Misconduct Guidelines; Other Beagle News

Full Circle

April 9, 2018

Source: Allen Gingerich

Time Period Allotted for Separated Cast

Q: If a cast becomes separated on the way to the field or during the hunt, it is the responsibility of all cast members to return to the Master of Hounds at the host club. Any cast members not returning to the Master of Hounds will be scratched. This we all know. If we return to the Master of Hounds, how long are we supposed to wait until they scratch people that do not return?

A: A reasonable amount of time. I realize that is vague, but it is the correct answer. The official must consider how far the casts were sent and a time period that is considered reasonable to return to the clubhouse. The official must also take into consideration what the deadline to return scorecards is and if it is possible for the returning members to complete their hunting time and get back to the club.

Rule 6 (h) uses the term delaying the cast and that after 30 minutes the dog would be scratched. This rule applies to a separate issue relative to a situation after time out has been called during the course of the hunt. Key words being during the course of the hunt. The rule does not apply as the time period allotted for separated cast members to return to the official.

When to Call the Next Line After All Dogs Missed the Line

Q: A line is called, and all dogs miss the line (none scored on it). At what point are these dogs once again eligible for speed and drive scoring? Is it at any next available spot where the rabbit can be marked or wait until they complete the next circle?

A: Lets change the scenario just slightly by saying Dog A did score on this marked line but B, C and D did not. Unfortunately for three of them they will not have another opportunity until they bring the rabbit back around again; right?

The very same theory applies when all dogs miss a marked line. Although the rulebook does not specifically answer this question, UKC maintains that the next opportunity to score speed and drive is not available until the dogs complete another full circle.

Misconduct Guidelines

Its surprising to learn just how few people really are aware of how to handle the situation where you have a person on a cast that is threatening and intimidating others. What about the situation where you discover that a scorecard was falsified?

There is a specific procedure for dealing with problems of this nature, and if you are going to be involved in the competitive side of this sport, whether it be as a Master of Hounds, Bench Show Judge, club officer, or cast participant, you need to know the procedure for taking the steps necessary to make this game a better place to be.

Reporting someone for misconduct isnt a typical necessity, thank goodness, which also accounts for why many people are not familiar with the proper form that needs to be completed. All clubs are provided with a couple Misconduct Form with their event supplies each year. This is the form that needs to be completed.

Yes, a blank sheet of paper might work as well, but generally the information provided is not nearly enough. The applicable form asks for all the necessary information and is the one that should be used. Let me say this, if you havent been on the receiving end of one, its a good thing! This is the form used to report problems of a more serious nature to the club or to United Kennel Club.

Before we touch on a couple of the more important aspects of it, please keep in mind that the rules for filing a Misconduct Form and the procedures for holding Misconduct Hearings can be found in their entirety on the UKC website under Forms and Rules. If I cant interest you in reading through it now, at least remember where to find this specific information for as long as you remain active in this sport, there is a very real chance that you will someday find yourself needing to reference this information.

The misconduct rules state that any person who becomes aware of event-related misconduct during the hours of a UKC licensed event must notify a UKC official or club officer. Basically, a UKC official or club officer will see that the complainant receives a Report Form and any assistance necessary to complete it. The completed form is then sent to UKC. The club should not begin any hearing procedures until they have heard back in writing from UKC that it will be necessary to hold a hearing. When the misconduct is discovered after the hours of the event, the person who wishes to file a misconduct report can either contact UKC or simply print one off the UKC website.

Once received at the office, UKC will do a short investigation to determine whether the evidence surrounding the reported misconduct does indeed warrant a hearing. In the event that it does, the club will receive a letter instructing them to hold a hearing in accordance with the procedure for doing so as outlined in the rules.

One thing to remember herenot many of us associated with these types of meetings are schooled or experienced in the art of conducting formal, court-room-like hearings. The obligation is to try to conduct a fair and impartial hearing in an effort to review the evidence and make a recommendation to UKC as to how to handle the alleged misconduct.

A discussion regarding the procedures for filing a misconduct report would not be complete without some theorizing on the responsibility that goes along with it. This procedure is each and every participants guarantee that the world of competition can be an even better place than it already is. Can you imagine that if everyone that went into a tirade on a cast was slammed with three years probation and a $100 fine, how quick we could put an end to the majority of this unsportsmanlike nonsense? It wouldnt be long before some of the hunters who simply dont want to risk the chance that theyll draw one of these individuals would come on back out to your clubs events. Keep in mind it needs to be an offense serious enough to warrant a hearing. Threats are serious enough. Issues like cussing someone and general unsportsmanlike behavior are best handled at the club level by a refusal of entries at a set number of future events at that club.

This explanation was not written with the intent of encouraging a rush of Misconduct Reports. But, darn it, if someone is causing problems, do your part to stand up to it. I dont mean to imply that these situations happen all the time, they dont. But when they do, its very frustrating to learn that individuals either: a) didnt want to get involved; or b) didnt know how to get involved. After 9/11, did you feel a renewed allegiance to your country? Whats going to have to happen before you feel a renewed allegiance to your sport?

Rules Proposals Reminder
Remember, this is a Rules Change year for both Hunting Beagle and Performance Pack. All proposals must be submitted no later than July 15. Hunting Beagle Proposals should be submitted to a State Representative. Performance Pack proposals should be submitted to Randy Harris or JT Berry in Virginia, Jonathan Hayes in Missouri, or Andy Romack in Illinois. All proposals will be reviewed and voted on by a Rules Committee. All proposals that pass will then go into effect on January 1, 2019.