Invitation to bid to host the CBCA Championships

CBCA Championship Bid Requirements

  • The CBCA Championships will follow the USBCHA Judging Guidelines and the USBCHA National Finals rules unless otherwise indicated in these bid requirements.

  • Bids must be submitted to the CBCA Board of Directors (BOD) no later than December 31 of the year preceding the CBCA Championships. The Board will make every effort to notify the successful applicant by January 31.

  • Each bid must include:

    • description and photographs of the trial field

    • map outlining the proposed event layout

    • projected sponsorship opportunities

    • estimate of committee size, structure, and responsibilities

    • preliminary budget demonstrating the ability to finance the event

  • Demonstration of availability of healthy, suitable sheep and transportation to the event site is required. The sheep supplier must agree to a potential site visit by a sheep renter and a CBCA director to ensure the sheep are fit, sound, and uniform for trial purposes. Sheep should not be supplied by a competing handler. If a supplier intends to compete, prior approval from the CBCA BOD is required.

  • It is recommended that sufficient sheep be available to provide:

    • fresh sheep for each open handler in Round 1

    • no reused sheep for handlers competing in the Double Lift Final (300+)

    • adequate contingency numbers for reruns should be anticipated (5% as a rule)

  • The host committee may propose one or two judges for the trial. All judges are subject to CBCA BOD approval. The CBCA may also suggest qualified judges if required.

  • The CBCA will provide a grant of $12,000 to the successful host to offset event costs. Funds will be distributed incrementally upon request. Hosts are expected to award prize money commensurate with the prestige of the event and in consideration of CBCA and sponsor contributions. A final income and expense report must be submitted to the CBCA BOD within 30 days following the event.

  • The CBCA BOD will work collaboratively with the host committee and provide support as needed. A CBCA BOD representative will be available to offer guidance and assistance.

  • Sanctioning:

    • The two open qualifying rounds must be sanctioned by the USBCHA.

    • The two qualifying nursery rounds may be sanctioned by the USBCHA.

  • Field Equipment: All panels and the pen must comply with USBCHA sizing and spacing standards.

  • Entry Form:  Trial host must ensure that the following is clearly indicated on the entry form.

    • Any open handler may enter the two full qualifying rounds.

    • To be eligible to run in the CBCA Open Double Lift Championship or the Nursery Championship. 

      • dogs must be registered with the CBCA by June 1.  All dogs being registered must be microchipped or uniquely tattooed.

      • handlers must be CBCA member in good standing by June 1.

  • Running Order: Handlers running multiple dogs may not run a second dog until all other handlers in the running order have run one dog.

2026 Championship Format (Exception Year Only)

For 2026 only, the CBCA will allow the following format for determining champions in open and nursery classes. The format must be clearly stated on the entry form.

Open Class

  • The CBCA open class will continue to use two full qualifying rounds.

  • The top 5 dogs from qualifying round 1, plus the next top 5 dogs from qualifying round 2, plus the next top 5 dogs based on cumulative scores.

  • A double lift final championship with 15 dogs will determine the CBCA open champion.

Nursery Class

  • The CBCA nursery class will use two full qualifying rounds.

  • The top 2 dogs from qualifying round 1, plus the next top 2 dogs from qualifying round 2, plus the next top 2 dogs based on cumulative scores.

  • A nursery final championship with 6 dogs will determine the CBCA nursery champion.