Janet Larson Versatility Award

The Janet Larson Award recognizes the dog that exemplifies true versality by successfully competing in herding and performance competitions. Dogs must qualify in herding at a minimum of the Started level and at least two (2) other performance venues [agility, rally, obedience]. You must be a BCSA member and teams must register by Friday, August 29 to participate.

Placements in 2025 will be expanded to First through Fifth Place. A new perpetual trophy will be introduced in 2025 and awarded to the Highest Scoring Grand Champion of Record in the competition. This new Trophy is sponsored by Rebecca Clas-Kirzner and is dedicated as “The Hef Award” named for the first Platinum Grand Champion, Dual Champion of Record: BISS MBISOH MRBISOH VCH GCHP DC CHX Avatar's Notorious Playboy Of Bayshore RA HSAd HSBds HSDs HIAds HIBd HXAds HXBd HSAsM DJA.

This year there are two options for Janet Larson entry fees:

  • $35 if you want a personalized rosette

  • $15 to participate without a personalized rosette

ALL SCORES MUST BE EARNED AND REPORTED BY SATURDAY

HERDING: HIGHEST QUALIFYING SCORE FROM THE TRIAL CLASSES, SHEEP OR DUCKS, ANY COURSE OFFERED. STARTED THRU ADVANCED. Pre-Trial & Herding Test do not count.

If a dog qualifies on more than one type of stock or course, the highest score will apply, with additional points awarded for the additional qualifying scores (as noted below). Each trial, each day, will be available for earning points, however only 1 score will count towards the weighted score, each additional qualifying score will be counted as detailed below. All scores used must be earned on the same day. 

Versatility Scores will be computed as follows:

Started: raw score

Intermediate: raw score plus 5 points

Advanced: raw score plus 10 points

 Additional Qualifying Score Points will be computed as follows:

Started: 5 Points

Intermediate: 7.5 Points

Advanced: 10 Points

SCENT WORK: Dogs will receive points based on the level the dog is competing.

 Versatility Scores will be computed as follows:

Novice: 5 points

Advanced: 10 points

Excellent/Master: 15 points

Additional Qualifying Score Points will be computed as follows:

One Additional Qualifying Run regardless of level: 5 points

OBEDIENCE: 50% OF HIGHEST QUALIFYING SCORE FROM A REGULAR CLASS, NOVICE A & B, OPEN A & B, UTILITY A & B.

Dogs may enter any combination of rally and/or regular or preferred obedience, however only 2 scores will count toward the versatility score. 

Versatility Scores will be computed as follows:

Novice or Preferred Novice: 50% of raw score

Open or Preferred Open: 50% of raw score plus 5 points

Utility or Preferred Utility: 50% of raw score plus 10 points

RALLY: 50% OF HIGHEST QUALIFYING SCORE FROM A REGULAR CLASS, NOVICE A & B, ADVANCED A & B, EXCELLENT A & B and MASTERS.

Dogs may enter any combination of rally and/or regular or preferred obedience, however only 2 scores will count toward the versatility score.

Versatility Scores will be computed as follows:

Novice: 50% of raw score

Advanced: 50% of raw score plus 5 points

Excellent: 50% of raw score plus 10 points

Masters: 50% of raw score plus 12.5 points

AGILITY: HIGHEST QUALIFYING SCORE FROM A STANDARD or JUMPERS CLASS. Only one qualifying run will accrue weighted points toward the total and only one additional score will count for additional points.

Versatility Scores will be computed as follows:

Novice or Preferred Novice: raw score

Open or Preferred Open: raw score plus 5 points

Excellent/Master or Preferred Excellent/Master: raw score plus 10 points

Premier: raw score plus 12.5 points

 Additional Qualifying Score Points will be computed as follows:

Obedience Novice, Rally Novice, Agility Novice (including preferred classes): 5 Points

Obedience Open, Rally Advanced, Agility Open (including preferred classes): 7.5 Points

Obedience Utility, Rally Excellent and Agility Excellent/Masters (including preferred classes): 10 Points

Rally Master, Premier Agility: 12.5 points

CONFORMATION: Points are earned by entering Working Sweepstakes or the National Specialty Conformation show.

Versatility Score will be computed as follows:

Compete in Working Sweeps or National Conformation: 5 Points

Win sweepstakes class or national conformation class: 7.5 Points

Win major award (BOB, BOS, BOW, AOM, etc): 10 Points

UpDog: Earn 5 points for scores within the range and 10 points for scores above.

Versatility Score will be computed as follows:

Far Out 78 - 112; Four Way Play 17 - 22; Frizgility 80 - 101; FunKay 26 - 34; Seven Up 35 - 50; Throw N Go 24 - 33

Additional Qualifying Score Points will be computed as follows:

Earn an additional 5 or 10 points for 1 additional game. Only 2 games count toward a maximum score of 20 points. Both scores must be earned on the same day.

ALL SCORES MUST BE EARNED AND REPORTED BY SATURDAY

  

TIES: The entire stock score will be used to break any ties. If the stock scores are even, then the rules to break a tie from the Herding Regulations will be used: Score from centerline on A course and score from outrun on B course.