Info for Triallers

• Powered camping within the show ground

A limited number of powered sites will be available within the show ground beside the Pavilion. The amenities are in the pavilion.

• Powered and unpowered camping on the polocrosse grounds

Powered and unpowered sites will be available on the shady polocrosse grounds, a short stroll across the creek. An amenities block is located on the polocrosse grounds.

Entry to the polocrosse ground is via Victoria St, from Hall, it is the first left after the turn off to the Showground, heading towards Canberra.

All campers please nominate on your entry form the date of arrival and date of departure.

When arriving please book in with Tony Morris (PH:0427302317) to be directed to a suitable camping spot.

Powered sites are $20 per night, capped at $100 for the week.
Unpowered sites are $15 per night, capped at $75 for the week.

All power leads will need to be covered if on the ground.

Dogs must only be exercised on the polocrosse side of the grounds.

The oval adjacent the event ground is strictly not to be used for exercising or toileting of dogs.

All handlers MUST clean up after their dogs within the Showgrounds.

The National Open Champion
Entry Fee $25

1st  —  $5000, the Queens Trophy – portrait of the winning dog by artist Linda Dening, a framed replica of the Duke of Gloucester Sash
2nd  —  $1500 and Sash
3rd  —  $800 and Sash
4th  —  $600 and Sash
5th  —  $500 and Sash
6th  —  $400 and Sash

Top 20 Finalists  —  $100          

The National Improver Championship
Entry Fee $15
1st  —  $1000 and Sash and trophy
2nd  —  $600 and Sash
3rd  —  $400 and Sash
4th  —  $200 and Sash

The National Maiden Championship
Entry Fee $20
1st  —  $2000, The New Zealand High Commission Shield, Sash and Trophy
2nd  —  $800 and Sash
3rd  —  $600 and Sash
4th  —  $300 and Sash
5th  —  $200 and Sash
6th  —  $100 and Sash

Additional Prizes and Awards

The Champion of Champions
The state champions will compete as a block within the open draw. The highest scoring state champion and their dog will win a ribbon and $1,000.

Winners Every Day from Monday to Saturday

• Each day the highest scoring run in the Open/Improver will receive a prize.
• Each day the highest scoring run in the Maiden will receive a prize.
• Prizes to be awarded at the end of each section of each day.

George Westcott Memorial Award
$50 and Sash, for the dog scoring the most points in the first round of the National Maiden Championship.

Charlie Cover Award
$50 and Sash for the dog scoring the highest points in the first round of the National Improver Championship.

National First Time Award
$50 and Sash, for the highest points scored by a handler competing at the Nationals for the first time, in the first round of either the National Open, Improver or Maiden Championships.

Mellissa Gillard Memorial Shield
$50 and Sash, awarded to the highest scoring competitor in the first round of either the Maiden, Improver or Open Championships working the dog that the competitor has bred and owns.

All prize money will be electronically transferred within 5 days of the completion of the championships.

Please read before completing your entry form.

The ENTRY FORM for the 2026 trial is on the National Sheep Dog Trial website here.  This year the entry form is an online form to fill out and submit. You will then need to transfer your total entries fees to the National Sheepdog Trials account via bank transfer.

If preferred competitors can receive a paper copy by emailing natsheepdogtrials@gmail.com or phoning: 0403257243.

The National Maiden Championship is open to dogs that have not won any 3 sheep type of sheep dog trial up to the closing date of entries (6th February 2026)

Maiden dogs are ONLY eligible to enter the Improver Trial if they are the first FOUR dogs in the Maiden Final. These 4 finalists will be given free entry into the Improver Trial and may be entered in the Open Trial on payment of the Open entry fee.  If entered in the National Open these dogs will be eligible for the Top 20.

The Maiden Final will comprise of the six [6] highest scoring dogs.

The National Improver Championship is open to dogs that have won a Maiden/Novice Trial but have not won any type of improver or higher class of 3 sheep dog trial up to the closing date of entry.

The Improver Championship will be conducted in conjunction with the Open Championship. Improver dogs may be entered in the National Open Championship and are eligible for the Top 20.

The Improver Final will consist of the four [4] highest scoring Improver dogs.

The National Open Championship:  The final will comprise of the six [6] highest combined scores from the first round in the Open and the Top Twenty score.

PLEASE NOTE: No maiden dogs can run in the Open/Improver.

1. All handlers must be a financial member of their state working sheepdog association.
2. All dogs must be registered by their state controlling body.
3. No late entries will be accepted.
4. On entering your dogs and signing the entry form, you are agreeing to the rules and conditions of the championship and consenting to abide by the constitution and Rules of the National Sheep Dog Trial Association-Canberra Inc and the decisions of the Committee.
5. Competitors should note that under this constitution, The National Association has the authority to refuse future entries from any person whose conduct or comments are deemed detrimental to The National Sheep Dog Trial Assoc- Canberra Inc, or any other sheep dog trial.
6. At the casting peg there is a D shape. The sheep must enter the D shape before continuing.  The competitor must leave on the right-hand side of the starting peg otherwise they will be disqualified.
7. The course is a marked 8 metre course.
8. At each obstacle there will be a ring/set for the competitor to stand in.
9. The angle of the gate at the pen will be parallel to the opening. The ring is 3 meters from the end of the gate in a parallel line from the front of the pen. 10 points for the pen.
10. The trial will be run strictly to the Draw, except when the competitor is carrying out duties for the NSDTA or the committee has given special dispensation to the competitor.
11. A Draw will be available to each competitor as a printed program and available through live scoring accessed through the website.
12. Competitors must take their place at the casting peg when called. Any competitor absent when called upon to compete may be disqualified at the discretion of the committee.
13. All dogs entered must be entered on the entry form with their correct names, prefix and registered number. Entry fees must accompany the entry form.
14. No entry fee refunds will be made after the close of entry. If the Committee cancels an entry, the fee will be refunded or if the competitor suffers some unforeseen circumstance, their entries will be refunded at the discretion of the Committee.
15. An owner may appoint at time of entry, a nominee to work their dog/s at a trial. Such nominee must be a member of the Sheepdog Workers Association in the state in which they reside and accept full responsibility during the currency of the trial. If a nominee is appointed, they must work in both preliminary round and the final. To be marked on the Draw as the dog Owned by the registered owner.
16. Each dog shall have three sheep and shall be allowed 15 minutes. The Worker may appeal to the judge to reject any sheep when the sheep are delivered but before they leave the casting peg. The judge may order three fresh sheep if it is deemed necessary. The judge may also order three fresh sheep at any time during the trial if it is thought to be necessary.
17. All judges must fill judges cards for each run. If a counter is used then the minimum information transferred to the card by the judge is to include: the deduction made, the score and the judges initials.
18. The Judge or the trial manager may terminate a competitors run if it is considered that the dog or sheep are injured or stressed. This constitutes disqualification, irrespective of the number of points deducted by the Judge. A final does not entitle a judge or handler to disregard this directive. 
19. The committee has the right to instruct the judge to ring dogs off at any time.
20. The Committee accepts no responsibility for injury, loss or damage to the owner, their property or their dogs.
21. Any protest against a dog or competitor must be lodged in writing with the Committee within ½ hour of completion of run and be accompanied by a fee of Fifty dollars ($50) which will be refunded if the protest is upheld. Such protest will be dealt with by three members of this Incorporate, if present. Such members will within fourteen (14) days submit a written report to the Incorporation.
22. In the event of any question or situation arising, not provided for in these rules the matter in question shall be dealt with by three (3) members of this Incorporate, and their decision shall be final.
23. No demonstration shall be given on the trial course by a dog entered in a trial unless prior permission is given by the organising committee.
24. A bitch in season shall be allowed to work in the trial.
25. The competitor may use a cane not exceeding 46 centimetres in length, provided it is not used for the purpose of creating a noise or blocking sheep at any time during the trial. No electric dog collar or replica thereof or muzzle will be allowed on any dog entering the trial ring. A muzzle may be worn on the take-off dogs.
26. A Maiden dog is a dog which has not won any form of 3 sheep dog trial or better.
27. An Improver dog is a dog which has won any form of 3 sheep dog Novice/Maiden trial and nothing better.
28. In the event of a tie in the first place of The National Open, Improver or Maiden, further runs will be given until a winner is decided.
29. Should a worker’s own dog come onto the arena when such worker is working another dog, they will be disqualified.
30. Should any dog come onto the arena and interfere with the trial, or should the trial be interfered with by any other reason, a rerun may be awarded at judge’s discretion, but, when the competitor has lost more points than will enable them to run in the final or has no chance of qualifying for any other prize then no re-run will be allowed.
31. Each dog will commence with 100 points and 15 minutes. Points will be deducted during the trials for any misdemeanor or fault by the dog or any assistance other than commands given by the handler.
32. The following is the maximum number of points awarded: General work 75, Race 7, Bridge 8, Pen 10.
33. The trial commences as soon as the judge signals to release the sheep. From this point, the worker must be at the peg and the dog must be under control. The worker must not leave the peg for any reason unless told to by the judge. The time starts at the decision of the judge.
34. Any dog after having been cast and traveled a reasonable distance that is recalled to prevent a cross, and re-cast will be deducted 10 points. But any dog being stopped on its cast and re-directed from its present position will have points deducted at the judge’s discretion. If a dog breaks before the bell is rung and makes contact with sheep the dog will be disqualified.
35. Any dog crossing on the cast or passing between the competitor and sheep at any time during the trial will be disqualified. The dog must be cast from within or behind the delivery area.
36. When the competitor has to move from one given point to another they must do so in a direct line inside of the course markers or on the mowed line and not stop to work the dog. Infringement of this rule will entail a deduction of points for each offence.  When a worker passes a peg they must not retrace their steps, they may stay at the peg until satisfied the sheep are clear, but will be penalised 1 point. Excessive change of pace or excessive walking backwards between points should incur a points deduction. Disability exceptions will be at the complete discretion of the judge.
37. When the sheep have been delivered into the delivery area to the judge’s satisfaction the worker at their own discretion is at liberty to proceed by leaving on the right-hand side of the casting peg and walking inside of the course markers or on the mown line. After leaving the delivery area the sheep must be carried on the worker’s right-hand side and kept within 8 metres of the worker and on course, around the winding pegs and through the obstacles to the pen to prevent loss of points. Should any sheep pass on the left-hand side of the winding peg, they must be unwound (anti clockwise) once only.
38. At each obstacle a circle shall be fixed where the worker must stand to work the dog. If the worker leaves this position before all the sheep are clear of the obstacle they will be disqualified.
39. In the event of any sheep entering the obstacle from the wrong end, all three must be brought clear of the wings before being put back.
40. Should the sheep proceed through and clear an obstacle before the worker is in the circle, the obstacle MUST be reworked. At the pen, if all 3 sheep are clear of the front of the pen, the competitor must stop with both feet in the ring before proceeding to shut the gate.
41. The Trial terminates when the gate is closed. Any worker, who after starting to close the pen gate, and without stopping can place a sheep back in the pen, should gain pen points.
42. If a dog is forcing the sheep in the correct manner in the wings of the obstacle when one or more sheep cause a cross the dog will not be disqualified but may have points deducted at the judge’s discretion.
43. If in the judge’s opinion a dog should bite a sheep aggressively or viciously without provocation that dog should be disqualified. However, should a dog bite the fore part of the sheep when stuck-up or in defence against an aggressive sheep, or bite a sheep on the hindquarters when on the bridge, that dog may be disqualified.
44. Should a dog jump the arena fence or go out of the arena to head sheep in a correct manner that dog may be penalised. Should a dog leave the arena out of control that dog may be disqualified.
45. The judge shall have power of calling off any dog committing a misdemeanor of any kind or at the expiration of half time, any dog that is in the judge’s opinion has no chance of winning a prize or placing and that decision is final.
46. Should a competitor touch the dog during their trial the competitor will be disqualified. The competitor shall not assist a dog in any way except by signal, whistle or word of mouth.
47. During the trial should a competitor or dog break any of the above rules the judge will notify disqualification.
48. A dog that does not negotiate any obstacle cannot score more than 50 points.
49. The Judge’s decision is final.