Frequently Asked Questions About the Master Amateur Retriever Club . . .
THE CLUB
Question: Did the Master National Retriever Club, MNRC, create this club? Answer: No. While the MNRC discussed the concept, it did not create the club. MARC developed from a committee comprised of MNRC Board members and others not on the MNRC Board.
Question: Is MARC affiliated with the MNRC? Answer: No, MARC is a separate club with its own constitution and by-laws.
Question: What is MARC’s primary purpose? Answer: To promote amateur involvement in the AKC Hunt Test Program and to conduct a quality event once a year that showcases amateur handled dogs.
Question: How do I become a member of the MARC? Answer: MARC has developed a membership program which will include both club and individual memberships. Click Here to sign up!
QUALIFYING
Question: When is the qualifying year and event? Answer: Qualifying starts March 1st through the end of February with the Invitational event between April and June.
Question: How does a dog get qualified? Answer: The dog must pass four master tests (for 2020 and beyond) when handled by an amateur within the qualifying year. For the present, any club holding an AKC licensed or member Hunting Test for Retrievers and wishes its passes to be included in the MARC qualifying database is considered a MARC member for qualifying purposes. For Full Requirements, please see “HOW IT WORKS” page, HERE.
Question: Can you provide an example? Answer: A dog exclusively ran by an amateur could qualify for both the MNRC and MARC national events, subject to the qualifying time period with 6 passes. But a dog with six passes, five by amateur and one by a professional, would only qualify for the MNRC.
Question: What defines an amateur? Answer: Amateur status is defined by the AKC. That definition has been added to the Hunt Test regulations. Please see “Definition of an Amateur” on the “HOW IT WORKS” page, HERE.
Question: Can a non-owner or co-owner run multiple dogs at the Invitational? Answer: No handler may run more than three dogs that are not wholly owned by the handler or a member of his/her immediate family.
Question: Is there a limit to the number of dogs an amateur can run? Answer: No, as long as the dog is wholly owned by the handler or his/her immediate family.
Question: How does this effect the weekend event? Answer: This will not change the weekend event. The weekend club will be run the same way as it has. The new club and qualification process does not change any standards from the AKC.
Question: How will qualifications be tracked? Answer: Entry Express will track all qualifications. For events that use Entry Express the process will be automatic. The handler will identify as an amateur when entering the event and results will automatically be tabulated. Handlers should verify that their hunt test pass(es) will be submitted to Entry Express in the event the event is not available on Entry Express.
Question: Will another marked catalog have to be sent in? Answer: Not unless the club does not use Entry Express.
Question: What about events that do not use Entry Express? Answer: For clubs that do not use Entry Express the qualification process will require – if the club wishes to participate – that the secretary use the Entry Express portal to record the event entries PRIOR to the start of the event and then within 48 hours of the conclusion of the event to record event results. Upon doing so, event information will flow to the clubs qualifying statistics within Entry Express. The club will be charged a fee of $4.50 per master dog entered with a minimum of $250.00 for handling the qualifying process, which will be paid at the time of entry. Verification requires that the hunt test secretary also provide to Retriever News a catalog of participating dogs and designate those dogs that are amateur handled. There is no additional fee for clubs that use Entry Express.
TITLES
Question: Is there a title with the new club? Answer: Yes. There is the newly approved AKC Master Amateur Hunter (MAH) title awarded to handler/dog teams who pass three Invitationals (retroactive to all past Invitationals). Also, there is a Master Amateur Retriever (MAR) title awarded to handler/dog teams who pass two Invitationals.
MISCELLANEOUS
Question: Can I run in both the MNRC and MARC events? Answer: Yes, if the handler qualifies and is able to commit the time.
Question: Will the Invitational complete six series? Answer: Yes, with the smaller projected size, the event will have the equivalent of two weekend master tests.
Question: How long will the event take? Answer: The by-laws require that the Invitational be completed within one week; for example, Saturday to Saturday inclusive.
Question: Where was the first Invitational held? Answer: The 2017 Invitational was held in the Eastern Region in Cairo, Georgia. The events will rotate across regions East to West and return to the East in 2021, etc.
Question: How can I apply for membership or get more information? Answer: Please click on the Membership tab for membership options.
Question: Will MARC and the Invitational dilute the standards for Master hunt tests? Answer: No. MARC is committed to maintaining the standard for all – that includes making sure that the Invitational runs a full six series.
Question: Why does MARC use Entry Express and Retriever News as the exclusive agents for identifying and tracking qualifiers? Answer: MARC believes that the qualifying and tracking process must be clearly defined, transparent and easy to use. There is no other event entry system capable of providing that level of service. Entry Express provides that functionality and at no additional cost to participants. Retriever News is and has been the data repository of retriever sports from the first field trials many decades ago and continues to provide that and other services to the retriever community. MARC has full confidence that our partnership with EE and RN will provide a clearly transparent and easy to use entry and tracking process for those wishing to qualify for an Invitational. Handlers should verify with the hunt test secretary that their hunt test results will be submitted to Entry Express in the event it is not on Entry Express.
