Eligibility:
1. The program will be open to all dogs 6 months of age and older.
2. Bitches in heat may participate, but will run at the end of the order.
3. Dogs must be sound and in good health. The course director will determine if the dog is unfit to participate. Examples – lameness, injury, illness, advanced pregnancy.
4. Owners of participating dogs need not be members of NAMASCUSA.
5. The qualifying score for each run is a minimum of 70 percent of the total score available (within the total score, no obstacle score can be a zero).
Levels Offered: HIC, HCC, HCC2, HJD, HSD, HOD and HAD will be offered.
NOTE: all levels will be run on Course A and B/C to allow for a qualifying dog to earn a TITLE from NAMASCUSA !!
HIC – Herding Instinct Certificate - Dog shows natural instinct to gather or drive.
HCC – Herding Capability Certificate – The dog is capable of a short outrun and gather. The dog can drive or fetch the stock through panel runways and through a panel gate. – See course for HCC and HCC2.
HJD – Herding Junior Dog – The dog is capable of the following: outrun, gather, fetch. Handler will be able to walk the course with the dog and enter all obstacles. Dogs can have little or no trial experience, but must be able to control the stock. – See courses for HJD.
HSD – Herding Started Dog – The dog is capable of the following: outrun, gather, fetch or start of a drive, take pen, and repen. Handler will be able to walk the course with the dog, there is no handler line. Dogs can have little or no trial experience, but must be able to control the stock. – See courses for HSD.
HOD – Herding Open Dog – The dog is capable of all skills listed for the HSD. In addition, the dog is capable of controlling and rating the stock. The dog will have a parallel drive and the start of a cross drive. It will also be able to work a center pen or obstacle. The dog should know its directions, and have a slow down and stop. The dog should be able to work at a distance from the handler, so there is a handler line. See courses for HOD.
HAD – Herding Advanced Dog – The dog is capable of all skills listed for the HOD. The dog will also be able to work at any distance from the handler. See courses for HAD.
RULES for dog/handler team in the Trial Event:
Reasons for Being Excused From the Arena:
The course director will make all necessary calls.
1. Unnecessary gripping or gripping in severe manner. Grips should only be on the head and legs. For ducks, there should be no mouthing, gripping or pouncing on.
2. Overrunning of the stock by the dog.
3. Handler taking hold of the dog in the arena.
4. Any dog that can not be called off the stock and has to be chased down by the handler.
Run Order:
1. Run order will be determined by random drawing.
2. Drawn positions will not be altered after the draw with the following exception: Back to back runs will be avoided, by providing at least one handler between the drawn back to back runs.
Run Start Time To Finish Time:
1. The clock will start when the stock has cleared the release pen or when the handler enters the take pen.
2. If the dog is sent before the stock has cleared the pen, the clock will be started.
3. A 3 minute warning will be given.
4. Time will be called at 10 minutes.
5. Pen time stops when the last stock crosses the finish line or the pen gate is closed.
Handler Rules:
A handler meeting will be held prior to the start of the trial to answer any questions and to brief the handlers on the course and stock.
1. You cannot touch the stock unless they pose a threat to your safety.
2. You cannot run or climb over gates or fences unless there is a threat to your safety.
3. You may carry a crook or cane. The only noise maker allowed is a whistle.
4. Dogs can not wear training collars in the arena.
5. Dogs will enter the arena on leash. They will work off leash.
6. You must leave all gates set as they were at the beginning of your run.
7. You must not physically abuse any dog.
8. Handlers are expected to act in a courteous and respectful manner at all times. Abusive or abrasive behaviors will not be tolerated and could be met with disqualifications.
Determining Winners and Places:
1. High points will determine the winner and subsequent places for each trialing level.
2. Ties will be resolved by the lowest time elapsed for the entire run.
3. Ribbons and awards will be given through 4 places.
4. Qualifying ribbons will be given for all qualifying scores.
