NASDA offers clubs the flexibility to host events tailored to their resources and community needs. Clubs may choose to offer as many or as few classes and levels as they can adequately support. Below are the different event formats available:

Regular Trials:
In a regular trial, clubs host more than one class (e.g., Trailing & Locating, Urban Locating, Shed Dog, and Lost Item Recovery) and multiple levels of each class, such as PAT, Level I, Level II, etc. These trials provide a comprehensive competition experience, offering variety for participants and their dogs.  Regular trials often require large trial grounds and may require multiple judges to run efficiently.

Specialty Trials:
Specialty trials focus on a single class (e.g., only Trailing & Locating) and offer different levels within that class. For example, a club might host an Urban Locating Grand Champion Specialty Trial, where only the ULGCH class is available. Additionally, clubs hosting a Lost Item Recovery or Urban Locating specialty trial may include the accompanying challenge games for those classes.

Challenge Only Trials:
In this format, clubs may host up to two rounds of each Lost Item Recovery and Urban Challenge Game per day. These trials exclusively feature challenge games, offering a streamlined competition experience.

Virtual Trials:
Runs are recorded and submitted along with the event results for NASDA judging. This format allows participants to compete when in-person trials are not feasible.  Beginning January 1, 2025 all provisional and approved clubs in good standing may host virtual trials.

Sanctioning Requirements:
NASDA requires all classes and levels as well as judges to be specified at the time of sanctioning. By clearly defining the scope of each event, clubs can ensure they are utilizing their resources effectively while meeting the needs of participants.