Result: An Update From The National Field Trial Championship Association

Post Date: Jul 16, 2025

The National Field Trial Championship Association develops all policies and procedures relevant to the running of the National Championship. Our goal is to continually evaluate and make improvements to the National Championship to maintain its rich tradition and history. We deeply appreciate the input and support of the field trial community and wish to keep you up to date on happenings that pertain to the National Championship.

The board is made up of 11 respected individuals from within the sport of field trialing. The directors are Dr. Fred Corder, Larry Garner, John Ivester, Matt Rhea, Tom Shenker, Dr. Terry Terlep, David Williams, and Keith Wright. Ames Plantation Manager Matt Backus serves as Secretary, Joey McAlexander is the Vice President and Dr. Stan Wint serves as President. Our Association would like to share with you some answers to questions we have been receiving about the 2026 National Championship.

What are the qualifications for the 2026 National Championship?
A maximum of 42 dogs will be accepted for the running of the 2026 National Championship. Past National Champions are qualified for life and will receive the highest priority for entry into the event. Priority will also be given to dogs with a first-place win in a qualifying event in their lifetime and those appearing on the current Joe Hurdle Award List. If more than 42 dogs meet this criterion, they will be chosen in descending order of points. If fewer than 42 meet this criterion, the NFTCA will invite additional dogs from the Joe Hurdle Award List in descending order of points until the field is full.

Will the courses be the same as last year?
The goal of the Ames Plantation and the National Championship Association is to return the Ames Plantation to a successful and sustainable wild bird venue. Tall Timbers Plantation has graciously agreed to help with this restoration. Because of the extensive habitat work that must be done, we will only have one course available to us for the next few years. In 2026, the course previously referred to as the "morning course" will be the course on which all dogs will run.

What effect do you think these changes will have?
These changes should result in 1) the most highly qualified field of dogs and 2) those most currently active in field trialing. This should also increase the number of dogs in qualifying trials by encouraging those who wish to qualify to remain active in trialing.
The habitat work on courses should help us reach our goal of returning to a wild bird venue with a more than adequate number of birds. Plentiful bird work will give all dogs an equal chance to shine and will be much appreciated by owners, handlers, and judges.

Have Judges been announced for 2026?
The judicial team of Greg Bain, Bill Mason, and Richie Robertson will be returning for duty in 2026.

Are there other areas of focus for the upcoming year?
Some of the things to look forward to in the coming year include the completion of our 501(c)(3) status, the enhancement of our electronic and social media footprint (to help attract sponsorship), and improvements to our social functions and event calendar.

What changes might be on the horizon?
One of our goals is to eliminate the certificate fee and dog tax to reduce the financial burden on those putting on qualifying trials. We also hope to be able to increase the purses, which should also attract more dogs and handlers to open all-age trials.

There are many other options also being discussed. But for now, we remain committed to consistently putting on the highest quality event for owners, trainers, handlers, and the bird dog world. It is what they expect and deserve in the running of our National Championship.