1. MANDATORY Handlers meeting at 9am (subject to change) at the Central States Fairgrounds Kjerstad Event Center.
2. Course will be explained at handlers meeting.
3. Entries limited to three dogs per handler with a total limit of 65 dogs. Additional dogs will be placed on a waiting list.
4. Entries and run order will be drawn on January 16, 2023. After January 13 refunds are granted only with a signed veterinary certificate.
5. Top 16 preliminary dogs will compete in the semi-finals with the top 10 returning for the finals.
6. Any handler may qualify three dogs in the semi-finals and three dogs in the finals. Top 10 combined times will advance to the finals.
7. At trial check-in, handlers receive entry for two adults and two children. Additional tickets areavailable for purchase at the door.
8. Handler and dog must be in marked box then signals ready.
9. Sheep are released from holding pen. Time begins when either the chute gate is closed or the Handler sends dog, whichever happens first.
10. Time stops when sheep are penned, and gate is closed.
11. Top 16 dogs with fastest times will run in semi-finals. TOP 10 DOGS with fastest COMBINED times will go into FINALS.
12. Any Handler may qualify two dogs in the semi-finals, and two dogs in finals.
13. Run may be called off if time warrants.
14. Alternative times may be taken by clerks when sheep are at various points in the course for tie breaking purposes.
15. Maximum time allowed to complete course will be stated at Handler’s meeting.
Contestants may be disqualified for:
- Failure to follow pattern with any or all sheep.
- Handler leaves box before sheep completes figure eight around barrels.
- Handler may help dog put sheep over bridge, but at no time touch the sheep.
- Rope is attached to pen gate, once Handler has grasped rope they must Not intentionally let go until sheep have been penned.
- Handler cannot touch sheep or use pen gate to push sheep into pen.
- Judge may disqualify any dog for incompetent work.
- No biting or puling wool (judge’s decision).