Amateur Owner Handler class?

Here's what I found...it's in the August 2007 minutes...looks like the Novice class is being done away with...

"Amateur Class - Rules Applying to Dog Shows, Chapter 3, Section 6

Following a motion by Mr. Marden, seconded by Mr. Goodman, it was VOTED (affirmative: Mr. Marden, Mr. Goodman, Mrs. Schaefer, Mrs. Strand, Ms. Scully, Dr. Davies, Dr. Haines, Dr. Garvin, Mr. Keene, Mr. Menaker, Dr. Newman, Mr. Gladstone; opposed: Mr. Merriam) to approve changes to Rules Applying to Dog Shows, Chapter 3, Section 6, replacing the Novice Class with the Amateur-Owner-Handler class. This change will be read at the September 2007 Delegate meeting, to be voted on at the December 2007 Delegate meeting. The proposed rule change reads as follows:

rwbeagles

This change will be read at the September 2007 Delegate meeting, to be voted on at the December 2007 Delegate meeting. The proposed rule change reads as follows

Interestingly I cannot find the Dec. 2007 minutes to see what occured..Looking for the Sept ones now.

ETA: Isn't that interesting...NO Sept either...wonder why?

ETA: nothing new in the online rulebook...hmmm again.

I couldn't find anything either, on AKC or google that confirmed it.  I think it would be a fantastic upgrade to the Novice class, for obvious reasons.  

I hope it is true!! It'd give those of us trying to get our foot in the door a more level playing field.  I was looking for a class like that before I knew the classes.  I was gonna try Novice then read the rules. After 12-18 Logan and I go into Open... but this SHOULD go into effect before he turns 18 months and 1 day... so, I'm thinking this is fantastic!

Edited, because even I couldn't understand what I was trying to say the first time around! lol 

I think it's a nice class. No doubt their nemisis UKC has pushed them to consider this. I also wonder if it's actually going to happen and if so when. I would bet they'd make some sort of announcement if it went thru. I just wonder where the two critical meeting minutes, are?

I think it may be nice way to dip your toe in the water.... I don't expect lots of points out of that class.  You are gonna have to move out to Open to finish a dog IMHO

What makes you feel that way MRV?? 

 That would be a good class for us, too. I need to get on some sort of list for this stuff.... Meh.

Many folks believe that your dog has to be competitive in Open to win.... I am usually part of that group.  There are few if any Winner's dog out of Novice and I expect that to be the same in this case.  Nora's "almost" breeder (one of the main kennel folk for Tri Sorts) Said to me "She (nora) need to be in open.  Folks will assume you doubt your dog's ability to be competitive if you dont move into Open".  Considering she has been at this alot longer than me, has had multiple number 1s in breed rankings and handles professionally on the side,   I take her comments pretty seriously.

I agree that the novice class should be dropped, nobody used it. I hope people will use this class more.

I don't agree with open being the class you need to be in. In my breed, bred-by wins just as much.

Yes I agree with bred by classes producing points as well.   However, in this case, "bred by" is not an option for those who would consider Owner Handler class.  I have a goal to finish one dog out of bred by exhibitor. (since Nora is only gonna have one litter and that is under the control of her breeder).

I noticed, their standards on what makes a pro handler are a lot less stringent than UKC. UKC is you have ever...at any time accepted compensation for handling a dog...you're a pro.

Interesting MRV, thank you for explaining that.  Is it just other fanciers/exhibitors that think you don't think your dog is good enough, or the judge as well?  Cause I have every confidence my DOG is good enough, it's ME that I'm worried about! lol

I would enter the class myself...maybe the judge will give me pointers LOL. I doubt they took the time to start this class then told the judges not to consider it.

Many old time judges that I know personally don't fault the dog because of the handler...and let's be honest some of 'em are so old, once it gets to Winners I doubt they even remember what class the dog came out of HEHEHE...

Believe me, I am my dog's worst "fault" in the conformation ring.... However, I will use Am Bred when there are high numbers of dogs anticipated in Open so that I can be considered for Winners.  For the most part, I use the puppy classes, then Open and Am Bred (basically because my dogs have more "type" than is often seen in belgian Am Bred classes).  That way I can get called back in and considered for Winners.  Worked last year in Kalamazoo, we got a 4 point.