Code of Conduct
Cariboo Stock Dogs strives for a fun, respectful enviroment for handlers and dogs to learn and participate in stockdog related activities
The following guidelines to help everyone have a welcome space to learn, grow and compete at events hosted by Cariboo Stock Dogs
Practices & Clinics
• No dogs are allowed in the arena prior to their run, or loose on property unless supervised and controlled
• No abuse of stock from either dog or handler or mishandling of dogs will be tolerated. Practice and clinic fees will be forfeited
• If your dog is hurt during your run, retire immediately and attend to him promptly
• Poor sportsmanship, verbal abuse, or physical abuse directed towards anyone or animal in attendance will not be tolerated. Practice and clinic fees will be forfeited
Trials
Rules can differ trial to trial but these guidelines are an overview of the generally accepted rules and conduct
No contestant, or other person, shall engage in any form of misconduct or harassment toward trial management, judges, or officials. Trial management has the right to disqualify or refuse entry to any contestant or other person for violation of this rule. Any contestant so denied access may request that the BCSDA or CCDA to determine if the trial manager’s decision was appropriate, and if it was not, what action should be taken.
A contestant shall not enter the trial field at any time with any kind of training device. The trial management, representative, or judge must disqualify a contestant if he/she enters the trial field with any such equipment, and all entry fees and/or premiums pertaining to said contestant shall be forfeited. Such devices include, but are not limited to, electronic collars, dummy or weighted collars, a leash or rope that is not detached before the dog is sent, and any device used to distract or cause pain to a dog while it is working. The judge has the right to inspect the dog for any violation to this rule.
Handlers with physical disabilities may be allowed to use tools that are not normally accepted (binoculars are an example). Handlers needing these tools should notify the judge/trial host of their needs before the trial starts. The USBCHA encourages those with physical disabilities to participate in our sanctioned events and believes that trial hosts and judges should make reasonable efforts to accommodate these handlers.
No dogs are allowed in the arena prior to their run, or loose on property unless supervised and controlled
Clock will begin when dog leaves handler or all 3 animals have entered arena and gate is closed, whichever occurs first
Handler must not run while competing, unless otherwise stated at the handler’s meeting
No abuse of stock from either dog or handler or mishandling of dogs will be tolerated. Entry fees will be forfeited for all classes entered by handler
If your dog is hurt during your run, retire immediately and attend to him promptly
Handler must not touch livestock, dog, or people with their stick should they choose to carry one
Handler must not pass through any obstacles unless otherwise noted in handlers meeting
Planes of obstacles and daylighting on retries will be discussed and marked at handlers meeting. Make sure you understand the rules of each obstacle before handler meeting breaks
1 point is generally allotted for each animal that completes an obstacle. Handler must get at least one animal through an obstacle in order to advance to the next obstacle. A competitor can retry an obstacle as many times as she or he wants(unless stated at handler's meeting), but the score for the obstacle is determined only by the final attempt. Example: 2 head pass through obstacle on first attempt but only 1 on second attempt, handlers score is 1. This is a common scoring system, however number of cattle, points allotted, and obstacle rules can differ depending on the trial, so be sure to ask at the handler’s meeting if you are uncertain.
Stepping over set handlers lines (or away from the post) will be a DQ or as discussed in the Handlers Meeting
Only novice handlers may be coached from sidelines, at host's discretion
There are occasions when reruns will be granted or the clock will be paused for certain situations to be rectified, but this is at the judge’s discretion
Attend the handler’s meeting! Rules can vary slightly from trial to trial depending on the trial host and judge’s preferences and outline of rules
Poor sportsmanship, verbal abuse, or physical abuse directed towards anyone in attendance of the trial will not be tolerated. Entry fees will be forfeited for all classes entered by handler
JUDGE’S DECISIONS ARE FINAL. Do not consult or speak with the judge during or after your run
If you have a minor complaint or concern speak with the trial host at a convenient time that does not interrupt the trial. Do not approach the judge with concerns.
If you have a more serious issue you must notify the CCDA and/or BCSDA of your grievance in writing within 7 days of the trial or incident
Penalties for infringements on the rules will be at the discretion of the trial host, judge, and/or the CCDA /BCSDA board. Penalties could include but are not limited to - disqualification from a trial run or trial, loss of trial points, loss of association points, loss of membership, or lifetime ban.
