The PADDOCK MASTER (P/M) controls the PADDOCK AREA, which is the "next-course-holding" area. The P/M will call up each course and get the next one or two in the preparation state. The P/M is responsible for expeditious flow to the line and can advise the Judge of a Course Delay (in the event a Handler has a 2nd hound running in the next course), which may carry a 1- to 10-point ASFA/1- to 5- point AKC penalty at the Judges' option. (Not generally used for blanket changes; more usual when a hound cannot be caught at the end of a course.) The P/M calls up the first course of a breed: "Course 1-Basejis. Jacketed and to the Paddock Area--Course 2- Basenjis. Jacketed and on hold, please". The P/M will double check blankets and slip collars in the Paddock and that Color and Course match the hounds by Call Name as listed on the Paddock Sheet. All blankets and release collars are checked to prevent delays and/or injury.
As soon as the Huntmaster indicates that the field is ready and calls for the hounds to the Line, the P/M sends out the hounds in the Paddock. The P/M always waits for the Huntmaster's signal to send the hounds to the Line. Then, the next course is called to the Paddock area by the P/M and other courses are alerted to be ready and on hold.
Crew Response for this Position: Very interactive assignment. The responsibility to keep the Trial moving smoothly, requires good communication skills and a knowledge of general management.
Training Level. Must have experience as a Handler and an understanding of the need to be prepared. Apprentice position at two trials for a minimum total of six breeds with Authorized Paddock Master or Cross-Train Mentor.
The HUNTMASTER (H/M) takes over responsibility from the Paddock Master for the safe, speedy flow of activity. The Huntmaster will position the lure at the Start point, as determined during course layout, then will call out, "Next course to the Line". The Paddock Master will send out the hound(s) as listed for the next course from the Paddock Sheet. The H/M now has control of the Handlers and hounds. The H/M rechecks collars and blanket security, ensures that a Handler is handling only one hound in each course, and aligns the hounds Blue-Pink-Yellow, right-to-left when facing the direction the lure is going. The Handlers are then given the Preliminary Course Instructions, which are required only during the Preliminary Courses--
| "Do not release your hounds until the T of Tally- Ho. There is a 1- to 10-point (ASFA)/ 1- to 5-point (AKC) penalty from each judge for a Pre-Slip or Course Delay. Do not call out to or encourage your hound during the course. Do not retrieve your hound until I tell you to do so. I will ask the Judges if they are ready; I will ask the Lure Operator if s/he is ready; I will ask you if you are ready. I want a clear, audible response from you. We will not begin until everyone is ready. Do you understand?" |
The H/M will move to an appropriate position where the Handlers can hear the Tally-Ho, yet will not block the Lure Operator's view. The Huntmaster will then alert the Judges, Lure Operator and the Handlers for the start. The H/M will give the L/O the signal to start the lure (usually by waving his hand in a circle above his head) and will shout, "Tally-Ho", to begin the course. The H/M must observe the hounds and the Judges during the course and has the authority to halt the course, have a hound retrieved, or take any action that will ensure the safety of the hounds. The H/M is also responsible to have a Handler retireve or contain a hound who did not run, who is off course and who might interfere with other hounds, and makes decisions regarding pre-slips, hound field safety and may stop the lure if s/he sees an unsafe situation. The H/M must notify the Judges of a Pre-Slip, agression at the line, Handler interference and/or other information deemed pertinent to the course just completed as soon as the hounds are under Handler control and off the field after the "kill". If there is to be a re- run, if the Judges Excuse/Dismiss/Disqualify a hound, or if a hound appears lame after or during the course, the H/M is responsible for notifying the Handler(s) of the Judges' or Trial Chairman's decision and telling the Paddock Master which hound(s) to re-jacket for which course. Once the hounds are under physical control and off the field, the H/M will have the lure brought around and positioned before calling the next course of hounds to the line.
Crew Response for this Position: This crew assignment is one of the more important for hound safety and requires knowledge and understanding of the different attitudes and temperaments of the breeds. This is one of the three assignments with the authority to take an action concerning hound safety.
Training Level: This position requires training and Certification by an Authorized Trainer or Cross-Train Mentor at three separate events for a total minimum of nine breeds (one Prelim/Final for each breed) Apprentice Training may be acquired at AKC and/or ASFA events. Documented proof of prior experience will be acceptable.