National Amateur Championship

The English Springer Spaniel Field Trial Association (ESSFTA) National Amateur Championship (NAC) is an annual event. The competition series is hosted on a yearly rotation of the five regions of the ESSFTA.

The scope of the ESSFTA National Amateur Championship is impressive, as it is one of the few remaining competitions that creates true hunting conditions over variable terrain and through all types of weather. English Springer Spaniel Field trailers with their dog qualify throughout the year for the event, by placing in local trials. The Owners/Handlers and dog can enter the Championship trial after meeting the registration requirements established for the year. The ESSFTA National Amateur Championship (NAC) Field Trial focuses on the English Springer Spaniels. The dogs with their handlers are judged on their ability to find, flush and retrieve shot game during five land series and a water series over a week of competition. At the conclusion of the first series, each judge selects the dogs from among those who have performed under them that they consider worthy of continuing in the stake and they are put down in sequence under the other judge. After each series, the two Judges will evaluate the dog and handler against their peers and invite the top scoring to continue to participate in the progressing series work. These procedures are followed through successive series until the judges are satisfied that they are prepared to make the awards.

The Field Trial Chairperson and Committee will keep the focus on the dogs and handlers as they stake the courses in amazing, safe upland grass terrain. Birds planters use their expertise and place great flying pheasants on the course to elevate the competition. The competition is fierce as they hunt the beautiful upland game landscape. It’s extraordinary to witness, and it helps to build an exciting social environment as well. This trial is not only a competition, but it is also a wonderful gathering of like-minded people. Locals are invited to watch any part of the competition but must wear blaze orange when in attendance.

During the NAC, the English Springer Spaniel is celebrated. It is an exciting and fun social event! There are usually three gatherings that create a welcoming environment, allowing friends to relax and catch up after a year of competitions. The Welcome Party is greeting the attendees and provides the expectations for the week’s event. The evening of the Banquet presents the annual Parent Awards to the top Springers and next year’s Judges are announced. The fun includes fundraising using silent and live auctions. There are activities at the field locations, the Headquarter Conference Center and typically a local venue celebrating the uniqueness of the location.

Please look for each year’s information so you can attend and experience a week of greatness!!!!