Who We Are
The National Amateur
Retriever Club
The National Amateur Retriever Club (NARC) is an American Kennel Club (AKC) National Club dedicated to preserving and advancing the highest level of amateur retriever field trial competition in the United States.
Founded in 1957, the Club was established to recognize and support amateur retriever handlers and dogs at the highest levels of the sport. For more than six decades, NARC has worked to promote excellence in retriever breeding, training, and field trial performance while protecting the traditions, integrity, and fairness that define the game.
NARC exists not simply to host a championship, but to serve the amateur retriever community nationwide—ensuring that opportunity, achievement, and recognition are earned through performance, consistency, and dedication.
Our Purpose and Mission
A Commitment to
Excellence and Integrity
The purpose of the National Amateur Retriever Club is to promote the sport of retriever field trials while maintaining a national standard of fairness, sportsmanship, and competitive excellence.
The Club is committed to:
- Advancing the quality of amateur retriever competition
- Encouraging responsible retriever breeding and training
- Preserving the traditions and values of field trials
- Ensuring that championship qualification is earned through merit
- Supporting amateur handlers who sustain and grow the sport
Through clear governance, nationally consistent standards, and collaboration with affiliated clubs, NARC helps ensure that retriever field trials remain competitive, ethical, and accessible to amateurs across the country.
A Club of Clubs
National Representation Through
Member Clubs
The National Amateur Retriever Club is a true “club of clubs.” It represents more than 150 affiliated retriever clubs across the United States, each of which plays a vital role in the success and sustainability of amateur retriever field trials.
These member clubs:
- Conduct AKC Member and Licensed Retriever Trials
- Provide opportunities for amateur handlers to compete and qualify
- Supply judges, volunteers, and leadership within the sport
- Form the foundation of the National Amateur Retriever Championship
Through this nationwide network, NARC maintains a truly national presence, ensuring that no single region dominates the sport and that amateur competitors from all areas are represented at the highest level.
The National Amateur Retriever Championship
The Premier Championship for
Amateur Retriever/Handler Teams
The National Amateur Retriever Championship is the flagship event of the National Amateur Retriever Club and represents the highest level of competition exclusively for amateur retriever/handler teams.
The Championship is open only to teams that have proven themselves through performance at the highest levels of field trial competition. Qualification is earned through achievement, consistency, and excellence.
Eligibility and qualification are governed by:
- The rules of the American Kennel Club
- The bylaws of the National Amateur Retriever Club
These standards ensure a fair, national system in which every competitor earns their place on the line and every Championship reflects the very best of amateur retriever competition.
Championship Qualification Standards
Earning the Right to Compete
A retriever/handler team may qualify for the National Amateur Retriever Championship through one of several established pathways, including:
- Winner of the previous National Amateur Retriever Championship
- Winner of the National Open Championship, provided the retriever was handled by an amateur
- AKC qualification earned through championship points at AKC Member or Licensed Retriever Trials conducted by NARC member clubs in good standing
- Winners of the Canadian National Amateur Championship or Canadian National Open Championship when handled by an amateur
- Qualification through the Judge Deferral Provision in accordance with conflict-of-interest rules
All qualifying results must be earned during the designated qualifying period and at trials hosted by NARC member clubs in good standing. These requirements ensure that every competitor represents the highest standard of amateur achievement.
Why Amateurs Matter
The Foundation of Retriever Field Trials
Amateurs are the foundation of retriever field trials.
They handle and compete their own dogs. They organize and conduct trials. They judge, marshal, volunteer, and support events across the country. Without amateurs, the sport would not exist in its current form.
The National Amateur Retriever Club exists to recognize, support, and preserve this essential role. Amateur retriever/handler teams embody the values of dedication, fairness, and sportsmanship that define the sport.
The National Amateur Championship is not simply a competition—it is a celebration of the people who sustain retriever field trials year after year.
Amateur Status and Fair Competition
Amateur Status and Fair Competition
Amateur status is defined and governed by the rules of the American Kennel Club. These rules establish clear standards to ensure fairness, prevent conflicts of interest, and maintain a level playing field for amateur competitors.
The determination of amateur status for any particular field trial is made by the Field Trial Committee for that trial, in accordance with AKC regulations and NARC bylaws. These provisions protect the integrity of amateur competition while allowing for transparency and consistency nationwide.
Governance and Leadership
A Member-Governed
National Organization
The National Amateur Retriever Club is governed by a Board of Directors elected from its member clubs. The Board is composed of officers and directors representing different geographic zones, ensuring national balance and broad participation in leadership.
Board members:
- Are active participants in the retriever field trial community
- Serve defined terms
- Oversee policies, governance, and Championship conduct
- Appoint the Field Trial Committee responsible for managing the annual National Amateur Championship
This structure ensures that the Club remains transparent, accountable, and firmly guided by the interests of amateur retriever competition nationwide.
A Tradition Worth Preserving
Honoring the Past, Protecting the Future
Each June, the National Amateur Retriever Championship brings together the finest amateur retriever/handler teams in the country. It represents the culmination of years of training, competition, and dedication—and more than six decades of tradition.
The National Amateur Retriever Club remains committed to preserving this legacy for future generations of amateurs who share a passion for retrievers and the sport they serve.
Through its member clubs, championship standards, and dedication to fair competition, NARC continues to uphold a tradition worth preserving.
By joining our club, you gain access to exclusive events, discounts on club activities, and the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals in your community.
To become a member, simply visit our website and fill out the membership registration form. It’s quick and easy!
We regularly update our website and social media platforms with all the latest news and upcoming events. You can also subscribe to our newsletter to receive updates directly in your inbox.
Absolutely! We encourage members to get involved and contribute their skills and time to our club. You can contact our volunteer coordinator to express your interest in volunteering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the most common questions
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Who We Are
Our club supports people to take up activities as a life-long pursuit
01
Hiking & Cycling Groups
If you desire to experience the ultimate outdoor adventure, our hiking & cycling group provides the perfect opportunity.
02
Swimming Group
03
Indoor Sports Group
Conveniently located Indoor Sports Facilities. Join Table Tennis, Badminton, Pickleball or Yoga groups.
04
Team Sports Group
Would you like to join soccer, football, basketball or other popular sports? We are waiting for you.
05
Kids Sports Group
It is our mission to keep kids health by teaching them basic skills and fundamentals through sports.
Board Of Directors
We believe that in everything we do, it is an active part
of social, cultural and environmental change.
We touch dozens of lives of everyday people making real differences to people’s physical, mental and emotional health. Here are a few stats:
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Last modified: March 3, 2026