Coaching Youth Handlers Not Permitted; Other Beagle News

Full Circle

November 13, 2017

Source: Allen Gingerich

Sportsmanship (noun)

Q: What is sportsmanship, and why is it a topic in this column?

A: Merriam-Webster defines the term as; conduct (such as fairness, respect for ones opponent, and graciousness in winning or losing) becoming to one participating in a sport. Another definition states; qualities and behavior befitting a sportsman.

The English Dictionary gives some of the following examples of the word used in a sentence.
1. Fair play and sportsmanship is more than just a clich.
2. He has been charged with an act contrary to good sportsmanship.
3. Both men have shown sportsmanship other sports would do well to copy.
4. It deserved to fail because it was conceived in bad sportsmanship and simple envy.
5. The partisan crowd showed their sportsmanship by loudly applauding the victors and cheering the trailing athletes behind them.
6. It was a case of shockingly bad sportsmanship - and bad acting to boot.
7. I think that shows true sportsmanship and understanding of the game.
8. Ill watch something else next time this circus of bad sportsmanship arrives.
9. He was cited for an act contrary to good sportsmanship.
10. It has, with a few exceptions, been a contest in which the excitement only narrowly exceeds the good sportsmanship.

The word is used in both positive and negative sentences, both of which are good to think about as it applies to the sport of Beagle trials. Number 4 and 8 are good ones to think about when it comes to demonstrating unsportsmanlike conduct. We should always be reminded that unsportsmanlike conduct can certainly have a huge negative impact on bystanders, and drive them away from the sport.

Why is it a topic this month? Having just come away from two of the three largest Beagle events of the year, Im so pleased with the sportsmanship that Im seeing at our trials. Thats why. Sure, theres always a few sour apples in the cart that we wish would conduct themselves a little better. But, for the most part, wed be hard-pressed to find a better group of hunters who conduct themselves in a manner that is becoming of good sportsmen and women.

Both the Hunting Beagle and Performance Pack Nationals in the spring of this year were a good example of just that. Recently, the McVay Memorial was another. It was warm and dry and the conditions far from ideal for hunting, but the atmosphere and good sportsmanship still prevailed. Most recently, the Hunting Beagle World Championship was another good example of sportsmanship at the highest level. There was a lot on the line, and making it through any round didnt come easy for any hound or handler. While there were only a few questions brought back throughout the whole weekend, even the Master of Hounds remarked how those questions were presented in a model manner and resolved in that same way.

In the Final Cast, there were three handlers whose hopes were at an all-time high, yet in the end two graciously accepted defeat, even after a game-changer in the final few minutes of the hunt, and congratulated the winner.

Sportsmanship goes a long way in all Beagle trials, and is a key component of any sport. Ignoring misconduct and unethical practices can be detrimental. When needed, there are different ways to address such issues with the accused. Sometimes addressing an issue respectfully and privately with the accused works just as well or better than reporting them to UKC. Sometimes it doesnt, and you have no choice but to report it. Regardless, its something we need to stay on top of and not ignore the issues that need addressed. If the officials, Beaglers and UKC work together and continue to demand good sportsmanship, the sport will always be all the better for it.

Check Minus that Scratches Dog Out of Hunt

In the September Issue, we addressed this topic. Please refer back to it for further information. Since that column came out, we have received a few questions and suggestions that this is not the way we used to do it. I have no reason to doubt that, but I have also, since then, referred to a previous column writer of the past who said that he did in fact read that article and agreed with it 100 percent. He also suggested that he wrote about that very thing years ago stating the same thing. Nevertheless.

The September article addressed the scenario where a dog had a total of 280 minus points on the card and then goes into a check. The question is, is that dog scratched at the moment the dogs went into the check and the 20 minus is recorded on the scorecard? The response goes on to say that those check minuses are technically pending until the judge has determined that the track did not end in a place of refuge, and therefore was the reason that the dogs went silent for a minute, creating the check. If it is determined that the track ended in a hole or place of refuge, then those 20 minuses would come off the card and the dog in question would remain at 280 minus instead of 300. Any other determination (no hole, place of refuge, recovery, etc.) would result in the check points staying, and the dog would, in fact, be scratched with 300 minus.

Recently, there was a scenario that came about that was not addressed in that column. It had to do with this same scenario where a dog has accumulated a total of 280 minus points on the card. The kicker is that the hunt time ends shortly after the check, but before the two-minutes that, under normal circumstances earlier in the hunt, would allow the dogs two more minutes to recover the track.

In this scenario, forget about the progress clock. Its a moot point. Youd call the hunt when the buzzer sounds. However, just like you would score a previous dead track during the hunt, even though you dont necessarily have what you consider a dead track, you still need to officially score those last check points correctly. If the dogs fire up before they are handled, its easy. The check minuses stay on the card for all dogs involved. And the dog in question has accumulated 300 minus and is scratched.

Otherwise, you need to make sure the track did not end in a hole or place of refuge, and it was the reason the dogs went into a check to begin with. If it is determined that the track did, in fact, end in a hole or a place of refuge, then those check points are deleted. And if so, the dog in question remains with a total of 280 minus points.

If there is no hole or place of refuge, the check points stay on the card and remains to be part of the dogs total ending score. In the case of the dog in question, he or she would be scratched because those 20 check points are determined confirmed, and the dog has a total of 300 minus points.

Coaching Youth Handlers Not Permitted

Q: This year, UKC introduced the First Strike Series, and we couldnt be more tickled. Its drawn more youth handlers to the events in our area, and its a great thing. However, were seeing some of these youth handlers, especially the younger ones, being coached on calling their dogs by a parent or a chaperone.

As an adult and an avid supporter of UKC Field Trials, Im all about this program and getting more youth involved. The problem is that we have tried to address this, but its turned into us being the bad guys, and well turn them away if we say anything about it. That is not what we want at all. We want them involved! Any advice on how to best address this without upsetting any parent or discouraging a youth handler?
A: We understand that this matter can be a fragile issue. Weve also learned that some of the misunderstanding comes from the rules for Youth Only events. In Youth Only events, the club, along with their licensed portion of the youth event, may have an Assisted Hunt Category. This was put in place for those younger kids who are just starting out or who may find themselves being intimidated to call their dogs on their own. Matter of fact, any youth wanting to enter in the Assisted Hunt Category may do so, regardless of their age. The two differences in this category is that it is a non-licensed hunt, and they may in fact be coached by a parent or a chaperone. Its a good thing and a great avenue to start.

When it comes to the licensed hunt, however, the handler is required to call their dog on their own without any assistance. Call it old school, but learning the dog and doing your homework (including learning the dogs voice and learning the basics of the rules) is done at home on the practice field.

When it comes to entering in a licensed event, theres an official (judge) that becomes a part of the game. Its the judges responsibility to apply and enforce the rules of the game, regardless of the age or experience of the player (dog/handler). The rules dont allow provisions or exceptions for certain ages. They stay the same unless otherwise noted. All inexperienced handlers have to start somewhere, and they make mistakes. Its all part of the learning process, gaining experience and becoming better at it. Handling dogs in licensed events should be no different.

What advice can we offer? Take the opportunity to make them feel welcome, and youre glad to see them coming to the event. Help ease any butterflies they may have. Let them know they should can ask questions if they want. Take the opportunity to make it a fun experience for them. Be encouraging. Beyond that, hopefully, this article will help address any such issue or misunderstanding.

From a parents perspective. we all know that theres not much more gratifying then seeing our kids do well. And most also understand that theres championship points, wins and degrees on the line, and they do a great job of teaching their kids the importance of following the rules. A loss always ranks higher than an undeserved win, and the greatest winners are also gracious losers. All those names in the First Strike Series standings suggests the future of our sport is in great shape. Its a beautiful thing!