheduled to be held in Manitoba;
   2. fix the annual grounds usage donation;
   3. determine such other conditions of use as it deems necessary.
    
   
3. The Executive Committee shall only consider those applications that are submitted in writing and accompanied by payment of the annual grounds usage donation.
    
   
4. The conditions of use, subject to additional conditions as established from time to time by the Executive Committee are as follows:
   1. the Association will not be held responsible and/or liable for any loss, injury or damages that may be incurred during the use of the Association's grounds;
   2. retriever clubs and associations will be required to provide a certificate of insurance sufficient to fully offset any losses, injury or damages incurred during the use of the Association's grounds;
   3. retriever clubs and associations are responsible for maintaining the grounds in the same condition as first use, which includes:
      1. immediate removal of all garbage and birds;
      2. returning all equipment (i.e. tables, barbeques etc.) to original locations;
      3. all gates, doors, shutters are to be closed;
      4. campfires only in designated areas;
      5. bathroom facilities are to be cleaned.
    
   
5. Retriever clubs and associations will have due regard for the Association's neighbours (i.e. no trespassing, littering, blocking roads, harassing livestock etc).

 
 
 
 
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**MGDA GROUNDS USE POLICY ADDENDA

 
 
Terms of Reference:   At the May 2004 MGDA Executive meeting, there was considerable discussion with respect to developing a club grounds use policy, supplementing the policy passed in May of 1999 outlining use of the grounds by clubs. This discussion was motivated by requests from non-resident Field Trialers, Hunt Test Trialers, Professional Trainers and various clubs & associations to use the MGDA club grounds for training or event purposes. Inconsistent and ad hoc approval of these requests has the potential to create problems in the area of compensation for use, and availability of the grounds to club members. In addition the grounds are increasingly being used on a frequent basis by resident professional trainers earning an income thru training. Therefore, a more appropriate fee structure was required. Consequently the following policies have been developed for inclusion in the MGDA Club By-Laws:
 
(Note: Wherever "MGDA" appears throughout this document it shall be interpreted and read as "The Manitoba Gun Dog Association Inc.")  
 
 
CLUBS AND ASSOCIATIONS: GROUNDS USE POLICY  
 
Definitions:
 

Clubs & Associations

Duly registered organizations holding valid insurance certificates.

Rates, Access & Liability

Notes: All rates and access are subject to conditions specified in this document, which may, from time to time, be changed at the discretion of the MGDA Executive Committee. Grounds Etiquette, Cleanliness & Housekeeping and Security Policy (posted on the MGDA website and on the MGDA Grounds Bulletin Board) apply to all Professional Trainers, Amateur Trainers and Clubs & Associations using the MGDA grounds.

Policy:

Clubs & Associations may apply to the MGDA Executive for use of the grounds for purposes of holding field trials, (formal or informal), hunt tests, matches, competitions or displays.

Applications must be in writing, and submitted to the MGDA Secretary at least 45 days prior to the date the event is to be held.

The Executive Committee shall consider the application determining whether the event is in keeping with the objectives of the club, whether it will conflict with other previously approved events and ensuring that the club or organization holding the event has met or will be able to meet the terms and conditions of use as established from time to time by the Executive Committee.

The Executive Committee, at its sole discretion, will set the fee for use of the grounds, facilities, camping rights and equipment use on an event by event basis.

The fee will normally be in the form of a donation and usually, but not limited to, the amount of $150.00.

The conditions of use, subject to additional conditions that may be established by the Executive Committee for a specific event are as follows:

1. The Manitoba Gun Dog Association will not assume or be held liable for any loss, injury or damages that may be incurred during the use of the MGDA grounds; or for any loss, injury or damages to any contestant, participant, event worker or their property during the course of any event or event setup.
2. Clubs and/or Associations will be required to provide a certificate of insurance in the amount of $2 million.
3. Clubs and/or Associations are responsible for maintaining the grounds in the same condition as first use and for following the published Policy for Grounds Etiquette, Cleanliness & Housekeeping and Security.
4. Clubs & Associations will be required to sign a copy of the Policy prior to holding the event.
5. Clubs and/or Associations using the grounds for a particular event will have due regard for the MGDA neighbours. (No trespassing, littering, blocking of roads, harassing livestock, trampling of fields, etc.)
6. Clubs and/or Associations are fully responsible for the safety of the contestants, participants, event workers etc.

 
DATED: May 2004  
 
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MEMBERS, NON MEMBERS, & PROFESSIONAL TRAINERS: GROUNDS USE POLICY  
 
Definitions:
 

Professional Trainers	Are those individuals who earn their principal livelihood from training, handling or showing of dogs in the current and/or previous calendar year. Note: This excludes current and future life members of the MGDA
Amateur Trainers	Are those individuals who have not attempted to earn their principal livelihood from training, handling or showing of dogs in the current and/or previous calendar year.
Rates, Access & Liability	Notes: All rates and access are subject to conditions specified in this document, which may, from time to time, be changed at the discretion of the MGDA Executive Committee. The MGDA Executive Committee reserves the right to preclude any and all training on specific days for grounds maintenance or club sponsored events. The MGDA will not assume or be held liable for any loss, injury or damage to trainees' dogs or property during the course of training on the grounds. Professional trainers, Clubs & Associations must have a valid certificate of insurance sufficient to cover any liability for loss, injury or damage to hired throwers, trainees, trainees' dogs, or any property. (Suggested certificate value should be $2 million). All fees will be in the form of a cash donation to the MGDA equivalent to the rates and fees noted. Grounds Etiquette, Cleanliness & Housekeeping and Security Policy (posted on the MGDA website and on the MGDA Grounds Bulletin Board)apply to all Professional Trainers, Amateur Trainers and Clubs & Associations using the MGDA grounds.
	Professional Trainer: $600.00 per month, for a 4-day week, Monday thru Thursday. Daily rate is $75.00/day - $200.00/week, max 4-day week, Monday thru Thursday. Training must be completed by 4PM each day. First full month fee includes a regular membership. Trainer will be required to provide a certificate of insurance in the amount of $2 million. Application for grounds use, with copy of insurance certificate, must be submitted to the Secretary of the MGDA for Executive Committee approval. Training is not allowed on day preceding trial events. Does not include use of club equipment. Restricted to a maximum of 2 professional trainers concurrently. Trainers must comply with the Grounds Etiquette, Grounds Cleanliness/Housekeeping and Grounds Security policy posted on the MGDA website & on the MGDA Grounds Bulletin Board. Failure to comply may cause rights & privileges to be revoked.
	Amateur Trainer (Member/Non-member): Members may train on MGDA grounds free of charge. Non-Members (excluding Professional Trainers) may train on MGDA grounds free of charge provided they train with, or are supervised by a club member. Training is not allowed on the day preceding trial event. Trainers must comply with the Grounds Etiquette, Grounds Cleanliness/housekeeping and Grounds Security policy posted on the MGDA website & on the MGDA Grounds Bulletin Board. Failure to comply may cause rights and privileges to be revoked.

 
DATED: May 2004  
 
 
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M.G.D.A. GROUNDS ETIQUETTE, CLEANLINESS & HOUSEKEEPING, AND SECURITY POLICY

 
 
 
Note 1:

The following policies posted on the MGDA website and on the MGDA Grounds Bulletin Board applies to all Professional Trainers, Amateur Trainers and Clubs & Associations using the MGDA grounds. Failure to comply may cause rights and privledges to be revoked.

Note 2:

Wherever "MGDA" appears throughout this document it shall be interpreted and read as "The Manitoba Gun Dog Association Inc."

 
Etiquette

1. Respect for other trainers/members is a must.
   1. Do not set up near or in such a way that your presence or training set-up will interfere with other trainers.
   2. Maintain control of your dogs at all times. Do not allow them to interfere with other training tests or other trainers' dogs.
   3. Do not enter a training area if someone is there, until signaled to do so.
   4. Do not block the entry to training areas. Park so that other vehicles can pass.
    
   
2. Area use precedence will normally follow a first-come, first-served basis. However members are requested to be considerate of those members whose employment may restrict the times available for their use of club grounds.
    
   
3. Do not plan or show up to train on the club grounds on those days when work parties are scheduled. To train in front of members who have forfeited their opportunity to train is an exercise conducted in extremely poor taste.
    
   
4. The humane treatment of dogs is absolutely essential. Educated and humane punishment for training purposes is allowed. Abusive treatment of dogs in any form will not be tolerated. Uneducated and excessive punishment is considered abusive.
    
   
5. All those training on or using MGDA facilities are expected to acquaint themselves with all MGDA rules, policies and procedures,(in particular Use of Firearms Policy) and to comply with them as set forth in those documents. CKC "Rules of Conduct" also apply to everyone on the grounds. Failure to do so may result in facility use privileges being revoked.
    
   
6. Please "air" dogs in designated area. For 2008 this is north of north perimeter road, or "off-premises".
    
   
7. Please respect our neighbours.
   • Do not block roads.
   • Do not trespass.
   • Do not litter.

 
 
 
Cleanliness & House Keeping
 
All persons training on, camping at, or visiting MGDA club grounds and facilities are responsible for ensuring that:

1. The grounds are left cleaner than you found them:
   
   • All garbage is cleaned up and properly disposed of off the grounds (please take your garbage home with you;
   • Garbage containers are used at club events only;
   • Outhouses are left clean.
    
   
2. No "retrievables" or dummies are left where they may be found by other dogs during subsequent training sessions, and that every effort is made to find lost "retrievables" or dummies.
    
   
3. Use of club equipment is approved by the Equipment Manager:
   
   • Any equipment used (boats, blinds, etc.) is put away or left in a secure manner;
   • Blasters or firearms are not used except as specified in the MGDA Firearms Use policy.
    
   
4. Any damage is repaired when discovered (Grounds Committee Members are not responsible for repairing damage resulting from individual use):
   
   • Damage or vandalism is to be reported to an Executive or Grounds Committee member immediately.
    
   
5. Fires are lit ONLY in the designated fire pit (be safety conscious; be wary of high winds and hot dry conditions; do not leave the fire unattended, COMPLETELY drown the fire before leaving, and if in doubt, don't start one...)
    
   
6. Only designated roads are used when conditions are wet. (Do not leave ruts,leave only your footprints.)

 
 
Security

1. Gates: Anyone using the grounds shall be responsible for gate control.
    
   
   1. When entering, gates may be left unlocked; however combination locks shall be placed on the gate post in a locked position (this is to provide security for the gate lock combination).
       
      
   2. When leaving, gates shall be closed and combination locked (care should be taken to ensure all gates are combination locked especially the one by which you entered).

 
 
DATED: May 2004  
 
 

*The Manitoba Gun Dog Association Inc. will not be responsible for any loss or damages that may occur through the use of its premises or equipment. Individuals are responsible for their own safety as well as the welfare of their children and dogs.

 
 
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SPORTSMANSHIP

 

It seems that the concept of good sportsmanship is being lost. While winning at all costs and poor sportsmanship may be condoned and even promoted in professional sports, this does not mean it is the proper way to behave. Whether we like it or not, sportsmanship is a direct reflection of our own ethics in real life. Sportsmanship like ethics concerns both the person's character and actions. The image you project is a product of your character. Good sportsmanship is not just what you do in retriever events, it is likely the way you conduct your life. In the same way, unsportsmanlike behavior in retriever events is probably an indication of your everyday conduct. Unsportsmanlike behavior -- acts that are unfair, dishonest, disrespectful or against the rules - are unsportsmanlike because they are unethical. If you are unethical in retriever events, can you be ethical in the other areas of your life - your business dealings, your treatment of others, your family?

We can sit back and blame today's society for the decline in sportsmanship or we can take the responsibility of ensuring that good sportsmanship in retriever events, as well as in other sports we participate in is maintained and improved if required. It is time for all of us involved with retriever events to practice good sportsmanship and encourage others to do the same.

Good sportsmanship is viewed as a commitment to fair play, ethical behavior and integrity. In perception and practice, sportsmanship is defined as those qualities which are characterized by generosity and genuine concern for others:

• Play fair, take loss or defeat without complaint, or victory without gloating
• Treat others as you wish to be treated
• Respect others and one's self
• Impose self-control, be courteous, and gracefully accept results of one's actions
• Display ethical behavior by being good (character) and doing right (action)
• Be a good citizen.

 
 

Sportsmanship Traits

Courage is having the determination to do the right thing even when others don't; the strength to exhibit fairness, to be courteous, to gracefully accept the result of the contest, to attempt difficult things that are worthwhile.

Good Judgment is choosing worthy goals; setting priorities in accordance with the rules; leading others to follow these rules.

Integrity is having the inner strength to be fair and courteous during events, to play according to the rules, acting positively and honorably to all.

Kindness is being considerate, courteous, and generous in spirit, showing care, compassion and friendship in victory or defeat; treating others as you would like to be treated.

Perseverance is being persistent in pursuit of worthy objectives in spite of opposition, difficulty, injuries, handicaps or discouragement, and exhibiting patience and the fortitude to try again when confronted with mistakes or failures.

Respect is showing high regard for judges, workers and other participants.

Responsibility is being dependable in carrying out obligations and duties, showing reliability and consistency in words and conduct, and being accountable for your actions.

Self-discipline is demonstrating hard work and commitment to purpose, regulating yourself for improvement and refraining from inappropriate behaviors, maintaining self-control at all times, and doing your best in all situations.

 

Following are some general rules to be a good sport, and a "Code of Sportsmanship" adapted from the AKC Field Trial Rules and Standard Procedures for Retrievers.

 

GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP RULES

1. The "Golden Rule" -- Do unto others as you would have others do unto you -- show respect for them if you expect it yourself.
2. Have an understanding and an appreciation of the rules -- the spirit of good sportsmanship depends on conforming to the intent of the rule and not looking for a loop hole.
3. Enjoy yourself and encourage enjoyment for others -- we participate in retriever events for recreation so let's make it that.
4. Take responsibility for your actions -- don't blame others for your mistakes or find excuses for poor behavior.
5. Recognize and appreciate good performances, by the other participants -- Applause for the other participants' good performances demonstrates generosity and courtesy shows a true awareness of the dogs' ability.
6. Exhibit respect for the judges -- Judges are impartial arbitrators who perform to the best of their ability to make sure the event is fair and within the rules. Mistakes made by all those involved are part of retriever events and must be accepted.
7. Expect proper behavior from all participants -- if you allow a participant to cheat, to kick, strike or otherwise roughly manhandle a dog, to abuse or harass a judge, official or any other person present in any capacity at an event, you are condoning that behavior.

 
 

CODE OF SPORTSMANSHIP

 

• Sportsmen respect the history, traditions and integrity of the sport of purebred dogs.
• Sportsmen commit themselves to values of fair play, honesty, courtesy, and vigorous competition, as well as winning and losing with grace.
• Sportsmen refuse to compromise their commitment and obligation to the sport by injecting personal advantage or consideration into their decisions or behavior.
• The sportsman judge judges only on the merits of the dogs and considers no other factors.
• The sportsman judge or exhibitor accepts constructive criticism.
• The sportsman exhibitor declines to enter or exhibit under a judge where it might reasonably appear that the judge's placements could be based on something other than the merits of the dogs.
• The sportsman exhibitor refuses to compromise the impartiality of a judge.
• The sportsman respects the bylaws, rules, regulations and policies governing the sport; conforms to the spirit as well as the letter of the rules and does not look for loop holes.
• Sportsmen find that vigorous competition and civility are not inconsistent and are able to appreciate the merit of their competition and the effort of competitors.
• Sportsmen welcome, encourage and support newcomers to the sport.
• Sportsmen will deal fairly with all those who trade with them.
• Sportsmen are willing to share honest and open appraisals of both the strengths and weaknesses of their breeding stock.
• Sportsmen spurn any opportunity to take personal advantage of positions offered or bestowed upon them.
• Sportsmen always consider as paramount the welfare of their dog.
• Sportsmen refuse to embarrass the sport or themselves while taking part in the sport.
• Sportsmen are concerned with the behaviors of all involved in the sport.
• Sportsmen take responsibility for their actions.
• Sportsmen exhibit respect for the judges, workers and other participants.

 
 
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