WHAT CLASS DO I ENTER?
Last month I wrote about what a steward does during either obedience or rally. I hope that all of you
understand what is involved and are aware of how important a role the steward plays in making sure that the classes go on without a problem. The role of the table steward is the most important and thankfully Edie Rysdyk has volunteered to take on this important job.
But now on to the question of what class do I enter, A or B. In obedience it is quite simple. You have only
one time ever to enter as an A COMPETITOR IN NOVICE A. That is for anyone who has NEVER earned an AKC obedience title. In both Open and Utility, unless you have earned an OTCH (Obedience Trial Championship) you may enter the A class until you earn your title. For those who have an OTCH you must always enter the B classes even when starting this a new dog. For non OTCH members you may stay in the A class for 60 days before moving up to the B class. If at any time you are unsure if you are in the correct class, you can always enter the B class to be sure and not lose the qualification if you figured wrong.
As to Rally, new people who do not have any AKC title enter Rally A until they earn their Rally Novice
title. The 60-day allowance also applies to that as well. If you earn a Rally Novice A title, that can throw you into the B class in Obedience and that includes Beginner Novice. That is why it is important to have the rulebook in hand and READ IT!!! Again, if you have any questions, be sure to ask your instructor. You do not want to enter the wrong class and lose a qualification for that mistake!! To be on the safe side you can always enter B and that will ensure that you will be okay.
I could not find anything definite in the rule book for Beginner Novice. It is an optional class, so I was not
sure if that sent you into the Novice B class when and if you titled in that. I asked Phyllis’s opinion (as well as mine), since it is optional, it does not but she said it was also a little tricky. She suggests getting your
Beginner Novice title first, then go into regular Novice. If you are unsure and want to be on the safe side, just enter the B class.
