UKC Sanctions
A Guide for American Field Particpants
August 5, 2026
Source: Todd Kellam
Job Title: UKC Vice President
Email: tkellam@ukcdogs.com
American Field and Field Dog Stud Book have an excellent reputation for handling the infrequent cases of misconduct that have surfaced throughout the history of the registry and the sport of field trialing. Over the years, customers of American Field have become familiar with the company's terms and conditions for handling such situations. As United Kennel Club endeavors to merge the two business models into one, it is apparent we need to clarify some terms that American Field customers may be seeing regarding UKC sanctions as we move forward. We have a clear responsibility to communicate the consequences of failing to abide by the rules, requirements, and expected standards of our sport. Clubs hosting events are fully accountable for addressing and resolving issues that arise during those events and serve as the first and primary point of resolution. To keep their events in good standing, clubs are required to report the incident--and its resolution--for final review by the UKC. Upon review, if warranted, the UKC may take additional appropriate action.
All participants are entitled to know the potential consequences and how they are defined. The first term we must address is that of UKC's Inherent Rights and Powers. The policy, in its entirety, is lengthy, but to summarize, it basically says that UKC has the right to make all final decisions regarding sanctions pertaining to misconduct. While we strive to make sure levels of due process are adhered to along the way, UKC's Inherent Rights and Powers gives UKC the right to take any action it deems appropriate even if there was a bobble in a hearing process along the way. A minor technicality during any part of the misconduct procedures will not get a case thrown out or prevent UKC from taking appropriate action.
The primary term referencing sanctions in the recent history of American Field was called a "Loss of Privileges." Loss of privileges may span as short a term as six months to a term that included many years. While UKC does have a sanction similar to this, we also have additional levels of sanctions that you may see moving forward.
Our first level of sanction could be referred to as a strongly worded Letter of Warning. A warning letter is issued to let an individual know that the conduct they were accused of will not be tolerated by UKC. Such a letter creates a case file for a person, which may prove beneficial to the registry in the event that an individual is accused of wrongdoing in the future. A letter of warning does not expire.
The second level of sanction is referred to as Probation. A term of probation is typically issued for a period of six months to three years. A term of probation does not result in loss of registration or event privileges. It does create a case file for an individual, with the understanding that any other act of misconduct during the probationary period will automatically result in suspension from registering dogs and from participating in licensed events.
The third level of sanction at UKC is called Suspension. A suspension does result in the loss of registry and event privileges. A suspension term will typically be classified as six months, one year, or indefinite. A suspension term automatically includes a period of three years of probation at the completion of the suspension term. It is not unusual for a person serving an indefinite suspension to be reinstated at some point. This would be handled on a case-by-case basis.
The final level of sanction is referred to as Barred and typically carries with it a term of life. It is rarely necessary to bar someone permanently, but it may be necessary for an act so egregious as to be unforgivable, or when an individual commits an act worthy of suspension while already serving a suspension.
Since our acquisition of the American Field, the UKC has acted on formal complaints, resulting in warnings and probationary terms. Although the UKC would far and away prefer only to promote our sport, recognize wins, provide registrations, report events, and congratulate accomplishments, we will not hesitate to take the necessary oversight actions to protect the integrity of our sport for all to enjoy.
An official entity of United Kennel Club (UKC), the American Field legacy, mission, and Field Dog Stud Book certified pedigree database is carefully managed by UKC for the continued betterment of field trial dogs. UKC is committed to the American Field community, and all hunters, breeders, clubs, associations, and participants.