How to use a Premium List

   (1) Host Club.  This is usually on the very first page of the Premium in large type.  If you are using a generic entry form this will need to go on the entry form somewhere.  Often checks are payable to the Host Club.

   (2) Date/location of the trial/show.  This is also usually on the first page of the Premium.

   (3) Show/Trial Secretary.  This is the person who receives all entries, collects all entry fees, answers any questions you have about entries, etc.  Usually this is who you mail or email entries to.  This is the go-to person for the show.  Sometimes the show/trial will have a Superintendant, which basically means they have hired someone from outside the club to handle entries.  For example, in AKC conformation, MBF is a major superintendant that does the entries for shows all over the U.S.  in this case, there will still be a show/trial secretary that belongs to the club who will work closely with the superintendant.  When in doubt, the show/trial secretary will likely give you more personalized service, but the superintendant will probably have more flexible hours when they can be contacted since for them administrating shows is a full-time job whereas the show/trial secretary is a volunteer from the host club.

   (4) Entry Information:

      (a) Fees: These are listed...somewhere in the Premium.  Usually a few pages in.  They are not always easy to find.  Read them carefully as submitting the wrong amount for an entry fee may cause your entry to be denied.  Fees can be different for different competitive classes, and they can be different on different days of competition.  Discounts may be offered for early entries, multiple dog entries, entering the same dog in multiple competitive classes, or entering the same dog in multiple trials during the same weekend.  If you don't understand the entry fees, call or email the show secretary and ask for clarification.

      (b) Classes of competition offered: Every dog sport I know of has different levels of achievement, and many have different classes with each level of achievement.  It is important to enter your dog in the correct class.  If you think you might complete a title during the weekend, check to make sure that move-ups or transfers are allowed and that the next higher class is offered.  Because the different classes for each sport are so different, I have left the discussion of the various classes to the pages on this website specific to each sport that I compete in and am familiar with.

      (c) Closing date: Entries received after this date are not accepted.  Period.  No excuses.  Sometimes a specific time is specified.  If you are mailing your entry, make sure to allow sufficient time for the mail to get to the secretary or superintendant.  If it gets lost in the mail...too bad.  If something is wrong with your entry, too bad.  If your check is not for the correct amount...too bad.  You will not be allowed a late entry, and you will not be allowed to correct an entry after closing except for allowed move-ups and transfers, or as otherwise stated in the Premium.  Some trials/show allow day-of-show entry.  This will be stated on the Premium.  

      (d) Every dog sport I currently compete in allows for mail in entries and includes entry forms in their premiums.  Many of them also offer online entries.  Even if entering online, it may be useful to find the mail-in entry.  This is amost always located in the back of the premium.  If the premium covers multiple shows/trials and is divided by show/trial, the entry form for each show/trial may be at the end of the section for that show/trial.  The entry form usually tells you wher to send the form and the entry fees, how the fees may be paid (check, money order, credit card, etc.) and has a place for you to fill out all the pertinent information on your dog and what class(es) you want to enter on what day(s).  Entry forms also often include an agreement to terms or liability release; make sure you sign if required or your entry will be rejected.  Entry forms often include short instructions which are usually not very instructive.  For AKC shows, here is a useful guide to entry forms.

   (5) Judge information: This can be more or less important, depending on you, and depending on the sport in question.  After copeting in a sport for a while, you will find that you like certain judges and dislike certain judges.  Maybe you think they judge too harsh, don't pick the right dog as the winner, or don't know the rules.  Maybe they are disorganized in the ring, or try to run things in a way you don't like.  On the other hand, maybe you loved the judge.  Maybe you think you have a better chance under a certain judge.  In any case, keeping track of what you thought of the judge is a useful habit to get into right from the start.  If you are new to a sport it may be helpful to ask someone with experience what the judges for a given show are like.