1. When presenting their bid, to host the National Specialty, it will state whether the Host club will be offering a Top Twenty Invitational. If they intend to offer it they will further state whether it will be a Recognition Ceremony or a Competition.

2. The Top Twenty Invitational will be held during an evening which does not conflict with the Annual Banquet, the Quarter-Century banquet or the Foundation banquet.

3. Eligibility and Statistics

a. There is no eligibility requirement other than being named among the top 20 Collies (10 Rough and 10 Smooth) in conformation

b. The Top Twenty standings are based on show records as published on the AKC web site or in the AKC Gazette from the calender year corresponding to the show using the Hawkins System. The Hawkins System statistics currently are available mid-February.

1. If the show is held earlier than the middle of March remind Bob Hawkins that you will need the information early.

c. To enhance the Top Twenty Invitational it is suggested that the calender year Top Twenty finalist be kept secret and released only to the Top Twenty Chairperson (who shall in turn keep the results secret) until after the Top Twenty event.

d. No penalty shall be applied to individuals who are repeat Top Twenty Finalists

e. Accommodation will be made for tie placements.

4. Prizes

a. The two Variety winners of the Top 20 Event will receive an Special top Twenty Pin designed by Virginia Perry Gardiner

b. Each eligible dog owner will receive an engraved Top Twenty ribbon

c. Each eligible dog owner and breeder will be eligible to purchase a Top 20 pin, designed by Virginia Gardner The two Variety winners of the Top 20 event will receive an Special Top Twenty Pin designed by Virginia Perry Gardiner

5. If Top Twenty held as a Recognition Ceremony the following rules shall apply:

a. The Host Show Chairperson will select a Top Twenty Chairperson whose name, address and phone number will be announced in the Bulletin with the Show information.

1. The Top Twenty Chairperson will receive an approved budget, from the Host Show Chairperson, at least six (6) months prior to the show date.

2. The Top Twenty Chairperson will submit a complete financial report to the Show Treasurer no later than two (2) weeks after the end of the Show. This report will include all bills and receipts.

b. Procedures

1. Invitations

a. Each owner(s) of a Top Twenty finalist will be sent an invitation to participate, via email, fax or phone call with follow up letter, from the Top Twenty Chairperson with RSVP to the Chairperson or their designated representative.

b. Invitations shall include instructions for providing the information the owner(s) want included in the catalog. This information will include a pedigree, a photo and story copy as well as any other material need for the Recognition ceremony.

c. Artistic license should be given to each host chairperson so that the Top Twenty can reflect the spirit of the Host Show. The event is intended to honor, showcase and entertain. It is recommended that the announcement of the Top Rough and the Top Smooth winner be just prior to the presentation of the Virginia Perry Gardiner pins.

2. Catalog

a. A catalog will be prepared exclusively for the Top Twenty Ceremony. The standing of each dog will NOT be listed in the catalog.

b. Catalogs will available for sale just prior to and during the event.

6. If a Top Twenty Invitational is held as competition the following rules, which have been approved by AKC, shall apply.

a. The Host Show Chairperson selects the Top Twenty Chairperson and has input into the committee.

1. the committee consists of : Chairperson, Co-Chairperson, Treasurer and Entries Chairperson, Site chairperson, Hospitality chairperson, Catalog Sales, Chief Ring Steward, Printing Chairperson, co-ordinator with the CCA Show (determined by the Host Show Chairperson).

b. All costs are covered by the entry fees, the catalog sales and sponsorship if attained.

1. Finances are kept separate from the Host Show Account.

2. Judging is done gratis. Committee will arrange for the use of the free/complimentary rooms for one (1) night for each judge.

c. Judges

1. The selection of the judges will be made by the Top 20 committee which will choose from each of the following categories:

a. Handler (past or present): A professional handler meeting the requirements for membership in a Professional Handlers Organization (though not necessarily a member) and must have at least 10 years experience.

b. Breeder or approved AKC Breeder Judge: An established Collie breeder for at least 10 years, having produced at least 10 champions of record as published in the AKC Gazette. This breeder can be, but is not required to be, an AKC approved judge of Collies.

c. Multibreed AKC approved judge: Approved to judge Collies and at least 10 other breeds (in any group).

d. Scoring

1. Each participating Collie is individually evaluated by each judge using the Scale of Points. (Score Sheet)

2. Score sheets will be tabulated by the Auditing Committee. The committee then totals the three score sheets for each dog.

a. The Auditing committee consist of the Top 20 Chairperson, Co-chairperson, Chief Ring Steward, and one other member of the Top Twenty committee.

b. The scores for each dog from each of the three judges are tabulated, added together, then divided by three to determine the dog’s AVERAGE SCORE.

c. In the event of a tie, the Auditing committee determines the winners by consulting the "AVERAGE PLACEMENT SCORE" given by the 3 judges. This figure (AVERAGE PLACEMENT) is used only to break a tie, and is not included in the tabulating of the average score. The AVERAGE PLACEMENT SCORE is the judge’s first impression of the dog prior to examination.

1. The Average Placement is based on a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the highest possible average Placement.

d. The Collie in each Variety with the highest Average Score is the winner and its identity is announced at the Annual Banquet.

e. Procedures

1. Invitations

a. Each owner of a Top 20 conformation finalists will be sent an invitation to participate in this event, by email, fax or phone with follow up letter

b. There is an entry fee of $60.00 to be returned with the RSVP card which will accompany each invitation

c. This entry fee entitles each participant a space in the Top 20 catalog and a Top 20 Rosette.

2. Catalog

a. A catalog will be prepared exclusively for the Top 20 event.

b. They will be available for sale just prior to the scheduled starting time of the event and will be available throughout the event.

c. The contents of the catalog include:

1. a two page spread of each of the participants (supplied by the dog’s owner and agent) which includes a pedigree, owner and breeder.

2. score sheets and Judging material

3. profile on each judge

4. a gallery of previous Top 20 winners