Trial Rules

AUSTRALIAN UTILITY STOCK DOG SOCIETY INC. TRIAL RULES
Inc. No. A0092012P
Fostering Excellence in Breeding Practical ‘Utility’ Stock Dogs
1. AUSDS Inc. trials must be run in accordance with the Society’s Aims, Purposes and Objectives.
2. Common-sense welfare of livestock worked, and dogs competing, is of prime importance and
consideration.
3. Any abusive handling of stock and dogs will not be tolerated at an AUSDS Inc. event.
4. Owners and handlers must be Members, Junior Members or Level 1 workers, to be entitled to
compete with dogs in Society trials.
5. Level 1 workers need not be Members of the Society, but if they aren’t, there is a limited
registration entitlement (see AUSDS Inc. Dog Register – Rule 3. Level 1 Workers).
6. Dogs must be registered with the Society to be entitled to compete in Society trials. (see AUSDS
Inc. Dog Register).
7. Society ‘Try-Out’ days shall be held apart from trials, for the important purpose of encouraging
people to participate and work their stock dogs in relaxed trial situations, without having to comply
to the criteria of rule Nos. 4. and 6.
8. The degree of difficulty of Society trials shall correspond to the level of competition, but obstacles
must be relatively achievable for the majority of dogs, in order to maintain competitor enthusiasm
and interest:
(a) ‘Level 1’ trials – any worker is eligible to compete with their dogs, except with a dog that has previously won an AUSDS Inc. Level 1 trial, or with a dog that has won an AUSDS Inc. trial at a higher level

(b) ‘Level 2’ trials – dogs that have not won an AUSDS Inc. trial at a higher level, are eligible
to compete – can only be won on two occasions
(c) ‘Level 3’ trials – all dogs are eligible to compete
(d) ‘Championship’ trials – dogs must qualify in ‘Level 3’ trials to be eligible to compete
(e) In the sheep sections, ‘Level 1’ and ‘Level 2’ trials have a shorter cast than ‘Level 3’ and
‘Championship’ trials and the obstacle and yard work is simpler and less challenging than the
higher levels. Championship’ trials, however, have long extended casts and re-casts with
more difficult ‘drive-away’ sections etc.
(f) In the cattle section, ‘Level1’, ‘Level 2’, ‘Level 3’ and ‘Championship’ trials have varying
degrees of difficulty for each level.
9. The overall standard of trials, set by an ‘absolute majority’ of the Committee, must be adhered to
as closely as practically possible
10. Trial entry forms must be filled out with each dog’s name, including any known prefix, and each
dog’s AUSDS Inc. registration number.
11. Owners/handlers must sign trial entry forms which include an agreement to appropriately
control and take care of their dogs, and to accept full responsibility for any loss or damage caused by
themselves or by their dogs, at trial venues.
12. Fees shall be payable when trial entries are due.
* NB (i) Trial committees may limit the number of trial runs per owner/handler.
(ii) Trial committees shall reject late entries.
13. Any dog that poses the risk of transferring a contagious disease is not permitted at trials.
14. Bitches in oestrus are not permitted to compete or be near trial courses and may be inspected by
trial committees. Owners/handlers may substitute other dogs for such entries, or have their entry
fees refunded.
15. A random draw is made-up from those workers competing in trials. Each worker runs
accordingly, before any have their second run etc. Genuine inability to comply with draws may be
considered.
16. If a nominee works someone else’s dogs, the nominee must fulfil the criteria required of the
person for whom they represent.17. Handlers are allowed to command and control their dogs during trials by using: word of mouth,
whistle and arm signals. If a stick is used to emphasise arm signals, it must be plain and not exceed
50 cm in length.
18. Electronic devices for controlling dogs at trial venues are totally banned.
19. Handlers are not allowed physical contact with their dogs during trial runs unless judges grant
permission.
20. Competitors are not allowed onto trial courses with dogs that have not had their runs.
21. A reasonable time is allotted for trial runs to be completed, so that every aspect of a dog’ ability
and merit – to collect, control and move stock, can be assessed.
22. Fresh stock, having an even line, are used for each trial run where appropriate and available.
23. Judges shall be in charge of trials in progress, and their decisions are final.
24. Society score cards must be used by judges when assessing trials.
25. Dogs are expected to work in all categories (a), (b), (c), and (d).
26. Dogs are expected to be ready, unleashed and under control when coming to the starting point
of trial runs. * NB Dog collars that clang and jingle with noise etc. are best avoided.
27. The handler’s circle should be clearly defined, if necessary with some form of markers, so that it
can be clearly seen by both handler and judge.
28. Dogs shall be cast from a position to the rear of, and within a reasonable distance to the handler,
or directly beside the handler.
29. The release of stock shall be as natural as possible.
30. Judges indicate to time keepers when they consider it suitable to start trial runs.
31. Time keepers are to use audible devices to indicate to competitors when trial runs start and end.
32. Inappropriate crossings of dogs between stock and handlers does not result in disqualification,
but will be taken into account with the assessment of scores.
33. Handlers are to walk in a direct line to allocated positions along trial courses, where they should
remain whilst dogs negotiate corresponding sections of trials.
* NB (i) Trial courses will not have artificial corridors marked for stock to be worked within.
(ii) Trial courses shall include both left-hand and right-hand sided work.
34. Obstacle dimensions stipulated on the list of approved AUSDS Inc. obstacles, accompanied with
an Approx. Scale in Metres, must be adhered to as closely as practically possible.
35. Manoeuvres by handlers to unfairly help dogs to move or block stock are looked upon as serious
misdemeanours. Such actions will be taken into account with the assessment of scores.
* NB Help from handlers may at times be required and even advised by judges, to achieve
progression of trial runs eg. a stock blockage at an obstacle may be best rectified with such
help.
36. Judges are to indicate to time keepers when trial runs conclude, or if they are terminated prior to
time allotments.
37. Stock are to be taken off trial grounds at the conclusion of trial runs as promptly as possible.
38. Judges, with discretion, may grant re-runs if unforeseen circumstances happen during trial runs.
Judges, along with trial committees, will decide when re-runs occur.
39. If a dog is Scratched from any one of the 4 Aspects (a), (b), (c), or (d), although that dog may work
in the other Aspects (due to payment of entry fees), the whole entry is Assessed Only (All Scores
including Total Scores are Zero Points), and that that dog is not eligible for any prizes.
40. ‘Minor’ prizes be given in all Levels for the highest scoring dog in each of the 4 Aspects (a), (b), (c), and (d)

– final runs are not considered. (see also Rule 39.)

41. A single award be given for the best display of ‘stockmanship’ in each Level of competition – final runs are not considered. The respective Judges confer between themselves, and decide upon this award at the conclusion of each Level.                                                      42. If a Retirement of any of the 4 Aspects occurs:
(a) Long Searching Cast and Mustering (sheep); (b) Paddock and Obstacle Work (sheep);
(c) Yard Work (sheep); and (d) Cattle Handling
– Assessments Only are made for that Aspect (Zero Points are given). If the handler leaves the Circle
to collect the sheep in (a), this is also considered as a Retirement, but upon collecting the sheep, the
handler can continue directly to (b).
43. If a dog by-passes a section within any Aspect (a), (b), (c), or (d) without any attempt to
accomplish it, this constitutes a Retirement (Zero Points are given) for that Aspect.

44. If any section of a trial run is found too difficult or time consuming, it can be cut short without
disqualification. The handler may decide, or the judge may request, that the trial in progress move
forward to the next section before accomplishing the section at hand.
45. Judges are entitled, and must disqualify and terminate any aspect of a trial run, [(a), (b), (c) or
(d)], that is of inferior work, and which may cause detrimental effect to the welfare of any animals
involved.
* NB A zero score is given to that aspect of a trial run which is terminated by disqualification.
46. A dog that is likely to show any viciousness towards sheep, shall be muzzled when working in the
sheep yards.
47. A trial must be terminated if an animal has noticeable injury or bleeding. If the dog is of no fault
to the cause of the incident, a re-run may be granted.
48. Judges shall terminate trial runs if handlers display inappropriate language or behaviour.
49. If a dog is not capable of, or coping with, any section of any of the four aspects (a), (b), (c), or (d),
of a trial, handlers can move on towards the next section and continue with the trial without being
disqualified. The judge still gives an assessment for all sections attempted AND those sections partly
completed.
*NB (i) A zero score is given if a section/obstacle is not completed.
(ii) A zero score is given to that aspect of a trial run which is terminated by disqualification.
50. In Aspect (b) Paddock and Obstacle Work (sheep), and for Level 1 only, the ‘Drive Away’ be
changed to ‘Drive with the Handler’. The handler walks with, but should not proceed in front of the
sheep as the dog works them along, and when 15 metres from the Gap the handler stops and the
dog continues to work the sheep through.
51. Assessment scores that are given, including the total percentage score, the percentage score for
each of the 4 aspects, and all sectional scores, are to be clearly posted or made available for each
trial run, as promptly as possible for all to see. Results shall be announced on PA systems when
suitable.
52. Score cards used at trials remain the property of the Society, but can be perused at trials under
trial committee supervision.
53. ‘Level 3’ and ‘Championship’ trials shall have final run-offs.
54. When final run-offs are held, the aggregate total assessment scores determine the placings. If the
highest scores are equal, whether there are finals or not, first placing is awarded to the dog with the
fastest time.
55. Where possible, prize monies and trophies shall be made available for awards to competitors.
56. Dogs that qualify, but fail to compete when final run-offs are held, are not eligible for placement
awards.
57. Trial courses for finals may be altered by trial committees with assistance from judges.
* NB Any alterations must be in accordance with the Society’s Committee guidelines.
58. Trials wishing to experiment with a new obstacle design are required to submit the design to the
AUSDS Inc. Committee for consideration prior to the trial, and if approved, it may be used at that
trial. After the trial, the obstacle is then reassessed by the Committee, and if it is considered an
appropriate test, the obstacle is added to the approved list. If rejected, the obstacle is not to be used
in an AUSDS Inc. trial.
59. Any protest must be lodged in writing, accompanied by an appropriate fee (set by the Committee
of the Society), within 2 (two) hours of the incident, to the trial committee who will deal with the
matter. It may be necessary to seek advice from the Society’s Committee.
60. Competitors refusing to conform with these Trial Rules may be barred from competing in
subsequent Society trials.
61. These Trial Rules shall not be altered or added to unless a signed notice of the proposed
alteration or addition shall be given to the Society’s Secretary and by him to each Committee
Member at least 14 (fourteen) days prior to the Committee Meeting at which the motion is to be
considered and the motion is carried by an absolute majority of the Committee

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