1 Scent Sports Association of New Zealand (SSANZ): Rules and Guidelines – July 2019 www.scentsports.org.nz
SSANZ DEFINITION OF NOSEWORK
Nosework was created for the purpose of allowing any dog to use their natural olfactory abilities to work in partnership with their handler and to respond to specific target odours. Nosework is an uninterrupted performance by a dog and handler to demonstrate working as a team and can be easily performed in a wide variety of locations. Each trialling team will be evaluated on their ability to search for, locate, and respond to target odours. The arrangement of the searches that are found in Nosework competitions are modelled on those of traditional working detection dogs. The overall performance should convey an image of fun, enthusiasm and the ability of the team to work in partnership, Our aim is to provide a safe and enriching environment that promotes a trusting and lasting relationship. Harsh handling will not be tolerated and may result in the immediate disqualification of the dog and handler from participating any further on that day by order of the officiating judge. The primary focus is achieving a qualifying score. Performance/competitive targets may be included at the discretion of the organisers when providing prizes and awards.

1 SSANZ LEVEL REQUIREMENTS - AWARDS
1.1 Objective for Novice is to demonstrate the ability of the dog to detect a single target odour in four different search areas
1.1.1 SSANZ NOVICE NOSEWORK TITLE
1.1.2 Requirements to be granted the ‘Novice Nosework Title’
1.1.2.1 Handler must be a registered member of SSANZ
1.1.2.2 Dog must attain a minimum of two, a maximum of five ‘SSANZ Novice qualifying trial’ certificates, criteria outlined in
1.2 1.2 To attain a Novice qualifying certificate’
1.2.1 Complete all four Novice searches, at a single trial, in their respective allocated time
1.2.2 A minimum score of 20 points out of a possible 25 must be obtained in each search to contribute to an overall qualification
1.2.2.1 There may be no more than ‘one’ incorrect alert’ in total over the four Novice searches
1.2.2.2 There may be no more than one Major fault of any kind in up to 3 of the Novice searches
1.2.3 The dog must meet any other relevant criteria outlined in the SSANZ rules (NOTE: provisions for Intermediate/Advanced/Elite levels are currently being finalised and will be added to these regulations in due course).

2 2 TRIAL ENTRY CRITERIA
2.1 All entry criteria must be met for a team to be registered to or to participate in a SSANZ trial
2.2 General entry requirements
2.2.1 On the closing date for entries, team spots will be accepted in the following order:
2.2.1.1 SSANZ members whose dogs have less than
2 ‘Novice qualifying certificates.
2.2.1.2 SSANZ members, whose dogs have between 2 and 5 Novice qualifying certificates.
2.2.1.3 Non SSANZ members whose dogs have less than 2 Novice qualifying certificates.
2.2.1.4 Non SSANZ members whose dogs have between 2 and 5 Novice qualifying certificates.
2.2.1.4.1 In the event of more entries then spots a random draw from the last priority group of dogs will happen to fill the remaining spaces in the trial.
2.2.2 All handlers of dogs at a SSANZ trial of intermediate level and above must be registered members of SSANZ
2.2.3 Handlers may only trial one dog at each level at a trial
2.2.4 A judge at a trial may not enter a dog in the level they are judging
2.2.4.1 A judge at a trial may enter a dog in another level at the discretion of the organiser
2.2.5 Dogs may trial with an alternate handler to their owner
2.2.5.1 The alternate handler must stay the same for the entirety of the level entered
2.2.6 Organisers and officials may compete at a trial at the discretion of the judge at the level they will be entering as long as;
2.2.6.1 The allowance to trial does not impede the running of the trial
2.2.6.2 The allowance to trial does not diminish the integrity of the hide
2.3 Requirements of the handler
2.3.1 Have not been banned or excluded from trialling with SSANZ
2.3.2 Enclosed, secure footwear must be worn at all times
2.3.3 Handlers should wear comfortable clothing with safety in mind.
2.3.3.1 A handler who presents with unsafe attire will be asked to rectify the problem, if no attempt is made to rectify, the handler may be asked to leave the trial
2.3.4 Training vests, bags, hats etc may be worn during searches or at any time
2.3.5 No recording equipment can be worn or used by the team in the search area at a trial.
2.4 Requirements of the dog.
2.4.1 All dogs participating at Intermediate or above must be registered with SSANZ
2.4.2 Dogs over the age of 6 months may be entered in a trial provided all other entry criteria is met
2.4.3 Dogs attending the trial must be presented in a state of good general health and cleanliness.
2.4.3.1 Dogs who are excessively dirty will be excluded from trialling that day.
2.4.4 A veterinary certificate giving a brief outline and stating a dog is fit to trial is required if an injury/disability/illness is present. Dogs must have a current vaccination record, officiated by a registered professional.
3 2.4.5 Dogs must have a current registration with their local council
2.4.6 A dog that has been classified as menacing or dangerous under the Dog Control Act (1996) may compete at a SSANZ Trial at the discretion of the hosting organisation, who may require additional information and will be afforded full disclosure
2.4.6.1 Additional information must be provided to the organiser, this can include but is not limited to; i. Owner name ii. Owner address iii. Dog name iv. Dog breed v. Dogs colour vi. Type of classification
2.4.6.2 Dogs with a ‘menacing’ classification must be muzzled at all times and cannot compete off lead.
2.4.6.3 A dog that has been classified as menacing or dangerous under the Dog Control Act(1996), and which has been granted an exemption under Clause 33E (5) of the Dog Control Act (1996) by the local territorial authority that has jurisdiction over the trial location, may not compete without a muzzle in a SSANZ Trial at that location
2.4.6.3.1 A copy of the exemption document must be provided with their entry form
2.4.7 Bitches in season are NOT allowed to participate, nor permitted on the premises where the trial is held.
2.4.7.1 Notification is required at the earliest indication that a bitch may be in season at the time of the trial.
3 EQUIPMENT
3.1 Lead length and type is at the handler’s discretion.
3.1.1 Leads can be attached to a suitable harness or collar for the searches as defined in these regulations
3.1.2 Searches may be conducted off lead with permission by the judge after consultation with the organiser
3.2 Check, choke, slip or prong collars are not permitted in the working search areas.
3.3 Correctly fitted non-restrictive harnesses are permitted for use in SSANZ trials
3.3.1 Leads must be attached to the top (spine) of the harness during the searches
3.4 Optional equipment worn by the dog such as coats, boots or muzzles other than those outlined above may be permitted at the discretion of the officiating judge
4 SSANZ TRIAL PROTOCOL
4.1 NO unofficial samples of odour may be brought anywhere onsite, other than in the confines of a private vehicle.
4.2 A briefing will be given before the trial starts and is mandatory for all handlers to attend.
4.2.1 Out of bounds areas will be outlined at the trial briefing
4.2.2 Search areas will be defined. Once defined it is the responsibility of the handlers to stay out of these areas unless specifically exempted by an official on the day
4.2.3 Health and safety details for the venue will be advised 4.2.4 General housekeeping and details of the trial will be covered 4.3 Search areas will be defined visually and may also be broadly outlined during the briefing
4.3.1 Handlers are NOT allowed in the search areas until it is their turn to trial unless authorised by the judge or delegated official.
4.3.1.1 If a trialist enters the search area without authorisation they may be disqualified from the trial
4 4.3.2 Handlers are also prohibited from discussing any detail in relation to the search or the operation of the search with any other competitor or spectator until ALL teams have concluded that search
4.4 If, in the opinion of the judge, harsh or intimidating handling has taken place they may deduct all points for that search
4.4.1 The judge or organiser may ask a trialist to leave if it is deemed necessary in the interests of safety, welfare of others, or due to bad sportsmanship.
4.5 The organiser may provide a videographer for each search.
4.5.1 When Videography is to occur, this should be advised by the organiser at time of registration, prior to entry
4.5.1.1 When advertised prior to entering a trial, by registering in that trial, handlers agree to allow video and photographs to be taken during the entirety of the event which may include them
4.5.1.2 Copies may be made available to trialists on request.
4.5.1.3 The organiser of the trial will become the owner of any media taken of their event.
4.5.1.4 Interested parties may apply in writing to acquire copies of media relevant to them.
4.5.1.5 The organiser will gain permission from the subject before media can be used and will state the intended use.
4.5.1.6 ONLY persons granted permission from the organiser will be permitted to record the searches at a SSANZ trial.
4.5.1.6.1 Any persons wishing to record a search at a SSANZ trial must obtain permission from the organisers prior to the trial and at the discretion of the judge.
4.5.1.6.2 Any person recording searches at a SSANZ trial must follow all directions given by the judge or designated official,
4.5.1.6.3 The judge reserves the right to ask a person recording searches to leave if they believe that is appropriate.
4.5.1.7 For general recording of events at a trial, the recorder is asked to gain permission from any person or from the owner/handler of any animal directly or inadvertently recorded before publishing the media.
5 ORGANISATION or HOST REQUIREMENTS
5.1 To host a SSANZ trial you must be a current registered SSANZ Organisational member Organisers must apply to have a trial recognised as a SSANZ trial by;
5.1.1 Filing a completed ‘application to hold a SSANZ trial’ form with the SSANZ secretary
5.1.2 Filing the application form at least 3 months prior to the trial date
5.1.3 Accompanying application by any necessary payment 5.2 Upon approval trial advertising must state the following;
5.2.1 “This trial is being conducted under the rules and regulations of the Scent Sports Association of New Zealand (SSANZ).”
5.2.2 Judge/s for each search and/or level
5.2.3 Any competitive aspects
5.2.4 If there is going to be a videographer or photographer in attendance, this should be advertised on all trial fliers and registration forms.
5.5.3 Organisers are liable for any accident or injury occurring at their trial and acknowledge this is not the responsibility of SSANZ
5.4 Organisers can order searches and levels at a trial to suit their requirements provided these meet the criteria outlined for each individual search
5.5 On the closing date for entries, team spots for novice will be allocated as follows.
5.5.1 SSANZ members whose dogs have less than 2 ‘Novice qualifying certificates.
5.5.2 SSANZ members, whose dogs have between 2 and 5 Novice qualifying certificates.
5.5.3 Non SSANZ members whose dogs have less than 2 Novice qualifying certificates.
5.5.4 Non SSANZ members whose dogs have between 2 and 5 Novice qualifying certificates.
5.5.4.1 In the event of more entries than spots a random draw from the last priority group of dogs will happen to fill the remaining spaces in the trial.
5.6 The Organiser is responsible for contracting a SSANZ judge, or SSANZ approved person to judge
5.6.1 The Organiser and judge are to communicate and decide on any monetary or other remuneration, this is not SSANZ responsibility
5.7 Entry fees charged to enter a trial are set by the Organiser
5.7.1 Entry fees are the property of the Organiser
5.7.2 Entry fees should be fair and reasonable to the trialist
5.8 The organiser is responsible for obtaining official SSANZ qualifier certificates
5.9 Organisers at their own discretion may present additional participation certificates/awards
5.10 The Organiser may set a competitive aspect to a trial if they wish for there to be one. 5.10.1 The place getters of a trial will be awarded based on the following criteria
5.10.1.1 Teams on no faults place above faulted teams
5.10.1.2 For each search a non-faulted team with the fastest time will be the winner
5.10.1.3 Overall a non-faulted team with the fastest combined time of all their searches may be awarded Highest Qualifier.
5.10.2 Awards and prizes are the responsibility of the Organiser
5.11 Organisers may hold additional novelty Scent events at SSANZ trials with the understanding they are conducted within appropriate criteria for SSANZ 5.12 Organisers must forward a copy of all resulting scores and search times to the SSANZ Secretary within 21 days of the trial’s conclusion
5.13 Organisers must keep records of the trial for 12 months after the trial date including but not limited to
5.13.1 ‘application to hold a SSANZ trial’
5.13.2 Entry forms
5.13.3 Menacing dog information and exemptions
5.13.4 Financial records
5.13.5 ‘recorder’ applications
5.13.6 Media use applications
6 6 SET UP OF SEARCH AREAS – GENERAL
6.1 Odour can be put inside either a plastic or metal sealed container, and shall be known as the source or hide
6.1.1 Hides will be a maximum of 50ml capacity with ventilation to allow the scent to be released into the area
6.1.2 Hides may be fastened to a surface, or, placed securely in a larger container.
6.1.3 The hide will be placed by the judge or designated official a minimum of 15 minutes before the first team commences searching
6.1.4 The hide must not be visible to the team in the normal course of the search
6.1.5 The hide should not be fully accessible to the dog so that there is no risk of ingestion
6.1.6 Additional hides or containers must be available in case of contamination or visible damage
6.2 The search area should be clean and safe but does not need to be sterile
6.3 The search area should be clearly defined by either; walls, fences, other markers such as cones or temporary fencing
6.4 There must be a clearly defined ‘start line’ 6.5 CONTAINER SEARCH – GENERAL 6.5.1 All containers used in this search will be in a clean condition 6.5.1.1 No obvious signs of contamination from foodstuffs or strong-smelling substances
6.5.1.2 Containers must be closed but have holes or other visible ventilation points for the odours to escape
6.5.1.3 This search may be conducted indoors or outdoors.
6.5.2 Additional containers will be pre-cooked, and blank containers will be on stand-by in case any have to be replaced if damaged.
6.5.3 Refer to section ‘8’ for trial, level, specific criteria
6.6 INTERIOR SEARCH – GENERAL
6.6.1 This search will be conducted inside a building or room.
6.6.2 This area may be an individual room or defined within a larger area
6.6.3 The interior can be as it was found or staged at the organiser or judge’s discretion
6.6.4 The judge or a designated official will be available for questions relating to search area parameters prior to their search commencing.
6.6.5 Refer to section ‘8’ for trial, level, specific criteria
6.7 EXTERIOR SEARCH – GENERAL
6.7.1 Exterior Areas may be enclosed on some edges but should have at least one perimeter side open.
6.7.2 The exterior area can be as it was found or staged at the organiser or judge’s discretion.
6.7.3 The exterior search area must be identified in some way; flags, cones, rope, pegs or natural visual landmarks to identify the search area perimeter 6.7.4 The judge or a designated official will be available for questions relating to search area parameters prior to their search commencing.
6.7.5 Refer to section ‘8’ for trial, level, specific criteria 7
6.8 VEHICLE SEARCH – GENERAL
6.8.1 All vehicles must be no less than 3m and no more than 10m from the starting line
6.8.2 There must be clear access to all sides of the vehicle
6.8.3 Refer to section ‘8’ for trial, level, specific criteria
7 SET UP OF SEARCH AREAS – LEVEL SPECIFIC
7.1.1 Novice search criteria, in addition to the general criteria above
7.1.1.1 One source/hide per search element
7.1.1.2 Oil of Clove Bud, will be the odour used in SSANZ Novice trials
7.1.1.3 No formal ‘indication position’ is required for Novice for the handler to call an ‘alert’
7.1.1.3.1 The judge should observe a change of behaviour by the dog within half a metre of the hide
7.1.2 Container search 7.1.2.1 Search time limit 2 minutes.
7.1.2.2 Conducted indoors or outdoors
7.1.2.3 10-15 containers set in a geometrical configuration
7.1.2.4 The containers will be uniform size with a minimum width of 300mm and maximum width of 600mm
7.1.2.5 The containers shall be no more than 350mm in height
7.1.2.6 All containers are placed at ground level 7
.1.2.7 Spacing minimum of 750mm between containers
7.1.2.8 Containers can be weighted to reduce accidental movement by the dog
7.1.3 Interior search
7.1.3.1 Search time limit 3 minutes.
7.1.3.2 Area will be between 60 - 100 sqm.
7.1.3.3 Odour maximum height 650mm from the ground
7.1.4 Exterior search 7.1.4.1 Search time limit 5 minutes
7.1.4.2 Area will be between 75 - 200 sqm
7.1.4.3 Odour maximum height 650mm from the ground
7.1.5 Vehicle search 7.1.5.1 Search time limit 3 minutes
7.1.5.2 One vehicle of any sort 7.1.5.2.1 Clear access all sides
7.1.5.2.2 Exterior only 7.1.5.3 Odour maximum height 650mm
7.1.5.4 Maximum depth under vehicle 100mm 8
7.2 Intermediate search criteria, in addition to the general criteria above (NOTE: provisions for Intermediate/Advanced/Elite levels are currently being finalised and will be added to these regulations in due course).
8 ODOUR PREPARATION
8.1 3 to 5 drops of essential oil is to be placed on a cotton make up remover pad at the base of a sealable glass jar. Scent sample carriers are then added to the jar. Acceptable Scent sample carriers are Qtips/cotton buds, cotton balls or cotton make up remover pads. The jar is then sealed with an airtight lid. Scent sample carriers must be prepared 24-72 hours before use.
8.2 The maximum scent sample carriers that can be put into a hide container is either 2 Q-tips or 1 cotton ball or 1 cotton makeup remover pad.
9 SEARCH RULES – GENERAL 9.1 The location of the hide will not be visible or known to the handler 9.2 Each search time starts when the dog’s nose crosses the start line.
9.2.1 Once over the start line the team can enter the search area from any angle
9.3 There is no penalty applied to handlers using verbal and/or physical signals to encourage and support their dogs while searching.
9.4 Handlers must indicate verbally ‘audibly’ and ‘visually’ while raising a hand above their head. Both signals are required to indicate the handler thinks the dog has found the ‘source’
9.4.1 If the alert called is deemed to be not correct the judge may say ‘False – Continue’
9.4.2 A judge may ask “Where?” for further clarification after the alert is called and timing is stopped. If the handler is unable to adequately describe or point to the location of the odour hide, then the judge may award a fault as defined in section 12
9.4.3 Timing concludes when the judge has identified the call as ‘Correct’
9.5 Handlers are allowed to take their reinforcers into the search area
9.5.1 Reinforcers may be visible
9.5.2 Reinforcers are not to be used until the search is concluded
9.5.3 Reinforcers must stay on the handler unless in use
9.5.4 Handlers must not contaminate the search area with their reinforcer
9.5.4.1 If, in the judge’s opinion, the search area has been contaminated a major fault will be deducted
9.5.5 Handlers must not damage the search area when reinforcing their dog
9.5.5.1 If, in the judge’s opinion, the search area has been damaged a major fault will be deducted 9
10 FAULTS
10.1 Faults are given at the judge’s discretion
10.2 Element failure incurs a score of 0 for that element.
10.2.1 If the time for the search element has run out and the hide has not yet been found, the team will lose all their points for that element.
10.2.2 If the handler requests further help, at any time, then the search is forfeited. the team will lose all their points for that element.
10.2.3 Fouling. The dog vomits, urinates or defecates at any time while in the search area.
10.2.4 A judge may at their discretion allow a team to finish a search after “Time” is called.
10.2.4.1 Extra time allowed to be 2 minutes maximum.
10.3 Faults are deducted according to two categories of fault type - major and minor.
10.3.1 Major faults incur a deduction of 5 points for each occurrence
10.3.1.1 Incorrect Alert Call. In Novice the judge will call ‘false continue” and the team may continue the search.
10.3.1.2 Damage to the search area – such as excessive pawing or digging which require the replacement of equipment odour container
10.3.1.3 Compromising the search area - The judge deems that handler reward delivery may have jeopardized the integrity of the search area by damage or possible contamination 1
0.3.1.4 The dog damages or interfere with the hide placement in such a way that this might give a visual clue to subsequent competitors 1
0.3.1.5 Dropping food or rewards at any time during the search will be faulted each occasion.
10.3.1.6 Leaving the Search Area. The team (handler and dog) leave the search area during a search.
10.3.1.7 Inappropriate fouling outside of the search area.
10.3.1.8 Safety issues or other infractions at the judge’s discretion, including but not limited to:
10.3.1.8.1 Taking the dog off leash in a leash only search area.
10.3.1.8.2 Allowing your dog to go under the vehicle and out of sight of the handler.
10.3.1.8.3 Placing your dog in an unsafe situation etc.
10.3.2 Minor Faults incur a deduction of 2 points on each occurrence.
10.3.2.1 Faults may not be given at Novice level but will be given at higher levels for minor infractions of poor handling including but not limited to
10.3.2.1.1 Tangling the line.
10.3.2.1.2 Dropping the line.
10.3.2.1.3 Mistakenly blocking odours 1
0.3.2.1.4 Inexpertly covering the area
10.3.2.1.5 Handling errors.
​10 DEFINITIONS Level one specific level of a SSANZ trial or title e.g. Novice Trial one of each or some of the SSANZ levels being assessed in a group. Event several trials run in the same time frame at the same venue Organiser a person or group registered with SSANZ to hold events Official a person commissioned by an organizer to help run a trial Judge official scorer at a trial, SSANZ approved judges or SSANZ approved person Owner the registered owner of a dog Handler a person commissioned to work with a dog not necessarily their own but included Team a dog and handler for a level at a trial Search one element of a level e.g. container search These are based on a combined interpretation of rules of the United Kennel Association, USA and ACSW, modified following initial Novice tests conducted since February 2015 and adopted for New Zealand Novice Tests July 2019.