Hunt Guild Regulations and Etiquette for Coursing in An Tir
A. REGULATIONS FOR HOUNDS HANDLERS/OWNERS
1. The owner or handler entering a hound in a coursing event does so at his/her own risk and agrees to assume responsibility for any damage to facilities or persons caused by his/her hounds.
2. The owner or handler must complete a 'Lure Coursing Registration' listing each hound participating.
3. Every individual who has not attained the age of majority in his/her state, and the state in which the event is held shall present two copies of the 'Minor Waiver and informed consent to participate' signed by his/her parents or guardian.
4. At the discretion of the Houndsmaster, a minor may course a hound. It is advised that his/her Legal Guardian be present and watching and the minor and parent have spoken with the Houndmaster to understand the hazards and risks involved in this activity.
5. Handlers shall behave in a courteous and chivalrous manner and with due consideration for others at all times.
6. Multiple or single lures may be used.
7. The use of live lures is expressly forbidden, and is not in keeping with society intentions, no matter how authentic.
8. It is strongly recommended that hounds being entered for the first time be coursed single. This will help to reduce confusion and assure that they are following the lure and not another hound.
9. Handlers shall be responsible for collecting their hounds at the end of each run. No further runs shall be made until all hounds have been retrieved.
10. Handlers are responsible for keeping their hounds under control at all times. Loose hounds which are not on the course constitute a danger and distraction and are grounds for dismissal.
11. All participation is to be of a non-competitive nature with a view to demonstrate the beauty and nature of each hound. There shall be no winners or losers, only well loved pets. Wagering on pets is specifically prohibited.
12. All Coursing Activities are to be conducted in such a way as to minimize risks to spectators and hounds, by the use of barriers, flagging, or constables where necessary.
13. Handlers and all personnel shall treat hounds humanely; the excessive punishment or striking of the hound or other such cruel behavior will not be tolerated and should be reported to the Houndmaster at once.
14. Handlers are responsible for providing adequate food, water, rest and shade for their hounds.
15. All hounds which are known to bite must wear a muzzle. These should be of a type which provide adequate ventilation .
16. All hounds being brought to an event must have a copy of Certificate of Rabies as proof of current rabies vaccination. Other vaccinations may be required as the discretion of the Event Autocrat. It is advised to keep health records updated.
17. An attempt at presenting a period appearance should be made. Hounds should be well groomed and turned out with as much care as possible.
18. A Houndsman may not course a hound under the influence of Alcohol or any other intoxicating substance. The Coursing Field is 'DRY'.
19. Hounds are personal property. Although an owner may allow others to use or borrow his/her hound, he/she may also at any time request the return of that hound to him/her self for any reason, and may do so without explanation to, or hindrance from any person.
20. Every SCA event conducting any Coursing activity must have a Certified Houndmaster on site. Any Branch wishing to have Coursing Activities but not having a Certified Houndmaster should contact the Hunt Guild a minimum of thirty days in advance in order to arrange for a Houndmaster to be at their event.
21. Every SCA event having any coursing activity shall arrange for an 'on call' Veterinarian in the area of the site.
B. COURSE REGULATIONS
1. Hounds may be coursed as singles, in couples or in packs of three. More than three hounds on a course at one time is dangerous as they tend to crowd in the corners and may bump each other causing falls and possible injury.
2. Each and every Houndmaster shall walk the course and verify that the course is properly staked and free from hazards in so far as possible.
3. A trial run of the lure shall be made and the equipment checked before the course is opened to the hounds.
4. A run-off area must be maintained between the stopping point of the lure and the drive unit in order to ensure the safety of the hounds, should they overrun the end of the course.
5. At the discretion of the Houndmaster, the direction of the course may be reversed for second heat running, to prevent the hounds from anticipating the line of travel.
6. The lure operator shall question the handlers in the following order; 'Houndsmen ready?' All handlers will respond clearly with a yes or no. Then when all respond 'yes' , the Houndsman says :'Hold Your Hounds" . The handlers will maintain control of their hounds until the lure operator signals 'Tally-ho!' at which time they may slip their hound, and carefully move to the opposite side to retrieve their hound at the end of the course.
7. The lure shall remain in motion, maintaining a substantial lead at the discretion of the Houndsmaster. Reasons for stopping the lure are to prevent injury to a hound that has become entangled in the string or to allow a hound which has lost sight of the lure to regain sight again.
8. The lure will be inspected after every course and replaced if necessary.
C. SAFETY AND COURSING ETIQUETTE
1. Never disturb a hound or it's gear without permission of it's owner, unless a dire emergency is at hand. This particularly applies to feeding or watering them as well.
2. Keep in mind that virtually all hounds will scratch and/or bite, so don't assume that a hound is friendly. Hounds should be monitored to keep unwanted attention away.
3. When you hear HOLD, come to a halt as quickly as you and your hound can.
4. Dew claws should be wrapped with tape or vetwrap to prevent tangling and injury.
5. Light meal several hours before runnin; no running on full stomach. Always clean up after your hound. This will keep the autocrat happy and encourage the site owners to have us back.
