International Silken Windhound Society

International Silken Windhound Society Racing Program

Official Rules

proposed February 28, 2005

CHAPTER I - GENERAL RULES

1.0 PURPOSE
International Silken Windhound Society (ISWS) offers these Official Rules for straight racing to encourage competition for ISWS registered Silken Windhounds, under uniform and high standards complementary to the excellent programs already enjoyed by Sighthound breeds withing the Large Gazehound Racing Association (LGRA). The Straight Racing Champoin (SRC) award program designed to reward excellence in racing Silkens when they have met the necessary SRC point requirements. Every effort has been made to offer rules that can be applied easily and honestly by all race clubs.

1.1 ELIGIBLE BREEDS
Only ISWS registered Silken Windhounds will be allowed to race at ISWS racing meets.

1.2 REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS

1.2.1 Approved Registries
All Silkens must be individually registered with ISWS but may be on limited or full registration. The person entering a hound for racing must be the actual owner, or agent of the owner, or be in possession of papers transferring said ownership to the person entering the hound.

1.2.2 Registration with ISWS Racing
Registration is accomplished by sending to the ISWS race registrar a copy of the individual ISWS registration papers for each individual dog that a racing number is requested for along with a fee of $4.00 US per dog with the check or money order made out to ISWS racing. This MUST be done at least two weeks prior to any meet in order that the dog will have an ISWS racing number issued to it by the Registrar in time for the meet. There is NO DAY OF MEET registration for ISWS racing allowed. The ISWS racing number is good for the life of the dog.

1.3 RULES COMMITTEE AND RULE CHANGE PROPOSALS
The Race Director will establish the policy and, subject to approval by the ISWS Board. The Club Members shall implement and enforce the ISWS rules and policy when sponsoring a race meet.

1.3.1 Rule Change Proposals
ISWS Member Club Delegates from non LGRA, WRA or NOTRA clubs must forward proposed rule changes to the Race Director by October 10th of each year. The Race Director shall forward them to the ISWS Board for comment by October 15th of each year. The Secretary shall prepare written ballots for the proposed rule changes and mail, fax, or e-mail by November 20th one ballot to each Member Club Delegate, who shall vote promptly and return the marked ballot by mail and e-mail to the Secretary no later than Dec. 15th, in order to be counted per the By-Laws. . Amendments to the racing rules shall be by two-thirds (2/3rds) of the ballots cast. Please note that 1.31 Rule Change Proposals will only be enacted in the event that ISWS racing elects to no longer parallel the rules of LGRA racing.

1.3.2 Qualifying Clubs
To qualify for participation in the Rule Change process, ISWS racing clubs must have held or co-hosted at least one sanctioned ISWS only meet during the 24 month period Nov 21 through Nov. 20 of the voting year (i.e., ballot to ballot).

1.4 THE OFFICIAL RACE MEET
The Official Race Meet will be offered to all eligible Silken Windhounds that have had racing numbers assigned by the Registrar PRIOR TO THE MEET. Boxes are the preferred starting method and where boxes are available they MUST BE USED. A hand slip is only allowed where no Whippet or other breed boxes is available for use.The method of starting will be made known prior to the Meet by a premium list sent to owners of prospective entrants and posted on the ISWS Members and Windhounds Internet lists.. All racers must wear racing muzzles and correctly colored and numbered jackets.

1.5 AGE REQUIREMENT
Hounds must be 1 year of age or older on the day of an Official Race Meet to be entered.

1.6 RISK AND RESPONSIBILITY
The owner or agent entering a Silken in an ISWS meet assumes all risk and responsibility for loss or injury suffered or caused by his or her hound while on the grounds or near the entrance of the race meet.

1.7 THE HOST CLUB
The Host Club for an Official Race Meet is the club, group, association or individual that puts on the meet. The Host Club must be licensed by ISWS racing or by LGRA, WRA or NOTRA and must agree to abide by these Rules. It shall be the exhibitor/handlers responsibility to carry with them ISWS racing rules if they wish to have them at the meets.

1.8 ENTRY FEES
Entry fees shall be fixed by the Host Club and shall be forfeited if a hound is disqualified, dismissed or scratched from racing for cause except as follows: 1. Bitches in season, which come n after entry is made, shall have their fees refunded; and 2. Hounds, which are determined to be lame, obviously sick, or in season by the Inspection Committee prior to completing any races shall be barred from racing and have their entry fees refunded.

1.9 QUALIFYING TO RACE
The Host Club Race Secretary may order a qualifying run with or without other hounds for any hound which has not previously raced at an Official meet, i.e., the Hound is First Time Entered (FTE), or only has Disqualified, Did Not Finish, or Off Course on his racing record. Qualifying runs can be held at practice races or before an Official meet. Entries at Official Meets should only be accepted for hounds which are qualified to race.

1.10 MINIMUM STARTERS FOR AN OFFICIAL MEET
The minimum starters for an Official Meet shall be two (2) Silken Windhounds.

1.11 OWNER/HANDLER SPORTSMANSHIP
Owners/Handlers at ISWS events accept and agree to abide by the ISWS rules, and generally accepted rules of conduct and good sportsmanship. They shall also abide by any rules of the host club that are not in violation of ISWS rules or the law. Further, they shall pick up after their hound, keep the grounds clean, and treat their hounds with respect and in a humane manner.

CHAPTER II - REQUESTING AN OFFICIAL RACE MEET

2.1 REQUEST FOR CERTIFICATION
Any club, group, association or individual may request certification from ISWS to hold an Official Race Meet. Such a group or individuals are referred to as the Host Club. They should be knowledgeable and experienced, and able to properly conduct an Official Meet. LGRA,WRA or NOTRA clubs that agree to host an ISWS meet upon request shall be considered certified to host an ISWS meet.

2.1.1 Submitting Request for Next Year's Calendar
Annually by November 20th, each Member Club that is not a LGRA, WRA or NOTRA club shall submit a request to the Registrar/Recorder by mail or e-mail for next year’s Calendar. Contact the Race Director for the Race Meet Request Form. This form must specify date, location, times and method of starting,host club and the host club race secretary or delegate. Priority for a given date is based on the previous years calendar. Requests after November 20th will be considered based on date of submission.

2.1.2 Submitting Request for Additions/Changes to Current Calendar
The request for certification to hold an Official Race Meet or change a scheduled date/site should be submitted to the Registrar/Recorder at least 30 days prior to the date requested. It must specify the date, location, breeds for which races are to be offered, the method of starting for each breed, the name of the Host Club, and the name of the Host Club Race Secretary/Delegate. This must also be done on a race meet request form from the Race Director.

2.2 REPORTING RESULTS OF AN OFFICIAL RACE MEET
2.2.1 Phoned-in/Email Results
Within 48 hours of a meet, the Host Club should phone or email in the following to the Registrar/Recorder:
(a) Number of Silken Windhounds starting.
(b) The ISWS registration numbers and the “call” name of each starter.
(c) The placing and meet score earned by each starter.
(d) All First Time Entered (FTE), Disqualifications (DQ), Off Course (OC), Did Not Finish (DNF), and Scratch (S) with Race Number scratched from, i.e., ran race 1, did not run race 2, show S2
(e) The results of each race, indicating any reruns.
NOTE: Failure to comply with the 48 hour rule will result in a $5.00 fine per day for every day late for clubs that are licensed through ISWS racing but does not apply to LGRA,WRA or NOTRA clubs hosting ISWS meets.

2.2.2 Results by Mail
Shall not be required at this time. Emailing of results to the registrar shall suffice.

2.2.3 Recordkeeping
The results of the meet will not be recorded in the permanent records of ISWS nor will points towards a Straigh Racing Champion be awarded until all necessary results and fees have been received.

CHAPTER III – OFFICIALS

3.1 GENERAL
Each Official Race Meet must use well-trained, competent and strictly honest officials. They should not be under the influence of any substance or consume alcohol or drugs while acting as officials. Each Official Race Meet must have the following officials (their duties are listed):

3.2 HOST CLUB RACE SECRETARY
The Host Club Race Secretary will perform the following:
(a) Applies for certification from ISWS to hold an Official Race Meet as described in 2.1.1.
(b) Accepts entries for the meet and prepares a program for the meet which lists entries by breed, grade, name of hound and owner.
(c) Collects all records of the meet and reports them to the Registrar/Recorder as outlined in 2.2.1 and 2.2.2.
(d) Uses the grading guide to maintain knowledge of the correct grade of each hound racing at the meet.
(e) Chairman of the Race Committee.
(f) Appoints officials and other persons needed for the set-up and operation of the meet.
(g) Assures that all trophies and awards are on hand if any such are provided.
(h) Provides grounds for the meet, arranges for clean-up before and after the meet.
(i) Arranges for the set-up of the track when required.
(j) Assures that all equipment and supplies are on hand and functional.
(k) Coordinates the operation of the meet.
(l) Conducts a public draw for the first program of racing.
(m) Calls the roll of the entered hounds before the draw for the first program of racing.
(n) Calls up each race such that the meet is run efficiently without delay.
(o) Announces the official order of finish of each race after receiving reports or consulting with Finish Line and Foul Judges and the Starter.
(p) Assures that accurate score keeping is done on Official Record Sheets.
(q) Rotates the racers by similar points for each program of racing in accordance with the scoring system.
(r) Assures that the placing and scores are correctly listed on the scoreboard.

3.3 INSPECTION COMMITTEE
The Inspection Committee shall consist of two knowledgeable individuals. At Roll Call, they inspect each Hound entered for lameness, sickness, being in season, and adequacy of muzzles.

3.4 FOUL JUDGES
The Race Secretary shall appoint qualified Foul Judges prior to the running of a race. A Head Foul Judge may be appointed to assure that there are enough qualified judges for each race, and that judges do not have an interest in hounds entered in the race (i.e., owner, co-owner, handler). Two Foul Judges are required, but three preferred. Depending on the number of qualified officials, the Race Secretary may appoint the box operator/starter as the third Foul Judge. Foul Judges should stand at appropriate locations on opposite sides of the track. If three judges, the first judge should be approximately 50 yards from the box, the third judge should be at the finish line and the second judge approximately halfway in between. If only two judges, one should be within 8-10 feet of the finish line with the other halfway down the track. Each Foul Judge must be well trained and experienced to carefully observe each race and determine whether there was “No Problem”, “No Race”, “Off Course”, “Possible Foul”, “Disqualifying Intentional Foul”. Each judge must also determine which racers are involved. Before conferring with anyone each Judge must make a written report to the Race Secretary of any problem. When a “Disqualifying Intentional Foul” is called, at least 2 judges must agree that it occurred and agree on the identity of the aggressor. If there is lack of agreement, it should be called a “Possible Foul”.

3.5 FINISH LINE JUDGES
The Race Secretary shall appoint qualified Finish Line Judges prior to the running of a race. A Head Finish Line Judge may be appointed to assure that there are enough qualified judges for a race. A judge should not have an interest in a hound entered in the race to be judged. Qualified judges may officiate races in which their own dogs might be competing only if there is a shortage of officials and with agreement of the owner/handlers involved. There must be at least two line judges for low point races and four line judges are preferred for high point races and when the races are very competitive. There must always be an equal number of line judges on each side of the track. The Finish Line Judges must be thoroughly qualified to accurately determine the order of finish of each race. One judge is designated “Head Judge”. Each Judge should carefully observe the order of finish of each race while standing well back from the track for good visibility, and, preferably from an elevated stand, on the Finish Line. Immediately after each race, without conferring with anybody, they should each write the order of finish of every dog by number or color of racing jackets on the Finish Line Judges Report. The Reports are given to the “Head Judge” for correlation. The majority decides a difference of opinion. A tie should be called if the judges are equally split or if there is a very strong disagreement on a placing. The outcome of the race for every racer must be indicated. A dog that leaves the track at any time prior to crossing the finish line shall be scored as ‘off course’. A dog that does not cross the finish line or crosses the finish line only after receiving assistance from a person or persons on the track should be scored as “did not finish”. Results are not final until posted on the meet Scoreboard after reports of the Foul Judges have been considered.

3.6 SCOREKEEPER
The Race Secretary may appoint a Scorekeeper, who will record the placements communicated by the Head Finish Line Judge in the Records of the race meet and on the scoreboard. The Scorekeeper shall also announce the hounds for each race and shall direct them to the starting box/line when they are properly blanketed and muzzled, after the Starter has signaled readiness. All hounds shall exit the paddock area onto the track as directed, and shall proceed as a group to the starting box/line. THE SCOREKEEPER SHALL NOT PERMIT A HOUND TO RACE UNLESS IT WEARS A MUZZLE THAT IS ACCEPTABLE AND IN GOOD CONDITION.

3.7 LURE OPERATOR
The lure operator shall examine the lure machine to assure its proper operation after the lure has been taken to the start. The lure operator shall endeavor to keep the lure approximately 30 feet
ahead of the lead hound. The lure operator shall endeavor to operate the lure as smoothly as possible down the course, and shall continue the lure past the finish line at full speed. If possible, the lure should not be stopped until the last hound has crossed the finish line.

3.8 STARTER AND ASSISTANT STARTER
3.8.1 Starting Boxes
Using a starting box is the preferred method for starting Silken races. Hand slipping is only allowed when a Whippet box or larger is not available. If a box is available Silkens MUST BE BOX STARTED. Changing the published starting method is allowed only under extreme circumstances. For a box start, the lure should be placed 15 feet in front of and centered in front of the starting box with some slack in the line. The lure should be in clear view of all the racers.

3.8.2 Hand Slip
In the event that no Whippet box or larger is available the meet may be handslipped. When hand slipping is used to start a race, the lure will be placed 10 feet in front of the hounds with no slack. The hounds will be held behind the starting line in blanket order. Handlers may restrain the hounds in any fashion as long as it does not interfere with the start of another hound. The Starter will ask the handlers if they are ready and after receiving a verbal response will signal the lure operator to start the lure. A hound will be penalized into last place for that race if it is pre-slipped (i.e., released before the movement of the lure). A pre-slip is called by the Starter. If there is an Assistant Starter assigned to that race, both the Starter and Assistant Starter must agree on the pre-slip.

3.8.3 Other Duties
The Starters check all racers and equipment at the starting box/starting line and assist in the loading of the racers into the starting box by numerical order. They assure that no owner or handler touches the lure or teases the hounds with the lure.

CHAPTER IV - RUNNING THE OFFICIAL RACE MEET
4.1 THE RACE FORMAT
The Race Format consists of the distance of the races, the number of programs of racing (the number of times each racer runs in a meet), the number of racers in each race, and the method of rotating racers for each program of racing.

4.1.1 Distance
The distance of a ISWS Sprint course is 200 yards.

4.1.2 Number of Programs
The Official Race Meet consists of 3 programs of racing in which an entry can race once in each program. If a racer does not start in one program, it is automatically scratched from subsequent programs. In order for a meet to be official, all programs planned must be completed.. No hound should be required to race without a 30 minute rest between programs unless a rerun is required. A rerun may be run with less than 30 minutes rest depending on the length of the first run and with consent of the owner/handlers. Each racer is assigned to a specific race in each program, either through use of the grading guide (first program) or scores earned in prior races (second and third programs). If the racer fails to run in its assigned race, it cannot be placed in any subsequent race in the same program.

4.1.3 Rotating the Racers
Racers are to be rotated for each subsequent program by a point system described in Section 4.2

4.2 THE GRADING SYSTEM
The object of the Grading System is to match racers against each other by a point system based on racing ability. Racers are not divided by sex or any other factor. All racers shall have a Grade classification A, B, C or D in the First Program of a meet using Graded Races. After each meet, each hound will have its Grade reevaluated depending on its performance in the meet.

4.2.1 Initial Grading
A Silken which has no previous race record at Official Race Meets starts in Grade D, except it that may be put in Grade C at the discretion of the Race Secretary based on the results of schooling races.

4.2.2 Grading with ISWS Records
When a dog entered for an Official Race Meet has previously raced at Official Race Meets, it should be graded based on its current ISWS record. The weighted average of the scores at the racer’s last 3 meets is to be used for grading. The weighted average (WAVE) is calculated as follows: Only the last three meets entered are considered. The basic formula is [(meet 1) + 0.7(meet 2) + 0.5(meet 3)]/ 2.2 where meet 1 is the most recent. Only completed meets are used for this calculation. If only 2 meets were run or one was a scratch, then the formula is [(meet 1) + 0.7(meet 2)]/ 1.7. If only one meet was completed then the WAVE is the score earned in that one meet. If the hound only has scratch meets in its last three meets then the scratch scores are averaged to get the WAVE until a complete meet is run by the dog.

The following schedule of points earned and placing should form the basis for grading from ISWS Records:
GRADE WAVE
A 11 thru 22
B 8 < 10.999
C 5.5 < 7.999
D Less than 5 .5

ISWS will strive to issue to active Host Clubs a Grading Guide that indicates the rating (WAVE) of all experienced racers based on these criteria.

4.2.2.1 Dogs Running Alone
The minimum number of dogs necessary for an official meet is two of the same breed (i.e. 2 Afghans for an Afghan meet or 2 Greyhounds for a Greyhound meet). A dog running alone does NOT earn points. A dog that runs all three programs alone will be considered as having run a schooling meet and no WAVE will be assigned. If the dog has previously run with competition, the WAVE will remain unchanged from the last meet with competition when next entered. If the dog has never entered a meet with competition, it will be considered an FTE at the first meet where it runs with competition. (See Section 4.2.3.3, First Time Entered).

4.2.3 First Program of Graded Races
The Race Secretary, together with a committee of not more than 2 other qualified persons, make up the races for the first program.

4.2.3.1 Using the Grading Guide
Use of the Grading Guide Ratings simplifies the grouping process and provides an objective basis for the grouping of the racers for the first program. The Race Secretary and his committee should use the Grading Guide and the Ratings when they are available. The entered racers should first be listed in the order of their Rating (WAVE) as listed in the Grading Guide. The Race Set-Up Chart Figure 8.1 shows the number of racers in each race depending on the total number of starters. The Rating of each racer should be used as follows to make up the first program of races: The racers with the 4 highest Ratings should be grouped for the highest or Grade A race. The racers with the next highest group of Ratings should usually be grouped for the next lower race. The use of Ratings in this manner is continued until all the racers are grouped.

4.2.3.2 Grading Guide Unavailable
Segregate the entered hounds by grade. A knowledgeable Race Secretary will also group the better racers in each grade and the slower racers in each grade. The Race Set-up Chart Figure 8.1 shows the desired number of racers in each race depending on the total number of starters in the program. The race groupings should conform to this chart. Groupings may be combined to best fill the races according to the chart.

4.2.3.3 First Time Entered
In accordance with 4.2.1, First Time Entered (FTE) starters (and those starters with an inadequate record to receive a usable Rating) may be inserted in an appropriate group based on NOTRA record or placed with Grade D racers as appropriate.

4.2.4 Selection of Post Position - First Program
After the racers are grouped for each race, post position for each racer is selected by random draw. The usual procedure is to put the names of the racers in a race into a container and put post position numbers into a separate container. The racer’s name is drawn and then its assigned post position. Each racer is to wear a racing jacket with the number of its post position and the appropriate color for that number.

The High Point race always has four dogs, as does the Low Point race. If there are too few dogs to fill the intervening races with four dogs, the two and three dog races are always the LOWEST races.

Using the grouping method above, all racers are assigned to specific races. Within a breed, low point races are run first and high point races are run last. Any racer that does not complete its assigned race for whatever reason cannot be added to a subsequent race in the same program.

4.2.5 Subsequent Programs - Rotation by Points
After the first program, the grade designations are dropped, and the racers are regrouped for the next program by the points earned in the first program. The Race Set-Up Chart Figure 8.1is used to determine the number of racers in each race depending on the total number of racers available for the next program. The procedure is to work from the “High Score” race down to the “Lowest Score” race grouping the racers with the same points and with lower points if needed to fill out a race, to make up the races for the next program. If racers have equal points, the following rule is to be used if they need to be divided between races in the subsequent program: The racer which ran in the “Higher” race must be grouped into the “Higher” race in the next program; if the racers were in the same race, the racer which placed higher must be grouped into the “Higher” race in the next program. If dogs are tied, looking back to the last program in which they were not tied should place the racers. This procedure of grouping the racers with similar points totals is used after each program of racing until the number of programs scheduled are completed.

4.2.6 Post Positions for Subsequent Programs
Post positions are determined by random draw after the racers are grouped by total points earned in the previous program. Each racer is to wear a racing jacket with the number of its post position and of the appropriate color.

Truly random draw requires three people: one to shuffle the name tages of the racers, one to draw the name, and one to draw the post position. A suggested method is to have colored marbles or poker chips marked with the numbers 1 through 4. The name tags should be shuffled by the scorekeeper, one tag drawn by a second person, and a numbered post position then drawn by the third person.

Another possible method is to have the tags shuffled by the scorekeeper, drawn by a second person, and a post position called by a third person.

4.2.7 Scoring the Meet
Points are awarded to each hound after each race depending on its finish in the race. Hounds that are Off Course or that Did Not Finish as described in Section 3.6 will receive a score of zero. The sum total of the points earned by each racer at the conclusion of the meet determines its final placing in the meet. If there is a tie in total points at the end of the meet, the racer that ran in the “Higher” race in the final program is awarded the higher placing. If the racers with equal points were in the same race in the final program, the racer with the higher placing in that race is awarded the higher placing in the meet. A racer that does not complete all programs of a meet should be awarded a placing at the bottom of the list of racers with equal points. Always use 1 High Point for each of the programs unless all entrants are ungraded and then a High Point will be used in the 2nd and 3rd programs.Schedule 8.2B shows the number of points awarded in a meet where all entrants in a breed start ungraded.

All dogs who started the first program of the meet will receive a placement.

4.3 UNGRADED RACES
If at least ¾ of the entries are in one grade, and there are less than 32 starters, then that breed may run in ungraded races.

4.3.1 Grouping for Ungraded Races
The grouping for Ungraded races is by random draw. The Race Set-Up Chart (Figure 8.1) should be used to determine the number of races and the number of racers in each race. Post position is determined by random draw in the same manner as for Graded Races.

4.3.2 Scoring Ungraded Races
Schedule 8.2B shows the number of points awarded according to the order of finish in each race in each ungraded program.

CHAPTER V - TROPHIES, AWARDS & CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS
5.1 TROPHIES
The Host Club selects trophies, rosettes and ribbons and sets up a program to use them to best advantage. When point scoring is used, emphasis should be placed on rewarding the racers, which accumulate the most points, and the following are usually honored in each breed:
- High Score Hound
- High Score Opposite Sex
- Top Five Racers
- High Score in each Grade
If enough trophies are available and there are sufficient entries in each category, awards may also include:
- High Score FTE
- High Score Veteran (over 5 years)
- High Score Oval Champion
- High Score Coursing Champion
- High Score Show Champion
- High Score Obedience Degree

5.2 ISWS STRAIGHT RACING CHAMPIONSHIP
Points toward a Straight Racing Championship (SRC) are awarded in each breed depending on the number of eligible entrants as indicated in the chart below. No SRC points will be awarded to a hound that does not finish all races or finishes last in its breed or that has not defeated at least one hound in at least one race in that day's racing.

SRC POINTS AWARDED
(non SRC only)
Eligible Entry High Score 2nd High Score 3rd High Score 4th High Score

2-4 1.0 0.5
5-7 2.0 1.0
8-10 3.0 1.5 0.5
11-15 4.0 2.0 1.0
16 -21 5.0 3.0 1.5
22-30 6.0 4.0 2.0
31-40 7.0 5.0 3.0
41 or more 8.0 6.0 4.0 2.0

The number of ‘eligible entrants’ is determined after the racers are scored and placements are awarded. To calculate ‘eligible entrants’, subtract any champion dogs (SRC, SRCX) that place above the first non-titled dog. The eligible entry includes the first non-titled dog and all those dogs that place below it (including dogs with championships and incomplete meets).

Example: Entry of 12 in the breed. 1st and 2nd placing dogs are both SRC’s. The eligible entry is therefore 10 dogs. If there is a tie in racing points for placements which are to receive SRC points, the SRC points are to be split equally among the racers with the tied points. A permanent title of Straight Racing Champion (SRC) will be awarded as a suffix to the registered name of any hound which has earned at least 12 SRC points. ISWS will award a certificate to the owner. After a hound has earned the number of points which qualify for a SRC, it may continue to compete, but cannot earn any more SRC points.

5.2.1 National Points
National Points will be awarded to the High Score, 2nd High Score, 3rd High Score, and 4th High Score, depending on Starters as outlined in the NRC Points Awarded Table. National Points will be awarded to both SRC and non-SRC hounds, based on performance in a meet. No National Points will be awarded to a hound that does not finish all races or finishes last in its breed or that has not defeated at least one hound in at least one race in that day's racing.

The purpose of National Points is to track the highest performing hounds on a Seasonal and Career basis; and to show progress towards certification of a Straight Racing Championship Excellent NRC POINTS AWARDED Number of Starters High Score 2nd High Score 3rd High Score 4th High Score

2-4 1.0 0.5
5-7 2.0 1.0
8-10 3.0 1.5 0.5
11-15 4.0 2.0 1.0
16-21 5.0 3.0 1.5
22-30 6.0 4.0 2.0
31-40 7.0 5.0 3.0
41 or more 8.0 6.0 4.0 2.0

If there is a tie in racing points for placements which are to receive NRC points, the NRC points are to be split equally among the racers with the tied points.

5.3 STRAIGHT RACING CHAMPIONSHIP EXCELLENT (SRCX)
A Silken may attain the title of Straight Racing Championship Excellent by accumulating 30 National Points. The awarding of National Points shall be per the chart in Section 5.2. A hound may accrue National Points towards SRCX II, III, etc. in increments of 30 points.

CHAPTER VI - DISQUALIFICATION, DISMISSAL, BARRED,
SCRATCHES, PROTEST
6.1 DISQUALIFICATION FOR INTENTIONAL FOUL
A Hound shall be disqualified for “Intentional Foul” when, between the starting box/line and the finish line, it turns its head away from the lure towards another racer and either makes contact or doesn’t, but obviously impedes, stops or forces the second Hound to run wide to avoid contact. Only the Foul Judges can disqualify a racer and they should do this fearlessly, but only when sure of the identity of the Hound. Prior to discussing the foul with other Foul Judges or the Host Race Secretary, each Foul Judge shall write the foul on his/her Foul Judge Report Form. Then each Foul Judge shall go directly to the Host Race Secretary and show the written report. If two or more Foul Judges have written up the same foul, then the Host Race Secretary shall issue a notice of Disqualification to the Owner/Handler of the Hound stating the foul committed and race/program that it occurred.

6.1.1 Retaliation
If a hound retaliated after being attacked, it should not be disqualified. Only the aggressor should be disqualified.

6.1.2 Uncertain Judge
If a Foul Judge is uncertain whether an Intentional Foul was committed or is uncertain of the identity of the aggressor, he should call a “Possible Foul” on his Report, according to the provisions of 3.5.

6.1.3 Placing and Points
If a hound is disqualified, points and placing in that race are distributed as if it had not participated. The disqualified hound retains the points earned prior to the race in which it was disqualified.

6.1.4 Penalty
A hound that is disqualified is dismissed from further racing at this meet. If a hound is disqualified a second time within twelve (12) months of the first foul, it will be barred from racing at Official Race Meets for the twelve months following the date of the second foul. Should a hound be disqualified for “Intentional Foul” three times it will be permanently barred from Official Race Meets.

6.1.5 Appeal from Permanent Disqualification
The owner of a hound that has been permanently barred may appeal to the RaceDirector when he can prove his hound is a clean racer. The Owner must have concurrence from a Host Club Race Secretary that the Hound is now requalified and attach that endorsement to the Appeal to the National Race Director.

6.2 DISMISSAL
Hounds may be dismissed for the remainder of the race meet by the Race Committee for the following reasons:
(a) Hounds whose handler or owner interferes with an Official.
(b) Hounds whose handler or owner interferes with or takes unfair advantage of other hounds in a race, i.e., when loading into a starting box, or when retrieving hounds at the conclusion of the race; no handler may tease his racer with the lure or touch the lure or have a lure in his possession to tease his racer at the start. These practices may distract other racers or give unfair advantage to some racers. The Starter/Assistant Starter only may tease the racers just before the start.
(c) Hounds not running in a race which escape onto the race track and interfere with the running of a race.
(d) Hounds whose handler or owner disregards requests by Officials to put their hounds on leash, or back from trackside since they may distract the racers.
(e) Hounds whose handler or owner scratches a hound which is not injured or ill after the racers have been regrouped for the next program of racing.

6.3 BARRED FROM RACING
The Race Committee shall bar any hound from racing for the following reasons
(a) A bitch that shows noticeable signs of being in season. She can be barred at any time during a meet when such signs become noticeable.
(b) A hound that shows obvious signs of sickness or lameness.
(c) Any hound that “Fouls” at schooling races can be barred temporarily from Official Race Meets if the Race Secretary feels the hound will “Foul” at the Official Meet.

6.4 SCRATCHES
An owner or handler may scratch his racer from the meet before the racers have been regrouped for the next program of racing. No racer may be scratched by its owner or handler after the racers have been regrouped for the next program of racing unless the racer is injured or ill, and the injury or illness has been verified by the Race Committee.

The Race Committee may scratch a hound without prejudice for the following reasons:
(a) Any racer that fails to finish a race or fails to finish in true racing style may be scratched from further racing.
(b) Any hound which unduly delays racing such as by refusing to face forward in the starting box, or which removes its muzzle several times at the start, or which refused to walk to the start.
(c) Any hound left out of a race by neglect or oversight of the handler or owner.

The results of the meet should indicate any hounds, which were Scratched, and the Program scratched from.

6.5 NO RACE; RERUN OF A RACE
A race is to be rerun after a suitable rest period only under the following circumstances:
(a) If a racer catches or passes the lure or any part of the lure between the start and the finish line, it will be declared a “No-Race”. If the lure operator sees a racer catch or pass the lure or a hound check on a piece of the lure which has fallen off, he should stop the lure if possible and the handlers are to retrieve their hounds.
(b) If the starting box fails to open properly giving any racer an unfair advantage.
(c) If a hound not entered in a race escapes and interferes with the racers.
(d) If there is any outside interference with the race which is likely to have altered the race results.
(e) If a situation occurs which presents a likelihood of injury to a racer, the lure should be stopped and the handlers are to retrieve their hounds.
(f) If two or more dogs stop because of objects or distractions on or near the track (paper, garbage, etc.)

The results of the meet should indicate which races were rerun.

6.5.1 Options Instead of a Second Rerun
If a race has been rerun and a second rerun of that race is indicated, the Race Committee, after considering the condition of the racers and the fairness to all involved, may choose one of the following alternatives instead of a second rerun:
(a) If the first rerun of the race was more than 3/4 complete and in the opinion of the Race Committee, the placings of any one or more of the racers was not likely to change from that at the point where the race was stopped, the placing(s) should be awarded, and any remaining points should be equally divided among the other racers.
(b) Split all the points available in the race equally among all the participants in the race.
6.6 PROTESTING THE RACE MEET
Any owner or handler of a hound entered in an Official Race Meet has the right to lodge a claim of protest in writing with the Race Director. The complaint must be filed in writing within 10 days of the offical race meet being protested and must be filed with the ISWS Race Director. The Race Director shall have 10 days to investigate and either uphold or deny the protest. By the 10th day the Race Director must mail a response to the protester.The written complaint must be accompanied by a filing fee of $25.00, if the complaint is upheld then the fee will be returned, if the protest or complaint is denied it will be deposited into the ISWS treasury.

CHAPTER VII - RACE TRACK AND EQUIPMENT
7.1 RACE TRACK
The race track shall be a straight, flat surface of 200 yards, plus an additional 50 yards past the finish line, if possible, but in no event less than 30 yards. The surface of the race track should be turf, sod, or soft dirt. The race track shall be 20 feet in width at the start, and 30 feet in width at the finish line with an additional 10 ft. in width at both start and finish whenever field conditions allow. These are minimum widths, and wider tracks are preferred when possible, to allow the hounds more freedom of stride and to reduce bodily contact.

7.2 PADDOCK AREA
The Paddock should be set in a centrally located area a short distance from the race track. The paddock should have sufficient room for blanketing of hounds, the scoreboard and a scorekeeper’s table. Programs and score sheets should be available but are not mandatory.

7.3 LOUD SPEAKER
A loudspeaker or megaphone should be available to inform owners, handlers and spectators of all activities in connection with the meet.

7.4 BLANKETS
Each racer must wear a racing blanket. Only the following colors should be used:
Red Blanket White Numeral “1”
Blue Blanket White Numeral “2”
White Blanket Black Numeral “3”
Green Blanket White Numeral “4”

Blankets should extend from the shoulder blades to beyond the last rib, be fitted neither too tightly, restricting the stride, nor so loose as to unduly flap in the wind. Numerals should be at least four (4) inches tall.

7.5 RACING MUZZLES
All racers must wear muzzles while racing. Approved muzzles include the box type used at all US Greyhound tracks; plastic coated English-style light wire racing muzzles, or the pelican style muzzle. Each owner should provide his hound with a suitable muzzle. The muzzle should allow the hound full freedom to open his mouth at all times. However, the muzzle must not allow the hound to be able to grasp the lure. A hound which can grasp the lure is a potential danger to the other hounds and handlers. Muzzles made of heavy wire are dangerous and not permitted. Light wire muzzles of the English type, if not plastic coated, are not permitted.The racers must wear their muzzles from the Paddock area to the start.

7.6 STARTING BOX
The Starting Box is the preferred method of starting a ISWS Official Race Meet. A flip front, spring or hydraulically operated starting box with at least four holes, similar to those used at Greyhound training tracks and sized for Whippet racing or above is suitable.

7.7 LURE AND LURE MACHINE
The lure machine shall be battery driven and capable of pulling a lure at a consistently smooth and steady pace 10 or more yards ahead of the racers. Advisable test speed for 200 yards is 8-9 seconds. Back-up batteries, lure and lure machine must be available. The lure shall contain or be accompanied by a predator call or squawker, such as those available from the National Greyhound Association. The lure shall be made of real or synthetic fur and shall be large enough to be sighted at all times, and travel a straight path. White rags or plastic bags may be part of the lure to improve its visibility or weight. Continuous Loop lure designs will NOT be used for ISWS sprints. The lure shall be replaced if it becomes dusty, muddy or takes on the same color as the race track.

CHAPTER VIII - CHARTS AND FORMS
8.1 Race Set-up Chart
Figure 8.1 shows the number of 4-, 3-, and 2-dog races and the total number of races for entries of two to forty-eight hounds.
8.2 Race Meet Points
Figure 8.2A gives the scoring for graded races for all three programs.
Figure 8.2B gives the scoring for ungraded and puppy races for all three programs.
8.3 ISWS Race Meet Entry Form
Figure 8.3 includes both quick entry and first-time entered information, plus disclaimer and signature of owner.
8.4 Placing Judge Report
Figure 8.4 is the form that should be used by the Head Line Judge to report the outcome of each race. The form is reproducible with four reports per page.
8.5 Foul Judge Report
Figure 8.5 is the official Foul Judge Report. Each foul judge should report the outcome of every race and foul reports should be turned in to the Race Secretary.
8.6 Scoring Sheet
Figure 8.6 is the official record of the draw and outcome of the meet for use by the Race Secretary. Participants may also use the form for their personal records.