REDWOOD EMPIRE SHEEPDOG ASSOCIATION 1. CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS 1.1 This organization shall be known as the Redwood Empire Sheep Dog Association, hereafter referred to as the Association. Voting to be conducted under good parliamentary rules. (ie.Roberts or Sturgis.) 1.2 Amendments to the by-laws or constitution of this club must be approved by a 2/3 majority of the members in attendance at a General Meeting, which was announced by written notice to the members 30 days in advance. 2. MEMBERSHIP 2.1 Membership shall be open to any and all persons who are interested in working dogs and/or Association activities who reside in the United States of America. 2.2 A membership shall include Man, Wife, and children under the age of eighteen, with the exception that those under the age of eighteen will not have voting privileges. 2.3 Membership dues shall be twenty five dollars. Dues must be paid prior to new business at mandatory spring meeting. 2.4 An honorary membership may be bestowed, by a two-thirds majority vote of members in attendance, upon any person who has served the association over the years, with no loss of rights or privileges. 3. SELECTION OF OFFICERS 3.1 Election of officers shall be conducted, by a plurality vote of members present, in the following order: President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. 3.2 Historian, Trial Clerk, and Publicity Chairperson will be appointed by the President. Term of office will run no longer than one year per election or appointment. Elections will be held at the Spring Mandatory Meeting each year. 4. DUTIES OF OFFICERS 4.1 President - shall preside over meetings of the Association. Shall act as chairperson of the Board of Directors. Shall make appointments as listed in the previous section. 4.2 Vice President - shall preside over meetings in the absence of the President. Shall serve on the Board of Directors and be president-elect for the following year. 4.3 Secretary - shall keep an accurate record of all proceedings of the meetings of the Association in a permanent record book. Shall prepare and distribute to all members notices of meetings and events, and any other information concerning the Association. Shall carry on official correspondence of the Association as directed. Shall keep an up to date membership list in the minute book. 4.4 Treasurer - shall be responsible for the collection and safe keeping and expenditures of all funds of the Association and for keeping an accurate financial record. Shall advise the Association of paid membership status. 4.5 Trial Clerk - shall be responsible for keeping all records during each Association trials, such as order of running and time, and recording of judges scores, and making this information available to all handlers and the Publicity Chairperson at the completion of the trial. 4.6 Historian - shall be responsible for maintaining a history of the Association in the form of a scrap book containing newspaper clippings and any other items representative of the activities of the Association. 4.7 Publicity Chairperson - shall be responsible for publicizing all club events and shall make available to the press the results of trials and pictures when available. 4.8 Board of Directors - shall consist of nine members, the President will break any ties. Board of Directors to consist of President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and Past President and four active members. The primary duty of the Board of Directors shall be to review and study rule and policy changes of the Association and to present their findings to the club for adoption or rejection; and to act for the Association on any business that may arise in crisis and out of control of regular of regular meetings. A member must have participated (compete or work) in at least 3 club events during the past year to be eligible for nomination. 5. MEETINGS 5.1 A spring mandatory meeting will be held on the first Saturday of February before the trial season each year. In the event of scheduling difficulties the meeting may be held on the second Saturday of February with written notice to all members at least 30 days prior to the date. Handlers that do not attend or contact an Association board member or officer to represent them cannot be considered contenders to the high point champion for that year. 5.2 All meetings will be conducted in accordance with good parliamentary law, i.e. Roberts or Sturgis. 6. TRIALS 6.1 The aim of this Association is to provide each contestant with equal opportunity without prejudice, to present attractive entertainment to members and spectators, and to advance the concept of good sportsmanship and growth of the Association. 6.2 If at any time there should be more entries than time allows, the Association will insist on elimination trials for all entries concerned. A handler may enter numerous dogs in an elimination trial with only the highest scoring dog eligible to compete in the finals. 6.3 The Association will insist on a voice in the selection of trial judges. 6.4 It shall be deemed that a judge’s decision will be final. Any abuse put upon or aimed at a judge, trial clerk, or time keeper will not be tolerated. Contestants will be held responsible for violations committed in their behalf. This Association will be obligated to prepare and present a protest, through proper channels, against any contestant guilty of flagrant violations. 6.5 The number and locations of points trials will be determined at the Spring Mandatory Meeting. Contestants in Spring Trial, and Fall Trial shall be confined to Association members only. 6.6 Dogs will carry any earned points with them throughout the year. A dog may only accumulate points under one handler at a time. 6.7 Dogs will only run once during each trial. 6.8 The dog earning the highest number of points at designated point trials as compiled by the Trial Clerk, will be declared Champion for the year and will be entitled to be inscribed as such in the Association perpetual trophy and record of Champions. 6.9 This Association allows its name, reputation, and officers to be used only at its own sanctioned trials. The use of Association equipment at events other than sanctioned trials must be approved by the board. 7. JUDGING 7.1 All rules in this section will be subject to the General Rules subsection on Judges and Judging. 7.2 All eligible handlers for judging will draw for the judging spots. Remaining handlers will re-draw for a no-points date on the same trials. All handlers interested in showing dogs with the Association must be in attendance at the Spring Mandatory Meeting to determine judging or no-points slots for the year. Handlers that do not attend or contact an Association board member or officer to represent them cannot be considered contenders to the high point champion for that year. 7.3 Each handler will take no points for one trial during the year as determined by lottery, whether judging or not. 7.4 If for a valid reason, as decided by the Board of Directors, a Judging assignment cannot be met it would be moved to the next trial, when, if the obligation is still not met, the member would be considered not in good faith with the Association and would be automatically suspended with loss of all rights and privileges for the remainder of the calendar year. If you miss a judging assignment you should be excused from the high point running for the period of one year. 7.6 All family members will take no points on the same date. GENERAL RULES (Approved Fall General Meeting 3 February 2007) 1. ORDER OF RUNNING The order of running shall be determined by drawing for position by the contestants or authorized person prior to the trials. The contestant shall draw for only one dog in turn, and if a contestant has more than one entry, the dog for which each drawing is to be made must be stated before such drawing. A contestant showing numerous dogs shall have a minimum of two (2) contestants between runs. 2. COURSE USE Contestants may appear on, or travel over any officially designated course before the trials have begun, but a contestant, under no circumstance, shall take his dog or dogs over the course, or allow the dog access to the course, under direction or otherwise, before the time the dog is called to appear for his trial run. Violation of this rule shall disqualify any entry known or determined to have had this advantage. 3. UNSOUND SHEEP It shall be the aim of the Association to provide each contestant with sound, healthy sheep. Should an unsoundness, such as blindness, short-wind, nervous collapse, lameness, or similar affliction show during the lift of the sheep by the dog, the judge may order a re-run. Sheep which turn unruly or stubborn or unnecessarily wild or exhausted shall not be treated as “unsound” sheep. Handlers shall report to the holding pen thirty minutes before the trial to inspect the sheep. 4. OVER-DRIVING Exhausting the sheep through much running and faulty work may cause the dog to be ordered from the course, or the dog may continue with loss of points, according to the judges decision. The object is to handle sheep quietly, easily, confidently, having control and directing movement without injury of any sort. 5. GRIPPING OR BITING Any gripping shall result in disqualification or loss of points. 6. HUMANE HANDLING OF SHEEP No abuse of sheep will be tolerated. An inexperienced or naive dog handler may be called from the course at the judge’s discretion. If blood appears in an inhumane eye it is up to the judge to grant a re-run or call the run if it was due to dog or handler error. 7. INCOMPETENT DOG The judge may terminate the run of any dog judged “incompetent” of the work assigned. 8. UNFINISHED WORK A contestant who fails to complete the course in the time set or is called by the judge will be allowed points earned up to that time. The same rule applies when the handler calls his own contest. 9. LEAVING ASSIGNED POSITION (PANELS AND CHUTE) Each contestant shall have regard for assigned position (both feet on base) for each phase of work. Leaving position without instruction prior to completion of the obstacle shall involve in loss of points. Points shall be deducted only of the work involved. 10. HEALTH OF DOG Under no circumstances will a dog suffering from infectious disease be allowed on the trial grounds before or during a contest. Violation of this rule shall disqualify any entry known or determined to have had this advantage. 11. SHEEP LEAVING THE ARENA It is up to the judge’s discretion whether to let a dog re-run or not if the sheep leave the arena. 12. NON-CONTESTING DOGS Non-contesting dogs of all descriptions and under any circumstances are barred from the trials grounds. 13. CONDUCT In any event staged, sportsman-like conduct will be expected of all concerned. Any abusive or derogatory remarks directed at the judge by the handler or members of the handler’s family, profanity, obscene language, drunkenness, abuse of animal or animals or other misconduct shall be deemed as ample cause for disqualification, with loss of entry fees, points, and privileges for the trial in question. If you R.S.V.P. you will be drawn a number. If you are not present when your number is called, you forfeit your turn and will be billed for your entry fee, and club covers no-shows expenses. If member refused to pay, their membership can be dropped. 14 HOST HANDLERS Host handlers are allowed to work their dogs in competition provided the trial is not held in their training pen or other much used practice area. The honor system will govern this rule. 15 INJURED SHEEP Handlers will be responsible for full damages to any sheep up to full market value. 16. HANDLER APPEARANCE To compete, handlers and trial judges shall be required to be properly attired for all competitions. California Fair and Exposition rules will apply when applicable. 17. DISQUALIFICATION If a dog is disqualified for any reason, the dog will receive no points for that run. 18. INABILITY TO RUN DOG If a dog owner is physically unable to handle his/her dog, as determined by the board of Directors, the owner may have another handler run his/her dog. This will not affect the handlers own entries. JUDGES AND JUDGING 1. Judges are to score individually and are not to compare scoring. If there is more than one judge, scores are to be averaged. There should be in addition to the Judge a timekeeper, and a clerk. 2. The judge should not converse with other officials unless necessary, but should give his undivided attention to the performance of the dog and handler. Judges are to note or instruct the clerk to make notes regarding the performance on the score sheet when ever possible. A judge may appoint a course director at his/her assigned trial. The course director’s responsibilities will be assigned by the judge. 3. Judges and handlers are earnestly requested to familiarize themselves with and study all the rules and regulations of the trials. 4. Judges shall have regard for the fundamental consideration that every movement on the part of a good sheep dog at work should produce some desired result or movement of the sheep. Faulty style includes such mannerisms as excessive: clapping, freezing to position, bouncing around, dodging in and out, over-running, too wide or too sharp flanking, over cautious waiting, belly-crawling and hiding, indifference, shyness, and similar traits. Good style is distinguished by the dog that is alert, fast to respond, concentrated, intelligent, who works his dog with the fewest commands, quietly given, gains preference over the handler who works his dog with excessive or confusing commands, much shouting, whistling, waving of arms, or otherwise causes unnecessary commotion. The judges shall appraise the manner in which the dog accepts commands and responds to them. A dog may come ahead to control the sheep without loss of points. 5. The Judges may order a dog from the arena at any time for roughness, inability, or time. 6. In case of tie score, the judge has the option of awarding the trial to the dog with the shortest time, or calling for a total re-run or a re-run of any portion of the course between the dogs involved. In case of tie in time and points, the tie can be broken by comparing lift scores. The dog with the highest lift score will win. If a tie still remains after comparing scores, judges discretion will break the tie. 7. The Judge shall decide any case of unequal opportunity which may seem to entitle a dog to a re-run; and in case of declaration of eligibility to a re-run, the handler may decide whether to accept a re-run or rest on the score of points earned during the initial run. All re-runs follow after the full entry list has been presented. 8. It shall be deemed that a judge’s decision will be final. Any abuse put upon or aimed at judge, trial clerk, or timekeeper will not be tolerated. Contestants will be held responsible for violations committed in his or her behalf with the points and/or prize money to be forfeited. 9. Judges will be limited to handlers with two or more full years experience in trial work with the association or those individuals accepted with 100% club approval. 10. Any obvious prejudiced or biased judging, as decided by the Board of Directors at the trial involved, will be cause for immediate suspension of that member from the club for the remainder of the calendar year. SCORING 1. GENERAL INFORMATION Each dog shall work its assigned sheep through each obstacle and into the pen unassisted in any way by the handler other than spoken command, whistle. Any overt movement of arms, legs, or body, or use of canes or hand held objects or acts aimed at intimidation of dog or sheep shall result in a severe loss of points. Each contestant will have ten (10) minutes to complete the course. At the judges discretion, an advisory warning may be issued at seven minutes. 2. OUTRUN – LIFT - FETCH Line A is a line which extends parallel to the back of the pen the width of the field. Line B is a line which extends parallel to the front of the pen the width of the field. Dog and handler must stand anywhere behind line A to start the outrun-lift-fetch. The dog should begin the outrun from within 10 feet of the handler. Deviation from this will result in a loss of points. On the outrun the dog may go left or right and shall carry along on this line until beyond the sheep. Any cross-over or tendency to cross-over shall cause a loss of points according to the judge’s decision. The lift of the sheep should be cautious and calmly done without frightening the sheep. The fetch should be on a straight or near straight line from the point of lift to the handler. A completed fetch shall be when all the sheep pass all four corners of the pen in the same direction and cross line B. Failure to do so will be judged as an incomplete fetch and will terminate the run with no points. The handler may not proceed in front of Line A until after the dog has brought the sheep across that line. 3. OBSTACLES Panels 5 points each 10 points total Chute 10 points total Pen 15 points total The handler must complete at least two (2) obstacles and attempt a third before proceeding to the pen. If no attempt is made, the handler will receive no further points. An attempt shall consist of two (2) tries to complete the obstacle. Failure to have both feet on base loses points only for the obstacle involved. 4. PENNING The handler must stand at the end of the gate in assigned position and must finish with the same sheep and number of sheep started with. Sheep must be in the pen past the line of the closed gate before the handler may leave his assigned position and close the gate. Revised 2/07 REDWOOD EMPIRE SHEEPDOG ASSOCIATION 1. CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS 1.1 This organization shall be known as the Redwood Empire Sheep Dog Association, hereafter referred to as the Association. Voting to be conducted under good parliamentary rules. (ie.Roberts or Sturgis.) 1.2 Amendments to the by-laws or constitution of this club must be approved by a 2/3 majority of the members in attendance at a General Meeting, which was announced by written notice to the members 30 days in advance. 2. MEMBERSHIP 2.1 Membership shall be open to any and all persons who are interested in working dogs and/or Association activities who reside in the United States of America. 2.2 A membership shall include Man, Wife, and children under the age of eighteen, with the exception that those under the age of eighteen will not have voting privileges. 2.3 Membership dues shall be twenty five dollars. Dues must be paid prior to new business at mandatory spring meeting. 2.4 An honorary membership may be bestowed, by a two-thirds majority vote of members in attendance, upon any person who has served the association over the years, with no loss of rights or privileges. 3. SELECTION OF OFFICERS 3.1 Election of officers shall be conducted, by a plurality vote of members present, in the following order: President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. 3.2 Historian, Trial Clerk, and Publicity Chairperson will be appointed by the President. Term of office will run no longer than one year per election or appointment. Elections will be held at the Spring Mandatory Meeting each year. 4. DUTIES OF OFFICERS 4.1 President - shall preside over meetings of the Association. Shall act as chairperson of the Board of Directors. Shall make appointments as listed in the previous section. 4.2 Vice President - shall preside over meetings in the absence of the President. Shall serve on the Board of Directors and be president-elect for the following year. 4.3 Secretary - shall keep an accurate record of all proceedings of the meetings of the Association in a permanent record book. Shall prepare and distribute to all members notices of meetings and events, and any other information concerning the Association. Shall carry on official correspondence of the Association as directed. Shall keep an up to date membership list in the minute book. 4.4 Treasurer - shall be responsible for the collection and safe keeping and expenditures of all funds of the Association and for keeping an accurate financial record. Shall advise the Association of paid membership status. 4.5 Trial Clerk - shall be responsible for keeping all records during each Association trials, such as order of running and time, and recording of judges scores, and making this information available to all handlers and the Publicity Chairperson at the completion of the trial. 4.6 Historian - shall be responsible for maintaining a history of the Association in the form of a scrap book containing newspaper clippings and any other items representative of the activities of the Association. 4.7 Publicity Chairperson - shall be responsible for publicizing all club events and shall make available to the press the results of trials and pictures when available. 4.8 Board of Directors - shall consist of nine members, the President will break any ties. Board of Directors to consist of President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and Past President and four active members. The primary duty of the Board of Directors shall be to review and study rule and policy changes of the Association and to present their findings to the club for adoption or rejection; and to act for the Association on any business that may arise in crisis and out of control of regular of regular meetings. A member must have participated (compete or work) in at least 3 club events during the past year to be eligible for nomination. 5. MEETINGS 5.1 A spring mandatory meeting will be held on the first Saturday of February before the trial season each year. In the event of scheduling difficulties the meeting may be held on the second Saturday of February with written notice to all members at least 30 days prior to the date. Handlers that do not attend or contact an Association board member or officer to represent them cannot be considered contenders to the high point champion for that year. 5.2 All meetings will be conducted in accordance with good parliamentary law, i.e. Roberts or Sturgis. 6. TRIALS 6.1 The aim of this Association is to provide each contestant with equal opportunity without prejudice, to present attractive entertainment to members and spectators, and to advance the concept of good sportsmanship and growth of the Association. 6.2 If at any time there should be more entries than time allows, the Association will insist on elimination trials for all entries concerned. A handler may enter numerous dogs in an elimination trial with only the highest scoring dog eligible to compete in the finals. 6.3 The Association will insist on a voice in the selection of trial judges. 6.4 It shall be deemed that a judge’s decision will be final. Any abuse put upon or aimed at a judge, trial clerk, or time keeper will not be tolerated. Contestants will be held responsible for violations committed in their behalf. This Association will be obligated to prepare and present a protest, through proper channels, against any contestant guilty of flagrant violations. 6.5 The number and locations of points trials will be determined at the Spring Mandatory Meeting. Contestants in Spring Trial, and Fall Trial shall be confined to Association members only. 6.6 Dogs will carry any earned points with them throughout the year. A dog may only accumulate points under one handler at a time. 6.7 Dogs will only run once during each trial. 6.8 The dog earning the highest number of points at designated point trials as compiled by the Trial Clerk, will be declared Champion for the year and will be entitled to be inscribed as such in the Association perpetual trophy and record of Champions. 6.9 This Association allows its name, reputation, and officers to be used only at its own sanctioned trials. The use of Association equipment at events other than sanctioned trials must be approved by the board. 7. JUDGING 7.1 All rules in this section will be subject to the General Rules subsection on Judges and Judging. 7.2 All eligible handlers for judging will draw for the judging spots. Remaining handlers will re-draw for a no-points date on the same trials. All handlers interested in showing dogs with the Association must be in attendance at the Spring Mandatory Meeting to determine judging or no-points slots for the year. Handlers that do not attend or contact an Association board member or officer to represent them cannot be considered contenders to the high point champion for that year. 7.3 Each handler will take no points for one trial during the year as determined by lottery, whether judging or not. 7.4 If for a valid reason, as decided by the Board of Directors, a Judging assignment cannot be met it would be moved to the next trial, when, if the obligation is still not met, the member would be considered not in good faith with the Association and would be automatically suspended with loss of all rights and privileges for the remainder of the calendar year. If you miss a judging assignment you should be excused from the high point running for the period of one year. 7.6 All family members will take no points on the same date. GENERAL RULES (Approved Fall General Meeting 3 February 2007) 1. ORDER OF RUNNING The order of running shall be determined by drawing for position by the contestants or authorized person prior to the trials. The contestant shall draw for only one dog in turn, and if a contestant has more than one entry, the dog for which each drawing is to be made must be stated before such drawing. A contestant showing numerous dogs shall have a minimum of two (2) contestants between runs. 2. COURSE USE Contestants may appear on, or travel over any officially designated course before the trials have begun, but a contestant, under no circumstance, shall take his dog or dogs over the course, or allow the dog access to the course, under direction or otherwise, before the time the dog is called to appear for his trial run. Violation of this rule shall disqualify any entry known or determined to have had this advantage. 3. UNSOUND SHEEP It shall be the aim of the Association to provide each contestant with sound, healthy sheep. Should an unsoundness, such as blindness, short-wind, nervous collapse, lameness, or similar affliction show during the lift of the sheep by the dog, the judge may order a re-run. Sheep which turn unruly or stubborn or unnecessarily wild or exhausted shall not be treated as “unsound” sheep. Handlers shall report to the holding pen thirty minutes before the trial to inspect the sheep. 4. OVER-DRIVING Exhausting the sheep through much running and faulty work may cause the dog to be ordered from the course, or the dog may continue with loss of points, according to the judges decision. The object is to handle sheep quietly, easily, confidently, having control and directing movement without injury of any sort. 5. GRIPPING OR BITING Any gripping shall result in disqualification or loss of points. 6. HUMANE HANDLING OF SHEEP No abuse of sheep will be tolerated. An inexperienced or naive dog handler may be called from the course at the judge’s discretion. If blood appears in an inhumane eye it is up to the judge to grant a re-run or call the run if it was due to dog or handler error. 7. INCOMPETENT DOG The judge may terminate the run of any dog judged “incompetent” of the work assigned. 8. UNFINISHED WORK A contestant who fails to complete the course in the time set or is called by the judge will be allowed points earned up to that time. The same rule applies when the handler calls his own contest. 9. LEAVING ASSIGNED POSITION (PANELS AND CHUTE) Each contestant shall have regard for assigned position (both feet on base) for each phase of work. Leaving position without instruction prior to completion of the obstacle shall involve in loss of points. Points shall be deducted only of the work involved. 10. HEALTH OF DOG Under no circumstances will a dog suffering from infectious disease be allowed on the trial grounds before or during a contest. Violation of this rule shall disqualify any entry known or determined to have had this advantage. 11. SHEEP LEAVING THE ARENA It is up to the judge’s discretion whether to let a dog re-run or not if the sheep leave the arena. 12. NON-CONTESTING DOGS Non-contesting dogs of all descriptions and under any circumstances are barred from the trials grounds. 13. CONDUCT In any event staged, sportsman-like conduct will be expected of all concerned. Any abusive or derogatory remarks directed at the judge by the handler or members of the handler’s family, profanity, obscene language, drunkenness, abuse of animal or animals or other misconduct shall be deemed as ample cause for disqualification, with loss of entry fees, points, and privileges for the trial in question. If you R.S.V.P. you will be drawn a number. If you are not present when your number is called, you forfeit your turn and will be billed for your entry fee, and club covers no-shows expenses. If member refused to pay, their membership can be dropped. 14 HOST HANDLERS Host handlers are allowed to work their dogs in competition provided the trial is not held in their training pen or other much used practice area. The honor system will govern this rule. 15 INJURED SHEEP Handlers will be responsible for full damages to any sheep up to full market value. 16. HANDLER APPEARANCE To compete, handlers and trial judges shall be required to be properly attired for all competitions. California Fair and Exposition rules will apply when applicable. 17. DISQUALIFICATION If a dog is disqualified for any reason, the dog will receive no points for that run. 18. INABILITY TO RUN DOG If a dog owner is physically unable to handle his/her dog, as determined by the board of Directors, the owner may have another handler run his/her dog. This will not affect the handlers own entries. JUDGES AND JUDGING 1. Judges are to score individually and are not to compare scoring. If there is more than one judge, scores are to be averaged. There should be in addition to the Judge a timekeeper, and a clerk. 2. The judge should not converse with other officials unless necessary, but should give his undivided attention to the performance of the dog and handler. Judges are to note or instruct the clerk to make notes regarding the performance on the score sheet when ever possible. A judge may appoint a course director at his/her assigned trial. The course director’s responsibilities will be assigned by the judge. 3. Judges and handlers are earnestly requested to familiarize themselves with and study all the rules and regulations of the trials. 4. Judges shall have regard for the fundamental consideration that every movement on the part of a good sheep dog at work should produce some desired result or movement of the sheep. Faulty style includes such mannerisms as excessive: clapping, freezing to position, bouncing around, dodging in and out, over-running, too wide or too sharp flanking, over cautious waiting, belly-crawling and hiding, indifference, shyness, and similar traits. Good style is distinguished by the dog that is alert, fast to respond, concentrated, intelligent, who works his dog with the fewest commands, quietly given, gains preference over the handler who works his dog with excessive or confusing commands, much shouting, whistling, waving of arms, or otherwise causes unnecessary commotion. The judges shall appraise the manner in which the dog accepts commands and responds to them. A dog may come ahead to control the sheep without loss of points. 5. The Judges may order a dog from the arena at any time for roughness, inability, or time. 6. In case of tie score, the judge has the option of awarding the trial to the dog with the shortest time, or calling for a total re-run or a re-run of any portion of the course between the dogs involved. In case of tie in time and points, the tie can be broken by comparing lift scores. The dog with the highest lift score will win. If a tie still remains after comparing scores, judges discretion will break the tie. 7. The Judge shall decide any case of unequal opportunity which may seem to entitle a dog to a re-run; and in case of declaration of eligibility to a re-run, the handler may decide whether to accept a re-run or rest on the score of points earned during the initial run. All re-runs follow after the full entry list has been presented. 8. It shall be deemed that a judge’s decision will be final. Any abuse put upon or aimed at judge, trial clerk, or timekeeper will not be tolerated. Contestants will be held responsible for violations committed in his or her behalf with the points and/or prize money to be forfeited. 9. Judges will be limited to handlers with two or more full years experience in trial work with the association or those individuals accepted with 100% club approval. 10. Any obvious prejudiced or biased judging, as decided by the Board of Directors at the trial involved, will be cause for immediate suspension of that member from the club for the remainder of the calendar year. SCORING 1. GENERAL INFORMATION Each dog shall work its assigned sheep through each obstacle and into the pen unassisted in any way by the handler other than spoken command, whistle. Any overt movement of arms, legs, or body, or use of canes or hand held objects or acts aimed at intimidation of dog or sheep shall result in a severe loss of points. Each contestant will have ten (10) minutes to complete the course. At the judges discretion, an advisory warning may be issued at seven minutes. 2. OUTRUN – LIFT - FETCH Line A is a line which extends parallel to the back of the pen the width of the field. Line B is a line which extends parallel to the front of the pen the width of the field. Dog and handler must stand anywhere behind line A to start the outrun-lift-fetch. The dog should begin the outrun from within 10 feet of the handler. Deviation from this will result in a loss of points. On the outrun the dog may go left or right and shall carry along on this line until beyond the sheep. Any cross-over or tendency to cross-over shall cause a loss of points according to the judge’s decision. The lift of the sheep should be cautious and calmly done without frightening the sheep. The fetch should be on a straight or near straight line from the point of lift to the handler. A completed fetch shall be when all the sheep pass all four corners of the pen in the same direction and cross line B. Failure to do so will be judged as an incomplete fetch and will terminate the run with no points. The handler may not proceed in front of Line A until after the dog has brought the sheep across that line. 3. OBSTACLES Panels 5 points each 10 points total Chute 10 points total Pen 15 points total The handler must complete at least two (2) obstacles and attempt a third before proceeding to the pen. If no attempt is made, the handler will receive no further points. An attempt shall consist of two (2) tries to complete the obstacle. Failure to have both feet on base loses points only for the obstacle involved. 4. PENNING The handler must stand at the end of the gate in assigned position and must finish with the same sheep and number of sheep started with. Sheep must be in the pen past the line of the closed gate before the handler may leave his assigned position and close the gate. Revised 2/07

1.CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS

1.1This organization shall be known as the Redwood Empire Sheep Dog Association, hereafter referred to as the Association. Voting to be conducted under good parliamentary rules. (ie.Roberts or Sturgis.)

1.2Amendments to the by-laws or constitution of this club must be approved by a 2/3 majority of the members in attendance at a General Meeting, which was announced by written notice to the members 30 days in advance.

2.MEMBERSHIP

2.1Membership shall be open to any and all persons who are interested in working dogs and/or Association activities who reside in the United States of America.

2.2A membership shall include Man, Wife, and children under the age of eighteen, with the exception that those under the age of eighteen will not have voting privileges.

2.3Membership dues shall be twenty five dollars. Dues must be paid prior to new business at mandatory spring meeting.

2.4An honorary membership may be bestowed, by a two-thirds majority vote of members in attendance, upon any person who has served the association over the years, with no loss of rights or privileges.

3.SELECTION OF OFFICERS

3.1Election of officers shall be conducted, by a plurality vote of members present, in the following order: President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer.

3.2Historian, Trial Clerk, and Publicity Chairperson will be appointed by the President. Term of office will run no longer than one year per election or appointment. Elections will be held at the Spring Mandatory Meeting each year.

4.DUTIES OF OFFICERS

4.1President - shall preside over meetings of the Association. Shall act as chairperson of the Board of Directors. Shall make appointments as listed in the previous section.

4.2Vice President - shall preside over meetings in the absence of the President.

Shall serve on the Board of Directors and be president-elect for the following year.

4.3Secretary - shall keep an accurate record of all proceedings of the meetings of the Association in a permanent record book. Shall prepare and distribute to all members notices of meetings and events, and any other information concerning the Association. Shall carry on official correspondence of the Association as directed. Shall keep an up to date membership list in the minute book.

4.4Treasurer - shall be responsible for the collection and safe keeping and expenditures of all funds of the Association and for keeping an accurate financial record. Shall advise the Association of paid membership status.

4.5Trial Clerk - shall be responsible for keeping all records during each Association trials, such as order of running and time, and recording of judges scores, and making this information available to all handlers and the Publicity Chairperson at the completion of the trial.

4.6Historian - shall be responsible for maintaining a history of the Association in the form of a scrap book containing newspaper clippings and any other items representative of the activities of the Association.

4.7Publicity Chairperson - shall be responsible for publicizing all club events and shall make available to the press the results of trials and pictures when available.

4.8Board of Directors - shall consist of nine members, the President will break any ties. Board of Directors to consist of President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and Past President and four active members. The primary duty of the Board of Directors shall be to review and study rule and policy changes of the Association and to present their findings to the club for adoption or rejection; and to act for the Association on any business that may arise in crisis and out of control of regular of regular meetings. A member must have participated (compete or work) in at least 3 club events during the past year to be eligible for nomination.

5.MEETINGS

5.1A spring mandatory meeting will be held on the first Saturday of February before the trial season each year. In the event of scheduling difficulties the meeting may be held on the second Saturday of February with written notice to all members at least 30 days prior to the date. Handlers that do not attend or contact an Association board member or officer to represent them cannot be considered contenders to the high point champion for that year.

5.2All meetings will be conducted in accordance with good parliamentary law, i.e.

Roberts or Sturgis.

6.TRIALS

6.1The aim of this Association is to provide each contestant with equal opportunity without prejudice, to present attractive entertainment to members and spectators, and to advance the concept of good sportsmanship and growth of the Association.

6.2If at any time there should be more entries than time allows, the Association will insist on elimination trials for all entries concerned. A handler may enter numerous dogs in an elimination trial with only the highest scoring dog eligible to compete in the finals.

6.3The Association will insist on a voice in the selection of trial judges.

6.4It shall be deemed that a judge’s decision will be final. Any abuse put upon or aimed at a judge, trial clerk, or time keeper will not be tolerated. Contestants will be held responsible for violations committed in their behalf. This Association will be obligated to prepare and present a protest, through proper channels, against any contestant guilty of flagrant violations.

6.5The number and locations of points trials will be determined at the Spring Mandatory Meeting. Contestants in Spring Trial, and Fall Trial shall be confined to Association members only.

6.6Dogs will carry any earned points with them throughout the year. A dog may only accumulate points under one handler at a time.

6.7Dogs will only run once during each trial.

6.8The dog earning the highest number of points at designated point trials as compiled by the Trial Clerk, will be declared Champion for the year and will be entitled to be inscribed as such in the Association perpetual trophy and record of Champions.

6.9This Association allows its name, reputation, and officers to be used only at its own sanctioned trials. The use of Association equipment at events other than sanctioned trials must be approved by the board.

7.JUDGING

7.1All rules in this section will be subject to the General Rules subsection on Judges and Judging.

7.2All eligible handlers for judging will draw for the judging spots. Remaining handlers will re-draw for a no-points date on the same trials. All handlers interested in showing dogs with the Association must be in attendance at the Spring Mandatory Meeting to determine judging or no-points slots for the year. Handlers that do not attend or contact an Association board member or officer to represent them cannot be considered contenders to the high point champion for that year.

7.3Each handler will take no points for one trial during the year as determined by lottery, whether judging or not.

7.4If for a valid reason, as decided by the Board of Directors, a Judging assignment cannot be met it would be moved to the next trial, when, if the obligation is still not met, the member would be considered not in good faith with the Association and would be automatically suspended with loss of all rights and privileges for the remainder of the calendar year. If you miss a judging assignment you should be excused from the high point running for the period of one year.

7.6All family members will take no points on the same date.

GENERAL RULES

(Approved Fall General Meeting 3 February 2007)

1.ORDER OF RUNNING

The order of running shall be determined by drawing for position by the

contestants or authorized person prior to the trials. The contestant shall draw

for only one dog in turn, and if a contestant has more than one entry, the dog

for which each drawing is to be made must be stated before such drawing.

A contestant showing numerous dogs shall have a minimum of two (2)

contestants between runs.

2.COURSE USE

Contestants may appear on, or travel over any officially designated course

before the trials have begun, but a contestant, under no circumstance, shall

take his dog or dogs over the course, or allow the dog access to the course,

under direction or otherwise, before the time the dog is called to appear for

his trial run. Violation of this rule shall disqualify any entry known or

determined to have had this advantage.

3.UNSOUND SHEEP

It shall be the aim of the Association to provide each contestant with sound,

healthy sheep. Should an unsoundness, such as blindness, short-wind,

nervous collapse, lameness, or similar affliction show during the lift of the

sheep by the dog, the judge may order a re-run. Sheep which turn unruly

or stubborn or unnecessarily wild or exhausted shall not be treated as

“unsound” sheep. Handlers shall report to the holding pen thirty minutes

before the trial to inspect the sheep.

4.OVER-DRIVING

Exhausting the sheep through much running and faulty work may cause the dog to be ordered from the course, or the dog may continue with loss of points, according to the judges decision. The object is to handle sheep quietly, easily, confidently, having control and directing movement without injury of any sort.

5.GRIPPING OR BITING

Any gripping shall result in disqualification or loss of points.

6.HUMANE HANDLING OF SHEEP

No abuse of sheep will be tolerated. An inexperienced or naive dog handler may be called from the course at the judge’s discretion. If blood appears in an inhumane eye it is up to the judge to grant a re-run or call the run if it was due to dog or handler error.

7.INCOMPETENT DOG

The judge may terminate the run of any dog judged “incompetent” of the work assigned.

8.UNFINISHED WORK

A contestant who fails to complete the course in the time set or is called by the judge will be allowed points earned up to that time. The same rule applies when the handler calls his own contest.

9.LEAVING ASSIGNED POSITION (PANELS AND CHUTE)

Each contestant shall have regard for assigned position (both feet on base) for each phase of work. Leaving position without instruction prior to completion of the obstacle shall involve in loss of points. Points shall be deducted only of the work involved.

10.HEALTH OF DOG

Under no circumstances will a dog suffering from infectious disease be allowed on the trial grounds before or during a contest. Violation of this rule shall disqualify any entry known or determined to have had this advantage.

11.SHEEP LEAVING THE ARENA

It is up to the judge’s discretion whether to let a dog re-run or not if the sheep leave the arena.

12.NON-CONTESTING DOGS

Non-contesting dogs of all descriptions and under any circumstances are barred from the trials grounds.

13.CONDUCT

In any event staged, sportsman-like conduct will be expected of all concerned. Any abusive or derogatory remarks directed at the judge by the handler or members of the handler’s family, profanity, obscene language, drunkenness, abuse of animal or animals or other misconduct shall be deemed as ample cause for disqualification, with loss of entry

fees, points, and privileges for the trial in question. If you R.S.V.P. you will be drawn a number. If you are not present when your number is called, you forfeit your turn and will be billed for your entry fee, and club covers no-shows expenses. If member refused to pay, their membership can be dropped.

14HOST HANDLERS

Host handlers are allowed to work their dogs in competition provided the trial is not held in their training pen or other much used practice area. The honor system will govern this rule.

15INJURED SHEEP

Handlers will be responsible for full damages to any sheep up to full market value.

16.HANDLER APPEARANCE

To compete, handlers and trial judges shall be required to be properly attired for all competitions. California Fair and Exposition rules will apply when applicable.

17.DISQUALIFICATION

If a dog is disqualified for any reason, the dog will receive no points for that run.

18.INABILITY TO RUN DOG

If a dog owner is physically unable to handle his/her dog, as determined by the board of Directors, the owner may have another handler run his/her dog. This will not affect the handlers own entries.

JUDGES AND JUDGING

1.Judges are to score individually and are not to compare scoring. If there is more than one judge, scores are to be averaged. There should be in addition to the Judge a timekeeper, and a clerk.

2.The judge should not converse with other officials unless necessary, but should give his undivided attention to the performance of the dog and handler. Judges are to note or instruct the clerk to make notes regarding

the performance on the score sheet when ever possible. A judge may appoint a course director at his/her assigned trial. The course director’s responsibilities will be assigned by the judge.

3.Judges and handlers are earnestly requested to familiarize themselves with and study all the rules and regulations of the trials.

4.Judges shall have regard for the fundamental consideration that every movement on the part of a good sheep dog at work should produce some desired result or movement of the sheep. Faulty style includes such mannerisms as excessive: clapping, freezing to position, bouncing around, dodging in and out, over-running, too wide or too sharp flanking, over cautious waiting, belly-crawling and hiding, indifference, shyness, and similar traits. Good style is distinguished by the dog that is alert, fast to respond, concentrated, intelligent, who works his dog with the fewest commands, quietly given, gains preference over the handler who works his dog with excessive or confusing commands, much shouting, whistling, waving of arms, or otherwise causes unnecessary commotion. The judges shall appraise the manner in which the dog accepts commands and responds to them. A dog may come ahead to control the sheep without loss of points.

5.The Judges may order a dog from the arena at any time for roughness, inability, or time.

6.In case of tie score, the judge has the option of awarding the trial to the dog with the shortest time, or calling for a total re-run or a re-run of any portion of the course between the dogs involved. In case of tie in time and points, the tie can be broken by comparing lift scores. The dog with the highest lift score will win. If a tie still remains after comparing scores, judges discretion will break the tie.

7.The Judge shall decide any case of unequal opportunity which may seem to entitle a dog to a re-run; and in case of declaration of eligibility to a re-run, the handler may decide whether to accept a re-run or rest on the score of points earned during the initial run. All re-runs follow after the full entry list has been presented.

8.It shall be deemed that a judge’s decision will be final. Any abuse put upon or aimed at judge, trial clerk, or timekeeper will not be tolerated. Contestants will be held responsible for violations committed in his or her behalf with the points and/or prize money to be forfeited.

9.Judges will be limited to handlers with two or more full years experience in trial work with the association or those individuals accepted with 100% club approval.

10.Any obvious prejudiced or biased judging, as decided by the Board of Directors at the trial involved, will be cause for immediate suspension of that member from the club for the remainder of the calendar year.

SCORING

1.GENERAL INFORMATION

Each dog shall work its assigned sheep through each obstacle and into the pen unassisted in any way by the handler other than spoken command, whistle. Any overt movement of arms, legs, or body, or use of canes or hand held objects or acts aimed at intimidation of dog or sheep shall result in a severe loss of points.

Each contestant will have ten (10) minutes to complete the course. At the judges discretion, an advisory warning may be issued at seven minutes.

2.OUTRUN – LIFT - FETCH

Line A is a line which extends parallel to the back of the pen the width of the field.

Line B is a line which extends parallel to the front of the pen the width of the field.

Dog and handler must stand anywhere behind line A to start the outrun-lift-fetch. The dog should begin the outrun from within 10 feet of the handler. Deviation from this will result in a loss of points. On the outrun the dog may go left or right and shall carry along on this line until beyond the sheep. Any cross-over or tendency to cross-over shall cause a loss of points according to the judge’s decision. The lift of the sheep should be cautious and calmly done without frightening the sheep. The fetch should be on a straight or near straight line from the point of lift to the handler. A completed fetch shall be when all the sheep pass all four corners of the pen in the same direction and cross line B. Failure to do so will be judged as an incomplete fetch and will terminate the run with no points. The handler may not proceed in front of Line A until after the dog has brought the sheep across that line.

3.OBSTACLES

Panels5 points each10 points total

Chute10 points total

Pen15 points total

The handler must complete at least two (2) obstacles and attempt a third before proceeding to the pen. If no attempt is made, the handler will receive no further points. An attempt shall consist of two (2) tries to complete the obstacle. Failure to have both feet on base loses points only for the obstacle involved.

4.PENNING

The handler must stand at the end of the gate in assigned position and must finish with the same sheep and number of sheep started with. Sheep must be in the pen past the line of the closed gate before the handler may leave his assigned position and close the gate.

Revised 2/07

REDWOOD EMPIRE SHEEPDOG ASSOCIATION