OFFICIAL UKC WEIGHT PULL RULEBOOK

Transcription

1 OFFICIAL UKC WEIGHT PULL RULEBOOK Effective January 1, 2014

2 Table of Contents Regulations Governing UKC Licensed Weight Pulls...3 Jurisdiction...3 Definitions...3 General Rules...7 Judge Changes...7 Entering a UKC event...9 Weigh-In Time and Judging Schedule...12 Pull Area...12 Equipment...16 Eligibility to compete in weight pull events...19 Weight Classes...24 Rules applying to Exhibitors and Spectators...24 Exhibitor Guidelines...26 Judging Procedures...26 Weigh-In...27 Handlers Meeting...28 Pulling Order...29 Pulling Rules...29 Maximum Starting Weights...32 Requirements for a qualifying pull...33 The Start and Finish...33 Passes...35 Fouls...35 Equipment Failure...36 Weight Pull Titles...36 Championship Points Schedule for Weight Pull Titles...38 Awards, trophies and ribbons...39 Total Dog Award...39 Weight Pull Judge Rules and Guidelines...40 Dog Temperament and Behavior...41 Use of Alcohol and Illegal Drugs at Events...43 Misconduct and Discipline...43 Inherent Rights and Powers of UKC...50 UKC Policy Regarding Persons Associated with Fighting Dogs...51 Regulations Governing UKC Licensed Weight Pulls Effective January 1, 2014 Changes are indicated by bold, italic font. UKC is the trademark of the United Kennel Club, Inc. located in Kalamazoo, MI. The use of the initials UKC in association with any other registry would be in violation of the registered trademark. Notify United Kennel Club, 100 E Kilgore Rd, Kalamazoo MI , should you become aware of such a violation. Section I. Jurisdiction. All UKC Licensed Weight Pulls shall be governed by the rules herein. The following rules and regulations governing UKC Licensed Weight Pulls and the awarding of UKC Weight Pull points and titles issued by United Kennel Club are uniform and are not given on a local or geographical basis. Section II. Purpose. Weight pull competition tests a dog s strength and stamina based on the dog s ability to pull a maximum amount of weight on a sled or cart over a prescribed distance within a prescribed amount of time. Scores are based on the amount of weight pulled and the amount of time required to complete the pull. The type of weight vehicle may vary according to the surface of the pull area. Section III. Who may offer weight pull events. Any UKC club that is eligible to offer weight pulls may be licensed to offer All-Breed Weight Pull events. UKC reserves the right to grant, withhold or revoke event licenses at its own discretion. Section IV. Definitions. A. Blind. A dog is blind if it has no useful sight. B. Breeder of record. The owner of the dam on the date of breeding is the breeder of record of all dogs whelped in the resulting litter. C. Chute. Also known as the course or track, the chute is a rectangular area at least 10 feet wide and 35 feet long, consisting of the 16 feet between the start line and the finish line, the additional area required behind the start line where the competing dog and the weight vehicle stand prior to the start of the pull, and the additional area required beyond the finish line where the competing dog and handler stand when the UKC Weight Pull Rules 3

3 pull is complete. D. Chute barriers. The chute barriers define the long sides of the chute for pulls on snow and natural and artificial surfaces. E. Come-in weight. The beginning weight a dog is required to pull. F. Contact point. The contact point on a sled runner is the most forward point of the runner that is in contact with the ground when the sled is on flat ground. G. Corresponding date. UKC schedules events based on a 52-week calendar. If a club offers an event on the 4th Saturday of this year, then that club s corresponding date in all subsequent years is also the 4th Saturday, regardless of the actual date. H. Course. See Chute. I. Day-of-pull entry. Most UKC clubs allow entries to be taken on the day of an event. The start and finish time for taking these entries is published in BLOODLINES Dog Event News magazine and on the UKC website. J. Determining a dog s age. In determining a dog s age for entry purposes, a month-to-month calendar day system shall be used. For example, a dog born on January 1 shall turn six months old on July 1 of the same year. K. Disqualified. Dog is deemed ineligible for competition. This can be the result of a condition prohibited in the rules, such as an alteration to the dog s natural state, an undesirable trait as listed in a breed standard, or a condition of or action by a dog that is prohibited under the rules of the United Kennel Club. A dog that has been disqualified from a conformation show or performance event may not participate in any further events unless reinstated by UKC. L. Dog. The word dog used in these regulations includes both sexes. M. Dropping. A dog must have all four feet on the pulling surface before being released. Any dropping of the dog will result in a foul. N. Excused. A Judge has the right to excuse any dog, handler or both for any violation of the rules or unsportsmanlike conduct on the day of the event. The Judge may also excuse any dog whenever he/she reasonably believes the dog s physical condition creates a risk of injury to the dog. An excused dog or handler may not continue to compete in the weight pull. O. Failure to earn a qualifying leg/score (NQ). A dog that fails to meet the requirements as described in subparagraph BB. P. Failure to make a qualifying pull. A dog that fails to make a qualifying pull as described in subparagraph CC. Q. Foul. A foul is anything that interrupts a qualifying pull. For more information, see Section XXIII. R. Foul Out. A team is allowed to foul twice during a class, at which time the dog is ineligible to continue competing in the pull. The dog s last qualifying pull will count as its top pull. S. Holding area. A designated area provided by the host club with sufficient space to safely hold all dogs entered in the weight pull. T. Immediate family. The spouse, parent, step-parent, child, step-child, brother or sister of a person are considered immediate family members. U. Leading a dog into the pull. A handler who walks their dog forward into engaging the cart or sled. A handler having contact with their dog when the trace is lifted from the pulling surface, beginning the pull, will be assessed a foul. V. Limited Privilege Program. This program is open to the following, provided they are spayed/neutered: mixed breed dogs, purebred dogs of unknown pedigree, and purebred dogs with disqualifying faults as described in the UKC breed standard. All Limited Privilege-listed dogs are eligible for weight pull events. Eligibility for future events will be determined and published in UKC publications and on the UKC website. W. On-deck area. A designated area, immediately behind the chute, where the next dog in line and its handler waits while the dog being judged is pulling in the chute. X. Pass. Skipping a round. See rules regarding passing in Section XXII. Y. Performance event. Events where the dog is judged on the basis of performance rather than conformation. Weights Pulls, Agility and Obedience are typical performance events. Z. Pre-entry. Some UKC clubs offer pre-entry in addition to day-of-pull entry. Pre-entries must be submitted by a specific date (published in BLOODLINES Dog Event News and on the UKC website), and are normally lower in price than day-of-pull entries. AA. Pre-entry only. Some UKC clubs do not allow day-of-pull entries and require that all entries be submitted by a specific date (published in BLOOD LINES Dog Event News and on the UKC website). These shows are described as Pre-entry Only (PE). BB. Non-qualifying leg/score (NQ.) A dog that fails to make a qualifying leg/score. See subpara- 4 UKC Weight Pull Rules UKC Weight Pull Rules 5

4 graph CC below Qualifying Leg/Score. CC. Qualifying Leg/Score. A dog earns a qualifying leg/score by completing an uninterrupted pull of a weighted vehicle loaded with the following weights for 16 feet within 60 seconds and: 1. On natural or artificial surfaces. Eight times the dog s body weight on the day of the event for events held on natural or artificial surfaces; or 2. On snow. Three times the dog s body weight on the day of the event for events held on snow; or 3. On rails. Ten times the dog s body weight on the day of the event for events held on a rail system. DD. Qualifying pull. A dog shall be required to pull a weighted vehicle 16 feet in 60 seconds or less without a foul, excusal or disqualification. A qualifying pull is required to move to the next round. EE. Round. A cycle of competition in a weight pull contest, in which each eligible dog gets to pull at the current weight level. FF. Sling-shot start. Dogs that are released with more than 1 foot of slack in the trace running in to start. GG. Sportsmanship. Conduct and attitude considered as befitting participants in sports, especially fair play, courtesy and grace in losing. HH. Temporary Listing (TL) number. A Temporary Listing number may be used to enter a dog in UKC events before the dog is registered or listed with UKC. Refer to the UKC website for rules and instructions on how to obtain a TL number by going to: ts/tlrules II. Timed Out. A dog is timed out when it fails to complete a 16-foot pull in 60 seconds. Timing out is a foul. JJ. Traces. Sometimes called a bridle, traces is the term applied to the rope that connects the dog to the weighted vehicle. KK. Trace line. A line marked on the pulling surface that references a proper starting position. The line shall be marked by setting the cart or sled on the start line, extending the trace out tight and measuring back one foot. LL. Track. See Chute. MM. Tug line. On Y-shaped traces, the tug line is that part of the traces that forms the base of the Y and connects to the dog. NN. Uninterrupted pull. A dog that pulls a weighted vehicle without a foul, excusal or disqualification. Section V. General Rules. A. Licenses. All licenses for UKC Licensed events shall be granted, withheld or revoked at the sole discretion of the United Kennel Club. B. Governing rules. UKC Licensed events are governed by UKC rules, classifications, and point systems. C. Suspended/Barred Individuals. A list of individuals who have been suspended or barred by UKC is prohibited from participating in any UKC Licensed event, including but not limited to owner, co-owner, handler, backup handler, judge, guide, vendor, spectator, Master of Hounds, Bench Show Judge, Judge or Director for any Conformation or Performance event, and are prohibited from holding office in any UKC approved club or association. D. Judge Changes 1. Change of Judge after event has been published in BLOODLINES Dog Event News. The host club must make every reasonable effort to notify exhibitors of the change and offer refunds to all pre-entered exhibitors who submit a written request for refund of their entry fee(s). Judge changes must be posted in plain view at the event site during event hours. 2. Appointing an emergency replacement Judge. If, on the day of the event, a Judge is unable to start or complete his/her assignment, the Event Chairperson must appoint an emergency replacement Judge. Points or legs earned by exhibitors under emergency replacement Judges shall be considered as if they were earned under the original Judge for the purpose of calculating required wins under different Judges. E. Finality of Judges decisions. By entering any weight pull, the owner and handler of any dog agree to accept the decision of the Judge as final. The decision of a Judge is the responsibility of the Judge and not that of United Kennel Club. F. Event Grounds Restrictions. No dog less than 8 weeks of age may be present on the grounds of a UKC Licensed event. Any other dog not entered into the event is at the discretion of the club. G. Required inoculations. All dogs six months of age or older must have inoculations for Rabies, Canine Distemper and Canine Parvovirus to be eligible to compete at UKC events. Dogs under six months of age present on the grounds of any UKC event must have current inoculations for Canine Distemper and Canine Parvovirus. Failure to comply with this paragraph will result in disciplinary action. 6 UKC Weight Pull Rules UKC Weight Pull Rules 7

5 H. Prohibited performance-altering drugs or supplements. The use of any performance altering drugs or supplements is strictly prohibited. Prohibited drugs include, but are not limited to: Stimulants, depressants, tranquilizers, narcotics, analgesics, mood enhancers, anabolic steroids, corticosteroids, anti-inflammatory or anti-arthritis medications, or any drugs, controlled or not, that may alter the dog s natural performance. I. Host club plan to test dogs for the presence of prohibited drugs or supplements. If the host club plans to test dogs for the presence of prohibited drugs or supplements, that information must be included when submitting the Event Application for a scheduled weekend. J. Special requirements for bringing dogs into state where event is being held. Clubs holding events in states with special requirements for bringing dogs into the state must list those requirements in writing when submitting the Event Application for a scheduled weekend. K. Choice of weighted vehicle. Section IX, paragraph B.2 describes three types of weighted vehicles. The host club must choose one type for each pull and include that information on the Event Application for a scheduled weekend. L. When a non-ukc Licensed Weight Pull is held in conjunction with a UKC Licensed Weight Pull. UKC clubs may host a non-ukc Licensed Weight Pull to be held in conjunction with a UKC Licensed Weight Pull providing: 1. Non-UKC licensed events hosted by the club must neither interfere with nor delay any of the licensed or non-licensed classes of the UKC Licensed event. 2. When both weight pulls are run simultaneously, each event must use a separate set of equipment and personnel. 3. The host club is responsible for ensuring that the licensing body of each event is distinctly identified. 4. No club may advertise any UKC Licensed Weight Pull as a Dual sanctioned event. M. Prohibition against Event Chairperson and Event Secretary serving as Judge. No person may serve as a Judge for the host club at any UKC Licensed event held on the same weekend when that person is serving as Event Chairperson or Event Secretary. N. Presence of Event Chairperson and Event Secretary at events. The Event Chairperson and the Event Secretary must be present during events at which they are serving in these capacities. 8 UKC Weight Pull Rules O. Regulation and recording of event results. The UKC Dog Events Department regulates and records the results of conformation shows, obedience trials, agility trials and weight pulls and issues awards for levels of achievement at these events. Additional events may be added at the sole discretion of United Kennel Club. $2 recording fee will be charged per entry in each licensed class and must be submitted with the event results for each event. P. When points or legs are awarded. 1. Points or legs earned toward UKC titles are awarded after United Kennel Club receives and processes the official event report from the host club. 2. No Weight Pull titles will be awarded until a dog with a Temporary Listing (TL) number has been permanently registered. Q. Responsibility of Owner to advise UKC of address change. It is the responsibility of an owner on record to notify UKC of address changes for any UKC registered dogs who may have pending titles. A change of address form may be found on the UKC website, res.ukcdogs.com/pdf/add chreq.pdf R. Title Certificate. UKC will mail the appropriate Title Certificate to the owner on record, once a title has been verified. S. UKC right to review and correct event related documents. UKC has the right to inspect all reports, score sheets, and other documents related to UKC Licensed events and to review those documents for any reason. Pursuant to the Inherent Rights and Powers, UKC employees may make corrections, additions or deletions to any documents related to UKC Licensed events, regardless of whether or not those documents are signed by a Judge or club officer. T. UKC right to change rules, policies and fees. UKC reserves the right to change rules, policies and fees at any time without notice. Section VI. Entering a UKC event. Dogs must be permanently registered, have a Limited Privilege number (performance events, companion events & Junior Showmanship), or have a valid Temporary Listing number. A. Official UKC Entry Form. Entries for all events for licensed weight classes must be submitted using the most current official UKC Entry Form. Entry forms must be complete when submitted to the Event Secretary, including a valid UKC Permanent Registration number, UKC UKC Weight Pull Rules 9

6 Limited Privilege number or UKC Temporary Listing number. Incomplete or unsigned entry forms or entries unaccompanied by entry fees are invalid and are to be refused by the Event Secretary/Event Manager. B. Eligibility for entry in licensed Weight Pulls. Entry in licensed Weight Pulls is limited to the following dogs provided they are at least one year of age on the day of the event: 1. Dogs that are permanently registered with UKC as of the day of the event or, 2. Dogs that have a valid Temporary Listing (TL) number as of the day of the event. 3. Dogs that have a Limited Privilege (LP) listing number as of the day of the event. 4. Upon reaching 12 years of age all dogs must have a Veterinary Certificate stating the dog is in good health and able to continue pulling. The Veterinary Certificate must be dated not earlier than 1 year from the date of the event. C. Ineligibility for entry in Licensed Weight Pulls. The following dogs must not enter in weight pulls even if otherwise eligible and may be refused by the Event Secretary. 1. Disqualified dog. Dogs that have been disqualified by a Judge at a UKC Licensed event in accordance with Section XXX. B Blind or lame dogs. Blind or lame dogs must not be entered in UKC Weight Pull events. 3. Females in Season. Females in season must not enter in UKC Weight Pull events. 4. Pregnant or lactating females. Pregnant or lactating females must not be entered in UKC Weight Pull events. 5. Drugged dogs. Dogs under the influence of a performance-altering drug or supplement must not be entered in UKC Weight Pull events. 6. Dogs that appear to be ill. Dogs that appear to be ill or dogs with sutures, bandages, adhesive or any other material that is indicative or related to any surgical or medical procedure must not be entered in UKC Weight Pull events. D. Entry procedures and deadlines. UKC clubs must use the following procedures for taking entries for licensed classes: 1. Day-of-pull entries. Clubs accepting day-ofpull entries must set a specific time period during which the Event Secretary will take entries for the event. This information will be published with the other event information in BLOODLINES Dog Event News magazine and on No entries will be taken at the event except during the specified time period. In the case of extreme weather or other emergency conditions, the Event Chairperson may decide to extend the taking of entries or delay the start of all judging by a reasonable period of time, or both. In such cases, the extension of entry-taking or delay of judging must be explained in writing by the Event Chairperson when submitting the Event report. 2. Pre-entry. Clubs accepting pre-entries must establish a pre-entry deadline after which no further pre-entries will be accepted. The pre-entry deadline must be published with the other event information in BLOODLINES Dog Event News magazine and Clubs may offer a discounted entry fee for pre-entries. In such cases, exhibitors whose entries fail to arrive by the deadline date may be required to pay the full entry fee. 3. Pre-entry only. Clubs may elect not to take day-of-pull entries. In such a case, the club must include this information on its Event Application for a scheduled weekend. Such events will be designated PE ONLY at the top of their listing in BLOODLINES Dog Event News magazine and 4. Conditional entry. An entry which specifies any condition as to its acceptance must not be made and must not be accepted by a club. E. Refusing an entry. Host clubs may refuse the entry of an otherwise eligible dog. While a club s decision is subject to review by UKC, it will not be overturned except where there is strong evidence that the club s decision is based on prohibited categories of discrimination (race, religion, national origin, etc.) or personal disputes. F. Corrections or changes to entry form. A handler or owner may make corrections to the dog s name or corrections to the dog s registration number (but not both on an individual entry) on an entry form anytime prior to the judging of the class in which the dog is entered. An exhibitor or owner may change the dog s name or the dog s registration number on an individual entry, but he/she may not change both on the same entry. The exhibitor must complete a Correction/Class Change Form as provided by the club. The Event Secretary must attach the form to the original entry. G. Refund or Cancellation of Entry. The host club shall be responsible for their own refund and/or cancellation of entry policy. It is suggested that the policy be posted. H. Entry numbers and armbands. Each dog shall be assigned an entry number and the host 10 UKC Weight Pull Rules UKC Weight Pull Rules 11

7 club must provide armbands displaying the entry number to the person exhibiting the dog. I. Substitution of an Entered Dog. Substitution of an entered dog may be allowed at the club s discretion, so long as the requirements outlined in Entering a UKC Event are followed and the new dog meets the eligibility requirements to be entered. Substitution of a dog is prohibited when the dog is ineligible to compete. Owners who are substituting a dog for an entered dog must submit a completed Official UKC Entry form along with a Correction/Class change form outlining the details of the submission. J. Dogs not UKC permanently registered. Dogs that are not permanently registered or have a UKC Limited Privilege number must have a Temporary Listing (TL) number to enter into licensed events. TL numbers are available through UKC. Entry of dogs in a UKC Licensed Weight Pull that are not UKC permanently registered, have a UKC Limited Privilege or a valid Temporary Listing number are to be refused entry by the Event Secretary. Section VII. Weigh-In and Judging Schedule. A. Weigh-In. See Section XV. B. Start time for licensed classes. At pre-entry only pulls, the pull must start at the advertised start time. All other pulls must start at the advertised start time or as soon as possible thereafter if there is a large number of day-of-pull entries. On the day of the pull, no dog may pull in the chute prior to the start time advertised in BLOOD- LINES Dog Event News magazine or on the UKC website. No dog may be judged prior to the start time advertised in BLOODLINES Dog Event News magazine or on the UKC website. No dog may pull after completing the maximum amount of weight allowed per Section XX. C. Scheduling performance and conformation events where space is limited. When a club is offering both conformation and weight pull, and space at the show site is limited to the extent that the conformation ring and the chute may be in the same space, conformation shall be judged last so that the performance dogs are not distracted by the scent of female dogs in season. Section VIII. Pull Area. The pull area shall consist of a pulling track within a chute on an approved pulling surface, an on-deck area and a holding area. A. Approved pulling surfaces. The following are approved weight pull surfaces: 12 UKC Weight Pull Rules 1. Natural surface. May be hard packed dirt, fine packed stones or grass. Sand is not acceptable. 2. Artificial surface. May be either asphalt or concrete but must be covered with carpet. Bare asphalt or concrete is not acceptable. 3. Snow. a. Natural snow. Hard packed snow. b. Artificial snow. Packed ice shavings such as those from an ice skating rink. There must be sufficient ice shavings covering the chute so that the dog s traction and the sled are able to remain on the ice shavings during the pull. 4. Rail system. The pulling surface lies between metal rails similar to railroad rails and which will safely hold the wheels of the carts. The pulling surface must be made of a material that is of sufficient strength and sturdy construction to support the combined maximum weight of the dog and weighted cart. The surface must be covered with carpet to allow the dog to gain traction. UKC Weight Pull Rules 13

8 B. Pulling track. 1. On natural and artificial surfaces. The pulling track is designated inside the chute by plainly marked start and finish lines that are exactly 16 feet apart. 2. On snow. The pulling track is designated inside the chute by plainly marked start and finish lines that are exactly 16 feet apart. Pulls on snow shall have an additional break line marked exactly two feet behind the start line. Before a pull on snow, the sled may be moved in the area between the start line and the break line to ensure that the runners are not frozen to the snow. Regardless of how the sled is moved it must be at a dead stop before hooking the dog. 3. On rails. The pulling track is designated between the rails by plainly marked start and finish lines that are exactly 16 feet apart. Rail systems may be of a type mounted on a platform or of a type placed on the ground. While type and construction of rail systems may vary, the safety of all dogs and people attending the event is of paramount importance. Full consideration must be given to the construction and assembly of the components of this type system to ensure their stability and safety. C. Chute requirements. 1. Pulls on natural and artificial surfaces and snow. a. Dimensions. The chute shall be at least 10 feet wide, but not more than 20 feet wide and at least 35 feet long. b. Placement of the chute. The chute must be placed in a location that is as level as possible, and where the surface is most likely to remain consistent throughout the pull. The chute may only be groomed between classes. c. When chute is not level. Where it is not possible to have a level chute, the dogs shall be required to pull from the low end toward the high end of the chute. d. Starting position. Regardless of the slope of the chute, the starting position must be in a position that does not allow the cart to roll freely. e. Surface on which the dog gains traction. The surface on which the dog gains traction must be the same as the surface under the wheels of the cart or runners of the sled being pulled. f. Chute barrier. A chute barrier at least three feet high and running the entire length of the chute is required for all pulls on natural and artificial surfaces and snow. The barrier shall be placed at the outer edges of the chute. Chute barriers can be made of any material that will discourage the dogs from leaving the chute during the pull. Examples of suitable material include plywood, snow fence, wood planks and hog panels. 2. Rail pulls. There must be welded stops on both ends of the track so that the cart is not accidentally pulled off of the rails. a. Dimensions. The recommended width of the pulling surface of the rail system is four feet, to allow use of sheet plywood measuring 4 x 8 feet. The recommended length is 30 feet or greater. b. Ensuring that track is level. There should be legs attached to the track to allow adjustments for leveling the track on any surface. Where a floor track is used the track is as level as the floor under it. c. Starting position. Regardless of the slope of the chute, the starting position must be in a position that does not allow the cart to roll freely. d. Crowd barrier. A crowd barrier at least three feet high and running the entire length of the chute is recommended for all weight pulls. The barrier shall be placed at least three feet away from the outer edges of the chute. Crowd barriers can be made of any material that will prevent spectators from interfering with the dogs during the pull. e. Surface on which the dog gains traction. The surface between the rails must be covered with carpet to allow the dog to gain traction. 3. Placement of open end of chute. The end of the chute toward which the dog is pulling must be open, clear of crates, dogs, and spectators. D. On-deck area. The host club must provide a marked on-deck area directly behind and near the starting end of the pull chute. As each dog moves into the chute to pull, the next dog in line and its handler shall wait in the on-deck area. The dog in the on-deck area must be under its handler s control. 14 UKC Weight Pull Rules UKC Weight Pull Rules 15

9 E. Holding area. The host club must provide a designated holding area with sufficient space to safely hold all dogs entered in the weight pull. Dogs in the holding area must be crated or on a short leash, and all must be closely supervised by their handlers. Section IX. Equipment. A. Dog s Equipment. 1. Collar. The dog may wear a flat buckle collar or be collarless in the chute and on deck areas. Any other type of collar and hanging tags are prohibited in the chute and on-deck areas. 2. Harness. The owner must provide each dog with a well-fitted weight pull harness prior to competition. Standard weight pull harnesses may be purchased from various sled dog and weight pull harness manufacturers. a. The rear of the harness shall not extend more than two feet behind the dog as measured from the base of the tail. b. The rear of the harness must have a dowel to prevent the sides of the harness from pinching or rubbing the hips and legs of the dog when pulling. Wooden dowels are preferred but a metal dowel is acceptable. c. The handler must ensure that the harness is in good repair and without any evidence of fraying or other condition that might cause the harness to break during the pull. d. The harness shall not be held together by plastic clasps, Velcro, or include any springs or shocks in it. 3. Leashes. Leashes are prohibited from being attached to the dog s collar or harness while the dog is pulling. 4. Artificial aids to assist dog s traction. Dog s pads are to be clean and free of any artificial aid designed to improve traction. This includes, but is not limited to boots, carpet, or any substance applied to the pads, except that when pulling on carpeting, pure water may be applied to the pads in the on-deck area. B. Pull Equipment. 1. Traces. Traces shall be used to attach the weighted vehicle to the dog s pulling harness. The traces must be made of rope or nylon. Chains or cable are not allowed. The traces must be attached to the weighted vehicle and to the dog s harness by sturdy enclosed metal rings or snaps. a. Wheeled cart traces. Traces shall form a long V-shape and be at least five (5) and not more than six (6) feet in length. The ring or snap that attaches the traces to the dog s harness shall be free to move from side to side. Traces shall be free of knots or anything that may hinder the free travel of the traces through the ring or snap. b. Sled traces. Traces from the sled shall be tied together at a point not less than two (2) feet nor more than three (3) feet in front of the sled to form a Y-shape. The traces shall be sufficiently long so that the distance from the point of attachment on the sled to the attachment on the dog s harness shall not exceed six (6) feet. c. Rail traces. Traces must be I-shaped and must be at least two and a half (2½) feet but not more than four (4) feet in length. 2. Weighted vehicles. a. Rail Cart. A rail cart shall be the weighted vehicle for all weight pulls on rails. 1) Rail cart requirements. The rail cart must be capable of safely carrying a load in excess of 6,000 pounds. Rail carts are normally made of steel angle and the rails made from angle iron. A typical rail cart is made of steel, measuring 4 feet 8 inches x 4 feet 8 inches, measured from the outer sides of the cart. There must be at least four heavy-duty wheels mounted to the corners of the weight cart or 6 heavy-duty wheels mounted to the corners and middle of the weight cart. All wheels may be V-groove, or there may be two or three V-groove and two or three flat wheels on opposite sides of the cart. The wheel size for the small cart should be 3 inches and for the larger cart 4-6 inches with 4 inches being preferred. The V-groove in the wheel holds the cart on course as it rides on the top of the angle iron rails. Any size rail cart is acceptable provided the materials used are of sufficient strength to bear the weights used in the pull, and the construction and design ensure the safety of all concerned. The rail system should be designed so that it can be assembled and disassembled easily. 2) Option to use two rail carts. A club shall not require a dog to start pulling higher than the set weight listed per weight class and must provide an appropriate rail cart. The club may use two rail carts meeting the above requirements but of different size and weight or one cart that will fulfill all requirements. The smaller and lighter cart may be used for the 20-, 30-, and 40-pound classes. The smaller cart is not required to hold more weight than the actual weight of the larger cart. When the 16 UKC Weight Pull Rules UKC Weight Pull Rules 17

10 weight pulled in these classes is equal or greater to the weight of the larger cart, the competition must continue with the larger cart. b. Sled. A sled shall be the weighted vehicle for all weight pulls on snow. 1) Sled requirements. The sled must: a) Be capable of safely carrying a load in excess of 3,000 pounds. b) Be at least 30 inches but not more than 48 inches in width. c) Have two runners, made of steel or a ptex material, that are not less than two nor more than four inches wide, and are sufficiently long enough to provide at least 7 feet of contact surface. The front ends of the runners must curve upward. 2) Option to use two sleds. A club shall not require a dog to start pulling higher than the set weight listed per weight class and must provide an appropriate sled. The club may use two sleds meeting the above requirements but of different size and weight or one sled that will fulfill all requirements. The smaller and lighter sled may be used for the 20-, 30-, and 40- pound classes. The smaller sled is not required to hold more weight than the actual weight of the larger sled. When the weight pulled in these classes is equal or greater to the weight of the larger sled, the competition must continue with the larger sled. c. Wheeled cart. A wheeled cart shall be the weighted vehicle for all weight pulls on natural or artificial surfaces. 1) Cart requirements. The cart must: a) Be capable of safely carrying a load in excess of 5,000 pounds. b) Have a solid weight-bearing surface consisting of wood or metal. The weight bearing surface may not be hollow. c) Have two axles and stand freely without tipping over. d) Have four pneumatic tires, each of which must have the same air pressure prior to the event. The tires shall not be less than eight inches and not more than eighteen inches in diameter, measured from one outer edge of the tire to the other. Wheels must be fixed so that they can only move forward and backward. A spare tire or adequate repair kit for the cart tires must be available at the pull site. e) Be equipped with 2 solid rings on the front for attaching the trace rope. 18 UKC Weight Pull Rules 2) Option to use two wheel carts. A club shall not require a dog to start pulling higher than the set weight listed per weight class and must provide an appropriate wheel cart. The club may use two-wheel carts meeting the above requirements but of different size and weight or one cart that will fulfill all requirements. The smaller and lighter cart may be used for the 20-, 30-, and 40-pound classes. The smaller cart is not required to hold more weight than the actual weight of the larger cart. When the weight pulled in these classes is equal or greater to the weight of the larger cart, the competition must continue with the larger cart. 3. Weight. The host club shall supply an adequate amount of pre-weighed material suitable for safe, stable stacking. 4. Stop watch. The host club shall supply a stop watch capable of measuring time to 1/100th of a second. 5. Scale. The host club must supply a scale with the capacity to weigh all dogs entered. It is preferred that a digital scale be used. Section X. Eligibility to compete in weight pull events. A. Eligibility to compete in licensed weight pull classes. No qualifying pull is required to compete in licensed weight pull classes. The following dogs are eligible to compete in UKC Licensed Weight Pull classes, provided they are at least one year of age on the day of the event: 1. Dogs that are permanently registered with UKC as of the day of the event or, 2. Dogs that have a valid Temporary Listing (TL) number as of the day of the event. 3. Dogs that have a Limited Privilege (LP) listing number as of the day of the event. 4. Upon reaching 12 years of age all dogs must have a Veterinary Certificate stating the dog is in good health and able to continue pulling. The Veterinary Certificate must be dated not earlier than 1 year from the date of the event. B. Mandatory excusals. The following dogs may not compete in weight pulls even if otherwise eligible and must be excused by the Judge. The Judge s decision is final in all mandatory excusals. The Judge must mark the reason for any mandatory excusal in the Judge s book. 1. Females in season. a. No female in season may participate in a weight pull. The host club has the option of refunding the entire entry fee or retaining up to UKC Weight Pull Rules 19

11 50% of the fee as a processing fee of any weight pull competitor who provides a veterinarian s certificate verifying that the female came into season after the closing date for entries. The certificate may be mailed, provided the postmark is no later than the date prior to the day of the trial, or delivered by hand to the Event Secretary before the start of the trials. b. A female found to be in season during a pull shall be immediately excused and shall be ineligible to receive a qualifying leg or championship points. The Judge s decision is final. The host club is not required to refund the entry fee. c. Any female that appears so attractive to males as to be a disturbing element shall be excused by the Judge. The Judge s decision is final. The dog s last qualifying pull will count as its top pull in the class. The host club is not required to refund the entry fee. 2. Pregnant or lactating females. Pregnant or lactating females must not participate in UKC weight pull events. A Judge who reasonably believes that a dog is pregnant or lactating must excuse the dog and mark the reason in the Judge s book. The Judge s decision is final. A bitch that has been bred is considered pregnant until: a. She whelps a litter; b. A veterinarian has determined that a bred bitch is not pregnant; or, c. The 64th day after the last day the bitch was bred, counting the day of the breeding. 3. Drugged dogs. No dog under the influence of a performance-altering drug may participate in a weight pull. 4. Lameness or illness. Judges must excuse any dog that is lame, appears to be ill, or exhibits any evidence of recent injury, including, but not limited to, bandages, splints, or stitches. 5. Excusing a dog for behavior on deck or in the chute. See section XXX, paragraph A. 6. Excusing a handler. The Judge must excuse a handler who exhibits poor sportsmanship. The Judge has sole discretion whether or not to allow the dog of an excused handler to continue to participate in the pull with a substitute handler. The Judge s decision in these matters is final. Poor sportsmanship that rises to the level of misconduct must be dealt with in accordance with Section XXXII, paragraph B. C. Disqualifying a dog. A Judge must disqualify a dog that bites or attempts to bite a person (including the handler) or that bites or attacks another dog during the supervised weigh-in or while in the on-deck or chute areas. The Judge 20 UKC Weight Pull Rules must complete the Disqualified for Attacking form as provided by the Event Secretary. A dog that has been disqualified by the Judge may not continue to compete in weight pulls even if otherwise eligible. The Judge s decision is final in all disqualifications. The Judge must mark the reason in the Judge s book for any disqualifications. A dog that has been disqualified from a conformation show or performance event may not participate in any further events unless reinstated by UKC. D. Rules Regarding Dogs Owned or Trained By Judges, Immediate Family Members and Members of the Same Household. 1. Judging and Exhibiting Performance judges may exhibit a dog or have a dog they own or co-own exhibited by someone else in any event preceding the day of their judging assignment, the day of their judging assignment or the day after their judging assignment at an event in which they have been hired or in a scheduled weekend. The back-up judge system for performance events must be in place for an assigned judge to exhibit or have a dog that they own or co-own exhibited in the event in which they are judging. No judge may interrupt, disrupt, delay or reschedule an event in which he/she has entered a dog in, in order to fulfill or complete their judging assignment. Nor may a judge interrupt, disrupt, delay or reschedule an event in which he/she is officiating in order to facilitate exhibiting their dog. No Club or judge may interrupt, disrupt, delay or reschedule any event for any judge to accommodate a judge exhibiting a dog on the same day he/she is judging for any reason. Judges reported and proven to have interrupted, disrupted, delayed or rescheduled an event to allow themselves to exhibit a dog or interrupted, disrupted, delayed or rescheduled an event in which they are officiating, to exhibit a dog, will face disciplinary action which could include the suspension of judging privileges for up to 1 year and a fine up to $500. Clubs reported and proven to have interrupted, disrupted, delayed or rescheduled an event to allow a judge to exhibit a dog or allowed a judge to interrupt, disrupt, delay or reschedule an event in which the judge is officiating in order to exhibit a dog will face discipli- UKC Weight Pull Rules 21

12 nary action which could include the suspension of event privileges for up to 1 year and a fine up to $500. Judges accepting assignments in which they are considering exhibiting a dog and clubs hiring judges who wish to exhibit a dog at that event must give utmost thought and care to avoid conflicts of time. The judge s primary responsibility is to their assignment to judge. Should a conflict of time arise at an event on a scheduled weekend in which the judge is forced to choose between exhibiting and judging, the judge must fulfill the assignment the club hired them to fulfill and willingly and knowingly withdraw any entries in any event that presents the conflict. Should a judge find a handler for the entered dog if there is a conflict of time, the dog may still be exhibited in the event in which it is entered. Judges exhibiting in any event on the same day (other than the event they officiate) will be eligible for awards, placements, All-Star and Championship points where applicable. 2. Immediate Family/Household. No dog can be entered under a judge that has been owned or trained by the judge, the judge s immediate family or that has lived in the Judge s household or the household of a member of the judge s immediate family, regardless of ownership, within three months of the date of the event; The immediate family members of a judge and members of a judge s household may exhibit any dog not owned or co-owned by the judge in any event, on any day of a scheduled weekend in which the judge has been hired; provided that they do not enter or exhibit the dog in the same event-type that the judge is officiating on the same day, with the exception of using the back-up judging system in the performance events. Immediate family/household members may enter any event without restriction on any other day the judge is not scheduled to judge. 3. Back-Up Judge System. Performance judges may compete in the same trial that they are assigned to judge under the following provisions: 22 UKC Weight Pull Rules The judge must notify the club in advance that they wish to enter a dog in an event they are assigned to judge. The host club must designate a Chief (Head, Lead) judge and a back-up judge on the event application. The chief judge shall be the overall authority for judging the event. Dog(s) exhibited by the chief judge may compete only under the assigned back-up judge. The back-up judge may only officiate for the chief judge (and/or immediate family/household members of the judge) and may not officiate for any other exhibitors entered in that event with the exception of the events in which multiple dogs are judged at the same time. (i.e. terrier racing, weight pull, lure coursing) In that case the back-up judge may only judge the class/division/race in which the judge s dog(s) are competing. Judges are prohibited from interrupting their judging assignment in order to exhibit. Judges may coordinate when they will exhibit based on the event specific rules in which judges are entered/officiating. Judges competing in the events in which they are officiating will not be eligible for placements, awards or All-Star points as per the event specific rules in which they are entered/officiating. Assigned back-up judges will be eligible for awards, placements, All-Star and Championship points. 4. Emergency Replacement of Back-Up Judge. Should an assigned back-up judge fail to appear at an event in which they were assigned as the designated back-up judge there will be no emergency replacement of the back-up judge s assignment if there is no other fully licensed judge at the event. In this case, the Chief Judge will forfeit their entry and fulfill their assignment. If an event was published in the UKC s Upcoming Events on the website and in BLOODLINES Dog Event News as having a back-up judge and if a fully licensed judge is in attendance at an event where the assigned back-up judge did not appear; the judge in attendance may serve as the back-up judge. Clubs must note the change in back-up judges and provide a detailed explanation of the circumstances in their event report. UKC Weight Pull Rules 23

13 Section XI. Weight Classes. A. Determining a dog s weight class. The class for a dog is based on the dog s natural body weight as determined at the official weigh-in for the event. Males and females shall pull together in the same class. Owners and handlers are prohibited from wetting down their dogs or forcing or encouraging their dogs to drink additional water in order to place a dog in a more advantageous weight class. Persons caught using this practice, sometimes called water logging, will be disqualified from participating in the weight pull and may also face disciplinary action from UKC. B. UKC weight classes. Classes are open to any dog that meets entry eligibility as defined in this rulebook. Weight Minimum Maximum Class Weight Weight 20 lbs No minimum under 21 lbs 30 lbs 21 lbs under 31 lbs 40 lbs 31 lbs under 41 lbs 50 lbs 41 lbs under 51 lbs 60 lbs 51 lbs under 61 lbs 70 lbs 61 lbs under 71 lbs 80 lbs 71 lbs under 81 lbs 90 lbs 81 lbs under 91 lbs 100 lbs 91 lbs under 101 lbs Unlimited 101 lbs no maximum Section XII. Rules Applying To Exhibitors And Spectators. UKC exhibitors and spectators are expected to display good behavior and good sportsmanship on and off the course. Judges, Event Committee members and host club officers may excuse exhibitors or spectators from the chute, ondeck area, holding area or the event grounds for violations of these rules or conduct that interferes with the event and event participants. A. Complaints about the Judge s decision. By entering in a UKC event, the exhibitor is inviting the opinion of the Judge and must accept the Judge s decision as final. Exhibitors are encouraged to discuss calls with Judges but may not argue about the Judge s final decision. Complaints about the Judge may only be lodged with the host club if the exhibitor believes the Judge has violated a specific UKC rule. Complaints about a Judge s knowledge of and ability to apply UKC Weight Pull rules may be filed with UKC but must address specific deficiencies. B. Control of the dog. Handlers are expected to keep their dogs under control at all times. The 24 UKC Weight Pull Rules Event Committee may expel from the event grounds any person whose failure to control a dog interferes with judging or with the ability of other handlers to pull their dogs. C. Double handling. Persons outside the chute are prohibited from any actions, intentional or otherwise, which affect the performance of a dog in the chute or in the holding area. Persons who are family or household members, have trained or handled the dog in any capacity, or have anything to do with the dog in the chute shall not place themselves beyond the finish line. This prohibition shall apply equally to persons attempting to improve or to impair a performance. The Event Committee may expel from the event grounds any person they reasonably believe is attempting to affect the performance of a dog. Judges may excuse any handler and his/her dog when the Judge reasonably believes the dog is benefiting from double handling. D. Grounds clean-up. Handlers are required to clean up behind their dog if it fouls the chute, ondeck area, holding area, or the event grounds. A member of the Event Committee may bring cleaning supplies to the handler and may hold the dog while the owner cleans the chute or the on-deck area. Any handler who fails to clean up after his dog may be directed by the Event Committee to leave the event grounds. E. Interfering with the Judge. No person may interfere with the Judge in any way while he/she is judging a weight class. F. Performance-altering drugs or supplements. No dog under the influence of a performancealtering drug may participate in a weight pull. The use of performance altering drugs or supplements is strictly prohibited. Owners and handlers are presumed to know the condition of their dogs and risk disciplinary action for exhibiting dogs under the influence of performance-altering drugs. G. Misbehavior of handlers. 1. Excusing a handler. The Judge must excuse a handler who exhibits poor sportsmanship. The Judge has the sole discretion whether or not to allow the dog of an excused handler to continue to participate in the pull with a substitute handler. The Judge s decision in these matters is final. 2. Poor Sportsmanship. Poor sportsmanship that rises to the level of misconduct must be dealt with in accordance with Section XXXII. B. The handler must not be permitted to exhibit until the hearing has been held. A different handler may exhibit any additional dogs the handler has entered. In this case the club is not UKC Weight Pull Rules 25