The TRIAL CHAIRMAN makes recommendations for date and place of a future Test/Trial (AKC/ASFA), actually selects and arranged for the field and monitors the duties of the Trial Secretary, Lure Operators and the Inspection Committee. This person should be the most knowledgeable on the field. The Trial Chairman may designate one member of the Inspection Committee to do the Roll Call. The Trial Chairman checks that the Lure Operator has all necessary lure equipment and assists in laying the course; checks Club's loaner colors and collars; ascertains that all paperwork, ribbons and trophies are available; appoints volunteers from fieldside handlers to police the field for hazardous terrain/materials; acquires permission from the Judges for an apprentice Judge to be on the field; collects fines from the owner/agent of a loose hound not competing in a course in progress; and, in the event of a Protest, will notify the Judges and the Field Committee immediately.
Crew Response for this Position. This is the all-rounder on the Field Committee. It is necessary that a Field Chairman have experience in at least three of the other field assignments, preferably Huntmaster, Trial Secretary and Field Clerk. Experience as a Lure Operator is a plus.
Training Level. Should complete three other field assignment certification training programs or provide documents for proof of experience. These documents may be Premium Lists from previous events. One Certification required by an Authorized Trainer. Certification may be at either AKC or ASFA events. [NOTE: The Certification Program has not been innaugurated. Cross-training by a knowledgeable mentor is available. The Inland Wilderness Hunt Club does offer training and Certification.]
LURE OPERATOR (L/O)--The single most important position in the running of the hounds on two levels. One, the safety of the hounds; two, the ability to keep the hounds on the lure to their best advantage. The Lure Operator can make or break a hound, literally. This position requires concentration, true concern for the hound's safety, an understanding of breed running styles, knowledge of or an interest in equipment maintenance, and a light touch for the lure button. The Lure Operator must be free of "politics" and be genuinely proud of an exemplary safety record. The Lure Operator must get to the field early, lay out the course (at times, alone), set the polleys and line, then stay late to collect pulleys, drag in the line and pack up gear. With the IWHC, this person is responsible for equipment maintenance (to some degree), adherence to the approved course layout, dismantling of the field, and reloading the Club equipment trailer. The L/O notifies the Judges and the Huntmasters when the field is ready for the Test/Bye/Pilot hound run; starts the lure at the signal from the Huntmaster and attempts to maintain a 10- to 20-yard lead on the hound at all times. Any course changes are made after the Judges, Trial Chairman, Huntmaster, and Lure Operator (L/O) see the performance of the Pilot hound. The AKC Test Hounds or first Trial Breed may now begin.
The L/O must always be alert for any possible hazard to a hound on the course and be prepared to halt the lure, release the flywheel line (or cut it free), and get aid to the hound at risk. In the event a hound goes off the field, is unsighted or does not run, the L/O will continue the lure operation until notified to stop the lure or until completion of the course unless the L/O deems it is unsafe to continue. It is the Huntmaster's responsibility to have a hound picked up, although the L/O must keep a "third eye" on the un-sighted hound until it is under control. No hound owned or co-owned by the L/O or immediate family member may run under his/her operation. The L/O must operate the lure for the same breeds throught the Trial.
This position will require operation practice under the guidance of an experienced operator for at least three separate breeds at three separate events and must include Whippets as one breed in the third event. The L/O may opt to hold practice runs after the Best-of-Breed/Best-In-Field are completed and may train new Lure Operators at the same time. The Handlers wanting to practice their hounds will be notified that an Apprentice L/O may be operating the lure.
Crew Response for this Position: This is the most intensive of the field assignments. It requires concentration, concern for the hounds, no political motivation, and knowledge of the running styles of all the sighthound breeds.
Training Level: Requires training under an Authorized Lure Operator (preferably two or more different individuals) for at least three different breeds at three separate events, AKC and/or ASFA, for a minimum total of nine breeds, or documented proof of experience (i.e., Premium Listing at other Clubs or out of area), with one of the 9 breeds being Whippet. An oral examination may be requested by an Authorized Lure Operator concerning breed running styles.