Master of Hounds Checklist
Revised January 1, 2002

IMPORTANT! EACH ITEM OF THIS LIST MUST BE READ PUBLICLY BY THE MASTER OF HOUNDS BEFORE SENDING THE CASTS TO THE FIELD.

1 My name is __________________________ I am your UKC Master of Hounds.

2. The official time is now ____________. The deadline for returning scorecards to me is __________ local time.

3. This is a UKC Licensed event and is a _____ hour hunt. The Registered Winners Pack will be a _____ hour hunt.

4. It is the handlers responsibility to see that their score and time is correct before signing the scorecard.

5. If a question arises in the field, or a complaint is to be made please refer to your Rulebook for the proper procedure.

6. If cast becomes separated on the way to the field or during the hunt, it is the responsibility of all cast members to return to the Master of Hounds at the host club. Any cast members not returning to the Master of Hounds will be scratched.

• While Casts are in the Field:

A. Enter each dog, owner, handler, etc. on the UKC Hunt scoresheet so that all you need to do is add the scores as the casts come in. Keep the scorecards available for any discussions.

• After the Scorecards are Turned in:

A. Ask if there are any questions.

B. Recheck the scores, the time cast hunted and that each handler signed the scorecard.

C. Keep scorecards confidential until deadline or until all scorecards have been returned.

D. If there is a complaint, try to get the casts off by themselves to discuss the problem and make your decision. Only individuals directly involved in the dispute should be included in any of the discussions. Wait until the scorecards are returned before discussing a situation that arises in the field. Members of the casts have 30 minutes to make a complaint after the scorecards are turned in.

E. If a situation cannot be resolved and a formal complaint is made, it must be made on a Formal Complaint form which is sent to the club from UKC with their license, report forms and other materials for the hunt. The form must be signed by the individual(s) making the complaint as well as the Master of Hounds. UKC's copy must be sent to Field Operations along with the report(s).

F. Do not get trapped in other Masters of Hounds' problems. Advise the individuals raising a question that there is a procedure for filing a formal complaint and that procedure should have been followed.

• Reports:

A. Be sure to give everyone that places in the hunt a receipt. Do not sign and give out incomplete receipts. You fill them out, or see that the receipts are completely filled out when you sign them and give the winners their copy.

B. Do not sign a blank report. Make sure that the report is completely filled out. Then you sign it. (NOTE: There must be three different signatures on the report.) Copies of the report go to UKC, the participant, the Master of Hounds and to the club hosting the event. Please see that each party receives the proper copy of the report. Submit UKC’s copy within 10 days or a penalty charge of $20 per month will be made.

Please note that the yellow copy is a personal receipt for the participant and is perforated for convenience.

C. Remind all club officers that the scorecards and their copy of the report must be kept for one year.

• General Information:

A. Encourage clubs to educate their members on the rules and conduct rules seminars for Judges, Masters of Hounds and participants.

B. Study rules on the back of the scorecard and the revisions published each year in COONHOUND BLOODLINES and American Beagler.

C. Remember to use good judgement. You are the person responsible to see that the hunt is run in a manner that is fair to all and that everyone is treated in a fair and equitable way. The rulebook contains UKC's basic rules and policies. However, if you have any suggestions as to how to improve the hunts, please be sure to let us know.