Rule Change Clarifications
Posted on 12/18/2013 in Full Circle.
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With the recent rule changes for the Hunting Beagle format, combined with what seems like numerous other changes, there won’t be enough space to include everything in one article. The next several Full Circle articles will be dedicated towards the effort of rule change clarifications and all that’s new for 2014 in the Hunting Beagle format.
Conditional Entry
Ever heard of it? If you’re familiar with the Performance Pack or Coonhound programs, you’ll likely already know what it is. How about this, have you ever dragged yourself out of bed in the wee hours of the morning, made a couple egg sandwiches and boiled a pot of coffee for the road, loaded up a couple hounds and all your gear, stopped and filled up with gas on the way to a Beagle trial only to realize when you get there that you forgot your dogs’ Easy Entry™ Card? Yeah? Not anymore. Enter the Conditional Entry!
A Conditional Entry is a simple loophole when it comes to requirements of showing the dog’s Easy Entry™ Card or Registration Certificate when entering the event. A Conditional Entry does come with a fee of $5 in addition to the entry fee that is paid to the entry taker. The entrant is simply required to give as much accurate information as possible. If you don’t know your dog’s UKC number, don’t make a wild guess. Leave it blank. Instead try to give the dog’s full registered name, including the registered owner’s name along with city and state. There are no other requirements other than giving the most accurate information that you can. Period.
Past experience suggests that it may take a little while for everyone to catch on to the Conditional Entry option. Matter of fact, it can be downright frustrating for the participant if the entry taker or worse yet, the event official, is not aware of any such option. In the event they look at you like you’ve lost your marbles, get your new rulebook out of the glove compartment and politely ask them to review the new Conditional Entry policy under the “Entering Dogs Section”. (While you’re in this section, also check out the option for entering non-registered dogs without single registering the dog on the day of the event. More on that in another article.)
Past experience also suggests that some officials or entry takers misinterpret the term “provide the most accurate information possible”. Some may think the participant has to show a copy of the dog’s Registration Certificate or Easy Entry™ Card, or have the dog’s information written out in a note. Any such copies or notes are not required. It is not the responsibility of the entry taker, the official or the club, to provide the most accurate information possible. Bottom line - they take what information is given them. The club must record any Conditional Entries taken on the Event Fee Worksheet and submit those fees taken to the UKC with the Event Report.
Club Hunt Time Options
All clubs will now have the option and designate their hunt to be 60 or 90 minutes. Two hours is no longer an option for any hunt. The reason for this is because of a new rule where hunt time will be called during the hunt on more occasions than in the past. More on that under Handle Dogs = Time Out (below).
Club officers will need to specify the time preferred (60 or 90) on their Confirmation Form when confirming the event. Any events not noted when confirming will default to a 90-minute hunt.
Clubs still have the option of deciding a separate hunt time period for their Registered Winners Pack on the morning of the event. The time period for a Winners Pack may, but does not have to, match the time period designated for the rest of the hunt. Winners Packs may be 60 or 90 minutes and must be announced/posted on the morning of the hunt.
The same is true for Elimination Style events. The host club makes that choice. Because WQE’s are part of the World Championship, the UKC sets the hunt time period for them. All WQE’s will be 90-minute hunts. The only exception could be events like the ELIMINATOR that are also qualifying events.
Handle Dogs = Time Out
A significant change that affects hunt time is noted in Rule 7(g). Although significant, it is very simple. Whenever dogs are ordered to be handled time out is now called immediately. Under the old rule in 7(c), time could not be called unless it took 10 minutes to move to a new area. So whenever dogs were ordered to be handled, the clock continued to run even though the dogs were no longer eligible for any scoring. With the new rule, time will only be running while the dogs are actually competing.
The addition of this rule change is what brought about the change to reduce hunt time from 120 minutes to 90 or 60 minutes, per the club’s discretion. Both are good changes and should work out well. FYI: several tests were done during the World Hunt where the clock was stopped every time the dogs were order to be handled. In those two-hour hunts, all three tests resulted in being within only a couple of minutes of being 90 minutes where the dogs were actually competing. The other 25 to 35 minutes were actually spent retrieving dogs.
Judges Tip of the Day: Consider using a countdown timer. It will be a much easier way to keep an accurate record of hunt time used and remaining. Most smart phones have that feature and are the ticket!
Veterans Casts One Dog per Owner Only
Entry rules for Veterans Casts have changed just slightly. Age requirements (55 or older) remain the same. The new policy allows an owner to enter no more than one dog in a Veterans Cast. That includes any co-owner partnerships. In other words, there may not be two dogs in the same category’s Veterans Cast where the registered owners or co-owners are the same.
Example: Patch is owned by Allen Gingerich, Todd Kellam and Paul Frederick. No other dog, whether owned solely or co-owned by Allen, Todd or Paul, may be entered in the Veterans Cast. Not in same category anyway. If Patch was entered in a Veterans Cast in the Registered category, Todd or Paul could enter one of their Champion dogs in a Veterans Cast in the Champion category. (Using these three fine gentlemen might not be a very good example to use considering they all have several years left to ripen where age requirements are concerned. At least two of us do.)
Split Tracks
Many handlers will agree that one of the most inconvenient scoring situations in the Hunting Beagle format is split tracks. Debate and discussions on this very topic have been ongoing for years, yet there’s probably not a perfect solution, even when you consider ten different proposals.
The most recent rules committee members were a great example of the variation in opinions when it comes to split tracks; however, they all agreed that if we do make a change it needs to be as simple as possible. If it works better than past split track rules, fantastic. If not, we’ll consider other options at the next rules committee meeting.
The new rule specific to split tracks is now found in Rule 7(h) under TIME OUT as follows: {If judge declares split track all dogs to be handled and any un-scored points are deleted. If working split tracks in same general area, judge shall give dogs a short period of time to reunite before declaring split track.}
Fairly simple, yet requiring to declare a split track every single time dogs hop around on split tracks when there are several rabbits in the immediate area they are working might quickly lead to it becoming aggravating and disruptive? For that reason it is imperative that judges not be too quick to declare split tracks. Instead judges need to consider giving the dogs the opportunity to reunite, if you will.
First, there should be no question as to the dogs obviously being on split tracks. Next, unless the dogs are trailing in different areas and the likelihood of them getting back together shortly is not going to happen, only then should a split track be declared immediately and time out called. Usually a brief breakdown on the part of one or the other will quickly result in them reuniting. Hopefully, that might happen. And if they do get back together - no harm, no foul - and you’re rocking on. Otherwise, when dogs split up on tracks, declare it and fetch ‘em up.
The new procedure for split tracks might bring a few other scenario concerns.
1.) Minusing a dog(s) that left its split track and joined in on the other track, when a split track was not declared.
Rule 4(b) states so much as, if it is visually evident that a dog quits a track that is being worked, then it should be minused. Further, Rule 6 (q) states that on second offense, such a dog would be scratched, providing the remaining dogs circled and scores on that rabbit. These rules shall not be applied or considered when it comes to dog(s) briefly on a split track, but then reuniting as a pack, when a split track was never declared. You’ll see that Rule 4(b) has an addition to reflect such. Really, those rules should never come into play where split tracks are concerned because if dogs are in on split tracks in different areas, then the judge has no choice but to declare a split track immediately. If the dogs are possibly on split tracks in the same general area, and you’re giving them a short period to reunite, you’re basically going to forgive them for switching tracks. Otherwise, you’re opening a can of worms that is better off left alone. Of course Rule 4(b) will still apply to dogs visually seen quitting a track that does not involve split tracks.
2.) After the completion of a circle two rabbits were seen in close proximity of each other ahead of the trailing dogs. Both rabbits were marked for a line. Before the dogs get to the line there is a breakdown. Next thing you have dogs picking up both tracks simultaneously and the cast becomes split with dogs coming through on both marked lines.
In the event you have dogs coming through on both lines; score them accordingly and with the time allotted for each dog to score on that line(s). After they scored or are no longer eligible for line points 1) declare a split track 2) call time out and 3) handle them all.
3.) A dog in the cast is independent to the point that it will not hark into dogs opening on trail, yet the dog is not showing any signs of working up a track elsewhere. Instead, the dog is more intent on continuing to search for its own track and when it does find one the result is “time out”.
A dog might in fact be so independent to the point of disrupting the hunt. Requiring time to be called after several such occasions by the same dog should result in the dog being scratched from the cast per Rule 6(t). Like all situations, it is paramount that judges use sound judgment and common sense.
Final Thoughts
Depending on the day and the dogs you’ll have hunts where you have more splits than others. On those hunts where you have numerous splits the new rule might get a bit aggravating; however, it was felt by the Rules Committee that this procedure is worth giving a good go. The truth is we can all poke holes in most any Split Track proposal. My thoughts are that so long as the hunters give it a good chance, and follow the guidelines above, it will be like most anything else that involves “change”. It will take a little time getting used to and then we won’t even think about it anymore. I doubt this will be the last time we discuss this topic in a Full Circle article, but for now I hope it eliminates most concerns and questions.
Awarding Plus Strike Points
RULE 3 (b) POINTS WILL BE PLUS {On strike for all dogs, provided dog was struck in on majority of the track, after any one dog is awarded speed and drive points.}
This new rule now awards plus strike points to all dogs after any one dog has scored a line. The only way a dog cannot be awarded plus strike points after at least one dog scores speed and drive is if the dog is not declared struck and/or it did not run a majority of that track.
Example: Dogs A, B, C are declared struck. They carry the track out and circle it back, where the rabbit is seen and a line is called. After the line was called, Dog D is declared struck and joins in the chase. Dog A comes through the line first, followed by Dog D. Dogs B and C both miss the line. Scoring: Dog A is awarded his strike position points plussed and receives 100 speed and drive points. Dogs B and C receive their strike points plus but no speed and drive points. Dog D is not eligible for speed and drive OR plussed strike points because it had not run a majority of the track.
Dog Not Declared Struck
RULE 4 (f) POINTS WILL BE MINUS {After first three minutes of hunt, judge shall ask for a call on a dog that has opened three times but is not declared struck. Dog must be declared struck on next bark. If not declared struck by handler on or immediately after next bark, judge shall minus and then award next available strike position to dog. For second offense see Rule 6(c).}
This was a good proposal passed by the Rules Committee. The new rule does not take the dog out of the game on the first offense. Instead it requires the judge to ask for call on a dog that has opened three times (judge’s decision), but is not yet declared struck by the handler. After asking for a call, and the dog still has not been claimed after its next bark, the judge will award the available strike position and minus those points, providing the judge can determine which dog it is. The judge will then also award the dog that same available strike position, even without a strike call from the handler. This is the only situation where the judge puts a dog on the scorecard as “struck in” that has not been called.
One Dog Cast = Non-Hunting Judge
I’ll be honest, the idea of handlers judging their own dogs in a one-dog casts seemed so wrong and disturbing to me. For one, it goes against the rules of any other UKC licensed competition event and was never the intent of UKC to allow it in the Hunting Beagle format. While we are totally confident that some handlers will judge their own dog by the book and to the T, it is totally beside the point. We must always remember that perception is huge. Regardless of such casts having been above board there’s always that perception factor and solely judging one’s own dog is not in the best interest of the sport.
Nonetheless, it is now officially included in the rulebook that any one-dog cast must have a non-hunting judge assigned to it. This does not include casts where only one dog remains in the hunt as long as at least one other handler (although dog is withdrawn or scratched) remains with the cast. Should only one cast member remain that handler must go back to the Master of Hounds to have a non-hunting judge assigned to finish the hunt. The return deadline may be extended by the Master of Hounds or Hunt Director for this cast only, if deemed necessary (see Rule 9).
Flipping a Coin
RULE 15 {if still a tie, dogs will hunt in one-hour intervals until tie is broken or flip a coin (club official’s decision).} There’s been a slight change to tie-breaker rules. The previous rule had the handlers involved deciding on the options of a one-hour hunt off or flipping a coin (if all parties agreed) as the final tie-breaker. Unfortunately, hunting it off sometimes created a time issue for the club when it came to proceeding with the hunt, especially in Elimination-style formats and determining which dog would move on to a Winners Pack. The new rule simply has the club official making the decision of a one-hour interval hunt(s) or flipping a coin, based on the situation at hand.
Awards at UKC Licensed Events
In today’s world, even some of the stronger clubs find themselves looking for more avenues to generate entries and income. After much consideration, UKC has eliminated past restrictions on monetary awards for licensed events. Giving clubs more options is an effort by UKC to provide them with more opportunities and allows the club to decide what works best for them and their participants. Clubs will now have the following options when it comes to awards at their events.
Trophies. Trophies or plaques may be the most popular because they give winners a special memento by which to remember that hunt.
Poor Boy. Clubs may continue to choose Poor Boy events where no awards are given. Generally, entry fees are lower for Poor Boy events. If the club chooses to not give awards, they are strongly encouraged to note “Poor Boy” on the Event Confirmation form so it can be advertised as such.
Cash. Monetary prizes may be awarded. The club may choose to pay back entry fees or any other monetary prize of their choice to their event winner(s). Clubs choosing to include an added purse in their award package are encouraged to note “Added Purse” and the amount in the Special Instructions section of their Confirmation form when confirming the event for advertising purposes. The amount awarded and distribution of such is the sole responsibility of the club. The UKC will not enter into any disputes thereof.
Calcuttas/Jackpots. In an effort to provide clubs another avenue to generate more income the UKC has approved for Calcuttas or jackpots to be conducted in conjunction with a licensed event. Any such activity including distribution is the sole responsibility of the club. The UKC will not enter into any disputes thereof.
Laws/Tax Implications. The club must understand and be aware that there may be additional law and tax implications that they will need to adhere should they be interested in awarding monetary prizes or conduct any Calcutta-type activities at their event. UKC cannot provide any legal advice or information regarding any additional laws and/or tax implications that may be associated with such activities, and is not responsible for any complications that may arise. Clubs are responsible for ensuring compliance on their own, and must know that they proceed at their own risk with any such activities.
Summary. Given these options, clubs certainly have the opportunity to be creative when it comes to awards and the opportunity to raise more funds at their events. Most young or newer participants are tickled with any type of trophy for the new display case at home, while the more seasoned hunter’s trophy room may already be overcrowded and they would just as soon have a little cash return to put back in the gas tank.
Clubs may consider having the text on their trophies be universal so where they are not date-specific and can be used for any one of your events throughout the year. That way they could give the winner the option of a trophy, an entry fee refund (or some other amount of cash), gas card, free entry fee to a subsequent hunt at the club, etc. The list could go on and on. If your club thinks they might draw a better entry if they gave out a cash award, you have that option. If you’d rather stick with trophies, so be it. You do what best suits/fits the club and/or your participants. UKC considers clubs hosting their licensed events as the backbone of the sport. Without them there is no sport so they need more available resources to keep their doors open. This policy change is geared towards that effort and allows them to decide what works best for them.
New Tracking Telemetry Rules
There’s been a lot of discussion in the past year on the use of tracking telemetry during a hunt, although mostly on the coonhound side of UKC’s programs. Ideas of a less restrictive policy have been ongoing far longer. During the past year, several test hunts were held at licensed coonhound events as well as numerous discussions by UKC with avid hunters. Reported feedback from test hunts suggest that hunters do, in fact, support a less restrictive telemetry policy and that allowing their use is a great tool, most specifically and importantly, where safety to hounds is concerned.
It’s time to use the resources available to us for the betterment of our hunt and safety to hounds. If you haven’t heard your hound in a good while, wouldn’t you be more at ease knowing where he was? If he’s in a neighboring barn or snooping around a home owner’s buildings wouldn’t you want to know so that you can take necessary action, if needed? The list goes on.
UKC is interested in a uniform telemetry policy that works for all its hunting programs, including the Hunting Beagle format. After all the testing and feedback, we are confident that we’ve accomplished that. The following new telemetry rules are also noted on the back side of the Master of Hounds Checklist. Officials are instructed to post these rules at each Licensed Field Trial for all handlers to read, if needed.
RULE 1. Under no circumstances may telemetry be used to determine the scoring of any dog(s).
RULE 2. If by way of telemetry a handler deems dog to be in danger per an item outlined under Rule 7, they may ask for a cast vote to call time out. If a majority is not reached the handler may withdraw the dog and retrieve it for safety’s sake.
RULE 3. At no time may a handler demand the cast walk in the direction of a hound that has not been heard opening. The judge, or majority of the cast when hunting judge is used, may agree to walk in that direction.
RULE 4. When considering the use of telemetry during the hunt the handler may not interfere with any handler’s ability to listen for their hound. Handlers failing to heed to such a warning by the judge shall have their dog scratched from the cast.
RULE 5. A Master of Hounds/ Panel may not consider any debate that is based on telemetry use.
General Information
• Telemetry or handheld device of “tracking only” systems may be carried and powered on during the hunt.
• A dog must be heard opening before a strike call may be accepted.
• Handheld devices capable of controlling (stimulating or toning) a dog may not be carried or used during the hunt unless the controlling features are disabled and agreed upon as such by all members of the cast. See Rule 13 (Controlling Devices).
• Controlling device rule violations may result in suspension.
There are numerous situations sthat occur in the field where telemetry use might get judges in a pickle if they are not careful; however, using good judgment paired with the handful of specific rules listed above will eliminate them. If judges quickly distinguish any debates of “my system says so and so”, then it will only help themselves considerably. For instance, the following items remain intact regardless of any telemetry use.
• The judge or majority of the cast must be able to hear a dog before a strike call may be accepted.
• Judges determine split tracks via eyes and ears and never as a result of a telemetry system. See Rule 7(h).
• A dog that went back to the trucks may be failing to hunt but will only be subject to the clock when he is “seen” not hunting by the judge.
• A dog leaving track is determined by the judge’s eyes and is never based on the result of a telemetry system.
Handlers must understand that zero information based on telemetry will be considered by a judge or a Master of Hounds when it comes to any scoring debates. Instead, telemetry is only used for other purposes. Number one should always be for safety purposes and ease of mind. Other than that, a cast may find their use beneficial when hunting unfamiliar territory or making their way back to the trucks.
No doubt this new telemetry policy is a significant change for the sport. If you have your doubts give it some time and know that 25 years ago the coon hunters said hunting judges would be the death of the sport. How surprising then that hunting judges have turned out to work quite well! Bottom line - use this new telemetry policy as intended, for the safety of your hound and to the benefit of your hunt.
Posted on 12/18/2013 in Full Circle.
Print this article:
With the recent rule changes for the Hunting Beagle format, combined with what seems like numerous other changes, there won’t be enough space to include everything in one article. The next several Full Circle articles will be dedicated towards the effort of rule change clarifications and all that’s new for 2014 in the Hunting Beagle format.
Conditional Entry
Ever heard of it? If you’re familiar with the Performance Pack or Coonhound programs, you’ll likely already know what it is. How about this, have you ever dragged yourself out of bed in the wee hours of the morning, made a couple egg sandwiches and boiled a pot of coffee for the road, loaded up a couple hounds and all your gear, stopped and filled up with gas on the way to a Beagle trial only to realize when you get there that you forgot your dogs’ Easy Entry™ Card? Yeah? Not anymore. Enter the Conditional Entry!
A Conditional Entry is a simple loophole when it comes to requirements of showing the dog’s Easy Entry™ Card or Registration Certificate when entering the event. A Conditional Entry does come with a fee of $5 in addition to the entry fee that is paid to the entry taker. The entrant is simply required to give as much accurate information as possible. If you don’t know your dog’s UKC number, don’t make a wild guess. Leave it blank. Instead try to give the dog’s full registered name, including the registered owner’s name along with city and state. There are no other requirements other than giving the most accurate information that you can. Period.
Past experience suggests that it may take a little while for everyone to catch on to the Conditional Entry option. Matter of fact, it can be downright frustrating for the participant if the entry taker or worse yet, the event official, is not aware of any such option. In the event they look at you like you’ve lost your marbles, get your new rulebook out of the glove compartment and politely ask them to review the new Conditional Entry policy under the “Entering Dogs Section”. (While you’re in this section, also check out the option for entering non-registered dogs without single registering the dog on the day of the event. More on that in another article.)
Past experience also suggests that some officials or entry takers misinterpret the term “provide the most accurate information possible”. Some may think the participant has to show a copy of the dog’s Registration Certificate or Easy Entry™ Card, or have the dog’s information written out in a note. Any such copies or notes are not required. It is not the responsibility of the entry taker, the official or the club, to provide the most accurate information possible. Bottom line - they take what information is given them. The club must record any Conditional Entries taken on the Event Fee Worksheet and submit those fees taken to the UKC with the Event Report.
Club Hunt Time Options
All clubs will now have the option and designate their hunt to be 60 or 90 minutes. Two hours is no longer an option for any hunt. The reason for this is because of a new rule where hunt time will be called during the hunt on more occasions than in the past. More on that under Handle Dogs = Time Out (below).
Club officers will need to specify the time preferred (60 or 90) on their Confirmation Form when confirming the event. Any events not noted when confirming will default to a 90-minute hunt.
Clubs still have the option of deciding a separate hunt time period for their Registered Winners Pack on the morning of the event. The time period for a Winners Pack may, but does not have to, match the time period designated for the rest of the hunt. Winners Packs may be 60 or 90 minutes and must be announced/posted on the morning of the hunt.
The same is true for Elimination Style events. The host club makes that choice. Because WQE’s are part of the World Championship, the UKC sets the hunt time period for them. All WQE’s will be 90-minute hunts. The only exception could be events like the ELIMINATOR that are also qualifying events.
Handle Dogs = Time Out
A significant change that affects hunt time is noted in Rule 7(g). Although significant, it is very simple. Whenever dogs are ordered to be handled time out is now called immediately. Under the old rule in 7(c), time could not be called unless it took 10 minutes to move to a new area. So whenever dogs were ordered to be handled, the clock continued to run even though the dogs were no longer eligible for any scoring. With the new rule, time will only be running while the dogs are actually competing.
The addition of this rule change is what brought about the change to reduce hunt time from 120 minutes to 90 or 60 minutes, per the club’s discretion. Both are good changes and should work out well. FYI: several tests were done during the World Hunt where the clock was stopped every time the dogs were order to be handled. In those two-hour hunts, all three tests resulted in being within only a couple of minutes of being 90 minutes where the dogs were actually competing. The other 25 to 35 minutes were actually spent retrieving dogs.
Judges Tip of the Day: Consider using a countdown timer. It will be a much easier way to keep an accurate record of hunt time used and remaining. Most smart phones have that feature and are the ticket!
Veterans Casts One Dog per Owner Only
Entry rules for Veterans Casts have changed just slightly. Age requirements (55 or older) remain the same. The new policy allows an owner to enter no more than one dog in a Veterans Cast. That includes any co-owner partnerships. In other words, there may not be two dogs in the same category’s Veterans Cast where the registered owners or co-owners are the same.
Example: Patch is owned by Allen Gingerich, Todd Kellam and Paul Frederick. No other dog, whether owned solely or co-owned by Allen, Todd or Paul, may be entered in the Veterans Cast. Not in same category anyway. If Patch was entered in a Veterans Cast in the Registered category, Todd or Paul could enter one of their Champion dogs in a Veterans Cast in the Champion category. (Using these three fine gentlemen might not be a very good example to use considering they all have several years left to ripen where age requirements are concerned. At least two of us do.)
Split Tracks
Many handlers will agree that one of the most inconvenient scoring situations in the Hunting Beagle format is split tracks. Debate and discussions on this very topic have been ongoing for years, yet there’s probably not a perfect solution, even when you consider ten different proposals.
The most recent rules committee members were a great example of the variation in opinions when it comes to split tracks; however, they all agreed that if we do make a change it needs to be as simple as possible. If it works better than past split track rules, fantastic. If not, we’ll consider other options at the next rules committee meeting.
The new rule specific to split tracks is now found in Rule 7(h) under TIME OUT as follows: {If judge declares split track all dogs to be handled and any un-scored points are deleted. If working split tracks in same general area, judge shall give dogs a short period of time to reunite before declaring split track.}
Fairly simple, yet requiring to declare a split track every single time dogs hop around on split tracks when there are several rabbits in the immediate area they are working might quickly lead to it becoming aggravating and disruptive? For that reason it is imperative that judges not be too quick to declare split tracks. Instead judges need to consider giving the dogs the opportunity to reunite, if you will.
First, there should be no question as to the dogs obviously being on split tracks. Next, unless the dogs are trailing in different areas and the likelihood of them getting back together shortly is not going to happen, only then should a split track be declared immediately and time out called. Usually a brief breakdown on the part of one or the other will quickly result in them reuniting. Hopefully, that might happen. And if they do get back together - no harm, no foul - and you’re rocking on. Otherwise, when dogs split up on tracks, declare it and fetch ‘em up.
The new procedure for split tracks might bring a few other scenario concerns.
1.) Minusing a dog(s) that left its split track and joined in on the other track, when a split track was not declared.
Rule 4(b) states so much as, if it is visually evident that a dog quits a track that is being worked, then it should be minused. Further, Rule 6 (q) states that on second offense, such a dog would be scratched, providing the remaining dogs circled and scores on that rabbit. These rules shall not be applied or considered when it comes to dog(s) briefly on a split track, but then reuniting as a pack, when a split track was never declared. You’ll see that Rule 4(b) has an addition to reflect such. Really, those rules should never come into play where split tracks are concerned because if dogs are in on split tracks in different areas, then the judge has no choice but to declare a split track immediately. If the dogs are possibly on split tracks in the same general area, and you’re giving them a short period to reunite, you’re basically going to forgive them for switching tracks. Otherwise, you’re opening a can of worms that is better off left alone. Of course Rule 4(b) will still apply to dogs visually seen quitting a track that does not involve split tracks.
2.) After the completion of a circle two rabbits were seen in close proximity of each other ahead of the trailing dogs. Both rabbits were marked for a line. Before the dogs get to the line there is a breakdown. Next thing you have dogs picking up both tracks simultaneously and the cast becomes split with dogs coming through on both marked lines.
In the event you have dogs coming through on both lines; score them accordingly and with the time allotted for each dog to score on that line(s). After they scored or are no longer eligible for line points 1) declare a split track 2) call time out and 3) handle them all.
3.) A dog in the cast is independent to the point that it will not hark into dogs opening on trail, yet the dog is not showing any signs of working up a track elsewhere. Instead, the dog is more intent on continuing to search for its own track and when it does find one the result is “time out”.
A dog might in fact be so independent to the point of disrupting the hunt. Requiring time to be called after several such occasions by the same dog should result in the dog being scratched from the cast per Rule 6(t). Like all situations, it is paramount that judges use sound judgment and common sense.
Final Thoughts
Depending on the day and the dogs you’ll have hunts where you have more splits than others. On those hunts where you have numerous splits the new rule might get a bit aggravating; however, it was felt by the Rules Committee that this procedure is worth giving a good go. The truth is we can all poke holes in most any Split Track proposal. My thoughts are that so long as the hunters give it a good chance, and follow the guidelines above, it will be like most anything else that involves “change”. It will take a little time getting used to and then we won’t even think about it anymore. I doubt this will be the last time we discuss this topic in a Full Circle article, but for now I hope it eliminates most concerns and questions.
Awarding Plus Strike Points
RULE 3 (b) POINTS WILL BE PLUS {On strike for all dogs, provided dog was struck in on majority of the track, after any one dog is awarded speed and drive points.}
This new rule now awards plus strike points to all dogs after any one dog has scored a line. The only way a dog cannot be awarded plus strike points after at least one dog scores speed and drive is if the dog is not declared struck and/or it did not run a majority of that track.
Example: Dogs A, B, C are declared struck. They carry the track out and circle it back, where the rabbit is seen and a line is called. After the line was called, Dog D is declared struck and joins in the chase. Dog A comes through the line first, followed by Dog D. Dogs B and C both miss the line. Scoring: Dog A is awarded his strike position points plussed and receives 100 speed and drive points. Dogs B and C receive their strike points plus but no speed and drive points. Dog D is not eligible for speed and drive OR plussed strike points because it had not run a majority of the track.
Dog Not Declared Struck
RULE 4 (f) POINTS WILL BE MINUS {After first three minutes of hunt, judge shall ask for a call on a dog that has opened three times but is not declared struck. Dog must be declared struck on next bark. If not declared struck by handler on or immediately after next bark, judge shall minus and then award next available strike position to dog. For second offense see Rule 6(c).}
This was a good proposal passed by the Rules Committee. The new rule does not take the dog out of the game on the first offense. Instead it requires the judge to ask for call on a dog that has opened three times (judge’s decision), but is not yet declared struck by the handler. After asking for a call, and the dog still has not been claimed after its next bark, the judge will award the available strike position and minus those points, providing the judge can determine which dog it is. The judge will then also award the dog that same available strike position, even without a strike call from the handler. This is the only situation where the judge puts a dog on the scorecard as “struck in” that has not been called.
One Dog Cast = Non-Hunting Judge
I’ll be honest, the idea of handlers judging their own dogs in a one-dog casts seemed so wrong and disturbing to me. For one, it goes against the rules of any other UKC licensed competition event and was never the intent of UKC to allow it in the Hunting Beagle format. While we are totally confident that some handlers will judge their own dog by the book and to the T, it is totally beside the point. We must always remember that perception is huge. Regardless of such casts having been above board there’s always that perception factor and solely judging one’s own dog is not in the best interest of the sport.
Nonetheless, it is now officially included in the rulebook that any one-dog cast must have a non-hunting judge assigned to it. This does not include casts where only one dog remains in the hunt as long as at least one other handler (although dog is withdrawn or scratched) remains with the cast. Should only one cast member remain that handler must go back to the Master of Hounds to have a non-hunting judge assigned to finish the hunt. The return deadline may be extended by the Master of Hounds or Hunt Director for this cast only, if deemed necessary (see Rule 9).
Flipping a Coin
RULE 15 {if still a tie, dogs will hunt in one-hour intervals until tie is broken or flip a coin (club official’s decision).} There’s been a slight change to tie-breaker rules. The previous rule had the handlers involved deciding on the options of a one-hour hunt off or flipping a coin (if all parties agreed) as the final tie-breaker. Unfortunately, hunting it off sometimes created a time issue for the club when it came to proceeding with the hunt, especially in Elimination-style formats and determining which dog would move on to a Winners Pack. The new rule simply has the club official making the decision of a one-hour interval hunt(s) or flipping a coin, based on the situation at hand.
Awards at UKC Licensed Events
In today’s world, even some of the stronger clubs find themselves looking for more avenues to generate entries and income. After much consideration, UKC has eliminated past restrictions on monetary awards for licensed events. Giving clubs more options is an effort by UKC to provide them with more opportunities and allows the club to decide what works best for them and their participants. Clubs will now have the following options when it comes to awards at their events.
Trophies. Trophies or plaques may be the most popular because they give winners a special memento by which to remember that hunt.
Poor Boy. Clubs may continue to choose Poor Boy events where no awards are given. Generally, entry fees are lower for Poor Boy events. If the club chooses to not give awards, they are strongly encouraged to note “Poor Boy” on the Event Confirmation form so it can be advertised as such.
Cash. Monetary prizes may be awarded. The club may choose to pay back entry fees or any other monetary prize of their choice to their event winner(s). Clubs choosing to include an added purse in their award package are encouraged to note “Added Purse” and the amount in the Special Instructions section of their Confirmation form when confirming the event for advertising purposes. The amount awarded and distribution of such is the sole responsibility of the club. The UKC will not enter into any disputes thereof.
Calcuttas/Jackpots. In an effort to provide clubs another avenue to generate more income the UKC has approved for Calcuttas or jackpots to be conducted in conjunction with a licensed event. Any such activity including distribution is the sole responsibility of the club. The UKC will not enter into any disputes thereof.
Laws/Tax Implications. The club must understand and be aware that there may be additional law and tax implications that they will need to adhere should they be interested in awarding monetary prizes or conduct any Calcutta-type activities at their event. UKC cannot provide any legal advice or information regarding any additional laws and/or tax implications that may be associated with such activities, and is not responsible for any complications that may arise. Clubs are responsible for ensuring compliance on their own, and must know that they proceed at their own risk with any such activities.
Summary. Given these options, clubs certainly have the opportunity to be creative when it comes to awards and the opportunity to raise more funds at their events. Most young or newer participants are tickled with any type of trophy for the new display case at home, while the more seasoned hunter’s trophy room may already be overcrowded and they would just as soon have a little cash return to put back in the gas tank.
Clubs may consider having the text on their trophies be universal so where they are not date-specific and can be used for any one of your events throughout the year. That way they could give the winner the option of a trophy, an entry fee refund (or some other amount of cash), gas card, free entry fee to a subsequent hunt at the club, etc. The list could go on and on. If your club thinks they might draw a better entry if they gave out a cash award, you have that option. If you’d rather stick with trophies, so be it. You do what best suits/fits the club and/or your participants. UKC considers clubs hosting their licensed events as the backbone of the sport. Without them there is no sport so they need more available resources to keep their doors open. This policy change is geared towards that effort and allows them to decide what works best for them.
New Tracking Telemetry Rules
There’s been a lot of discussion in the past year on the use of tracking telemetry during a hunt, although mostly on the coonhound side of UKC’s programs. Ideas of a less restrictive policy have been ongoing far longer. During the past year, several test hunts were held at licensed coonhound events as well as numerous discussions by UKC with avid hunters. Reported feedback from test hunts suggest that hunters do, in fact, support a less restrictive telemetry policy and that allowing their use is a great tool, most specifically and importantly, where safety to hounds is concerned.
It’s time to use the resources available to us for the betterment of our hunt and safety to hounds. If you haven’t heard your hound in a good while, wouldn’t you be more at ease knowing where he was? If he’s in a neighboring barn or snooping around a home owner’s buildings wouldn’t you want to know so that you can take necessary action, if needed? The list goes on.
UKC is interested in a uniform telemetry policy that works for all its hunting programs, including the Hunting Beagle format. After all the testing and feedback, we are confident that we’ve accomplished that. The following new telemetry rules are also noted on the back side of the Master of Hounds Checklist. Officials are instructed to post these rules at each Licensed Field Trial for all handlers to read, if needed.
RULE 1. Under no circumstances may telemetry be used to determine the scoring of any dog(s).
RULE 2. If by way of telemetry a handler deems dog to be in danger per an item outlined under Rule 7, they may ask for a cast vote to call time out. If a majority is not reached the handler may withdraw the dog and retrieve it for safety’s sake.
RULE 3. At no time may a handler demand the cast walk in the direction of a hound that has not been heard opening. The judge, or majority of the cast when hunting judge is used, may agree to walk in that direction.
RULE 4. When considering the use of telemetry during the hunt the handler may not interfere with any handler’s ability to listen for their hound. Handlers failing to heed to such a warning by the judge shall have their dog scratched from the cast.
RULE 5. A Master of Hounds/ Panel may not consider any debate that is based on telemetry use.
General Information
• Telemetry or handheld device of “tracking only” systems may be carried and powered on during the hunt.
• A dog must be heard opening before a strike call may be accepted.
• Handheld devices capable of controlling (stimulating or toning) a dog may not be carried or used during the hunt unless the controlling features are disabled and agreed upon as such by all members of the cast. See Rule 13 (Controlling Devices).
• Controlling device rule violations may result in suspension.
There are numerous situations sthat occur in the field where telemetry use might get judges in a pickle if they are not careful; however, using good judgment paired with the handful of specific rules listed above will eliminate them. If judges quickly distinguish any debates of “my system says so and so”, then it will only help themselves considerably. For instance, the following items remain intact regardless of any telemetry use.
• The judge or majority of the cast must be able to hear a dog before a strike call may be accepted.
• Judges determine split tracks via eyes and ears and never as a result of a telemetry system. See Rule 7(h).
• A dog that went back to the trucks may be failing to hunt but will only be subject to the clock when he is “seen” not hunting by the judge.
• A dog leaving track is determined by the judge’s eyes and is never based on the result of a telemetry system.
Handlers must understand that zero information based on telemetry will be considered by a judge or a Master of Hounds when it comes to any scoring debates. Instead, telemetry is only used for other purposes. Number one should always be for safety purposes and ease of mind. Other than that, a cast may find their use beneficial when hunting unfamiliar territory or making their way back to the trucks.
No doubt this new telemetry policy is a significant change for the sport. If you have your doubts give it some time and know that 25 years ago the coon hunters said hunting judges would be the death of the sport. How surprising then that hunting judges have turned out to work quite well! Bottom line - use this new telemetry policy as intended, for the safety of your hound and to the benefit of your hunt.