ISWS Oval Racing Program Rules

Chapter 1 - GENERAL RULES

1.0 Purpose

The International Silken Windhounds Society (ISWS) offers the Official Rules for Oval Racing to encourage competition among ISWS registered Silken Windhounds under uniform and high standards complementary to the excellent program already enjoyed by sighthound breeds within the National Oval Track Racing Association (NOTRA). The Oval Track Racing Champion (OTRC) award program is designed to reward excellence in Silken Windhounds when they have met the necessary OTRC point requirements. Every effort has been made to offer rules that can be applied easily and honestly by all race clubs.

1.1 ELIGIBLE BREED

Only ISWS registered Silken Windhounds may race at ISWS oval racing meets.

1.2 REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS

1.2.1 Approved Registries

All Silken Windhounds entered must be individually registered with the ISWS either on limited or full registration. The person entering a hound for racing must be the actual owner, or agent of the owner, or be in possession of papers transferring said ownership to the person entering the hound.

1.2.2 Registration with the ISWS Oval Racing Program

To register a Silken Windhound with the ISWS Oval Racing Program, send a copy of the ISWS individual registration papers along with a fee of $4.00 US to the Oval Racing Program Registrar. You must be registered and have a racing number assigned before you can enter a meet. Any Silken Windhound already registered with the ISWS Straight Racing Program is not required to send a copy of the hound's registration papers, but the required fee of $4.00 US as well as the hound's ISWS straight-racing registration number must still be submitted before an Oval Racing Program registration number will be issued.

There is NO DAY OF MEET registration for the ISWS Oval Racing Program. Registration is for the life of the dog.

1.3 RULES COMMITTEE AND RULE CHANGE PROPOSALS

The Race Director will establish the policy and rules of conduct of the Oval Racing Program subject to approval of the ISWS Board of Directors. The Host Club shall implement and enforce the ISWS Oval Racing Program rules and policy when sponsoring race meets.

1.3.1 Rule Changes

The ISWS OVal Racing Director will compile a list of rule changes passed by the NOTRA Member Clubs at the end of each calendar year. With the approval of the ISWS Board of Directors, the rule changes will become part of the official rules of the ISWS Oval Racing Program.

1.4 THE OFFICIAL RACE MEET

The Official Race Meet will be open to all eligible Silken Windhounds that have had oval raing numbers assigned by the Registrar PRIOR TO THE MEET. Appropriately sized boxes are the preferred starting method and where boxes are available they must be used. A hand slip is only allowed when boxes are not available. The method of starting will be made known prior to the meet by a premium list emailed to owners of prospective entrants or posted on the ISWS Internet lists. All racers must wear racing muzzles and correctly colored and numbered jackets.

1.5 AGE REQUIREMENT

Hounds must be 1 year of age or older on the first day of an Official Race Meet to be entered.

1.6 RISK AND RESPONSIBILITY

The owner or agent entering a hound in an Official Race Meet assumes all risk and responsibility for loss or injury suffered by or caused by his hound while on the grounds or near the entrance of the race meet.

1.7 THE HOST CLUB

The Host Club for an Official Race Meet is the individual, group or club which puts on the meet. The Host Club must be approved by ISWS racing or NOTRA and must agree to abide by these Rules. It shall be the responsibility of the owners or handlers to carry with them ISWS racing rules if they wish to have them at the meets.

1.8 THE HOST CLUB RACE COMMITTEE

Prior to the Race Meet, the Race Secretary shall appoint a Host Club Race Committee of three persons. The members of the Host Club Race Committee shall be announced prior to the commencement of racing. An alternate individual(s) should be appointed to the Race Committee if a decision to be made by them involves a dog owned by one of them. The decisions of the Host Club Race Committee are final in all matters occurring on the day of the Official Race Meet (except judges' decisions) subject to these Rules and Regulations.

1.9 ENTRY FEES

Entry fees shall be fixed by the Host Club and shall be forfeit if a hound is disqualified, dismissed or scratched from racing for cause except as follows:

  1. Bitches that come in season after entry is made shall have their entry fees returned.
  2. Hounds that are found to be lame, obviously sick, or in season by the Inspection Committee prior to competing in any races shall be barred from racing and shall have their entry fees returned.

1.10 QUALIFYING TO RACE

The Host Club Race Secretary may order a qualifying run for any hound which has not previously raced at an Official Meet (i.e. the hound is a First Time Entered (FTE)), or only has Disqualified (DQ), Did Not Finish (DNF) or Off Course (OC) on his racing record. Qualifying runs can be held at practice races or before an Official Meet. Entries at Official Meets should only be accepted from hounds that are qualified to race. A qualifying run shall consist of at least 200 yards including at least one turn. The hound being qualified will start from the starting box (if one is available) and will run with another dog of the same breed or a breed with similar speed. Said dog shall be provided by the owner/handler of the dog being qualified.

1.11 MINIMUM STARTERS FOR AN OFFICIAL MEET

The minimum number of starters for an Official Meet shall be two (2) Silken Windhounds.

1.12 OWNER/HANDLER SPORTSMANSHIP

Owners/Handlers at ISWS events accept and agree to abide by the ISWS rules and generally accepted rules of conduct and good sportsmanship. They shall also abide by any rules of the Host Club that are not in violation of ISWS rules or the law. Further they shall pick up after their hound, keep the grounds clean and treat their hounds with respect and in ahumane manner. Physically or verbally abusive behavior towards race meet officials, workers or other participants will not be tolerated and the Race Committee may evict any persons exhibiting such behavior from the race meet site. In this event, entry fees shall not be refunded.

1.13 HOUNDS ON THE SCOREBOARD

It is the responsibility of the owner/handler to verify that their hounds' names are on the scoreboard prior to the start of the first race in the first program of the meet. Once the first race is run, missing hounds will not be added to the meet for any reason.

CHAPTER 2 - REQUESTING AN OFFICIAL RACE MEET

2.1 REQUEST FOR CERTIFICATION

Any club, group, association or individual may request certification from ISWS to hold an Official Race Meet. Such a group of individuals are referred to as the Host Club. They should be knowledgeable and experienced and able to properly conduct an Official Meet. NOTRA clubs that agree to host an ISWS meet upon request shall be considered certified to host an ISWS meet.

2.1.1 Submitting a Request for an ISWS Race Meet

Contact the Race DIrector of the Silken Windhound Oval Racing Program for approval to hold an oval race meet. Specify date, location, times, method of starting, the host club and the race secretary. Proof of insurance will be required.

2.1.2 Canceling Scheduled Meets

In the event a scheduled meet must be canceled, notify the Race Director of the cancellation before the scheduled date of the race meet.

2.1.3 Local Modification of Track

Distance or type of track may be changed to one of the other official designs on the day of the meet if the scheduled track cannot be set up safely due to problems such as flooding, obstacles recently installed by land owner, etc. This rule also allows for minor changes to the length of the track to avoid obstacles providing that the minimum length shall be no less that 220 meters (241 yards) or greater than 403 meters (440 yards). To the extent possible, a modified track shall conform to one of the approved track designs (See Part 2 of the NOTRA Rule Book for approved track designs). This provision shall also allow the Host Club to move the meet to a new venue on the day of the meet in the event the original venue is unavailable. The Host Club Race Secretary shall include in the email race meet report filed with the Oval Racing Program Registrar/Recorder any modification made in the type, length or shape of track, or any change in venue. The National Race Director should also be notified by email of any modifications made.

This change will not be subject to protest provided the following three conditions have been met:

  1. All owners or handlers shall be given an opportunity to inspect the revised track.
  2. Prior to running the meet, at least 2/3 of all owners or handlers of the hounds entered in the meet must approve the revised track or change in venue.
  3. Refunds of entry fees must be offered to owners that do not want to run their dogs on the modified track or at the changed venue.

2.2 REPORTING RESULTS OF AN OFFICIAL RACE MEET

Within 48 hours of a meet, the Host Club Race Secretary must email results to the ISWS Oval Racing Registrar/Recorder. The following information is required:

  1. General meet information (date, location, method of release, length of track, host club, number of Silken Windhounds starting;
  2. The ISWS Oval Racing Program registration numbers, the owner's name, the "call" name of each starter and the registered name of each starter;
  3. The placing and meet points earned by each starter;
  4. All FTE (First Time Entered), DQ (Disqualified), OC (Off Course), DNF (Did Not Finish) and SCR (Scratched) including the program in which they occurred (i.e. dog ran race 1 and was scratched for race 2, show SCR2);
  5. Results of each race indicating any reruns;
  6. Attach results in an Excel spreadsheet instead of pasting the results into the body of an email.

NOTE: Failure to comply with the 48 hour reporting rule will result in a $5.00 fine per day for each day late for clubs that are licensed through ISWS racing. Fines do not apply to NOTRA clubs hosting ISWS meets.

See Sample Race Report (Figure 2.1)

Sample Race Report

2.2.1 Recordkeeping

The results of the meet will not be recorded in the permanent records of ISWS nor will points towards an Oval Track Racing Championship be awarded until all necessary results and fees have been received.

CHAPTER 3 - OFFICIALS

3.1 GENERAL

Each Official Race Meet must use well-trained, competent and strictly honest officials. They may not be under the influence of any substance or consume alcohol or drugs while acting as officials. Each Official Race Meet should have the following officials (their duties listed);

3.2 HOST CLUB RACE SECRETARY

The Host Club Race Secretary will perform the following duties:

  1. Applies for approval from ISWS to hold an Official Race Meet as described in 2.1.1;
  2. Accepts entries for the meet and prepares a program for the meet which lists entries by name of hound and owner, ISWS Oval Racing Program registration number and WAVE;
  3. Collects all records of the meet and reports them to the Registrar/Recorder as outlined in 2.2;
  4. Uses the ISWS Oval Racing Program Grading Guide to maintain knowledge of the correct grade/WAVE of each hound racing at the meet;
  5. Is Chairman of the Race Committee;
  6. Appoints officials and other persons needed for the set-up and operation of the meet;
  7. Assures that all trophies and awards planned are on hand;
  8. Provides grounds for the meet and arranges for clean up before and after the meet;
  9. Arranges for the set-up of the track when required;
  10. Assures that all equipment and supplies are on hand and functional;
  11. Coordinates the operation of the meet;
  12. Calls the roll of the entered hounds before the draw for the first program of racing;
  13. Conducts a public draw for the first program of racing;
  14. Calls up each race so the meet is run efficiently without undue delay;
  15. Announce the official order of finish of each race after receiving reports or consulting with Finish Line and Foul Judges and the Starter;
  16. Assures that accurate score keeping is done on Official Record Sheets;
  17. Rotates the racers by similar points for each program of racing in accordance with the scoring system;
  18. Assures that the placing and scores are correctly listed on the scoreboard.

3.3 INSPECTION COMMITTEE

The Inspection Committee shall consist of two knowledgeable individuals. At Roll Call, they inspect each hound entered for lameness, sickness, in season. Muzzles should be checked and be of appropriate type and in good condition.

3.4 RACE COMMITTEE

The Race Committee consists of 3 knowledgeable individuals including the Race Secretary. The duties of the Race Committee include:

  1. Render a decision on any question regarding interpretation of the ISWS Oval Racing Program Rules and Regulations;
  2. Render a decision on any complaint or protest lodged by any owner or handler of a racer;
  3. Supply a written decision when requested by the person lodging the protest or complaint;
  4. Rule on barring, scratching, dismissing or disqualifying a racer based on the reports of the concerned officials;
  5. Rule on whether a race shall be re-run.

3.5 FOUL JUDGES

There shall be a minimum of 3 foul judges for "U" tracks and 4 for full circle tracks.

Each Foul Judge must be well trained and experienced to carefully observe each race and determine whether there was "No Problem", "No Race", "Off Course", "Possible Foul", or "Disqualifying Intentional Foul". Each judge must also determine which racer or racers are involved. Before conferring with anyone, each judge must make a written report to the Race Secretary of any problem. When a "Disqualifying Intentional Foul" is called, at least 2 judges must agree that it occurred and agree on the identity of the aggressor. If there is a lack of agreement, it should be called a "Possible Foul".

No owner of a hound entered in an Official Race Meet may be a Foul Judge for a race in which his hound is entered. A replacement judge must be requested for races in which a judge's hound is running.

3.5.1 Location of the Foul Judges

On the U-val tracks, the judges should always be outside the inner fence defining the track. On the full circle tracks, they should be located to give the best coverage to the turns. However, they must be located such that a minimum of two judges have an unobstructed view of the race at all times. At the start of the race, one judge must be at or near the starting box; and, at the finish of the race, one must be within 10 yards of the finish line. In full ovals the judges at the box and at the first turn may have to move during the course of the race to provide vocerage of the last turn and finish line. The box operator may serve as one of the foul judges. More specific directions cannot be given because of the variation in the tracks.

3.6 FINISH LINE JUDGES

The Race Secretary shall appoint qualified Finish Line Judges prior to the running of a race. A Head Finish Line Judge may be appointed to assure that there are enough qualified judges for a race. A judge should not have an interest in a hound entered in the race to be judged. Qualified judges may officiate in races in which their own dogs might be competing only if there is a shortage of officials and with agreement of the owner/handlers involved. There must be at least 2 finish line judges for low point races and 4 finish line judges are preferred for high point races and when the races are very competitive. There must always be an equal number of finish line judges on each side of the track. The finish line judges must be thoroughly qualified to accurately determine the order of finish of each race. One judge is designated "Head Judge". Each judge should carefully observe the order of finish of each race while standing well back from the track for good visibility, and preferably from an elevated stand on the finish line. Judges must not be sitting or lying down. Immediately after each race, without conferring with anyone, they should each write the order of finish of every dog by number or color of racing jackets on the Finish Line Judges Report. The reports are given to the Head Judge for correlation. The majority decides a difference of opinion. A tie should be called if the judges are equally split or if there is a very strong disagreement on a placing. The outcome of the race for every racer must be indicated. A dog that leaves the track at any time prior to crossing the finish line shall be scored as "off course". A dog that does not cross the finish line or crosses the finish line only after receiving assistance from a person or persons on the track should be scored as "did not finish". Results are not final until posted on the meet scoreboard after reports of the foul judges have been considered.

3.6.1 Video Cameras at Finish Line

The use of a video camera and playback equipment at the finish line is authoized at ISWS Oval Racing meets. The video camera must be of sufficient speed to be able to accurately capture the individual dogs as they cross the finish line. The playback equipment must be able to view individual frames in a stop motion format. The use of video equipment shall be supplemental and is not to be used instead of finish line judges. If used, the following procedure must be used during each race:

  1. The finish line judges will call the race as usual. If there is a disagreement among the finish line judges, they, and only they, may call a photo finish. When this happens, the race will be posted as a photo finish. The resolution of this race shall take place prior to the running of the next race.
  2. All finish line judges for that race will immediately proceed to the viewing area along with the video operator.
  3. Only the finish line judges of that race and the video operator shall review the finish. After the finish line judges review the video, they shall announce their results. These results shall become official and will be posted on the scoreboard.

3.7 PADDOCK MASTER

The Paddock Master shall announce the hounds for each race and shall direct them to the starting box/line when they are properly jacketed and muzzled. After the Starter has signaled readiness, the hounds shall exit the paddock area onto the track in numerical order and proceed as a group to the starting box/line. No racer may be carried to the starting box/line. THE PADDOCK MASTER SHALL NOT PERMIT A HOUND TO RACE UNLESS IT WEARS A MUZZLE THAT IS ACCEPTABLE AND IN GOOD CONDITION.

3.8 SCOREKEEPER

The Race Secretary may appoint a Scorekeeper who will record the placements communicated by the Head Finish Line Judge in the records of the race meet and on the scoreboard.

3.9 LURE OPERATOR

The Lure Operator must be well trained and experienced in order to pace the lure in front of the racers in a manner which results in the best possible racing. When a drag lure is used, the lure must be maintained at the corect distance ahead of the lead racer so that the lure appears to the racers to be moving towards the inner fence at all times. This requires a lead of from 20 to 30 yards depending on the design of the track. This is discussed further in Sections 7.8.2 and 7.8.2.1 on Lure Pacing. If the lure if too far in front of the racers, they may become unsighted, lose interest or tend to cross the inner fence; if it is too close, the racers may "check" or tend to run a poor path around the track. Either can make for poor racing and should be avoided. The lure operator should check the condition and attachment of the lure after each race and repair or replace it as needed and examine the lure machine to assure its proper operation.

3.10 STARTER AND ASSISTANT STARTER

The Starter and Assistant Starter have the following duties:

  1. Check all racers and equipment at the starting box and assist in the loading of the racers into the starting box by numerical order;
  2. Assure that no owner or handler touches the lure or teases the hounds with the lure;
  3. When a continuous loop lure is used, the lure is placed 15 feet in front of the starting box. The lure should be in clear view of all the racers. When a drag-lure is used marks should be made on both sides of the track, but outside of the track itself, designating the pre-start lure location. The Starter will then place the lure between the marks for an accurate pre-start lure placement. See Details of Lure Placement (Figures 3.1 and 3.2);
  4. Check that all the racers are facing forward with muzzles in place just prior to signaling the lure operator to start the lure;
  5. If necessary briefly tease the racers with the lure just before the start of the race;
  6. When a drag lure is used, open the starting box using a "jump start" so that the door opens the instant the lure begins to move away; OR
  7. When the continuous loop drag lure is used, the Starter or Assistance Starter opens the starting box when the lure reaches a designated point (usually 25 yards) in front of the starting box;
  8. Check the start for proper operation of the starting box and any fouling at or near the start. If any racer obains an unfair advantage due to improper operation of the starting box, or if a racer passes or touches the lure, the Starter notifies the Race Director of a "No Race."

Lure Placement Diagram

3.10.1 Starting Boxes

Using a four hole or six hole starting box is the preferred method for starting Silken Windhound races. Hand slipping is permitted when a suitably sized box is not available. If a box is available all Silken Windhounds must be box started. Changing the published starting method is allowed only under extreme circumstances. For a box start, the lure should be centered 15 feet in front of the box with some slack in the line. The lure should be in clear view of all the racers.

3.10.2 Hand Slip

In the event that no suitably sized box is available, the meet may be hand slipped. When hand slipping is used to start a race, the lure will be placed 10 feet in front of the hounds with no slack in the line. The hounds will be held behind the starting line in any fashion as long as it does not interfere with the start of another hound. The Starter will ask if the handlers are ready and after receiving an affirmative verbal response will then signal the lure operator to start the lure. A hound will be penalized into last place for that race if it is pre-slipped (i.e. released before the movement of the lure). If there is a Starter and an Assistant Starter, both must agree on the pre-slip.

CHAPTER 4 - RUNNING THE OFFICIAL RACE MEET

4.1 THE RACE FORMAT

The race format consists of the distance of the races, the number ofprograms of racing (the number of times each racer runs in a meet) and the number of racers in each race.

To qualify as a "starter" (for purposes of awarding points) the following criteria must be met:

  1. The entrant goes to the starting box or starting line if hand slipping;
  2. The entrant is loaded into the starting box or is standing at the starting line;
  3. The entrant is released from the starting box or hand slipped at the starting line.

4.1.1 Distance

The races may be Short (300 yards or under or 220 meters), Medium (301 to 400 yards or 350 meters) or Long (400 yards are over). The Medium distances are considered the standard distances and should be most frequently used. Track distance is measured 1 meter (39 inches) out from the inner fence for metric tracks and 1 yard (36 inches) out for distances specified in yards.

4.1.2 Number of Programs

The Official Meet consists of 3 programs of racing in which an entry can race once in each program. In order for a meet to be official, all programs planned must be completed.

No hound should be required to race without a 45 minute rest between programs unless a rerun is required. See Chapter 6 Section 6.6 and subsections 6.6.1 and 6.6.2 for rules regarding reruns.

Each racer is assigned to a specific race in each program, either through use of the grading guide (first program) or the scores earned in prior races (second and thrid programs). If a racer does not start in one program, it is automatically scratched from subsequent programs. If a racer fails to run in its assigned race, it cannot be placed in any subsequent race in the same program.

4.1.3 Rotating the Racers

Racers are to be rotated for each subsequent program by a point system described in Section 4.2 for Graded Races and in Section 4.3 for Ungraded Races. Meets should use graded races unless 3/4 or more of the entry is in one grade.

4.1.4 Number of Racers in Each Race

All Silken Windhound racers will consist of a maximum of 4 dogs.

4.1.5 Local Modification of Racing Rules

These racing rules may be modified on a case by case basis for a single meet by 2/3 majority of all owners/handlers of the hounds entered in the meet. Only those rules that apply to the safety of the dogs can be modified. Any modifications must be reported in the Race Report to the ISWS Oval Racing Program Registrar/Recorder. This should be done by email within 48 hours of the meet. See Section 2.2.

4.2 THE GRADING SYSTEM

The object of the grading system is to match racers against each other by a point system based on racing ability. Racers are not divided by sex or any other factor. All racers shall have a grade classification A, B, C or D in the first program of meet using graded races. After each meet, each hound will have its grade/WAVE recalculated depending on its performance in the meet.

4.2.1 Initial Grading

A hound which has no previous race record at Official Race Meets starts in Grade D, except that it may be put in Grade C at the discretion of the Racing Secretary based on the results of schooling races. If a straigh racing record exists for them, Silken Windhounds should initially be graded according to their ISWS Straight Racing record by reducing that grade to the next lower grade.

4.2.2 Grading with ISWS Oval Racing Records

When a racer entered for an Official Race Meet has previously raced at Official Race Meets, it should be graded based on its ISWS Oval Racing Record. The weighted average (WAVE) is calculated as described below. Only the last three meets are considered.

The basic formula is [(meet 1) + 0.7(meet 2) + 0.5(meet 3)]/2.2 where meet 1 is the most recent meet and meet 3 is the oldest meet. Only completed meets are used for calculating the WAVE.

If only two meets were run or one was a scratch, then the formula is [(meet 1) + 0.7(meet 2)]/1.7.

If only one meet was completed or the dog ran in only one meet, then the WAVE is the score earned in that one meet. If the dog only has scratch meets in its last three meets then the scratch scores are averaged to get the WAVE until a complete meet is run by the dog.

The following table of Grades and corresponding WAVE's forms the basis for grading from ISWS Oval Race Program records:

GRADE / WAVE
A 11 thru 22
B 8 thru 10.999
C 5.5 thru 7.999
D Less than 5.5

The Registrar/Recorder of the ISWS Oval Racing Program will strive to issue to active Host Clubs a Grading Guide that indicates the rating (WAVE) of all experienced racers based on these criteria.

4.2.2.1 Dogs Running Alone

The minimum number of dogs necessary for an official meet is two. A dog running alone does NOT earn points. A dog that runs all three programs alone will be considered as having run a schooling meet and no WAVE will be assigned. If the dog has previously run with competition, the WAVE will remain unchanged from the last meet with competition when next entered. If the dog has never entered a meet with competition, it will be considered an FTE (First Time Entered) at the first meet where it runs with competition. (See Section 4.2.3.3, First Time Entered.)

4.2.3 First Program of Graded Races

The Racing Secretary and a committee of not more than 2 other qualified persons make up the races for the first program.

4.2.3.1 Grading Guide Unavailable

Segregate the entered hounds by grade. A knowledgeable Race Secretary will also group the better racers in each grade and the slower racers in each grade. The Race Set-Up Chart shows the desired number of racers in each race depending on the total number of starters in the program. The race groupings should conform to this chart. Groupings may be combined to best fill the races according to the chart. See Race Set-Up Chart (Table 4-1).

4.2.3.2 Using the Grading Guide

Use of the Grading Guide simplifies the grouping process and provides an objective basis for the grouping of the racers for the first program. The Race Secretary and the Race Committee should use the Grading Guide and the Ratings (WAVE) when they are available. The entered racers should first be listed in the order of their WAVE as listed in the Grading Guide. The Race Set-Up Chart (Table 4-1) shows the number of racers in each race depending on the total number of starters. The WAVE of each racer should be used as follows to make up the first program of races: the racers with the 4 highest WAVE's should be grouped for the highest (High Point) race. If entry size requires 2 High Point races, the dogs must be seeded alternately by WAVE between the 2 High Point races. The racers with the next highest group of WAVE's should be grouped for the next lower race. The use of WAVE's in this manner is continued until all the racers are grouped.

4.2.3.3 First Time Entered/Owner with 2 Racers

In accorance with 4.2.1, First Time Entered (FTE) starters (and those starters with an inadequate record to receive a usable Rating) may be inserted in an appropriate group based on ISWS straight racing data, or placed with Grade D racers as appropriate. If an owner has 2 or more unrated racers, they should be grouped into separate races if this is considered reasonable by the Race Secretary and the committee.

4.2.4 Selection of Post Position - First Program

After the racers are grouped for each race, post position for each racer is selected by random draw. A truly random draw requires three people: one to shuffle the name tags of the racers, one to draw the name, and one to draw the post position. An alternate method is to put the names of the racers in a race into a container and put post position numbers into a separate container. The racer's name is drawn and then its assigned post position. each racer is to wear a racing jacket with the number of its post position and the appropriate color for that number.

See the Race Set-Up Chart (Table 4-1) to determine the number of races and the number of racers in each race depending on the total number of entries.

Low point races are run first and high point races are run last.

4.2.5 Rotation by Points

After the first program, the grade (WAVE) designations are dropped and the racers are regrouped for the next program by the meet points earned in the first program. The Race Set-Up Chart (Table 4-1) is used to determine the number of racers in each race depending on the total number of racers available for the next program. The procedure to make up the races for the next program is to work from the High Point race down to the Lowest Point race grouping the racers with the same points and with lower points if needed to fill out a race.

If racers have equal points, the following rule is to be used if they need to be divided between races in the following program: the racer which ran in the "higher" race must be grouped into the "higher" race in the next program, except in set-up of the final program if a dog finishes in last place in the high point race and has the same number of points as the dog that wins the next to the last race (semi high point race). In this case, the winner of the next to last race will move up to the high point race and the last place finisher will move down to the next to last race. Otherwise, if the racers were in the same race, the racer which placed higher must be grouped into the higher race in the next program. If still tied, the racer that raced in the higher race in the previous program goes into the higher race. Finally, if still tied, the racer with the higher WAVE in the grading guide goes into the higher race. This procedure of grouping racers with similar meet point totals is used after each program of racing until the meet is completed.

4.2.6 Post Positions for Subsequent Programs

For the second and third programs, post positions are determined by random draw after the racers are grouped by total points earned in the previous program(s) except that the racers in the third program High Point races are not to draw the inside box (Box 1) or the outside box (Box 4) more than twice in the meet. Should a racer draw Box 1 for the third time, it is to be moved to Box 2. The displaced dog shall be placed into Box 1. Likewise, should a racer draw the outside box for the third time, it is to be moved to Box 3. The displaced dog shall be placed in the outside Box 4. Each racer is to wear a racing jacket with the number of its post position and the corresponding color.

4.2.7 Scoring the Meet

Points are awarded to each racer after each race depending on its placement in the race. Hounds that are Off Course or Did Not Finish as described in Section 3.6 will receive a score of zero. The sum total of the points earned by each racer at the conclusion of the meet determines its final placement in the meet. If there is a tie in total points at the end of the meet, the racer which ran in the higher race in the final program is awarded the higher placement. If the racers with equal points were in the same race in the final program, the racer with the higher placement in that race is awarded the higher placement in the meet. If still tied, the racer that raced in the higher race in the previous program gets the higher placement. A racer who does not complete all programs of a meet should be awarded a placement at the bottom of the list of racers with equal points except that a racer who is Disqualified will be placed below every racer with equal points. Scratched racers that have completed more programs place higher than those with equal points but fewer completed programs. There is no necessity for coin tosses or runoffs to determine any of the final placements in the meet.

4.2.8 Scoring Graded Races

Table 4-2 shows the number of points awarded according to the order of finish in each race in each program for graded races.

Graded Race Scoring

4.2.9 High Point Races for First Program

The number of High Point races in the first program is determined as follows: with 36 or fewer starters use 1 High Point race and with more than 36 starters use 2 High Point races.

4.3 UNGRADED RACES

If at least 3/4's of the entries are in one grade and there are less than 32 starters, ungraded races may be run.

4.3.1 Grouping for Ungraded Races

The grouping for ungraded races is by random draw. The Race Set-Up Chart (Table 4-1) should be used to determine the number of races and the number of racers in each race. Post position is determined by random draw in the same manner as for graded races.

4.3.2 Scoring Ungraded Races

Table 4-3 shows the number of points awarded according to the order of finish in each race in each program for ungraded races.

Ungraded Race Scoring

CHAPTER 5 - TROPHIES, AWARDS AND CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS

5.1 TROPHIES

The Host Club selects trophies, rosettes, and ribbons and sets up a program to use them to best advantage. Emphasis is placed on rewarding the racers which accumulate the most meet points and the following are usually honored:

If enough trophies are available and there are sufficient entries in each category, awards may also include:

5.2 INTERMEDIATE TITLES

There are two intermediate titles for Silken Windhounds in the Oval Racing Program.

5.2.1 Silken Junior Oval Racer (SJOR)

The title of Silken Junior Oval Racer is awarded to any Silken Windhound that completes all heats in four meets without a DQ, Scratch, Off Course or Did Not Finish.

5.2.2 Silken Senior Oval Racer (SSOR)

The title of Silken Senior Oval Racer is awarded to any Silken Windhound that completes all heats in six meets and finishes in the top half of the dogs which ran all heats without a DQ, Scratch, Off Course or Did Not Finish. If an odd number of dogs completes all the heats, then reduce that number by one and divide by two to calculate how many dogs qualify for a leg towards the SSOR title. SSOR legs may be earned at the meet in which a racer earns an Oval Track Racing Champion (OTRC) title, but will not be awarded to racers that already hold the OTRC title.

5.3 OVAL TRACK RACING CHAMPIONSHIP

An Oval Track Racing Championship (OTRC) will be awarded to any Silken Windhound that earns 12 Championship Oval Track Racing Points. Championship points will be awarded depending on the number of eligible entrants as indicated in the chart below. No championship points will be awarded if any of the following conditions occur:

  1. The hound does not complete all races in the meet;
  2. The hound has not defeated at least one hound in at least one race in the meet;
  3. The hound finished last in its breed in the meet (i.e. second out of an entry of two).

5.3.1 OTRC Points Table

Only hounds who have not earned their Oval Track Racing Championship are eligible to earn "championship" points.

Starters High Score Second Place Third Place
2 1.0 0 0
3-4 1.0 0.5 0
5-7 2.0 1.0 0
8-10 3.0 1.5 0.5
11-15 4.0 2.0 1.0
16-21 5.0 3.0 1.5
22 & over 6.0 4.0 2.0

5.4 OVAL TRACK RACING CHAMPION EXCELLENT (OTRCX)

The title of Oval Track Racing Champion Excellent (OTRCX) will be awarded to any Silken Windhound that earns 30 National Oval Track Racing Points. The title of Oval Track Racing Champion Excellent II (OTRCX2) will be awarded to any Silken Windhound who earns 30 additional National Points beyond those earned for the OTRCX. Each additional 30 National Points earned will earn a further numerical designation (i.e. 3, 4, 5, etc.).

No National Points will be awarded if any of the following conditions occur:

  1. The hound does not complete all scheduled programs in the meet;
  2. The hound has not defeated at least one hound in at least one race in the meet;
  3. The hound finished last in the meet (i.e. second out of an entry of two).

5.4.1 OTRCX Points Table

Starters High Score Second Place Third Place
2 1.0 0 0
3-4 1.0 0.5 0
5-7 2.0 1.0 0
8-10 3.0 1.5 0.5
11-15 4.0 2.0 1.0
16-21 5.0 3.0 1.5
22 & over 6.0 4.0 2.0

5.5 ISWS OVAL TRACK RACING PROGRAM TITLE PRECEDENCE

Only one ISWS Oval Track Racing Program title shall be listed as a suffix to the dog's registered name. The order of precedence is as follows:

  1. Oval Track Racing Champion Excellent (OTRCX);
  2. Oval Track Racing Champion (OTRC);
  3. Silken Senior Oval Racer (SSOR);
  4. Silken Junior Oval Racer (SJOR).

CHAPTER 6 - DISQUALIFICATION, DISMISSAL, BARRED, SCRATCHES, PROTESTING A MEET

6.1 DISQUALIFICATION FOR INTENTIONAL FOUL

A hound shall be disqualified for "Intentional Foul" when, between the starting box/starting line and the finish line, it turns its head from the lure towards another racer and goes toward and attacks the other racer, disturbing its line of travel, or if it rides the other racer for several strides.

A hound shall be disqualified for "Intentional Foul" if it turns its head away from the lure and towards another racer AND moves into the path of another racer in a threatening manner, but contact is avoided because the second dog stops or runs wide to avoid contact.

Incidental body contact is not subject to disqualification.

Only foul judges can disqualify a racer and they should do so fearlessly, but only when certain of the identity of the transgressing hound. Prior to discussing the foul with other foul judges or the Race Secretary, each foul judge shall write the foul on a Foul Judge Report Form. Then each foul judge shall go directly to the Race Secretary or Head Foul Judge (if one has been appointed) and show the written report. If two or more foul judges have written up the same foul, then the Race Secretary shall notify the owner (or handler) of the hound starting the foul committed and the race and program in which it occurred. The notification must be given prior to re-setting the score board for the next program.

6.1.1 Retaliation

If a hound retaliates after being attacked, it should not be disqualified. Only the aggressor should be disqualified.

6.1.2 Uncertain Judge

If a foul judge is uncertain whether an Intentional Foul was committed or is uncertain of the identity of the aggressor, he should call a "Possible Foul" on his report. The Race Secretary will direct that special attention be paid to this hound during the next program.

6.1.3 Placements and Points

If a hound is disqualified it retains the points earned prior to the race in which it was disqualified. Points and placements in that race are distributed as if it had not participated.

6.1.4 Penalty

A hound which is disqualified is barred from further racing at this meet. If a hound is disqualified a second time within the same calendar year, it will be barred from racing at Official Race Meets for the remainder of the calendar year. Should a hound be disqualified for Intentional Foul three times, it will be permanently barred from Official Race Meets.

6.1.5 Appeal from Permanent Disqualification

The owner of a hound which has been permanently barred may appeal to the National Race Director when he can prove his hound is a clean racer.

6.2 DISMISSAL FOR "OFF COURSE"

If a racer crosses the inner fence defining the track during the course of a race, it should be dismissed for "Off Course". It should receive no placement in the race but it will retain its placements and points earned in prior races. It may be barred from further racing at this race meet or it may be allowed to continue if it did not intentionally foul any racer (at the option of the Race Committee).

If a hound has run Off Course in three meets, it shall be placed on restriction, except that if the hound runs a complete meet, any previous Off Course meets shall be forgiven. A hound on restriction is barred from racing at Official Race Meets until it performs satisfactorily in a practice race. The Race Secretary should give written notice to the owner and the results should indicate that the hound was "off Course" (OC) and during which program.

6.3 DISMISSAL

Hounds may be dismissed for the remainder of the race meet by the Race Committee for any of the following:

  1. Hounds whose handler or owner interferes with an Official;
  2. Hounds whose handler or owner makes frivolous claims of fouls not allowed by Officials;
  3. Hounds whose handler or owner interferes with or takes unfair advantage of other hounds in a race. Care must be exercised by handlers not to interfere with other hounds especially when loading into the starting box and when retrieving hounds at the conclusion of the race. After loading his racer, the handler must step back from the box or walk off the track. No handler may tease his racer with the lure or touch the lure or have a lure in his possession to tease his racer at the starting box. These practices may distract other racers and give unfair advantage to some racers. Only the Starter or Assistant Starter may tease the racers just before the start of the race;
  4. Hounds not running in a race which escape onto the track and interfere with the running of a race;
  5. Hounds whose handler or owner disregard a request by Officials to keep their hounds back from trackside since they may distract the racers;
  6. Hounds whose handler or owner scratches them after the racers have been regrouped for the next program of racing when they are neither injured nor ill.

6.4 BARRED FROM RACING

The Race Committee shall bar any hound from racing for the following reasons:

  1. A bitch that shows noticeable signs of being in season such as swelling, redness, or blood. She can be barred at any time during a meet when such signs are noticeable;
  2. A hound that shows obvious signs of sickness or lameness;
  3. Any hound that "Fouls" at schooling races can be barred temporarily from Official Race Meets if the Racing Secretary feels that the hound will "Foul" at the Official Meet.

6.5 SCRATCHES

An owner or handler may scratch his racer from the meet before the racers have been regrouped for the next program of racing. No racer may be scratched by its owner or handler after the racers have been regrouped for the next program of racing unless the racer is injured or ill and the injury or illness has been verified by the Race Committee. The Race Committee may scratch a hound without prejudice for the following reasons:

  1. Any racer which fails to finish a race or fails to finish in true racing style may be scratched from further racing or may be allowed to continue if it did not foul other racers during the race;
  2. Any hound which unduly delays racing by, for example, refusing to face forward in the starting box, removing its muzzle in the starting box several times, or refusing to walk to the starting box;
  3. Any hound left out of a race by neglect or oversight of the handler or owner.

The results of the meet should indicate any hounds which were scratched and before which program.

6.6 NO RACE: RERUN OF A RACE

A race is to be rerun after a suitable rest period only under the following circumstances:

  1. If a racer catches or passes the lure or any part of the lure between the starting box and the finish line it will be declared a "No Race". If the lure operator sees a racer catch or pass the lure or a hound check on a piece of the lure which has fallen off the lure, he should stop the lure if possible and the handlers shall retrieve their hounds;
  2. If the starting box fails to open properly giving any racer an unfair advantage;
  3. If a hound not entered in a race escapes and interferes with the racers. If the escaped hound does not interfere with the racers, the placements will stand and the race will not be rerun;
  4. If there is any outside interference with the race which is likely to have altered the race results;
  5. If a situation occurs which presents a likelihood of injury to a racer, the lure should be stopped and the handlers shall retrieve their hounds;
  6. If two or more dogs stop because of objects or distractions on or near the track (paper, garbage, etc.).

The results of the meet should indicate which races were rerun. A rest perios of 20 minutes should be allowed whenever possible before any rerun of a race if the dogs ran a complete race or nearly a complete race.

6.6.1 Options Instead of a Second Rerun

If a race has been rerun and a second rerun of that race is indicated, the Race Committee, after considering the condition of the racers and the fairness to all involved, may choose one of the following alternatives instead of a second rerun:

  1. If the first rerun was more that 3/4's complete and, in the opinion of the Race Committee, the placements of any one or more of the racers were not likely to change from the point where the race was stopped, the placements should be awarded and any remaining points should be equally divided among the other racers.
  2. Split all the points available in the race equally among all the participants in the race.

6.6.2 Unecessary Reruns to be Avoided

In the interest of fairness, unnecessary reruns should be avoided. Equipment failures of the lure machine, the drag-lure line, a pulley or the lure are leading causes of reruns, so every effort should be made to have reliable equipment of proven design and in first class condition for a meet. Another cause for rerun is a hound running in the race crossing the inner fence or stopping and going back down the track creating apotentially dangerous situation. When a hound runs across the infield an accident could occur if it re-enteres the track and collides with other racers. However, experience to date is that the hound will usually re-enter behind the pack or without interference so that the race can be completed without mishap and without the necessity for a rerun. However, this is a matter of judgement by the lure operator.

6.7 PROTESTING THE RACE MEET

Any owner or handler of a hound entered in an Official Race Meet has the right to lodge a claim of protest in writing with the ISWS National Race Director. Such person should first contact the ISWS meet Race Secretary as soon as possible to give the ISWS Race Committee the opportunity to rule on the complaint. Such a person should request a written decision from the ISWS Race Committee. An appeal to this decision can be requested from the ISWS National Race Director and must be filed within 10 days of the meet. A check from $10.00 made out in the name of the ISWS National Race Director must accompany the appeal. The $10.00 will be returned if the protest is considered justified by the ISWS National Race Director and his committee.

The ISWS National Director and his protest committee shall have a decision and answer within four months of the date of the protest. If the committee cannot decide on the protest within four months, the ISWS National Race Director shall make a decision on his own. This decision shall be rendered within the next month and shall not be subject to appeal.

In any meet given by a Host NOTRA Club, ISWS racers will be bound by the decisions of that Club. Protests MAY NOT be lodged with any NOTRA Host Club or with NOTRA itself.

CHAPTER 7 - RACE TRACK AND EQUIPMENT

7.1 RACE TRACK

All Official Race Meets should be on a smooth, level (or appropriately banked) racing surface. The preferred track surface should be well-watered soft turf or dampened and rolled sand. Every effort should be made to offer only the best possible racing surface.

7.1.1 Design Spproval

The design of the track (i.e. the turn, radii, length of the straights, width, location of the starting box, and racing surface) should be approved by NOTRA or ISWS Racing prior to holding an Official Race Meet.

7.1.2 Drag-lure Tracks

Drag-lure tracks are "U" shaped or modified ovals often set up on the day of the meet on a suitable turf field. A drag-lure track consists of an accurately positioned inner fence which defined the inner edge of the track, plus 4 to 8 precisely located pulleys spiked into the ground. A lure string is set around the pulleys and a lure machine winds the string onto a reel pulling the lure in a predetermined path around the track.

7.1.2.1 Layout of Drag-lure Tracks

There are five layouts for drag-lure tracks. The tracks for Short races are 220, 246 and 275 meter "U" shaped design; the track for Medium races is a 350 meter oval. The Long oval has been widely used for many years in Europe and North America. It is a well proven design and is approved by ISWS Racing for Official Race Meets. Detailed set-up procedures for each of the approved tracks are given in Part II of the NOTRA Rule Book.

7.1.2.2 Inner Fence

The inner fence design is important. The fence must be sufficiently transparent to view the race through yet be visible enough to the racers to discourage them from attempting to cross it. The safety of the racers should also be considered in case a racer is forced into or accidentally strikes the fence. The fence could be made from netting or woven fencing. If so, it is recommended that a firm horizontal barrier approximately 16 inches above the ground be installed. Should a racer strike the fence this will tend to avoid or reduce the chance of injury by deflecting the racer back onto the track. The fence could also consist of 2, 3 ormore parallel lines ("caution" tape is often used) separated by 8 to 12 inches. The lines are hung from vertical posts or stakes 7 to 8 feet apart. Experience to date indicates that the lines and fence post is easiest to erect and adequate for the purpose. The post should be vertical in the straights and tilted inward at an angle of 10 degrees in the bends. The post and lines should be designed to break or bend eaily if struck by a racer.

7.1.3 Continuous Loop Tracks

Continuous loop tracks are drag-lure tracks which have the lure string go around the pulleys in a continuous loop. In order to avoid having the dogs run across the lure string many times in the circuit of the track, creating the possibility of tripping or injury to a hound, these tracks are designed so that the string runs outside the expected path of the dogs around the track. These tracks have advantages over the approved conventional drag-lure tracks:

  1. The path of the lure around the track is independent of wind and racing surface conditions;
  2. Quick automatic reset of the lure to its starting position after a race;
  3. Somewhat reduced crowding of the racers in the first turn.

These advantages offer the potential of more reliable track operation under adverse conditions and faster running of a meet. Disadvantages are:

  1. Requires slightly larger area;
  2. Requires more pulleys and more fencing than the comparable drag-lure tracks;
  3. Takes slightly longer to set up;
  4. Dogs may tend to run slightly wide on the straight away lengths of the track.

7.2 PADDOCK AREA

An area should be sectioned off preferably beyond the Finish Line where the racers gather for a race. When the race is called, the racers, correctly jacketed and muzzled, will parade onto the track in numerical order and walk to the starting box or line. In the event the Paddock Area is located otherwise, the racers will procedd to the starting box (as directed by the Paddock Master) without having to walk down the track.

7.3 JUDGES STANDS

Whenever possible, elevated stands should be provided for the foul judges and finish line judges.

7.4 LOUD SPEAKER

A loud speaker should be available to inform owners, handlers and spectator of all activities in connection with the Official Race Meet.

7.5 RACING JACKETS

A racing jacket must be worn by each racer. Only the following color and number combinations may be used:

Racing jackets should extend from the shoulder blades to beyond the last rib. Their fit should be neither too tight nor too loose and should neither restrict the hound's stride nor unduly flap in the wind. Numerals should be at least 4 inches tall.

7.6 RACING MUZZLES

All racers must wear muzzles while racing. The muzzles should be the box type used at all US Greyhound tracks, pelican style or the plastic-coated, light-wire English style racing muzzles. Box muzzles are available in 6 sizes through the National Greyhound Association in Abilene, KS.

The muzzle should allow the hound full freedom to open his mouth at all times. However it must not allow the hounds to be able to grasp the lure. A hound which can grasp the lure is a potential danger to the other hounds and handlers. Muzzles made of heavy wire are dangerous and not permitted. Light-wire muzzles of the English type, if not plastic coated, are not recommended. The racers must wear their muzzles while they are being walked to the starting box.

7.7 PULLEYS

Somewhat different requirement exist for the pulleys used for drag-lure tracks compared to those used for continuous loop tracks.

7.7.1 Drag-lure Pulleys

These should be designed to provide low drag and inertia on the string; be easy to reset; and be reasonably safe for a racer that could conceivably strike one. They should not be colored white which could cause some hounds to check their stride or stop to investigate a white object. The ball bearing pulleys often used for lure coursing should be adequate. Ideally they should have a larger diameter and deeper inset for the string operation in the wind. The approved drag-lure tracks run the racers between the pulleys and the inner fence. However, a poorly trained racer may run wide or improper lure operation may cause a racer to overrun a pulley. To avoid potential injury in such circumstances, the pulleys must not have any sharp edges and it is desirable for them to have shock absorbing tops.

7.7.2 Continuous Loop Pulleys

The pulleys used for continuous loop operationmust emphasize low drag and low inertia because additional pulleys are needed compared to the conventional drag-lure track and all the pulleys are engaged at all times. (The conventional drag-lure drops off each pulley as the lure passes it, reducing drag and inertia.) The pulleys must be firmly spiked into the ground with sufficiently long spikes so they will not pull out due to string tension and the impact of lure passage through the pulleys. The lure must not "bounce" around the pulleys, but must pass smoothly through the pulleys. This requires a higher profile pulley than is often used for the conventional drag-lure track. The pulleys may be "captive" or "open" design. A "captive" design pulley is closed outside the string so that the string cannot come off the pulley. Existing "captive" designs may restrict the diameter of the lure which can be used, but prevent the possibility of aborting a race by reason of the string being knocked off of a pulley.

7.8 LURE EQUIPMENT

The success of the meet is highly dependent on having a reliable, smooth-operating, well-controlled lure machine of sufficient speed. Smooth operation is especially important on the conventional drag-lure tacks because a jumpy or jerky operation can cause slack in the string which may then cause the string to jump off a pulley and abort the race. A brake should be installed on the lure machine for use on the drag-lure to stop the lure in the proper area at the end of the race. When a drag-lure track is used, resetting the lure can be done by hand or with the use of a motor scooter or golf cart. Resetting is automatic for the continuous loop track. A spare machine and spare well-charged batteries should be available in case of breakdown.

7.8.1 Lure Machine

For conventional drag-lure operation, smooth operation is highly dependent on having sufficient inertia in the take-up spool. This will prevent the lure from jerking or jumping when power is applied or removed. A 9 inch diameter spool weighing about 6 pounds has been found to provide smooth operation. About 10 yards of slack string is provided at the starting box (See Figure 3-1) to permit the machine to get up to speed. It also gives the starter a signal to open the box properly for a "jump start". A special spool is used for continuous loop operation which pulls the string through the spool. This spool must drive the string without slippage and without causing excessive wear of the drive string. It must also allow the passage of the lure through the drive spool for resetting the lure. Since the drag on the string is higher with continuous loop operation than with a conventional drag-lure, attention must be paid to having a high efficiency (low drag, low current) lure machine as well as several well-charged batteries available. Continuous charging of the batteries throughout the meet can sometimes be used, and may add to the reliability and reduce the need for spare batteries.

7.8.2 Lure Pacing

A jerky lure or one too close or too far ahead of the racers will not produce true oval racing and should be avoided. Lure operators should aim to operate the lure consistently from race to race and from meet to meet.

7.8.2.1 Drag-lure and Continuous Loop

Drag-lure tracks use a "jump start" (Section 3.10). The "jump start" cannot be used with the continuous loop track (Section 3.10). Instead, in continuous loop, the lure is initially placed 15 feet in front of the starting box and the dogs are released when the lure reaches a distance of 25 yards in front of the box. This minimizes the possible tendency for the dogs to drift out in the run down the chute into the first bend. After a "jump start" the lure must be accelerated quickly (within 50 yards) to a position about 25 yards ahead on the 350 meter drag-lure tracks. The desired lead on the continuous loop track is 27 yards which is only slightly more than the lead at the start. The lure must be smoothly paced with the desired amount of lead maintained around the track. The lure should be stopped rapidly when the lead dog nears the predetermined stopping area past the finish line. The proper lure lead must be maintained on these tracks to obtain true oval racing. It is important that the lure operator keep in mind that the drag-lure must always appear to the racers to be moving toward the inner fence to obtain proper pacing. The proper lead on the drag-lure tracks (this does not apply to continuous loop tracks) can also be judged by noting that the lure should have just passed the first pulley at the same time that the racers are about to enter the first turn. It is recommended that pairs of marker separated by the proper lead distance be put on the inner fence at several places (first turn, backstretch, and for the 350 meter track, also the last turn) to aid the lure operator in judging the correct lead on the drag-lure and continuous loop tracks.

7.8.3 The Lure

It is preferred to have a fluffy, furry and highly visible lure about the size of a jack rabbit that bounces and flutters during the race. It is also desirable to incorporate a squeaker to attract the racers should their sight of the lure be momentarily blocked by other racers. However, in order to easily pull the lure through the pulleys without snagging or strain or in wet conditions, it is necessary to compromise on the size and materials used. A drag-lure or continuous loop lure usually must use a number of white plastic or cloth strips tied together at one end. The front inch or so of the lure should be cone shaped to facilitate passing the pulleys without snagging as shown in Figure 7-1.

lure construction

A small piece of fur can be attached to it to attract the racers at the end of the race. In windy conditions with a drag-lure track, it may be desirable to add some weight to the lure (a 1 ounce fishing weight can be buried in the nose of the lure), to cut the length of the lure, and also to move the pulleys outward a few feet on the windward side of the track to reduce the chance of the lure snagging on a pulley or fence. It is essential that the lure have a high contrast with the track and not blend with the track surface. This would make it very difficult for the racers to remain sighted. Unsighted racers tend to race poorly or fight. The lure operator should inspect the lure between each race and make sure it is in good condition and strongly attached to the string. The lure should be repaired or replaced whenever necessary. For a drag-lure track, the lure should be centered 15 feet in front of the starting box, with slack line laid as shown in Figure 3.1 to give the starter a chance to get a perfect "jump start". For a continuous loop track the lure is placed 15 feet in front of the starting box, but a "jump start" is not used. Instead, the dogs are released when the lure is 25 yards in front of the box.

7.8.4 Drag Line

The line used to drag the lure must be strong enough and in first class condition. A minimum of 80 pound test line (preferably Dacron, but Nylon can also be used) should be used for drag-lure operation. A minimum of 120 pound test Dacron line should be used for continuous loop operation. Nylon line should not be used for continuous loop operation because it stretches too much.

7.9 SCOREBOARD

A scoreboard should be provided to list the entries in each race, the points earned in each race and the racers' accumulated total points. A magnetic board with a moveable plate for each racer's information is one of the easier systems for a scorekeeper to use. The magnetic board and plates make it easy to reset the board and to list the order of finish at the completion of the meet.

Appendix: Forms

  1. Entry Form - Includes both quick entry and FTE (first time entered) information, plus disclaimer and signature of owner.
  2. Finish Line (Placing) Judge Report - This form is used by the finish line (placing) judges to record the outcome of each race. The Head Finish Line (Placing) Judge also uses this form to report the race results to the Scorekeeper or Race Secretary.
  3. Official Foul Judge Sheet - Each foul judge should report the outcome of every race and foul reports should be turned into the Race Secretary or Head Foul Judge if there is one.
  4. Official Score Sheet - The Race Secretary uses this Score Sheet as the official record of the draw and outcome of the meet. Participants may also use the form for their personal records.

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