What is the difference between the Proficient and Skilled Categories?
Every class in a NADAC trial is split into two categories: Proficient and Skilled. Courses and SCTs are the same for both categories. Dogs may only be entered in one Category for the weekend. In the Proficient Category, dogs must jump their measured jump height per the jump height table. Runs must be clean, with no course faults or time faults, in order to qualify. Special awards and NATCH plaques are earned in this category. In the Skilled Category, all runs must be clean to qualify except in Regular, where dogs may earn 5-point qualifiers for any run with five (5) or fewer course or time faults. Exhibitors must enter their dog one jump height lower than they are required to jump in the Proficient Category. For example, a dog who measures to jump 20″ in the Standard division, Proficient category, must enter a trial at 16″ in the Standard division, Skilled category, and will receive the benefit of the additional time allotted to the 16″ dogs. If this same dog is also a Veteran, or is h
