The trial premium is the first impression competitors get of your event. A clear, complete premium answers questions before handlers have to ask them, reduces confusion on trial day, and shows that your club is organized and prepared.
Whether you call it a premium, a schedule, or an event flyer, here's what every trial premium should include.
Basic Event Information
Start with the essentials that handlers need at a glance:
- Name of the hosting club or organization
- Date or dates of the trial
- Sanctioning organization (UKI, AKC, AAC, etc.)
- Trial number or approval number if applicable
- Whether the trial is indoors or outdoors
- Surface type (grass, dirt, rubber matting, artificial turf)
Venue Details
Don't make handlers guess where to go or what to expect when they arrive:
- Full venue address with clear directions or a map link
- Parking information (is it on-site, nearby, or limited?)
- Crating areas — inside, outside, or both
- Whether RVs or overnight camping are allowed
- Availability of electricity for fans or heaters
- Nearby accommodations for handlers traveling from out of town
- Food vendors or nearby restaurants
Entry Information
This is the section handlers read most carefully:
- Opening date for entries (when you start accepting them)
- Closing date for entries
- How to enter (online platform, mail-in form, or both)
- Entry fees per run and any package deals
- Payment methods accepted
- Refund and cancellation policy
- Whether day-of entries are accepted
Classes and Schedule
List every class being offered, organized by day if it's a multi-day trial:
- Classes offered each day with their order of running
- Which levels are available in each class
- Jump heights offered
- Approximate start time for each day
- Estimated run counts if available
- Whether walk-throughs are combined or separate by level
Judge Information
Handlers want to know who is judging, especially if they travel for specific judges:
- Judge name and location
- Which classes and rings each judge is assigned to
- Any relevant certifications or judging credentials
Rules and Requirements
Cover the rules that apply to your specific event:
- Vaccination requirements
- Leash rules and dog management expectations
- Measurement requirements for new dogs
- Any breed or registration restrictions
- Exhibition-only or For Competition Only (FCO) run policies
- Move-up rules if it's a multi-day trial
Capping and Limits
If your trial has entry limits, be very clear about how they work:
- Maximum number of runs or entries per day
- Whether capping is per class, per day, or overall
- How you handle the waitlist
- Priority rules (club members first, early entries, etc.)
Contact Information
Make it easy for handlers to reach someone with questions:
- Trial secretary name and email
- Trial chairperson or committee contact
- Day-of-trial phone number for emergencies or late arrivals
Things People Forget to Include
These details often get left out but make a big difference:
- Whether the venue is air-conditioned or heated
- Gate times (when handlers can arrive to set up)
- Whether there is a warm-up or practice jump area
- Any venue-specific rules (no staking, clean-up requirements)
- Volunteer sign-up information and any volunteer incentives
- Awards — what placements receive ribbons, and whether there are special awards
A good trial premium is one that a handler can read once and feel confident they know exactly what to expect. If handlers are emailing you with basic questions, that's a sign your premium needs more detail.
Barkloop helps clubs organize trial details in one place — from class schedules to entry limits — so nothing gets missed when you're putting your premium together.