Talk came up of the USA Nationals on another forum and of course, I want to go and watch the event. We're probably going to rent a plane to fly out to the local airport, but we are not USA members at this time. Can we go to spectate even though we're not members? Is there typically a spectator fee or donation? We'd be going just to observe (and me taking notes, notes, NOTES) and enjoy the show and the dogs.

Any advice? Things to expect? Things we should bring (Besides notebooks, camcorders, etc)? Should we just join USA and get it over with? I read that they're offering a "Helper College" there and they mention it's for all skill levels. I'm definitely interested in that but I have absolutely no experience. Can I still get something out of attending? Would it be recommended? Is there anything else I should expect? Any advice or pointers is very appreciated. We're really hoping to go.

EDIT: I ask about the helper college because I'd join USA ASAP and get a helper scorebook if I knew if attending the helper college would be beneficial. I'm not sure if I'm too inexperienced for it, though. Haven't even been to a club yet. <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

Let's see where do I start? LOL

Diana just go to the trial. You should enjoy yourself. You do NOT have to be a USA member to attend. I think if you wanted to go that extra mile by supporting one of the competition trophies that would be super. But that is not a requirement.

If this is your first "big" trial then I would simply bring two fresh eyes and plenty of caffeine to stay awake for the long days that may start at 6am and end at night.

Trying to take photos or videos can take away from the fun of a trial. TRUST ME I know. I've taken lots of videos at some of these trials and that can mean extra "homework" to upload them and put them where folks can view them.

The helper schools are typically for all levels. Even if you simply watch this time and decide to jump in another one later, it is VERY beneficial. I'm not sure of the teaching helpers that will be there but a recent helper seminar with James Laney was very nice and informative. Tracy Betenbaugh is another known skilled teaching helper There's plenty others but either way it is still a good way to "get your feet wet" by attending one.

I hope I helped answer most your questions. You forgot to number them so I am sure I missed one or two. LOL

Haha yeah what can I say, I am excited! I really hope we can pull it off. Bringing a notebook and a camcorder is not for anyone's benefit but my own- I want to be able to video the dogs, take notes, and then watch over and over again to study the dogs, how they act and react, how the handlers are, etc. It would sort of be like "field research." <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

I think I will look into the helper college program. If we're going to be there, might as well go for the gold. I forgot about the early start times though.. I am SO not a morning person! Better get used to it, I guess. It hinges on us being able to rent a twin and possibly split it with whoever we can drag along. My man's very interested too, always a bit help. <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> Thanks for the advice!

Diana
For the most part the Helper College will be instructed by members of the Helper Committee. Most of the teaching helpers that will be in attendance will be involved with a separate group (that will also be instructed by the remaining Committee members) going over the helper curriculum and some other stuff.
It is open to everyone, but depending on the amount of people attending their may be a limit on the amount of people that actually get to physically work dogs? But, that does not mean people cannot learn by watching and listening. In fact most beginning helpers we start of by doing drills without dogs, just to get a basic feel of the how to's, etc.

Doug

Where are the SchH nationals held? Do the locations vary by year?

This year they are in Gadsden Alabama, Nov. 10-12, but they are somewhere different each year.

I'm sure Gary Hanrahan is lovin it being in Gadsden this year LOL I plan on going also. I am in Alabama myself only 4 hours or less from there.
You'll love it!!!
Rick Davis

We will be there (husband competing) and I will have my new digital camera by then!

Lorenzo is correct. Taking pictures/videos - it is very diffucult to be able to watch the whole routine.

I hope that there will be as good helpers as last Nationals down there. With Doug and James, it was so easy to shoot pictures in the protection phase as they were consistent from the 1st dog to the last dog

Hmmm maybe I can get my fiance to do the videoing... <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Looking forward to putting names/dogs to faces if we go! Are there usually videos of these events for sale after the event completes? If so, I may just order one of those.