RULES
New and Noteworthy
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Retired Runs: A handler at any point during their run may decide, in the best interest of their dog or the stock, to retire from their run. All points accumulated up until the decision to retire is made by the handler will be awarded and full time will be recorded.
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A member may at any time submit a written request to the CCDA Board to move down one class level. This request must include an explanation/reason for the request and be submitted prior to that handler accumulating any points in their current class level in the current trial year. The Board will review every request on an individual basis and if permission is granted the handler’s performance will be monitored closely by the Board in an effort to protect the status of the class. If at any time the Board feels the handler needs to move back up they will will be asked and expected to do so.
The Board of Directors
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To re-elect board positions, at the AGM members may nominate other members and all attending members may vote on who will take the position for the next term.
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When a board member's term is over, if the member is willing, the other members attending the AGM may vote that member stay in his/her position.
Sanctioning
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All novice and intermediate classes must have a minimum of two handler/dog teams to sanction and gain points.
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Open and Nursery classes must have four dogs and two handlers to sanction and gain points.
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If a trial has more than one run, then each run will be sanctioned separately and points will be awarded per run.
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You may only sanction 2 runs a day of each class: open, nursery, intermediate, novice, junior and horseback.
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If a trial has multiple runs and a finals, only the runs will be sanctioned and points awarded.
Memberships
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Members begin acquiring qualifying points after their membership funds are received.
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Memberships are annual. Starting April 1st -March 31st (They also include finals)
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Single memberships are for an individual person.
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Family memberships are for two adults and all children living at home under the age of 18 years of age.
Trials
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Only members will be awarded Qualifying Points
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The trial year runs April 1st to March 31st of the following year.
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If a member should decide to enter a higher class or a trial that only offers an open class, then that member can no longer go back to class they were originally in (with the exception of Nursery)
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If an intermediate or novice handler wins at finals then they must move up to Open the next trial year.
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Novice handlers will move to Intermediate at the board of directors discretion.
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For the 2024/25 qualifying year, Nursery eligible dogs must have been born after October 1, 2021
CODE OF CONDUCT
Rules can differ trial to trial but these guidelines are an overview of the generally accepted rules and conduct.
• No dogs are allowed in the arena prior to their run, or loose on property unless supervised and controlled.
• Clock will begin when dog leaves handler or all 3 animals have entered arena and gate is closed, whichever occurs first.
• Handler must not run while competing, unless otherwise stated at the handler’s meeting.
• No abuse of stock from either dog or handler or mishandling of dogs will be tolerated.
• If your dog is hurt during your run, retire immediately and attend to him promptly.
• Handler must not touch cattle with their stick should they choose to carry one.
• Handler must not pass through any obstacles unless otherwise noted in handlers meeting.
• Planes of obstacles and daylighting on retries will be discussed and marked at handlers meeting. Make sure you understand the rules of each obstacle before handler meeting breaks.
• 1 point (it may be any number though, ex 5 or 10) is generally allotted for each animal that completes an obstacle. Handler must get at least one animal through an obstacle in order to advance to the next obstacle. A competitor can retry an obstacle as many times as she or he wants(unless stated at handler's meeting), but the score for the obstacle is determined only by the final attempt. Example 2 head pass through obstacle on first attempt but only 1 on second attempt, handlers score is 1. This is a common scoring system, however number of cattle, points allotted, and obstacle rules can differ depending on the trial, so be sure to ask at the handler’s meeting if you are uncertain.
• Stepping over set handlers lines (or away from the post) will be a DQ for Intermediate, Nursery, and Open. Judge will give Novice handlers a warning.
• Only novice handlers may be coached from sidelines, at host's discretion.
• There are occasions when reruns will be granted or the clock will be paused for certain situations to be rectified, but this is at the judge’s discretion.
• Attend the handler’s meeting! Rules can vary slightly from trial to trial depending on the trial host and judge’s preferences. All rules outlined there can and will trump the rules stated above.
• Poor sportsmanship, verbal abuse, or physical abuse directed towards anyone in attendance of the trial will not be tolerated.
• JUDGE’S DECISIONS ARE FINAL. Do not consult or speak with the judge during your run if you are competing beyond the Novice level.
• If you have a minor complaint or concern speak with the trial host at a convenient time that does not interrupt the trial. Do not approach the judge with concerns.
• If you have a more serious issue you must notify the CCDA of your grievance in writing within 7 days of the trial or incident. You can look on the contact page to find information as to who to contact.
• Penalties for infringements on the rules will be at the discretion of the trial host, judge, and/or the CCDA board. Penalties could include but are not limited to - disqualification from a trial run or trial, loss of trial points, loss of association points, loss of membership, or lifetime ban.
