Subject: rec.pets.dogs:  Canine Activities: Lure Coursing FAQ
Supersedes: <dogs-faq/activities/lurecoursing_825451240@rtfm.mit.edu>
Date: 28 Mar 1996 22:01:35 GMT
Summary: An article describing the sport of lure coursing
X-Last-Updated: 1995/08/24

URL: http://www.zmall.com/pet_talk/tittle/pets/dog-faqs/activities/lurecoursing.html

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                                 LURE COURSING
                                       
     * Lure Coursing Questions and Answers - version (2-24-95)
     * (c) 1995 Bonnie Dalzell
     * NO COPYRIGHT IS CLAIMED ON THE SECTION IN THE APPENDIX TITLED:
          + The first version of the lure coursing FAQ.
            by Marcia Cavan with additional info from Carol Mount
   
         _____________________________________________________________
       
1. Overview Of Document

   
       
       
          + 1. Overview of Document - Short form of Table of Contents.
          + 2. About the lure coursing FAQ
          + 3. Basic Questions and Answers About Lure Coursing
          + 4. Questions and Answers About Attending a Trial
          + 5. Intermediate and Advanced Lure Coursing Questions
          + 6. Personalities in lure coursing
          + 7. Information about ASFA (American Sighthound Field
            Association) lure coursing
          + 8. Information About AKC (American Kennel Club) lure coursing
          + 9. Information About CKC (Canadian Kennel Club) lure coursing
          + 10. Glossary and abbreviations
          + 11. Lure Coursing Information and Publications
          + 12. Annotated bibliography of published lure coursing
            materials other than rule books
          + 13. Index
          + 14. Appendices
            
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
Table of Contents

     * 1. Introductory Section
     * 2. About the lure coursing FAQ
          + 2.1 Contributions are solicited!
   
         _____________________________________________________________
       
     * 3. Basic Questions and Answers About Lure Coursing
          + 3.1 What is lure coursing?
          + 3.2 How is lure coursing accomplished?
          + 3.3 What is the proper term used for dogs in lure coursing?
          + 3.4 What are sighthounds?
          + 3.5 What breeds of hounds lure course?
               o 3.5.1 What about racing greyhounds?
               o 3.5.2 What is the format of an NGA greyhound
                 registration?
          + 3.6 What organizations register lure coursing sighthounds in
            the u. s.?
          + 3.7 What organizations sponsor lure coursing events?
          + 3.8 Who puts on trials?
          + 3.9 How do I prepare my hound for lure coursing?
          + 3.10 What should I bring when I go to observe a lure field
            trial?
          + 3.11 Should I enter my hound with no prior practice?
          + 3.12 How do I get my hound to a practice?
          + 3.13 What should I bring the first time I take my hound to a
            trial?
          + 3.14 Errors of novice coursers
               o 3.14.1 What is the most common error that a novice
                 makes?
               o 3.14.2 What is the 2nd most common error that a novice
                 makes?
   
         _____________________________________________________________
       
     * 4. Questions and Answers About Attending a Trial
          + 4.1 What is a lure coursing premium list?
          + 4.2 What official information is in a premium list?
          + 4.3 What other information may be in a premium list?
          + 4.4 What are pre-entries?
          + 4.5 What about late & day of trial entries?
          + 4.6 What does 'ENTRIES WILL NOT BE ACKNOWLEDGED BY MAIL'
            mean?
          + 4.7 What is roll call?
          + 4.8 My hound shows promise as a lure courser. What coursing
            equipment should own?
               o 4.8.1 What are coursing blankets?
               o 4.8.2 What is a lure coursing slip lead?
               o 4.8.3 What is a mechanical slip lead?
          + 4.9 Must my two hounds of the same breed, entered in the same
            stake, run together?
          + 4.10 What is the Draw Order Sheet?
          + 4.11 What is proper lure coursing etiquette?
               o 4.11.1 Are lure coursing field trials appropriate places
                 for young children?
               o 4.11.2 Are lure coursing field trials appropriate places
                 for unentered dogs?
          + 4.12 What causes the hold up on the morning of the trial?
          + 4.13 Can I help the trial run more quickly?
          + 4.14 How long do lure coursing trials last?
          + 4.15 What sort of weather is encountered at lure coursing
            trials?
   
         _____________________________________________________________
       
     * 5. Intermediate and Advanced Lure Coursing Questions
          + 5.1 What about grooming for performance?
          + 5.2 What is the most important single factor in producing a
            lure coursing hound?
          + 5.3 How do I get a lure coursing hound?
          + 5.4 Where do I obtain lure coursing equipment?
          + 5.5 There must be a better way to make a lure coursing
            machine - have you tried....?
          + 5.6 What are the differences between ASFA and AKC coursing
            titles?
          + 5.7 Should I participate only in ASFA or only in AKC
            coursing?
   
         _____________________________________________________________
       
     * 6. Personalities in lure coursing - [Under construction]
          + About Bonnie Dalzell
          + About Denise Como
   
         _____________________________________________________________
       
     * 7. Information about ASFA (American Sighthound Field Association)
       lure coursing-
          + 7.1 What are ASFA coursing trials?
          + 7.2 What hounds can participate?
          + 7.3 What are the stakes?
          + 7.4 What are the titles?
          + 7.5 How are the hounds scored?
          + 7.6 What are the awards?
          + 7.7 What is the ASFA Top Ten and how is it determined?
   
         _____________________________________________________________
       
     * 8. Information About AKC (American Kennel Club) lure coursing
          + 8.1 What Are AKC lure coursing trials?
          + 8.2 What hounds can participate?
          + 8.3 What are the stakes?
          + 8.4 What are the titles?
          + 8.5 How are the hounds scored?
          + 8.6 What are the awards?
          + 8.7 What is meant by different judging panels?
   
         _____________________________________________________________
       
     * 9. Information About CKC (Canadian Kennel Club) lure coursing
          + 9.1 What Are CKC Coursing Trials?
          + 9.2 What hounds can participate?
          + 9.3 What are the stakes?
          + 9.4 What are the titles?
          + 9.5 How are the hounds scored?
          + 9.6 What are the awards?
            
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
   10. Glossary and abbreviations - [Under construction]
     _________________________________________________________________
   
   11. Lure Coursing information and publications
     * 11.1 What are the lure coursing magazines and where do I get them?
          + 11.1.1Field Advisory News
          + 11.1.2 AKC Coursing News
     * 11.2 Where do I write to get ASFA lure coursing information?
     * 11.3 Where do I write to get Canadian lure coursing information?
     * 11.4 Where do I write to get AKC lure coursing information?
     * 11.5 Where do I get information on lure coursing in Maryland?
     * 11.6 Where do I get information on lure coursing in New Jersey?
       
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
   12. Annotated bibliography of published lure coursing materials other
   than rule books
     * 12.1 ASFA HISTORICAL BOOK 1972-1989
     * 12.2 ASFA INFORMATIONAL PAMPHLETS.
     * 12.3 SO, YOU WANT TO RUN YOUR SIGHTHOUND?
     * 12.4 AKC LURE COURSING TURNS TWO.
     * 12.5 LURE COURSING: FIELD TRIALING FOR SIGHTHOUNDS AND HOW TO TAKE
       PART
       
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
   Index [Under construction]
     _________________________________________________________________
   
   14. 14. Appendices
     * 14.1 Are there other performance sports specific to sighthounds?
          + 14.1.1 Is There a General Source for Information on Amateur
            Racing?
        14.1.2 AN INTRODUCTION TO OVAL RACING
        14.1.3 National Point Racing (NPR)
        14.1.4 North American Whippet Racing Association (NARWA) -
            whippets
        14.1.5 National Greyhound Association
     * 14.2 What was the first version of the lure coursing faq?
     * 14.3 Notes
       
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
2. About the Lure Coursing FAQ

   The first version of this FAQ, a 74 line (page and a half) document,
   originally prepared by Marcia Cavan with additional info from Carol
   Mount was posted as part of the AKC FAQ. Although the idea of a Lure
   Coursing FAQ has been retained along with some of the contact
   addresses this FAQ, a 1100+ line document has been composed by Bonnie
   Dalzell, MA with contributions by Denise Como. Since its scope is
   broader than AKC eventing it was moved out of the AKC FAQ into an
   independent FAQ. Bonnie Dalzell is an all breed ASFA and AKC Lure
   Coursing Judge and a long time activist in Lure Coursing.
   
     * What are Bonnie Dalzell's Lure Coursing Credentials?
       
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
3. Basic Questions and Answers About Lure Coursing

   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
3.1 What Is Lure Coursing?

   Lure Coursing is a humane sport which attempts to imitate the coursing
   of the rabbit or hare by sighthounds but without the hare. The
   sighthounds chase an artificial lure, usually a white kitchen garbage
   bag, sometimes tanned rabbit skins, or fake fur strips.
   
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
3.2 How Is Lure Coursing Accomplished?

   To set up the "lure" coursing course a line composed of braided
   fishing line (usually 100 pound test 'trolling' line) is passed around
   a series of pulleys staked to the ground within a large field (at
   least 5 acres). The lures (most clubs use at least two lures set 10
   feet apart on the line - this reduces contention among the hounds at
   the end) are attached to the main line and the whole system is driven
   from a lure machine, a device constructed from a 1955 to 1962 Ford
   starter motor mounted in a frame. This particular type of starter
   motor has a long drive shaft upon which is mounted a drive wheel that
   rather resembles two very sturdy pie plates welded back to back -- the
   line runs in the groove between the plates. Since the starter motor is
   DC the normal power source is provided by deep cycle 12 volt marine
   batteries, by 2 or 3 car batteries in parallel, or by jumper cables
   running to a running car or tractor. The lure machine must be capable
   of driving the lure at speeds up to 40 miles per hour. Control of the
   lure is provided by using an on-off type thumb-switch (connected to
   the low-current side of the starter solenoid). One such switch can be
   made out of a door bell switch mounted in a grip made from a bicycle
   handle bar grip. It is important to have a lure machine configuration
   that provides enough speed to keep the lure safely in front of the
   fastest hounds. Lure machines used in terrier trials or made with AC
   washing machine motors lack the power to accelerate the lure quickly
   enough.
   
   The competition within a breed consists of allowing the hounds to run
   in braces or trios (provided that there are two or more hounds per
   breed) within each stake in the breed, twice. Solitary breed entries
   usually run alone although, with permission of the handlers, solitary
   entries with similar running styles may be grouped to run together -
   but they will be scored separately by the judge(s). For example if
   there was only one Pharaoh Hound and only one Ibizan Hound entered at
   a trial the handlers might be given the option of having those two run
   together.
   
   In order to individually identify the hounds for purposes of scoring
   they are clothed in a coursing blanket. The blanket colors are intense
   pink, yellow or cyan. The blanket color is assigned to the hounds by
   random draw. Depending on the trial each hound receives scores from
   one or two judges for each run. The final placement within the stake
   is determined by adding together all of the hound's scores and
   comparing that score with those of other hounds in that stake.
   
   Hounds can be excused from competition for the day for chasing
   (coursing) another hound without interfering with the other hound's
   run. More serious interference can result in a dismissal or a
   disqualification ("the aggressor in a fight on the field"). Two
   dismissals in 5 trials is equivalent to a disqualification.
   Disqualified hounds must be recertified as clean-running before they
   can be entered to run against other hounds.
   
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
3.3 What Is the Proper Term Used for Dogs In Lure Coursing?

   Sighthound.
   
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
3.4 What are Sighthounds?

   Sighthounds are dogs that traditionally were used to chase game by
   sight rather than track game. The animals are normally called
   "hounds", a shortening of the term "sighthound" or "gazehound". That
   is, dogs that hunt by sight (course). In French this type of dog is
   called "levier", in German "Windhund" and in Russian "borzoi".
   
   Although the exact definition of sighthound is a topic that can
   generate an enormous controversy, in general they are dogs that hunt
   by sight and are specialized for rapid running. The AKC has
   sidestepped the definitional controversy by designating a sighthound
   as any breed whose parent club chooses to call it a sighthound. As is
   discussed later in this FAQ the AKC is only one of the lure coursing
   organizations (and the most recent entry into the field). Specific
   breed eligibilities will be discussed separately under each
   organization as the different organizations have slightly different
   policies towards admitting breeds into competition.
   
   The Italian Greyhound is classified as a sighthound in Europe where it
   is raced in some countries, in the U.S.A. however it is classified as
   a toy by the AKC. There are a number of rare breeds that are
   considered sighthounds or separate breeds by at least some of their
   fanciers including (but not limited to) Sloughis, Azawaks, Tazis,
   Peruvian Inca Orchids, Polish Chorts, Spanish Greyhounds, Cold Blooded
   Greyhounds, etc. In some cases - i.e. Tazi's, Sloughi's and Azawaks
   there is controversy over whether they are actually breeds separate
   from the Saluki. There are excellent arguments on both sides and we
   will sidestep this one also in this FAQ (in fact with many of these
   breeds there is still controversy as to how the names are
   transliterated into English - it is not our intention to take up this
   controversy, either.)
   
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
3.5 What Breeds of hounds Lure Course?

   Lure coursing is a sport for sighthounds. Currently the breeds
   commonly accepted at North American lure coursing events are:
   
     * Afghans Hounds
     * Basenjis
     * Borzoi
     * Greyhounds
     * Irish Wolfhounds
     * Ibizan Hounds
     * Pharoah Hounds
     * Salukis
     * Scottish Deerhounds
     * Rhodesian Ridgebacks
     * Whippets
       
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
  3.5.1 WHAT ABOUT RACING GREYHOUNDS?
  
   Racing Greyhounds (National Greyhound Association Registry - NGA) may
   be registered with the AKC as greyhounds. If the person owning the NGA
   hound has full ownership of the NGA hound with the NGA papers in their
   name a full AKC registration may be obtained. If the hound is a
   "rescue" an AKC Indefinite Listing Privilege (ILP) registration may be
   obtained after the hound is spayed or castrated.
   
   The ASFA allows racing greyhounds to be lure coursed under their NGA
   registrations numbers or under the AKC ILP numbers.
   
   The CKC does not recognize the AKC ILP numbers. The NGA hounds may be
   registered with the CKC or lure coursed under their NGA numbers.
   
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
  3.5.2 WHAT IS THE FORMAT OF AN NGA GREYHOUND REGISTRATION?
  
   A racing greyhound has tattoos in both ears. The right ear tattoo is a
   two or three digit number followed by a letter. The month of birth is
   indicated by the first one or two digits, the year of birth within the
   decade by the last digit. The letter is the individual identification
   within the litter. The left ear tattoo is a five digit number which is
   the hound's litter number.
   
   Each NGA greyhound has a certificate of registration from the NGA.
   This document is a yellow piece of paper approximately 5 inhces in
   height and 8 inches wide. One the front is all of the registration
   information for the hound including the name, breeder, and other
   information. In the top right hand corner of this cerificate there are
   two sets of numbers:
   
     * a Volume Number (2 digits)
     * a Certificate Number (five digits).
       
   On the back of the certificate there are a set of drawings of a
   greyhound, both sides, front and back, four feet and closeups of the
   16 toes. The hound's color, ear tattoos, markings, toenail colors and
   scars are marked on this side to aid in identification. This form is
   called the "Bertillon" after a system of criminal identification used
   prior to the developement of finger printing.
   
   When entering an NGA hound in an ASFA event you need to supply the
   Volume and Certificate numbers, not the ear tattoo numbers. To add to
   the confusion whenever an NGA greyhound changes owners it's given a
   new certificate of registration with new Volume and Certificate
   numbers.
   
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
3.6 What Organizations Register Lure Coursing Sighthounds in the U. S.?

     * The American Kennel Club
     * The National Greyhound Association
     * The Saluki Club of America
     * The States Kennel Club
       
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
3.7 What Organizations Sponsor Lure Coursing Events?

   In order of historical involvement in Lure Coursing:
   
     * American Sighthound Field Association (ASFA)
     * Canadian Kennel Club (CKC)
     * American Kennel Club (AKC)
       
   
   In North America there are three organizations that coordinate the
   hosting of sighthound lure coursing trials. In order of years of
   experience in the sport they are the American Sighthound Field
   Association (ASFA) founded in May of 1972, the Canadian Kennel Club
   (CKC) which took over Canadian lure coursing from the Canadian Lure
   Coursing Association (CLCA) and the American Kennel Club (AKC) which
   became active in lure coursing in September of 1991. Each have
   slightly different running rules and criteria for granting titles.
   Competitive points earned in one organization's trials do not carry
   over to the other group's trials. However earned titles may affect
   eligibility for other group's trials.
   
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
3.8 Who Puts On Trials?

   Lure coursing trials are hosted by local clubs that are licensed by a
   sponsoring organization. At the end of the article there will be a
   listing of references for these clubs with contact addresses.
   
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
3.9 How Do I Prepare My Hound For Lure Coursing?

   For puppies - make a rag toy - we use a lunging whip (available at
   most saddleries) and play with the pup a couple of times a week. Do
   not bore the pup with excessive lure toy play and do not discourage it
   by making it too hard to successfully catch the toy. Take your pup to
   a lure coursing practice but do not run it past its immature
   abilities. The initial purpose of attending the practice is to get the
   pup used to the coursing site, the sound of the lure machine, other
   people and hounds, and the action of the lure being run by the
   machine. On my Borzoi pups I rarely run them on FULL practice courses
   when they are under 11 months of age. Before that I try and get them
   out for a practice a month and run short courses with a straightaway
   and a few turns. When they approach a year of age I run them on full
   courses. Smaller breeds, which mature faster, may be started earlier.
   If the mother lure courses I use her as the mature hound when first
   trying them out with another hound. I especially avoid running
   littermates together - hounds may interfer with their littermates yet
   run clean otherwise. In addition sometimes you will see two
   littermates gang up on a third hound yet run clean otherwise.
   
   When the hound is finished growing road work will help in physical
   conditioning. However, for the larger faster breeds (greyhounds,
   borzoi, deerhounds and salukis) you must work them fast enough to get
   them to gallop so that the powerful muscles used to flex and extend
   the back are conditioned. Trotting is stiff backed exercise for a dog
   and the back muscles - which are the key to a sighthound's speed - are
   not conditioned. Generally a hound turned out to run in a large fenced
   area will not self exercise at a gallop for more than 20 seconds - a
   typical lure course run takes 55 seconds. Letting the hound exercise
   by chasing another dog or small game often results in a hound that
   interferes or has not interest in coursing artificial lures. Extensive
   play with the lure toy is better, and/or road work from a bicycle, car
   (this takes a station wagon and two people and a SAFE road), golf cart
   or horse (the best method for roadwork). In the larger breeds jogging
   with the owner is not fast enough.
   
   Getting the hound into running condition takes some dedication on the
   part of the owner but once in shape the hound will maintain
   conditioning fairly well if you go to trials at least twice a month.
   
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
3.10 What should I bring when I go to observe a lure field trial?

   You may want to leave your hound home the first time you go to watch a
   lure coursing field trial.
   
   However if you are hoping to practice the hound or wish to socialize
   it to this sort of event you should bring it. Remember, you must keep
   your hound under control at all times.
   
   
   
   Things to bring:
   
     * Water and a water dish for your hound
     * A secure collar and leash for the hound
     * Clothing for you and protection for your hound suitable for the
       potential variation in weather for that area at that time of year
       (shade if the weather is hot is the most important.)
       
     * A chair
     * Lunch (it can be a very looong day)
       
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
3.11 Should I enter my hound in a trial without prior practice?

  
  
   NO!
  
   
   
     * Do to recent rule changes in both ASFA and AKC coursing you CANNOT
       enter an unpracticed hound.
       
     * Unpracticed hounds are quite likely to be excused or dismissed for
       interference.
       
     * Even worse they are likely to develop the habit of interference
       which they would not have developed had they been properly
       schooled into lure coursing.
       
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
3.12 How do I get my hound to a practice?

   Once you locate one, drive there with your hound!. Seriously though -
   locating a lure coursing practice may be difficult. You have to locate
   some person or club who is setting up practice events. First ask other
   sighthound owners if they know of any practices. Practices may be set
   up by:
   
   
   
     * Private individuals
     * Clubs during special practice sessions
     * Clubs at demonstations at dog shows and other public events
     * Most clubs also attempt to run practices after their lure coursing
       trials
       
   Since practices may be harder to find than actual competitive events,
   if you locate a practice session you should make it a fairly high
   priority to get your hound there.
   
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
3.13 What should I bring the first time I take my hound to a trial?

   In addition to the items you would bring when you went to observe a
   field trial:
   
     * Your hound's registration information.
     * Until you know that your hound will lure course consistantly you
       do not need to buy a slip lead or coursing blankets. The clubs are
       required to have these on hand.
       
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
3.14 Errors of novice coursers

   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
  3.14.1 WHAT IS THE MOST COMMON ERROR THAT A NOVICE MAKES?
  
   The most common error made by the novice lure coursing enthusiast is
   to enter a hound that lacks mental and physical conditioning into its
   first trial. It is an athletic sport, and playing in your back yard
   does not make them fit enough. They have to singlemindedly chase the
   plastic bag, not other hounds. This is a skill that is trained into
   them by experience gained practicing with seasoned hounds that do not
   interfere but also are not put off from coursing by a younger hound's
   playfulness or mild aggression. Seriously dog-aggressive hounds should
   be entered only in singles stakes. hounds that have no interest in
   chasing the artificial lure when by themselves rarely "click" and
   course the artificial lure when run with another hound. Usually they
   will course the other hound instead. In addition, hounds that course
   live game frequently will not course the artificial lure. For many of
   these hounds, once they have the "blood lust" that comes from actual
   hunting, plastic bags seem a bit tame and not worth the effort.
   
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
  3.14.2 WHAT IS THE 2ND MOST COMMON ERROR THAT A NOVICE MAKES?
  
   Releasing the hound when the lure begins to move rather than waiting
   for the huntsmaster to say "Tally Ho!".
   
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
4. Questions and Answers About Attending a Trial.
  __________________________________________________________________________

4.1 What is a lure coursing premium list?

   The Premium List is the little booklet-type affair you receive in the
   mail that tells you WHAT club is hosting WHICH event WHEN, WHO the
   JUDGES and FIELD PERSONNEL are, when ROLL CALL is COURSE PLANS, and
   things like directions to the site, nearby motels and so forth..
   
   Usually the Premium List is mailed out by the host club two to four
   weeks prior to the event. The deadline for pre- entries is typically
   three days before the event. 'Late' (day of trial) entries may be
   accepted by the host club. This will be stated in the premium list.
   
      by Denise Como
      
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
4.2 What official information is in a premium list?

     * The organization sponsoring the event ASFA, AKC or CKC.
   The type of event, trial, test or practice trial, specialty or all
       breed.
   Date
   Location
   Host club
   The officers of the club.
   The officers for the event.
   The judges and their assignments and home addresses.
   Contact addresses and phone numbers for event information.
   Date of closure of pre-entries
   Wether "day of event" entries are accepted.
   The day & time that day of event entries close.
          + Most clubs accept entries on day of trial but this is NOT
            always the case!
   The date and time that pre-entries close.
   Time trial begins (when the committee arrives)
   The time that roll call begins.
   Ribbons trophies and prizes
   Which stakes are offered - Open, FCh, BIF, Veteran, Kennel, etc
   Special conditions of entry.
          + These vary from club to club and with the type of event,
            examples:
               o Terraine is rough natural terraine and hounds must be
                 very fit.
               o No bitches in season or giving the appearance of being
                 in season.
               o No children under 12
               o Hounds must have worm free certificate
   The course plan
   A description of the field conditions
          + fenced?
          + highgrass?
          + rough terraine? etc.
   Directions to the trial site.
          + The quality of these instructions varies greatly from club to
            club.
          + If they seem vague you might want to convoy with someone who
            has been there before.
          + Most trials are out in the country at someone's farm and
            country street and route signs have a way of suddenly
            disappearing.
            
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
4.3 What other information may be in a premium list?

   The premium list you receive prior to each event should tell you if
   food, water and shade are available - but never depend on it.
   
   It may give a list of motels and hotels that accept dogs but you
   should check with them and make sure that they still accept dogs.
   Motel managers change regularly and their policies seem to change from
   week to week.
   
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
4.4 What are pre-entries?

   Entries made before the closing date and time as stated in the premium
   list. It is my impression that club's vary as to how they define pre
   entries. Some clubs define them by date and time RECEIVED while other
   clubs define them by date and time of POSTMARK.
   
   However even if your entry is mailed in time yet due to the failure of
   the postal service, it is not received in time for the FTS to have it
   at the trial, then you will have to fill out day of trial entry forms
   on the day of the trial.
   
   This is one reason to always have your hound's registration materials
   with you when you go to a trial.
   
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
4.5 What about late & day of trial entries?

   Clubs may at their option choose to accept late entries after the
   closing of pre-entries. This WILL be stated in the premium list. If it
   is not in the premium list then late entries are NOT accepted.
   
   Entries accepted after the closing date for pre-entries are considered
   late or day of trial entries. The deadline for pre-entries is
   typically three days before the event; 'late' entries are usually more
   expensive because the Field Trial Secretary (FTS) must take extra time
   to add those entries to the record sheets the morning of the trial,
   this delays the start of the trial.
   
   If you are entering on the day of the trial, you MUST have your
   completed entry to the FTS BEFORE Roll Call. Usually the club requires
   the entries to be in 30 MINUTES PRIOR TO roll call. The exact time may
   vary from club to club but should be stated in the premium list.
   
   As a clarifying example, if Roll Call is a 9:00 am, you must have your
   entry in the FTS's hands no later than 8:30 AM.
   
      by Bonnie Dalzell and Denise Como
      
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
4.6 What does:
"ENTRIES WILL NOT BE ACKNOWLEDGED BY MAIL"
mean?

   A notice (usually on page two of the Premium) states:
   
     * ENTRIES WILL NOT BE ACKNOWLEDGED BY MAIL
       
   This means that you will not receive written notice by mail that your
   entry was received by the FTS.
   
   It does NOT mean your entry is unacceptable if you mail it!
   
      by Denise Como
      
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
4.7 What is Roll Call?

   Roll Call is the time, prior to the commencement of coursing, by which
   you are supposed to have your hound ready for inspection by the
   inspection committee.
   
   At roll call the hound is examined for lameness, and breed
   disqualifications (where applicable). Unspayed bitches are examined to
   see if they show any evidence of being in season.
   
   
   
   After roll call the list of passed hounds is taken to the field trial
   secretary so that the draw can be prepared.
     _________________________________________________________________
   
4.8 What coursing equipment should I own?

   Once you are attending trials regularly, the basic equipment you will
   need is:
     * A lure coursing slip lead
     * A set of lure coursing blankets that fit your hound.
     * Additional equipment to consider for the comfort of you and your
       hound, list varies with season of year and weather on day of
       trial:
          + Water, water bowl(for hound), water cups(for you)
          + Ground blanket (for hound), chair (for you).
          + Shade canopy or 'solar blankets' to go over crates or car in
            hot weather.
          + Adequate cold weather gear: hound blankets, coats, mittens,
            hat, boots for cold weather
          + Rainy weather gear: towels to dry hound, rain coat or cape,
            rubber overshoes.
            
   I find rain coats to be preferable to rain capes. The capes tend to
   blow around and may frighten you hound or interfer with your handling
   of the hound.
   
     * Indespensible items you should have in the car:
          + Plastic bags for dog poop clean up
          + Toilet paper for when the porta-potty runs out
          + Paper towels
          + Plastic trash bags
            
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
  4.8.1 WHAT ARE LURE COURSING BLANKETS?
  
   Lure coursing blankets are the means by which the different hounds in
   a course are identified by the judge. They are light in weight and
   designed to be non-restrictive to the galloping hound. They should be
   made of a double stretch material and you need one in each of these
   colors:
   
     * high recognition yellow (try and get bright yellow yellow and not
       the 'green' yellow.
       
     * high recognition pink (hot pink).
       
     * high recognition blue (eye shattering cyan).
       
   A good coursing blanket covers at least 60% of the hound's body
   without restricting its running action. Velcro works as a fastener for
   the "belly band" for smaller smooth coated hounds but does not work
   well for larger hounds or long coated hounds.
   
   The weakest point on a coursing blanket is the portion that runs under
   the neck in front of the hound's forelegs. My blankets that have
   lasted 15 years have this portion made out of the same material as the
   rest of the blanket. My blankets that wear out after a few years have
   this portion made of waistband elastic material.
   
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
  4.8.2 WHAT IS A LURE COURSING SLIP LEAD?
  
   A slip lead is a specialized collar and leash combination that allows
   the handler to rapidly release an excited hound without breaking a
   finger or damaging the hound. The best leads have a broad collar that
   is several inches smaller than the hound's neck with relatively heavy
   3 inch brazed metal rings on each end of the collar. The leash portion
   is strung through the metal rings in such as way as to hold the hound
   until one end of the leash is released. Then the hound is free.
   
   Care needs to be taken to allow the hound to pull forward out of the
   collar as it is released. If the slip lead is dramatically pulled from
   the hound's neck by the handler, a gesture often made (one time) by
   novices, the heavy collar may swing sideways and can hit a competitor
   or the huntsmaster in the face.
   
   In the future I plan to have a diagram of a slip lead associated with
   the FAQ. For now you will have to send Bonnie Dalzell a SASE snail
   mail to get a diagram on paper.
   
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
  4.8.3 WHAT IS A MECHANICAL SLIP LEAD?
  
   A mechanical slip lead is a slip lead device that depends upon a
   latching mechanism to allow the hound to be released. I have seen
   three types, although there are certainly more. Two of the types are
   based on quick release latches that must be pressed by the thumb or
   finger. One of them is based on a quick release latch imported from
   France and the other on a quick release latch that is a common piece
   of horse equipement. Both of these may result in a delayed or a
   premature slip if the hound is not quiet at the staryting line. I do
   not recommend them for inexperienced handlers. I also do not
   reccommend them for thrashing excited hounds.
   
   The third type is based on the quick release used in live game
   coursing in England. It is a sort of collar attached to a stiff handle
   with a quick release ring sticking up from the upper end of the stiff
   handle. This type looks like it would be usable even if the hound was
   quite rowdy in the slips. However I have not used one.
   
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
4.9 Must my two hounds of the same breed, entered in the same stake, run
together?

   If you own or co-own more than one hound in the same breed, and you do
   not wish those hounds to run together, mark the box on your entry
   'Please Separate My Entries' and also make this request when the
   hounds are inspected at roll call. If there are enough hounds entered
   in that stake, then yours will be separated. If not, you may wish to
   pull one of your hounds.
   
      by Denise Como
      
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
4.10 What is the Draw Order Sheet?

   The draw order sheet is the posted list of hounds divided into courses
   and with each hound's blanket order assignment. The Draw Order
   determines WHICH COURSE your hound is running in, and WHICH BLANKET
   COLOR your hound must be wearing at the starting line. Draws are done
   for Preliminary runs, then again for Finals. Always check the record
   sheet after the Prelims to confirm your hound's Draw for the Finals,
   as well as the new Draw sheets.
   
      by Denise Como
      
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
4.11 What is proper lure coursing etiquette?

   Good trial sites are not easy to find and a lure coursing field trial
   does not generate very much income for the club so continued use of
   the trial site is dependent upon the good will of the property owner.
   Clean up after your hound and yourself! Do not damage property! Park
   in designated areas and don't go randomly exploring out buildings,
   barns and other structures not being used by the members of the field
   trial. Do not harrass any livestock that may be on the trial site. Be
   respectful of the property.
   
   Remember that this is a lure coursing field trial. People often travel
   long distances to run their hounds and have paid to enter the
   competition. They are there to run their hounds and they may not have
   had much sleep. Most people at the trial will be happy to answer your
   questions but pick the time to approach them carefully. Don't walk up
   and start talking to a judge while the person is judging. Don't try
   and question an exhibitor while they are actively involved in
   competition. Do not come out on the course with your hound, observe
   from the sidelines. Keep your hound on a short leash. If your hound is
   very excited keep it far enough away so that it does not distract the
   competing hounds. Don't allow it to approach other competitors hounds
   and "get in their faces". Hounds that are excited by the lure may be
   rather jumpy and even predatory. Don't interfere with the hounds of
   another competitor. This includes not offering food or water to hounds
   that are in competition. hounds can become very ill if run on full
   stomachs.
   
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
  4.11.1 ARE LURE COURSING FIELD TRIALS APPROPRIATE PLACES FOR YOUNG CHILDREN?
  
   Not really, unless you bring along a person to tend to the young
   children. If you are participating at a lure field trial you may be
   there all day and unsupervised children can quickly become bored.
   Almost all the people there are there to run their hounds. Many of the
   hounds come from childless homes and are not socialized on children.
   
   The trial sites are frequently on private property which lack play
   facilities for children and may contain hazards to unsupervised
   children. At least one coursing club that I know of is required by the
   insurance company of the landowner of their trial site to ban children
   under 12 from the trial site. This was the result of damages sustained
   to a swimming pool by unsupervised children at a lure coursing trial.
   
   It is especially important to be careful with very young children
   around large powerful dogs. Don't wear your baby in one of those "on
   the parent carriers" while trying to control an excited dog that is
   powerful enough to pull or knock you over. Remember a 80 pound hound
   running at 35 miles an hour packs a powerful punch should it run into
   you or a child by accident.
   
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
  4.11.2 ARE LURE COURSING FIELD TRIALS APPROPRIATE PLACES FOR UNENTERED DOGS?
  
   The unentered dogs cannot be allowed to run loose during the trial.
   Allowing small fluffy dogs that resemble lures to run loose on the
   coursing field is inadvisable. Hounds that wish to run but are not
   allowed to run may be quite frustrated.
   
   It is important to always have adequate control over dogs that are not
   actually participating in the course in progress. There is a fine for
   having a loose dog interfere with a course in progress. Novices with
   retired racing greyhounds frequently have to pay this fine as the
   hounds suddenly show much more excitement than the owner has ever seen
   up until that time (that is they go berserk with happiness and
   excitement).
   
   Sighthounds have thick muscular necks and slender heads and can easily
   and unexpectedly slip a buckle collar when they become excited at the
   sight of the moving lure with other hounds in pursuit. For this reason
   you should have a martingale or choke collar for restraint of the
   hound at the trial site.
   
   It is relatively common for dogs brought to the trial site and left
   loose in a car to become excited at the sight and sound of the lure
   and destroy part of the car's interior. Rear view mirrors and
   upholstery are favorite targets. If the windows are left partially
   rolled down the dog may injure itself as it tries to get out through
   the window. Crating or tethering the dog with a tie out that it cannot
   chew through prevents these problems. Obviously no one should leave a
   dog alone in an unshaded car in hot weather.
   
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
4.12 What Causes The Hold Up On The Morning Of The Trial?

   Well, it's usually paperwork. Each hound is entered, listed on the
   Roll Call/Inspection sheet, is presented for inspection and
   (hopefully) passed. The Field Clerks then prepare the draw order
   sheets. The Draw Order for each breed is done by random picks among
   the entries. Those Draws must be transferred to the Record Sheets, and
   Judges' forms filled out for each breed, each stake. Draws are done
   for Preliminary runs, then again for Finals.
   
      by Denise Como
      
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
4.13 Can I Help the Trial Run More Quickly?

  YES! YOU CAN HELP SPEED UP THE PROCESS!
  
  
     * Pre-enter when possible,
     * Make sure your entry forms are COMPLETELY and CORRECTLY filled out
       (a sin sometimes committed by even experienced owners).
     * Present your hound for Roll Call at the appointed time (earlier,
       if the Committee is ready).
     * Have your hound correctly blanketed and ready to run at least two
       courses before your hound is called.
       
      by Denise Como
   
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
4.14 How Long Do Lure Coursing Trials Last?

   From roll call to the completion of the trial. Be prepared for a long
   day, especially in bad weather. Bring plenty of food and water. Bring
   warm clothing and wet weather gear. In hot weather bring shade.
   
   A club can usually complete an all breed trial of 30 hounds in 5
   hours. I have seen 30 hound specialty trials (one breed) be run in 3
   hours. However trials with small entries are often run at a leisurely
   pace and may take until dusk, while trials with large entries will be
   pushed along by the certain knowledge that they must be completed
   before dusk. Either way it adds up to a looong day.
   
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
4.15 What Sort of Weather Is Encountered at Lure Coursing Trials?

   All sorts. Since trials are scheduled events they are canceled only in
   the case of extreme weather conditions - tornados, hurricanes,
   blizzards. I'm not kidding! Last winter I was scheduled to judge at a
   trial in New Jersey in early March. A blizzard came up the day before.
   It was not until 7 PM the night before the trial that it was decided
   to cancel the trial. Not because all the roads were closed (they were)
   but because with 24 inches of ice and snow on the coursing field it
   seemed that it would be difficult to set up a safe course.
   
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
5. Intermediate and Advanced Lure Coursing Questions

   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
5.1 What about grooming for performance?

   Nails should be cut back to a reasonable length, at least so they
   don't actually touch the floor (make very sure you do not cut into the
   central vein or 'quick' when doing nails, as they will bleed
   profusely, leaving the hound sore, and in danger of infection). They
   might have to be tended to weekly, if necessary, but preferably not
   immediately prior to an event. Check between the webs of the toes and
   all the pads to be sure no foreign bodies have lodged there (thorns,
   splinters, ticks, chewing gum, strange plant seeds such as gum balls
   from the southern sweet gum tree, and so forth), and the tops and
   bottoms of the feet. Some folks use Tuf-Foot (R) or Pad-Cote (R) on
   the pads to protect them and keep them conditioned. Use caution, as
   over-use can irritate the pads of some hounds.
   
     *
       
      by Denise Como
      
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
5.2 What Is The Most Important Single Factor In Producing A Lure Coursing
Hound?

   Lure interest! Lure interest is the result of a combination of a
   genetic desire to chase anything that moves (which is probably
   retention of a puppy behavior phase) combined with training to focus
   that desire on an artificial plastic bag lure. A fanatical lure
   courser would rather chase plastic than rabbits - really I've had it
   happen.
   
   In my 20 years experience in breeding lure coursers and competing in
   the sport I am convinced that lure interest is strongly, although
   complexly, inherited and that two keen lure coursing parents will
   produce a much higher percentage of keen lure coursing pups than will
   breeding in which one or more of the parents has been demonstrated to
   have no lure interest.
   
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
5.3 How Do I Get A Lure Coursing Hound?

   Go to lure coursing events and help out. Observe for several months.
   If you have a sighthound take it to practices - which often follow
   trials.
   
   One way is to adopt or purchase an healthy, UNINJURED retired racing
   greyhound that was NOT dismissed for "fighting" or dropped from a
   racing program for failure to run. However racing greyhounds are so
   fast that they are more easily injured than the less extremely evolved
   running breeds. It is very important that the owner of a racing
   greyhound used in lure coursing learn to keep the hound in top
   physical shape and avoid over running it. They need time to recover
   between coursing dates, they are quite prone to injury and overheating
   if overweight. Successfully lure coursing a racing greyhound requires
   self control because the hound loves to run so much that it will not
   quit or refuse to run simply because it has a minor injury -- or even
   a broken bone!
   
   A high percentage of Whippets, Pharaoh Hounds and Ibizan Hounds have
   the inate desire to chase well developed. Salukis seem to have the
   highest percentage of hounds with no artificial lure desire. In most
   breeds, success at getting a hound that will lure course is dependent
   upon a combination of genetic interest and a successful program of
   puppy lure interest training. Look for a set of parents with the LCM
   title.
   
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
5.4 Where Do I Obtain Lure Coursing Equipment?

   One source for lure machines, pulleys and trolling line is:
   
   Thomas Bianchi
       Injoy Wood Products
       PO Box 21
       Charlotte, VT, 05445
       802-425-3691
       
   Once you locate a local lure coursing club you may encounter local
   craftsmen who are making lure coursing equipment.
   
   Lure coursing blankets and slip leads are often made by local coursing
   fans. A source for blankets and slip leads by mail is:
   
   Sue Meier
       46 Berkshire Valley Rd.
       Kenvil, New Jersey, 07847
       
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
5.5 There Must Be A Better Way To Make A Lure Coursing Machine - Have You
Tried....?

   In the history of lure coursing a number of configurations have been
   tried. Things that definitely don't work include - AC powered lure
   machines made from washing machine motors - these lack the power to
   accelerate the lure fast enough to keep the lure safely in front of
   the hounds. Corner pulleys made out of bicycle hubs. These are too
   narrow and present a danger to the hounds. Experimentation is welcome.
   Remember the system needs to have enough speed and acceleration to
   keep the lure safely ahead of the hounds. It needs to be portable. It
   needs to be inexpensive.
   
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
5.6 What Are the Differences Between ASFA and AKC Coursing Titles?

   They are issued by different organizations. AKC titles are recorded by
   the American Kennel Club and are printed out on official AKC documents
   such as official pedigrees and on championship certificates and are
   published in the AKC Awards publication. ASFA titles are issued by the
   American Sighthound Field Association and are published in FAN (Field
   Advisor News). They will not appear on official AKC issued pedigrees.
   This does not mean that the ASFA titles are in anyway inferior. In
   fact in my opinion and experience the LCM is the most difficult lure
   coursing title to earn. The AKC JC is the easiest, the SC next, the
   ASFA FCh next and the AKC FC is next.
   
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
5.7 Should I Participate Only In ASFA Or Only In AKC Coursing?

   Don't limit yourself and your hound's chances to run. There are few
   enough lure coursing field trials as it is. The AKC titles go on your
   hound's permanent AKC records but once you have the FC there is not
   much incentive to continue. Obtaining an ASFA LCM is the supreme test
   of both coursing interest and long term vigor in a lure coursing
   hound.
   
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
                         6. PERSONALITIES IN COURSING
                                       
        [Under construction]
            
  SHORT BIOGRAPHIES OF PERSONALITIES IN COURSING - ALPHABETICALLY BY LAST NAME
  
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
About Denise Como

   Denise Como has raised, owned, bred and competed with Borzoi since
   1978 (other breeds since 1966), and shares space with several adopted,
   retired track Greyhounds (and one Whippet). Currently (1995) President
   of Garden State Sighthound Association (founded in 1976), she is
   involved with several committees within the American Sighthound Field
   Association (ASFA) and the American Kennel Club (AKC) Lure Coursing
   program . She is a member of the Borzoi Club of America (BCOA),
   Charter/ Past President (and current member) of the Borzoi Club of
   Central New Jersey (BCCNJ). She is a delegate to the New Jersey
   Federation of Dog Clubs (NJFDC). She oversees GSSA's efforts to
   promote the various Sighthound activities, most recently amateur oval
   track racing (under the auspices of NOTRA - National Oval Track Racing
   Association).
   
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
About Bonnie Dalzell

   Bonnie Dalzell is an all breed ASFA and AKC Lure Coursing Judge, a
   long time (since 1977) activist in Lure Coursing and the breeder/owner
   of more Lure Coursing titled sighthounds than any one else in the
   world (over 80 titled hounds to date). She has had hounds in the ASFA
   Top Ten since 1977.
   
   Bonnie Dalzell's kennel name is Silkenswift and she bred, trained and
   campaigned the Borzoi bitch, Silkenswift Pye's Dark Design LCM6 CanFCh
   (Darkness). Darkness was the #1 ASFA sighthound in 1981 and 1982.
   Bonnie Dalzell is also the breeder of Treybeau's Fantasy LCM6 a
   greyhound belonging to Dean Wright. Fantasy is the all time top lure
   coursing greyhound.
   
   Currently Bonnie Dalzell's brindle male Borzoi Aatis:
   
ORC FC Silkenswift Captain Chaos LCM

   is the #1 ASFA lure coursing Borzoi for 1994.
   
   In real life Bonnie Dalzell:
     * teaches anatomy on and off at the Veterinary College of the
       University of Pennsylvania.
     * Does free lance writing on a variety of subject including
       computers, science fiction, natural history and dogs.
     * Does freelance technical, natural history and fantasy illustration
       for museums, books and individuals.
       
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
7. Information about ASFA (American Sighthound Field Association) Lure Coursing

   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
7.1 What are ASFA Coursing Trials?

   These are lure coursing trials sponsored by the American Sighthound
   Field Association and held in accordance with ASFA rules and
   regulations.
   
   The hounds are run in competition under ASFA running rules and
   regulations.
   
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
7.2 What hounds can participate in ASFA trials?

   The oldest lure coursing organization's (ASFA's) trials are open to
   purebred:
   
     * Afghan Hounds
     * Basenjis
     * Borzoi
     * Greyhounds
     * Ibizan Hounds
     * Irish Wolfhounds
     * Pharaoh Hounds
     * Rhodesian Ridgebacks
     * Salukis
     * Scottish Deerhounds an
     * Whippets
       
   The hounds must be at least one year old or older on the day of the
   trial, and be individually registered with:
   
     * The American Kennel Club [AKC]
     * The National Greyhound Association [NGA]
     * an AKC-recognized foreign registry (this includes running Borzoi
       on their Russian reg. numbers.
     * possess a Critique Case number [CC] from the Saluki Club of
       American [SCOA], for desert-bred Salukis.
       
   In the near future ASFA is going to require one-time proof of
   registry/ownership according to new directives.
   
   An exciting change being pioneered by ASFA is the future formation of
   a "Miscellaneou"' class or stake, for other Sighthound breeds
   recognized by the FCI [Federation Cynologique Internationale), a
   world-wide registry organization. This would allow breeds such as the
   Azawak, Chart Polski, Sloughi and others to compete. While titles
   would not be gained directly from ASFA, American parent clubs of these
   breeds may wish to recognize the accomplishments of these hounds
   within their registry body.
   
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
7.3 What are the ASFA stakes?

   Note: Not all trials will offer all of these stakes. Optional stakes
   are designated with an *.
   
     * Singles * (Hound runs by itself - no points are awarded towards a
       title - can't run inBOB or BIF.)
     * Open (Hounds who have not earned the ASFA FCh)
     * Field Champion (Hounds who have earned the ASFA FCh)
     * Veteran * (In most sighthound breeds, hounds over 6 years old (5
       for Irish Wolfhounds). Veteran Stake entries may not be entered in
       any other regular stake at the same trial. 1st placements from the
       Veteran Stake do not count toward a FCh title. If veteran wins BOB
       or BIF over competition -- that counts as a first toward FCh)
     * Best in Field (BIF) * (Open to the BOB winners of the day.)
     * Breeder * ( competition in this and in Kennel is determined by
       scoring out of Open, FCh or veteran).
     * Kennel *
       
   If there are 20 or more hounds in a given stake in a given breed, that
   stake will be split and multiple placements will be awarded in that
   stake. Stakes are split so as to produce as many sets of 10 as
   possible. For example an entry of 30 open whippets would be split into
   3 sets of Open whippets with 10 hounds per stake rather than two Open
   whippet stakes of 15 hounds.
   
   Best of Breed must always be determined by a single run consisting of
   a brace or trio, however, so if there were 4 stakes of Open whippets
   BOB would be determined by running the best of those 4 winners against
   the top winner from the Field Champion stake.
   
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
7.4 What are the ASFA titles?

   Field Champion (FCh)
          Competes against other hounds of the same breed in the "Open
          stake". To earn the title the hound must accumulate 100 breed
          points and earn 2 first placements or 1 first and 2 second
          placements over competition that receives qualifying scores or
          that is dismissed. A first over a non-qualifying scoring hound
          doesn't count but if he attacks your hound and is dismissed
          then the hound counts. The maximum score is 100 points per
          judge. To achieve a qualifying score the hound must receive at
          least half this total. These judges-score points are different
          from the breed points mentioned above. Best In Field (BIF)
          determined by running against the winner of another breed will
          count as a first if the hound winning BIF was the only entry in
          its breed. (For example, if a single Saluki is entered, but
          wins BIF by defeating the best of 17 Whippets, it is credited
          with a "first over competition".)
          
   Lure Courser of Merit (LCM)
          Competes against other hounds of the same breed in the "Field
          Champion stake". To earn the title the hound must accumulate
          300 breed points and earn 4 first placements. Each first
          placement must be over at least one competitor earning a
          qualify score.The hound may earn multiple LCM's. Each requires
          4 firsts out of the Field Champion stake and an additional 300
          points. At this time the LCM is the most difficult lure
          coursing title to earn.
          
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
7.5 How are the ASFA hounds scored?

   There are 5 categories:
   
     * Speed (25)
     * Agility (25)
     * Endurance (20
     * Enthusiasm (15)
     * Follow (15)
       
   The judge(s) score the hound in each category producing a score
   between 0 and 100. Qualifying scores are 50% or above. Most judges
   score qualifying runs somewhere between 60 and 80 points. On a given
   day the exact numeric score is less important than the hound's score
   relative to the other hounds. Notice that in ASFA coursing Speed and
   Agility are considered the most important categories. This reflects
   the importance of open field (i.e. live game) coursing experience in
   the minds of the founders of ASFA - if the hound is after a hare
   exactness of follow is worthless if the quarry outruns the hound. Live
   quarry does not slow down so that the slow hounds can stay sighted.
   Only lures adjust themselves to the speed of the slower coursers.
   
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
7.6 What are the ASFA awards?

   In each stake within a breed (Open, Field Champion and Veteran) 1st,
   2nd, 3rd, 4th and NBQ (Next Best Qualifying) placements are awarded.
   The scores from the judge(s) are added up for both the preliminary and
   final runs. The hounds are awarded placements within their stake based
   on the summed scores. Points towards the titles (ASFA championship
   points) are awarded as follows:
   
     * 1st place = 4 times the number of dogs in the stake to a maximum
       of 40 points.
     * 2nd place = 3 times the number of dogs in the stake to a maximum
       of 30 points.
     * 3rd place = 2 times the number of dogs in the stake to a maximum
       of 20 points.
     * 4th place = 1 times the number of dogs in the stake to a maximum
       of 10 points.
     * NBQ - no points.
       
   The winners of these stakes will then compete in a runoff for Best of
   Breed (BOB). The BOB winner will receive points equivalent to the
   greatest number earned by any hound in the breed. For example if there
   were 5 hounds in the Open stake and 3 hounds in the Field Champion
   stake and the Field Champion won the BOB run off it would receive 4X5
   = 20 points rather than 4X3 = 12 points towards its Lure Courser of
   Merit title. The winner of the Open stake would still receive 20
   points towards its ASFA Field Champion title. The additional points
   that may be awarded in BOB are only awarded if the BOB is earned by a
   run off. A hound earning BOB over the winner of a larger stake by
   forfeit would not earn additional championship points.
     _________________________________________________________________
   
7.7 What is the ASFA Top Ten and How is It Determined?

   The Top Ten is a list published by ASFA in FAN that ranks the top
   coursers for each year. It is based upon a system called The Bowen
   System, first developed by Michael John Bowen. This system assigns the
   hound points each time it receives a placement (1st through NBQ) at an
   ASFA trial. The hound earning a placement receives a point for itself
   and a point for each hound it defeats within its breed. For example if
   the hound was the only hound of its breed and it received a qualifying
   score it would also receive one Bowen point. If it was a first place
   hound in a stake of 12 it would receive 12 Bowen points. Unlike like
   ASFA championship points (which are used to earn the titles) Bowen
   points do not maximize out at 10 hounds in a stake. If the hound was
   second in a stake of 13 it would get 12 Bowen points. A simple formula
   is:
   Bowen points = number of hounds in stake -(placement-1)
       
   If the hound is awarded the Best of Breed over the winner of the other
   stake in its breed - whether it defeated that other hound in a run off
   or won the Best of Breed by forfeit - then it also earns Bowen points
   based on the number of hounds in the other stake. For example a hound
   wins first in a stake of 8 Open hounds, then it is awarded Best of
   Breed with an entry of 5 in the Field Champion stake. It will earn 8 +
   5 = 13 Bowen points. Many beginners find this state in which there are
   two different point system: the Bowen system and the ASFA title awards
   system quite confusing and often err in their calculations of their
   hound's ASFA championship points. Remember:
   
     * Bowen points:
          + Equal the number of hounds defeated (one for each hound
            defeated plus one for your own hound)
            
     * ASFA championship points:
          + Max out at 10 hounds
          + For BOB are equivalent to the maximum earned by the hound
            winning the larger stake by a run off
          + No additional points are awarded to the BOB winner (if from
            the smaller stake) if there is a forfeit rather than a run
            off.
            
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
8. Information About AKC (American Kennel Club) Lure Coursing


  __________________________________________________________________________

8.1 What Are AKC Lure Coursing Trials?

   These are lure coursing trials sponsored by the American Kennel Club
   and held in accordance with AKC Lure Coursing rules and regulations.
   
   In September of 1991 the AKC began its own program of Lure Coursing as
   a sport under the guidance of Dean Wright, a long time promoter of
   ASFA lure coursing events.
   
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
8.2 What hounds can participate?

   As of 1994 The AKC breeds that can participate in AKC Lure Coursing
   included 11 recognized sighthound breeds: Afghans, Basenjis, Borzoi,
   Ibizan Hounds, Irish Wolfhounds, Greyhounds, Pharaoh Hounds, Salukis,
   Scottish Deerhounds, Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Whippets.
   
   The AKC's policy is that a sighthound breed is a sighthound breed if
   the breed's parent club considers the breed to be a sighthound. This
   has, as you can imagine, led to some really intense rhetoric on the
   definition of a sighthound. We will wisely avoid this controversial
   matter of definition in this FAQ.
   
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
8.3 What are the AKC stakes?

   Regular stakes are Open and Specials. Open is open to all hounds who
   have earned an AKC Junior Courser or other qualifying performance
   titles.
   
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
8.4 What are the AKC titles?

   Junior Courser (JC)
          The hound must run in 2 events under 2 different judges or
          judging panels. The hound will run alone on a course of at
          least 600 yards that has at least 4 turns. The hound must run
          the full course with enthusiasm, not stopping to visit with
          spectators or take a potty break during its run. The judges
          award a "pass" or "fail" not a numeric score.
          
   Senior Courser (SC)
          After January 1, 1994 the SC title is awarded based upon the
          hound's performance in 4 AKC field trials. Prior to that date
          the title was awarded based upon performance in 2 AKC field
          trials. To earn an SC the hound must receive a qualifying score
          in 4 AKC field trials under different judging panels.
          
   Field Champion (FC)
          This title proceeds the hound's name. This title is awarded
          once the hound has accumulated 15 AKC Lure Coursing Points.
          There must be at least 2 firsts valued at 3 points or more
          issued by two different judges or judging panels.
          
   As of Jan 1, 1994 the AKC point scale is as follows:

                          Points for first place
                       5         4         3        2       1
 ------------------------------------------------------------
                   number of hounds in competition

 Whippets              15        11        8        5       2
 Borzoi, Rhodesians    10         8        5        3       2
 Balance of sighthound
 breeds                 6         5         4       3       2
     * When first place earns 5 second place earns 3, third place earns
       2.
     * When first place earns 4 second place earns 2, third place earns
       1.
     * When first place earns 3 second place earns 1.
       
   This will certainly be revised in the future, but not in 1995.
   
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
8.5 How are the hounds scored?

   The hounds are scored on a scale of 0 to 50. There are 5 categories
   each of equal value:
     * Speed (10)
     * Agility (10)
     * Endurance (10)
     * Overall Ability (10)
     * Follow (10)
       
   The judge(s) score the hound in each category producing a score
   between 0 and 50. Qualifying is 25 or above. Most judges score
   qualifying runs somewhere between 30 and 40 points. On a given day the
   exact numeric score is less important than the hound's score relative
   to the other hounds.
   
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
8.6 What are the AKC awards?

   Dual Champion (DC) is awarded to a sighthound that has earned both an
   AKC Field Champion title and an AKC conformation Championship title.
   This title also proceeds the hound's name and replaces either Ch or
   FC.
   
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
8.7 What do you mean by different AKC judging panels?

   If Fred judges on Saturday and Joan judges on Sunday that is obviously
   two different judges. However if Joan judges alone on Saturday and
   Joan and Fred judge together on Sunday that is two different judging
   panels.
   
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
9. Information About CKC (Canadian Kennel Club) Lure Coursing
  __________________________________________________________________________

9.1 What Are CKC Coursing Trials?

   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
9.2 What hounds can participate?

   AKC registered hounds may be entered without having CKC registration
   provided that an additional "listing" fee is paid. The titles will not
   be awarded until the CKC registration is obtained on the hounds.
   
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
9.3 What are the CKC stakes?

   There is no separate Field Champion stake at CKC Lure Coursing Trials.
   All hounds are entered in the Open stake.
   
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
9.4 What are the CKC titles?

     * Field Champion (FCh)
     * Field Champion Excellent (FChX)
       
   To earn a Canadian FCh the hound earns 100 points with two firsts over
   competition. The competition includes existing Canadian Field
   Champions. To earn a FChx the hound earns a TOTAL of 300 points and 6
   firsts. It is not eligible to earn the FChX until after the FCh
   requirements are met but first placements earned prior to the FCh
   carry over towards the FChX. If a hound finishes its FCh with 6 firsts
   then it only needs to earn an additional 200 points to earn the FChX.
   The Canadian FCh is more difficult to earn than the ASFA FCh but the
   FChX is a slightly easier to earn than the ASFA LCM.
   
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
9.5 How are the CKC hounds scored?

   The scoring system, categories and points earned towards titles are
   similar to the 100 point ASFA model. Canadian Field Trial secretaries
   usually require some proof that the hound will run "clean" in
   competition prior to accepting an entry.
   
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
9.6 What are the CKC awards?

   First place through 4th earn championship points as with ASFA. No
   points are awarded for 5th (NBQ).
   
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
10. Glossary and abbreviations

        [under construction]
            
     * terms officially defined in the ASFA or AKC rules are so indicated
       by (ASFA) (AKC) or (both) in parens at the end of the definition.
       
   BIF    Best in Field (both): not the villian in "Back to the Future".
          
          The award given to the hound winning the stake that is composed
          of the winners of all of the breed stakes. It may also be won
          by forfeit. In ASFA it carries no additional points but if it
          is awarded as the result of a run off, it does give a hound
          that was a singleton in its breed a first over competition. In
          AKC lure coursing the BIF award (by competition or by forfeit)
          gives the BIF hound points equivalent to the maximum earned by
          any BOB winner on that day.
          
   BOB    Best of Breed, not Robert.
          
          In ASFA the award given to the hound winning the run off
          between the winners of the open, field champion, and (if
          present) veteran stakes. The BOB may also be awarded by forfeit
          if all but one eligible hound declines to run. In the case of a
          trial where only one stake has an entry the BOB is
          automatically awarded to the winner of that stake.
          
          In AKC trials BOB goes to the hound winning the run off between
          the winners of the Open and Specials (Field Champions of
          Record) stakes.
          
   Bowen points
          Total hounds defeated points (one foreach hound defeated plus
          one for your own hound) used to calculate the ASFA Top Ten.
          Named for Michael John Bowen, an Irish Wolfhound fancier.
          
   FTS    Field Trial Secretary - the official at both ASFA and AKC trial
          who is responsible for seeing that the paper work is done
          correctly. Technically on the day of the trial the actual work
          may be done by the Field Clerk and the FTS does not have be at
          the trial site. Most experienced coursing clubs find that it is
          best for the FTS to be present at the trial.
          
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
11. Lure Coursing information and publications

   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
11.1 What are the lure coursing magazines and where do I get them?

   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
  11.1.1 FIELD ADVISORY NEWS (FAN)
  
   Field Advisory News (FAN) the oldest and first Lure Coursing Magazine.
   Lists addresses of ASFA Lure Coursing Field Trail Secretaries, Trial
   Dates and many useful articles. Contains official ASFA news including
   rule changes and the annual ASFA convention.
   
   Subscriptions, letters and articles:
   Editor: Vicky Clarke
        PO Box 399
            Alpaugh, CA 93201
            $30/year 6 issues bulk mail, check made out to FAN
            
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
  11.1.2 AKC COURSING NEWS
  
   AKC Coursing News - The official AKC Lure Coursing publication.
   Contains information on rule changes, events and useful articles.
   Articles tend to emphasize information for beginning coursers.
   
   subscriptions:
   AKC Fulfillment Department
        5580 Centerview Drive
            Raleigh NC, 27690-0643
            $25 per year - issued quarterly
            
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
11.2 Where Do I Write To Get ASFA Lure Coursing Information?

   ASFA as of Jan 1995:
   
   Corresponding Secretary:
        Kathy Budney
            1098 New Britain Avenue
            Rocky Hill, CT 06067
            
     * ASFA free informational pamphlets (one set per request).
     * Send self addressed, stamped envelope.
     * The ASFA rule book with revisions is available for $4.00.
       
       Denise Scanlan
        1517 Virginia Avenue
            Rockford, IL 61103
            
  ASFA REGIONAL DIRECTORS
  
   Contact the nearest for current ASFA info
   
   This list is taken from the Jan/Feb, 1995 issue of FAN (Field Advisory
   News)
   
   Region 1 AK, WA, OR, ID, MT
   Greg Ward, 9 W Salmon Avenue, Spokane, WA 99218
   
   Region 2 HI, CA NV, AZ
   Al Crume, 27452 S. Corral Hollow Road, Tracy, CA 95378
   
   Region 3 CO WY, UT, NM
   Daphane Lowe, 13775 Vollmer Road, Colorado Springs, CO
   
   Region 4 TX, OK, AR, LA
   Judith Newton, 4318 Oakside, Houston TX, 77053
   
   Region 5 ND, SD, IA, NB, MN, KS, MO
   Frank Zaworski, 745 E Country Trail, Jordan, MN 55352
   
   Region 6 WI, IL, MI, IN, OH, KY
   Jack Helder, 2975 Zimmer Rd, Williamston, MI 48895
   
   Region 7 TN, NC, SC, MS, AL, GA, FL
   Sherrie Ecksmith, 7009 Ravenglass Lane, Charlotte, NC 28227
   
   Region 8 ME, NH, VT, MA, RD, CT, NY, NJ, PA, DE, MD, VA, WV
   Jane Schreiber, 916 Rocky Ford Road, Powatan, VA 23139
   
   Note the ASFA annual convention is in April each year and since some
   officers change at each convention these addresses can become stale in
   a year's time.
     _________________________________________________________________
   
Where Do I Write To Get Canadian Lure Coursing Information?

     CANFAN (CFSA)
     Linda Belleau
     RR #2 Nolalu
     ON POT 2KO, Canada
     
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
Where Do I Write To Get AKC Lure Coursing Information?

   General Information on AKC Lure Coursing-informational pamphlets etc.
   
     Dean Wright
     1235 Pine Grove Road
     Hanover, PA 17331
     phone (days) (717) 637-3011
     (this is Dean's business - so they will answer "Hanover Lube and
     Brake". You must ask for Dean Wright)
     
   AKC Coursing (in the New York Office) (212) 696-8276
   
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
Where do I get information on Lure Coursing in Maryland?

     District Area SightHound Association (DASH))
     DASH participates in ASFA & AKC Lure Coursing and NOTRA oval track
     racing
     
     DASH President Robert Jordan
     1818 Price Lane
     Bowie, MD 20716
     301-249-1715
     
     DC Area:
     DASH Coursing Coordinator W. E. Shainline "WES"
     301-459-3785
     
     Baltimore Area:
     DASH VP Bonnie Dalzell
     5100 Hydes Rd
     Hydes, MD 21082
     410-592-5512 e-mail bdalzell@clark.net
     
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
Where do I get information on Lure Coursing in New Jersey?

     Garden State Sighthound Association (GSSA)
     GSSA participates in ASFA & AKC Lure Coursing and NOTRA oval track
     racing
     635 Monmouth Rd
     Cream Ridge, NJ 08514
     ATT PHONEMAIL - 908-928-9271, PRESS #4 FOR GSSA
     FAX - 908-928-0903
       _______________________________________________________________
     
Are Additional Contributions Solicited?

     
     
     Yes, please.
     
     I have some very well written and researched material on hand from
     Denise Como on "what to take to the event", planning for the
     weather, and diet and the coursing hound. I should have this edited
     into the FAQ soon. This version being a minor update to correct some
     spelling (never my strong point) errors.
     
     I would like to have a "personalities in lure coursing section"
     initially limited to people who have been in lure coursing at least
     15 years or who hold a national office in ASFA or the AKC. If you
     are one of those or know one of those people and would like to write
     up some bibliographical notes I will be happy to edit them and then
     return them to you for approval prior to including them in the FAQ.
     If you are writing notes about another person be sure to give me a
     contact address for that person (internet or snail mail) so that I
     can make sure they know what is being posted about them and they can
     check facts for accuracy.
     
     The "personalities section" is not intended for "flames" so, no
     matter what you think, positive and historical material only,
     please. I am currently assembling a biographical note on Lyle
     Gillette.
     
     
       _______________________________________________________________
     
12. Annotated Bibliography of Published Sighthound Performance Materials Other
Than Rule Books

        (keep an eye on this space I will expand this list over time)
            
     12.1 ASFA HISTORICAL BOOK 1972-1989 - Find out what makes ASFA
     great!
   $45 (checks payable to ASFA
       Bill Brown
       20725 S. Western Avenue
       Chicago Heights, IL 60411
       
     A collection of essays on the history of ASFA and lure coursing,
     including sections on equipment and great coursing hounds written by
     the people who developed lure coursing as a sport over many years.
     Includes photos of the top hounds in the ASFA breeds and extensive
     lists of titlists.
     
     12.2 ASFA INFORMATIONAL PAMPHLETS. One each free to individuals:
   Order from:
       
       Denise Scanlan - ASFA forms and pamphlets
       1517 Virginia Avenue
       Rockford, IL 61103
          + The Sport of Lure Coursing
          + Guidelines for Judges
          + Guidelines for Lure Coursing Practice
            
   The following is available for $5.00
          + Guidelines for Course Design
            
     12.3 SO, YOU WANT TO RUN YOUR SIGHTHOUND?
   by Denise Como of Garden State Sighthound Club.
        635 Monmouth Rd.
            Cream Ridge, NJ 08514
            
   $1.00 plus SASE with 52 cents in stamps.
       
     12.4 AKC LURE COURSING TURNS TWO. Bonnie Dalzell, MA. AKC Gazette
     July 1993.
     
     Written by the all time top breeder/exhibitor (in terms of number of
     titled hounds) in lure coursing. Photocopy available from author.
     Send SASE and 50 cents to Bonnie Dalzell, 5100 Hydes Road, Hydes, MD
     21082. Text available for reprint by any non profit dog group
     interested in the lure coursing sport provided you obtain author's
     permission. You must write the AKC Gazette to obtain permission to
     reprint the exact article, as it is type set in the magazine with
     photos, etc., however.
     
     12.5 LURE COURSING: FIELD TRIALING FOR SIGHTHOUNDS AND HOW TO TAKE
     PART Beaman, Arthur S. Howell Book House, 1994 (ISBN 0-87605-628-?)
     
     This book is written an established dog writer who has lure coursed
     his Saluki. Half of the text by page count of this hardbound book
     consists of information published separately by ASFA and the AKC.
     That is the ASFA (cost $4.00 - revisions free with SASE) and AKC
     (free) rule books which are revised annually and exact reprints of
     the AKC breed standards for sighthound breeds. The latter are
     available from the individual breed clubs, usually free with a SASE.
     The author's extensive knowledge of lure coursing is demonstrated by
     his reference to the LCM (Lure Courser of Merit) title as the "Lure
     Coursing Master" title.
     
     
       _______________________________________________________________
     
                                   13. INDEX
                                       
     [Under construction]
     
     
       _______________________________________________________________
     
                                14. APPENDICES
                                       
     
       _______________________________________________________________
     
14.1 Are There Other Performance Sports Specific To Sighthounds?

     Yes! - the ones I know about are:
     
     * Amateur Oval Track Racing (NOTRA) - many sighthound breeds
       
     * National Point Racing (NPR) - whippets
       
     * North American Whippet Racing Association (NARWA) - whippets
       
     * Open Field Coursing (NOFCA) - most sighthound breeds
       
     * Professional Greyhound Racing (NGA) - NGA registered greyhounds
       
     
       _______________________________________________________________
     
  14.1.1 IS THERE A GENERAL SOURCE FOR INFORMATION ON AMATEUR RACING?
  
     Amateur racing is sponsored by a number of different organizations
     which differ as to which breeds of sighthounds are admitted to the
     events. The races are of two sorts, straight races which are
     generally whippet only (NPR and NAWRA) and oval and u-val races
     which are open to many sighthound breeds and are sponsored by
     (NOTRA) and a past Secretary-Treasurer of NAWRA. He is also the
     editor of the Whippet Wrunner, the newsletter which publishes the
     results of both straight and oval racing.
   
       Jack Lewis
       13765 South 1300 West
       Riverton, UT 84065
       
      Information provided by Sam Banks DVM
   
         _____________________________________________________________
       
  14.1.2 AN INTRODUCTION TO OVAL RACING
   by Sam Banks DVM - NOTRA: National Minor Breed Race Secretary
       
     The National Oval Track Racing Association (NOTRA) was started
     to"encourage competition within each breed of sighthound under a
     highly uniform standard." Under NOTRA rules, there is
     standardization of track shape and sizes, placement of pulleys,
     track railings, judging, scoring, and starting. It is a very fair
     system of competition for registered sighthound breeds of Afghan
     Hounds, Borzoi, Greyhounds, Ibizan Hounds, Irish Wolfhounds, Pharaoh
     Hounds, Salukis, Scottish Deerhounds, and Whippets. Whippets are
     considered the "Major" breed, while the other breeds are called
     minor breeds.
     
     Oval or U-val shaped tracks are used for competitions. The minor
     breeds must run at least 300 yards. The tracks can either have
     permanent fences which meet NOTRA approval, or temporary tracks
     built of stakes and surveyors tape. The track surfaces can be dirt
     or grass, and are usually very level and close mowed, such as parks.
     Continuous loop or drag type equipment is used. The pulleys are set
     at the recommended distance away from the inner rail to reduce the
     likelihood of a dog running over the pulleys. The lure is kept far
     enough out ahead of the lead dog to make it always appear to be
     heading for the rail, encouraging the dogs to run close to the rail,
     again keeping the dog away from the pulleys and the string. There
     are several factors which make this a safe style of racing. First,
     the field is smoother than most lure coursing fields and the path
     that the dogs run has no surprising sharp turns. Second, all dogs
     are running in the same direction, therefore collisions are less
     likely. Lastly, the path that the dogs should run has no pulleys or
     strings. All these things tend to reduce the number of serious
     injuries.
     
     A starting box is required for Whippet oval racing, and encouraged
     for the other breeds. Synchronized slip mechanisms are allowed for
     the other breeds, as is hand slipping with starting judges who
     penalize any pre-slipped hound into last place for that race. The
     dogs are graded according to past performances, so that they run
     with other dogs of the same caliber. The box they start in is based
     purely on the luck of the draw, the inside box being advantageous.
     Either 3 or 4 heats, or "programs," are run depending on the length
     of the track. The judging is objective, for they only judge the
     order of finish. The dogs earn points according to their finish. As
     they win heats, and more points, they move up the ladder at that
     meet, the winner is the hound with the highest total at the end of
     the day. Points toward your dog's Oval Racing Championship title
     (ORC) are given to the the top one or two non-titled dogs. The
     number of points earned depend on how many starters there were that
     day. ORC champions do not earn any more ORC points, but can earn
     National ORC points (NORC).
     
     Agility and intelligence, as well as speed, are important in oval
     racing. The fastest dog does not always win. Agility is important in
     getting out of the starting box quickly, as well as being able to
     hug the rail at top speed. Dogs must learn to get to the rail
     quickly to have the shortest possible distance to run. Experience in
     several race meets is needed for the dogs to learn to run the oval
     efficiently. NOTRA rules require that the dogs run muzzled and be
     box trained prior to racing. To participate in NOTRA competitions, a
     dog should first be trained to chase a plastic lure and run muzzled.
     Box breaking is the next step, and this can take one to several
     practice sessions to accomplish depending on the dog. Most of the
     Borzoi at the first East Coast Minor Breed race meet held by Hampton
     Roads Whippet Club in 1990 were titled lure coursers and were box
     broken in one practice session.
     
     * Titles are:
          + OvalRacing Champion
          + Supreme Oval Racing Champion
            
     * For NOTRA Information contact:
       
        Jack Lewis, President NOTRA
            13765 South 1300 West
            Riverton, UT 84065
            
     
       _______________________________________________________________
     
  14.1.3 NATIONAL POINT RACING (NPR)
  
     The American Whippet Club (AWC) sponsors the National Point Racing
     (NPR) NPR. The straight racing clubs, AWC & NAWRA have similar rules
     and will accept race scores from the other group for the initial
     seating of racers. The biggest difference between these groups is
     that the AWC controls the NPR program.
     
     NPR straight racing is open only to whippets. All dogs start from a
     starting box and must run muzzled. Dogs 8 to 14 months old can race
     as a puppy. Puppies race 150 yards. The adults, 10 months old and
     up, run four heats of 200 yards. The only thing these dogs are
     judged on, is who crosses the finish line first. This is a speed
     event. Although a quick start is a benefit, top end speed is much
     more important. The dogs can be barred from racing if they
     intentionally foul another dog. Incidental contact is not a foul.
     Generally speaking if a dog turns it's head and then moves into
     another dog it is a foul.
     
     The NPR clubs are located in Texas, Missouri, Ohio, Virginia,
     Delaware, New Jersey, and Washington.
     
     * For information on NPR racing contact:
       
        Barbara Koch
            6541 Dartbrook Dr.
            Dallas, TX 75240
            (214) 661-1013
            
      Information provided by Sam Banks DVM
      
     
       _______________________________________________________________
     
  14.1.4 NORTH AMERICAN WHIPPET RACING ASSOCIATION (NARWA) - WHIPPETS
     * NARWA orginated on the West coast in 1988.
     * The events sponsored are 200 yard straight track races.
     * The titles awarded are:
       
          + Racing Championship [RCH]
          + Supreme Racing Excellence [SRE]
   
     NARWA straight racing is open only to whippets. All dogs start from
     a starting box and must run muzzled. Dogs 8 to 14 months old can
     race as a puppy. Puppies race 150 yards. The adults, 10 months old
     and up, run four heats of 200 yards. The only thing these dogs are
     judged on, is who crosses the finish line first. This is a speed
     event. Although a quick start is a benefit, top end speed is much
     more important. The dogs can be barred from racing if they
     intentionally foul another dog. Incidental contact is not a foul.
     Generally speaking if a dog turns it's head and then moves into
     another dog it is a foul.
     
     NAWRA is run by it's member clubs. The NAWRA clubs are located
     mostly in the west, California, Nevada, Utah, Oregon, Washington,
     and British Columbia, Canada.
     
   For NAWRA information contact:
       
        Jean Balint
            2037 San Luis St
            Fairfield CA 94533
            
      Information provided by Sam Banks DVM
      
     
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  14.1.5 NATIONAL GREYHOUND ASSOCIATION
  
     The National Greyhound Association serves as the registration body
     for racing greyhouds. Unlike the AKC, which has member clubs but not
     member individuals, individual breeders and fanciers are members of
     the NGA. In this way it is similar to the Canadian Kennel Club. The
     NGA predates mechanical-lure track racing and began life as the
     National Coursing Association, a body modeled on the English
     coursing association.
     
     Although the NGA registers the racing greyhounds the actual racing
     is controlled by legislation in the individual states that allow
     pari-mutual betting on greyhound races. Even in states without
     legalized professional greyhound racing all that is forbidden by law
     is betting on races. Amateur racing itself is legal as long as
     animals are not abused under state anti-cruelty laws.
     
     The NGA is a body separate from the track owner's professional group
     the NGTOA (National Greyhound Track Owner's Association).
     
     In professional greyhound races the hounds are raced 8 at a time
     from starting boxes wearing colored blankets for identification. The
     distances vary but the commonest is 3/16 mile. The dogs are raced
     muzzled because the intense excitement of having 8 fanatical racers
     on the course at the same time can lead to casual biting and the
     thin skin of greyhounds easily tears. The muzzles are NOT and
     indication of viciousness on the part of the hounds nor of
     mistreatment by the owners or handlers.
     
     Greyhounds are naturally lean and a conditioned dog shows ribs and
     hip bones. Dogs that are so fat that these structures become
     invisible may be subject to heat exhaustion should NOT be allowed to
     race.
     
     The scars one sees on many retired greyhounds are generally due to
     the thin skin and the ease with which it tears in even the slightest
     altercation with another hound. They are not an indication of human
     mistreatment.
     
     The NGA supports a fascinating museum with a gift shop that has many
     greyhound items, write for their gift catalogue:
     
   The Greyhound Hall of Fame
        407 S. Buckeye
            Abilene KS 67410
            
     The NGA has a magazine, The Greyhound Review.
     
   For subscriptions, which are $30/year for non-members:
        RR 3 Box 111B
            Abilene, KS 67410
            
     The NGA has a greyhound computer BBS:
     
   913-263-2266
       
     
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14.2 What Was The First Version of the Lure Coursing FAQ?

     * Here is the first version of the lure coursing FAQ.
     * It was written by Marcia Cavan with additional info from Carol
       Mount.
     * It was posted as a part of the AKC FAQ.
       
     A "lure" coursing course consists of a line strung through a series
     of wooden pulley set within a large field (many acres) with a "lure"
     (usually a white kitchen garbage bag!) attached at some point on the
     line. This line is also strung through a wheel that is attached to a
     power source usually a car starter motor as the lure needs to have
     enough power to be kept safely ahead of the fastest of the hounds.
     The hounds run within their own breed up to 3 per "heat" with each
     hound running and being scored on 2 heats. Each hound wears a
     blanket (similar to at the Greyhound track) of either yellow, pink
     or blue with the scoring being assigned to the blanket color and the
     performance it gave. The dogs are scored on the categories of speed,
     agility, endurance, follow and enthusiasm with a "perfect" score
     being 100.
     
     Up until 1992 only the American Sighthound Field Association (ASFA)
     held lure coursing field trials and awarded dogs titles. Dogs earn
     their F.Ch (Field Championship) running against other dogs of the
     same breed and receiving a certain number of 1st and 2nd placements
     AND a total of 100 points. The point scale is based on the number of
     dogs competing and on the placement the dog receives. Once they earn
     their ASFA F.Ch. they can then continue on to earn their LCM (Lure
     Courser of Merit) that requires four 1st placements over other Field
     Champions and a total of 300 points. There are then LCM II, III etc.
     titles.
     
   The point system is:
       First place: 4 * number of dogs upto 40 points
       Second place: 3 * number of dogs upto 30 points
       Third Place: 2 * number of dogs upto 20
       Fourth: 1 * number of dogs upto 10
       Fifth (NBQ - Next best qualified) -- no points but recorded in
       case or error in 1-4 placements.
       
     If there are enough dogs in a given breed, the stakes are split and
     multiple placements (two first places, etc) are awarded.
     
     In 1992 the AKC accepted Lure Coursing as a sport and their titles
     are JC (Junior Courser) that requires a dog run alone on a 600 or so
     yard course two different times under 2 different judges. With this
     they can then run in AKC trials with competition and can earn their
     SC (Senior Courser) in 2 trials by completing the courses. Dogs that
     have an ASFA FCH do not need the JC title to run for SC. The AKC
     F.CH (that is a prefix to the dog's name versus a suffix for ASFA
     titles) is earned like a conformation championship where the dog is
     required to win 2 majors (wins worth at least 3 points) and a total
     a 15 points. Dog that achieve both conformation and field titles are
     noted as a Dual Champion (DC).
     
     Both ASFA and AKC have approved 11 breeds: Afghan, Basenji, Borzoi,
     Greyhound, Ibizan Hound, Irish Wolfhound, Pharaoh Hound, Rhodesian
     Ridgeback, Saluki, Scottish Deerhound and Whippet.
     
     
       _______________________________________________________________
     
                                  14.3 NOTES
                                       
Spelling, never my strong point

     BDz - a person with a "northern" accent- was taught "foe-net-ik
     spell'n" in the 5th grade in rural Florida. As a result she is
     permanently "spelling challenged", as they say. So when you spot
     spelling errors, please contact the FAQ's author, BDz, who will be
     very grateful. Matters may improve if I can find a html editor with
     spell checking built in but as things stand if I import the document
     into my word processor with the spelling checker I have trouble
     getting it back out as an ASCII file with all of the spacing got the
     html document intact.
     
     
       _______________________________________________________________
     
    Lure Coursing FAQ (html version 2.24.95) Bonnie Dalzell,
    bdalzell@clark.net
