The object of a Trial Course is to test the ability of a dog to manage stock (sheep or goats) properly under the differing circumstances that may be encountered in everyday work. Hence the various tests such as Gathering, Driving, Shedding, Singling and Penning are all tasks that may be necessary as the shepherd goes about his or her daily work. The guiding philosophy behind judging a run should always be related to the practical aspects of real farm work.

The Judge’s Responsibilities:

• Seeing that every competitor has a fair chance.
• Scoring each run to the same standard.
• Seeing that secretary/scribe is accurate in recording scores and keeping time.
• Disqualifying runs that violate certain rules on a consistent basis

Runs can be prematurely terminated by the handler as a “Retire” (RT) or by the Judge as a “disqualification” (DQ). If the judge disqualifies a run, the judge or secretary or course director will notify the handler who should promptly exhaust the stock and leave the field.

Runs which result in a RT or DQ will receive no total score.

If the Handler deems that he should have a rerun, the handler may indicate such to the judge up until the stock have completed the turn at the completion of the fetch. If no such request is made prior to the completion of the turn, then the handler has accepted the stock and may not later request a rerun. The judge may grant a rerun at any point during the run. When a rerun is granted, the score from the first run will be used up to the point where the judge feels that the condition requiring a rerun first affected the dog’s performance. Under no circumstances after the run may the handler approach the judge to request a rerun. This could result in DQ of all the handler’s dogs from the entire trial. The request must be made to the Course Director or a member of the Trial Committee.

With few exceptions left to the judge’s discretion, a rerun should be given if the wrong number of sheep has been let out, sheep are incorrectly marked, or one or more sheep is unsound for working. In these cases, the judge shall decide if the rerun will commence at the beginning and, if not, at which point it will start. If decided that the rerun starts at any point other than the beginning, the points scored up to the point of rerun shall stand.

When a rerun is granted, the handler shall send the dog in the same direction as the original run unless otherwise instructed by the Judge.

Any conduct not in the best interests of the sport either before, during or after a run can result in a DQ, the handler being reported to the HA, or removal of the handler from the trial field, or all three. This includes unsportsmanlike conduct such as foul or abusive language or actions, any loud remarks made about the judging within earshot of the judge, encouraging aggressive behavior toward the stock by the dog, or deliberate abuse of the stock or dog by the handler. Handlers are possible role models for the general public who admire their abilities with their dogs and their performances on the trial field. Handlers should treat their sport, their fellow competitors, the stock, their dogs and the judge with the same respect that they would like to receive. The good conduct and sportsmanship of dog handlers has been admired for centuries and it is the responsibility of every handler to protect that image. Handlers should try to take defeat with the same grace as they enjoy success.

Handlers should identify themselves and their dogs to the judge or the judge’s secretary when requested to do so. Under no circumstances, however, should handlers approach the judge while the judge is working, for discussions on any subject. Handlers should not make any comments in earshot of the judge that could possibly be construed as efforts to influence the judge’s scoring or represent an opinion of the handler about the judge’s scores or abilities. Such behavior could result in an immediate DQ and reporting to the HA for disciplinary action where such action appears appropriate.

Water shall always be available on the field for cooling a dog. Handlers should be allowed to direct a dog to the water and the dog use the water with no points penalty. Handlers should not leave the post to go to the water with the dog. However, if the handler is moving to the shedding ring or moving to the pen, he/she may detour to the water but should not continue to work. The clock will not be stopped. Actions of the stock are still being judged and may result in a loss of points, up to disqualification, if the stock leaves the trial area.

At the recommendation of the veterinarian, course director, or at the discretion of the judge, a sick or injured dog will not be allowed to compete.

The judge should have an opportunity to examine the course and suggest any alterations that the judge thinks would improve the trial. Special consideration should be given to the judge’s opinion in areas in which the judge feels that the nature of the course could affect the ability to adequately judge the work of the dogs. However, the setting up of the course is the responsibility of the local organizing committee or trial manager and they will have the final determination as to the layout of the course.

Excessive chasing of the stock by the dog is abusive to the stock and such actions can result in disqualification. While grips should generally be disqualified, it is possible that aggressive behavior by the stock toward the dog will sometimes leave the dog with no alternative except to grip. In such a case, provided the grip is appropriate, it should not be penalized. In such cases, the judge must consider whether prior actions by the dog have caused this behavior in the stock. If the judge deems that the dog has caused this behavior, the dog can be disqualified.

In situations where, after a prolonged period of effort the dog is unable to shift the stock, the judge may disqualify the team.

In any USBCHA sanctioned trial, a handler who touches the sheep shall be penalized by loss of points as the judge thinks appropriate in the circumstances.

In considering “Command,” the handler who gives fewer commands and who works the dog quietly shall be preferred to the handler who over-commands and works the dog noisily, to be judged with regard to the circumstances. In the case of a dog, its obedience to commands given shall be the sole consideration. The points for “Command” are included in the points awarded for each phase of work.

Style maybe otherwise defined as a dog’s attitude to his work and his method of doing it. His attention should be on his master’s commands. Inattention, turning away from his sheep, unsteadiness or rashness all amount to poor style and should be penalized. As with command, style is included in the points allowed for each phase of the work.