GITCA Trophy Protocol
1. General trophy regulations - AKC Rules Applying to Dog Shows, CHAPTER 5,
SECTION 1-12
2. Premium List requirements - AKC Rules Applying to Dog Shows, CHAPTER 6,
SECTION 8
3. Trophy Chair - AKC Show/Trial Manual page 2-17, 2-18
4. Sweepstakes regulations - AKC Show/Trial Manual page 7-5
5. Specific GITCA requirements
6. List of GITCA Trophies
1. General Trophy Regulations
AKC Rules Applying to Dog Shows, CHAPTER 5, SECTION 1.
All clubs or associations holding dog shows under the rules of The American
Kennel Club, except sanctioned matches, shall use the following colors for
their prize ribbons or rosettes, in the regular classes of The American Kennel
Club and the regular group classes:
First prize—Blue.
Second prize—Red.
Third prize—Yellow.
Fourth prize—White.
Winners—Purple.
Reserve Winners—Purple and White.
Best of Winners—Blue and White.
Special prize—Dark Green.
Best of Breed and Best of Variety of Breed—Purple and Gold.
Best of Opposite Sex to Best of Breed—Red and White.
and shall use the following colors for their prize ribbons in all additional
classes:
First prize—Rose.
Second prize—Brown.
Third prize—Light Green.
Fourth prize—Gray.
SECTION 2. Each ribbon or rosette, except those used at sanctioned matches,
shall be at least 2 inches wide, and approximately 8 inches long; and bear on
its face a facsimile of the seal of The American Kennel Club, the name of the
prize, and the name of the show-giving club with numerals of year, date of show,
and name of city or town where show is given.
SECTION 3. If ribbons are given at sanctioned matches, they shall be of the
following colors, but may be of any design or size:
First prize—Rose.
Second prize—Brown.
Third prize-—Light Green.
Fourth prize—Gray.
Special prize—Green with pink edges.
Best of Breed—Orange.
Best in Match—Pink and Green.
Best of Opposite Sex to Best in Match—Lavender.
SECTION 4. If money prizes are offered in a premium list of a show, a fixed
amount for each prize must be stated. All other prizes offered in a premium list
of a show must be accurately described or their monetary value must be stated.
Alcoholic beverages will not be acceptable as prizes.
SECTION 5. A show-giving club shall not accept the donation of a prize for a
competition not provided for at its show.
SECTION 6. All prizes offered in a premium list of a show must be offered to be
awarded in a regular procedure of judging for outright award to the owner and/or
breeder of the dog.
SECTION 7. Prizes may be offered for outright award at a show for the following
placings:
First, Second, Third, Fourth in the Puppy, Novice, Bred-by-Exhibitor,
American-bred or Open Classes, or in any division of these designated in the
Classification.
First, Second, Third, Fourth in any additional class which the show-giving club
may offer in accord with the provisions of Chapter 3, Section 12, and in the
Miscellaneous Class (at all-breed shows only). Winners, Reserve Winners, Best of
Winners, Best of Breed or Variety, Best of Opposite Sex to Best of Breed or
Variety. At all-breed shows only: First, Second, Third, Fourth in a Group Class
and for Best in Show, Best Brace in Show and Best Team in Show.
SECTION 8. At any specialty show, prizes for outright award, may also be
offered for: Best in Puppy Classes, Best in Twelve-to-Eighteen Month Classes,
Best in Novice Classes, Best in Bred-by-Exhibitor Classes, Best in American-bred
Classes, Best in Open Classes, Best in any additional classes which the
show-giving club may offer in accord with the provisions of Chapter 3, Section
12, in which the sexes are divided. (In breeds in which there are varieties, a
prize may be offered for Best in any of the above classes within the variety.)
In shows held by breed Specialty clubs, awards for Best in Puppy,
Twelve-to-Eighteen Month, Novice, Bred-by-Exhibitor, American-bred, and Open
Classes, Best in any additional classes which the show-giving club may offer in
accord with the provisions of Chapter 3, Section 12, in which the sexes are
divided, may also be awarded on a three-time win basis provided permanent
possession goes to the owner and/or breeder winning the award three times, not
necessarily with the same dog, provided such prizes are offered by the
show-giving specialty club itself or through it for competition at its shows.
SECTION 9. At all-breed shows, prizes may be offered on a three-time win basis
for the following awards, provided permanent possession goes to the owner and/or
breeder winning the award three times, not necessarily with the same dog, and
further provided such prizes are offered by the show-giving club itself or
through it for competition at its shows only:
Best in Show, Best in any one group class.
SECTION 10. At specialty shows, prizes may be offered on a three-time win basis
for the following awards, provided permanent possession goes to the owner and/or
breeder winning the award three times, not necessarily with the same dog, and
further provided such prizes are offered by the specialty club itself, or
through it, for competition at its specialty shows only:
Best of Breed or Best of Opposite Sex to Best of Breed (where a specialty club
considers the classes at an all-breed show as its specialty show, there can be
no award for Best of Breed in those breeds in which there are varieties), Best
of Variety of Breed or Best of Opposite Sex to Best of Variety, Best of Winners,
Winners Dog and Winners Bitch, and First in any regular or non-regular class.
SECTION 11. Perpetual prizes and such three-time win prizes as have been in
competition prior to September 9, 1952, and which would not be allowed under the
terms of the sections in this Chapter will continue to be permitted to be
offered under the terms of their original provisions until won outright or
otherwise retired. Should premium list copy submitted to the AKC for approval
contain such non-allowable prizes, a certification by the Club Secretary stating
that the prizes have been in competition prior to September 9,1952, must be
included.
SECTION 12. Regular Specials are prizes offered by show-giving member or
non-member specialty clubs for outright and automatic award at any show where
the terms have been published in full in the premium list and catalog of the
show. No prize may be offered for an award higher than Best of Breed or Best of
Variety of Breed. It shall be the obligation of specialty clubs offering such
regular specials to notify superintendents, show secretaries and show-giving
clubs that said prizes may be offered provided the terms are set forth in full
in the premium list and catalog of the show. The specialty club will be solely
responsible for the distribution of such prizes within 60 days after the
completion of a show when it has been determined that all the terms of the
awards have been met. No show-giving club is obligated to accept an offering of
regular specials.
2. Premium List Requirements
AKC Rules Applying to Dog Shows, CHAPTER 6, SECTION 8.
No prizes may be accepted or offered by a show-giving club unless they are
published in the premium list of the show or in the separate list of prizes if
the condensed form of premium list is used; nor may any be withdrawn or the
conditions thereof changed after they have been published in the premium list
or in the separate list of prizes.
If the donor of a prize that has been published in the premium list of a show or
in the separate list of prizes shall fail to furnish the prize, the show-giving
club shall promptly supply a prize of the same description and of no less value.
The show-giving club shall be responsible for all errors made in publishing
offers of prizes and shall, in the event of error, award prizes of equal value;
except that if an error has been made in the premium list or in the separate
list of prizes in publishing the conditions of a specialty club’s Regular
Specials (as described in Chapter 5, Section 12) prizes shall be awarded
according to the current terms of the specialty club’s Regular Specials.
3. Trophy Chair
AKC Show/Trial Manual Page 2-17, 2-18
Qualifications
Willing to solicit trophy donations
Able to meet deadlines
Responsibilities
Secure and display trophies.
Ensure that all trophies are listed correctly in the premium list. Be aware of
all deadlines for the submission of material to the printer.
Work within budget supplied by club.
Acquire trophies for the event. Secure perpetual trophies; ensure that they are
cleaned and engraved. Trophies may be donated, or contributions may be made
toward a general fund. Decide on the type of trophies to be donated. Purchase
Best in Show, Group and High in Trial trophies if they are to be offered. All
trophy offerings and pledges for contributions to the trophy fund should be
confirmed in writing.
Note that trophies in honor of dogs may only be offered in memory of deceased
dogs, and trophies in honor of people may only be offered in memory of a
deceased person or a person who is no longer an active breeder or exhibitor8.
Three-time win trophies are only permissible for placements specified in the
Rules Applying to Dog Shows,9 and may not be offered for Sweepstakes or
Futurities. A three-time win trophy may be withdrawn prior to retirement if the
show-giving club can obtain a written clearance from all winners.
Include accurate descriptions of all trophies in the premium list.1O If the
prize being donated is not properly described in the premium list, it cannot be
awarded at the show. Prior to the printing of the premium list, carefully
proofread all trophy listings.
Bill and collect for trophy donations; may be coordinated with the club
treasurer. If the donor of a trophy published in the premium list fails to
furnish the trophy, the club is responsible and must provide a trophy of equal
or greater value.11 If you are depending on others to bring their pledged items
the day of the event, it is wise to have a few extra trophies available. If the
extras are unused, they can be used at any future events.
Prepare a final report of income and expenditures for trophies.
After the event, inventory the unclaimed trophies. Submit the inventory report
to the Show Chair.
Day of the Event
Check in workers and assign tasks. Allow enough coverage so that workers may
take breaks.
Confirm that all trophies listed in the premium list are on hand, or that a
replacement is available.
Set up the trophy table.
If trophies are being presented in the ring, they must be distributed to the
appropriate rings or put in the judge’s bag. If trophy cards are given, the
Chair should ensure that the cards have been distributed to the appropriate
stewards/rings. Exhibitors claiming a trophy should be asked to sign the trophy
card upon receipt of trophy.
Footnotes listed in this section retain the original numbers as taken from the
AKC Show/Trial Manual
8 American Kennel Club Policy Manual, Section 4, Paragraph IV.B
9 American Kennel Club Policy Manual, Section 4, Paragraph IV.C; Rules Applying
to Dog Shows Chapter 5, Section 9-11
10 Rules Applying to Dog Shows, Chapter 5, Section 4
11 Rules Applying to Dog Shows, Chapter 6, Section 8
4. Sweepstakes Regulations
AKC Show/Trial Manual Page 7-5
The colors of ribbons given in a sweepstakes or futurity are the same as those
given at sanctioned matches:
First - Rose
Second - Brown
Third - Light Green
Fourth - Gray11
Three-time win trophies may not be offered in sweepstakes or futurities.12
Footnotes listed in this section retain the original numbers as taken from the
AKC Show/Trial Manual
12 American Kennel Club Policy Manual, Section 4, Paragraph IV.C.2
5. Specific GITCA Requirements
1. A GITCA Challenge Trophy is defined as a three-time win trophy as described
in AKC Rules Applying to Dog Shows, CHAPTER 5, Sections 9 and 10.
2. Donations of Challenge trophies will be accepted only from members in good
standing of GITCA. If a donator is no longer a member in good standing, the
GITCA Board may elect to retire the trophy.
3. In order to donate a Challenge Trophy, a proposal must be submitted to the
Trophy Committee which includes the name of the trophy, a description of the
trophy and the class/award for which the trophy is to be given. The proposal
will be reviewed by the Trophy Committee and then presented to the Board if it
is complete and follows trophy protocol.
4. The Board of GITCA will give final approval for all Trophy Donation
proposals.
5. The Name given to a Challenge Trophy must not include names of individuals or
dogs that are presently living per AKC Show/Trial Manual page 2-18.
6. Each Challenge Trophy must have a unique name.
7. Each class/award can have only one Challenge Trophy.
8. One GITCA member or Kennel can donate no more than two trophies.
9 .Only GITCA members in good standing may take Challenge Trophies home. A
contract will be signed which indicates that the member is responsible for any
damage to or loss of the trophy. The member must have their dog’s name and the
year of the win added to the engraved list of winners. The member must also
return the trophy to the Trophy Committee at least 60 days before the next
year’s event.
10. Non-GITCA members who win a Challenge Trophy will be able to have photos
taken with the trophy on the day of the win. The Challenge Trophy will remain in
the possession of the Trophy Committee. The Trophy Committee will have the
winning dog’s name and the year of the win added to the engraved list of
winners.
11. A Challenge Trophy can be retired by an owner and/or breeder winning the
award three times, not necessarily with the same dog. Permanent possession of
the trophy goes to the owner and/or breeder.
12. A Challenge Trophy can be retired for permanent possession by an owner
and/or breeder who is not a GITCA member.
13. Once a prize is retired, the retiree, if a member in good standing, has
first right of refusal to forward a proposal to donate a new Challenge Trophy.
If the owner/breeder declines, or if their proposal is rejected by the GITCA
Board, then the original sponsor may forward a proposal to donate the trophy
again. If neither of these individuals elects to replace the trophy, or their
proposals are rejected by the GITCA Board, then the class/award will be open to
any donation proposals from the membership.
14. After a Challenge Trophy has been retired, any wins prior to the retirement
date no longer count towards the three wins required to retire the trophy. Wins
towards the new Challenge Trophy for that class/award starts with the next show
where that Challenge Trophy is offered.
15. Replacement Challenge trophies must be of similar value to the trophy just
retired.
6. List of GITCA Trophies
GLEN GATHERING
Best of Breed, The Bawnogue Trophy, Wooden plaque
Offered by Fiona and Roy Kelly.
SPECIALTY BREED PRIZES
Best of Breed, The Eric Trophy, Pewter Championship Cup.
Offered by Peg Carty & Maura High in memory of Intl. CH Madach Jack Snipe.
Best of Breed, The Clancy Cup, S/P Loving Cup.
Offered by Jim Kanealy & Bob Hurd in memory of CH Wizard at Slievehom
Best of Opposite Sex to Best of Breed, Coleraine Trophy, S/P Wine Cooler
Offered by Maura & Jeff High.
Best of Winners, Royalty Glens Trophy, S/P Pitcher
Offered by Bruce Sussman & Rob Shuter.
Best Puppy, Finnabair Trophy, GoIdtone Loving Cup
Offered by Mary McDaniel, DVM.
Winners Dog, Inveraray Riann Trophy S/P Platter
Offered by Phil & Bonnie Steffan.
Reserve Winners Dog, Glenheights Gorm Trophy S/P Plate.
Offered by Frank & Mary Murphy in memory of Wicklow.
Open Dog, First, Powheiri Trophy, S/P Urn
Offered by Holly Best & Jack Wright
Bred-by-Exhibitor Dog, First, Rogers Trophy, S/P Revere Bowl
Offered by Janice & Mike Rogers.
Winners Bitch, Rainbow Springs Trophy, S/P Platter
Offered by Peg & Mark Carty.
Reserve Winners Bitch, Parrson’s Trophy, S/P Plate
Offered by Martha Parry & Jack Oscarson.
Open Bitch, First, Beacon Hill Trophy, SP Revere Bowl.
Offered by Jim Kanealy & Bob Hurd.
Bred-by-Exhibitor Bitch, First, Kilkenny Trophy, S/P Tray
Offered by Susan & Jake Blum.
Veteran Dog, First, Florence Brendan McCarthy Trophy, S/P Ice Bucket
Offered by Holy Best & Jack Wright.
Veteran Bitch, First, Miranda Trophy, S/P Revere Bowl
Offered by Maura & Jeff High in memory of Miranda
Stud Dog, First, Glenheights Dandy Trophy, S/P Revere Bowl
Offered by Kathy Georgianna.
Brood Bitch, First, Cleary Trophy in memory of Tom & Eithne Cleary, S/P Ice
Bucket
Offered by Susan & Jake Blum.
Best Brace, Briar Hill Trophy, S/P Tray
Offered by Kathy Georgianna.
SWEEPSTAKES PRIZES
Best In Sweepstakes, Eversley Patrick Trophy, S/P Bowl
Offered by Bruce Sussman & Rob Shuter.
Best of Opposite Sex to Best In Sweepstakes, Putnam-Rudolph Trophy, Pewter Cup
Offered by Jamie Putnam & Ed Rudolph.