The BASC Gamekeepers' classes consist of two categories as follows:
The Gamekeeper Classes
These are strictly confined to gundog owners who are employed as bona fide head, single-handed, beat or under/ apprentice keeper, river keeper, stalker or those retired from such a position (The dog may however be handled by anyone else at the request of the owner).
The Working Gundog Classes
These are for dogs who have regularly worked in the shooting field, and the owners must provide written confirmation from the keeper/shoot organiser that their dogs have been worked as members of his/her regular beating/picking up team.
Dogs entered in Gamekeepers' Classes including Working Gundog Classes ONLY do not have to qualify for entry into a breed class first. Only the winners of the Gamekeeper Classes (not the Working Gundog Classes) will compete in "Best in Show - Gamekeepers' Ring" for the Northesk Memorial Trophy. The six class winners of the Gamekeeper classes will go through to the grand final in the Main Arena where an overall winner will be decided.
It is the responsibility of the handler to report to the collecting ring steward before the advertised start time of their individual class. Dogs will not be allowed entry into the show ring if judging of the last dog in the class has commenced.
Prizes will be awarded at the judge's discretion.