Formal Complaint Procedure

This procedure applies to all situations dealing with an alleged infraction of the rules and procedures for conducting a U.K.C. licensed trial. It does not apply to situations that deal with intimidating, threatening or injuring a competitor, Judge, club official or U.K.C. representative. The following steps must be followed:

Step 1.

The Field Trial Chairman should attempt to resolve all questions brought to him/her by owners or handlers of hounds entered in the trial. No complaints will be considered by the Field Trial Chairman after a period of thirty (30) minutes has elapsed from the time that the winners are announced.

Step 2.

If the question is not resolved at Step 1, request and complete a Formal Complaint Form and return it to the Field Trial Chairman immediately. The form must be signed by the individual or individuals making the Formal Complaint.

Step 3.

The host club or organization will hold a Formal Complaint meeting to resolve the Formal Complaint pursuant to this procedure. The Formal Complaint meeting shall be held within one (1) hour after winners are announced. There shall be a Formal Complaint Committee consisting of three officers or members of the host club or organization who must be on hand to timely serve should a meeting become necessary. If the individual filing the Formal Complaint is an officer or member of the club or organization holding the Formal Complaint meeting, that individual cannot conduct the meeting nor be allowed to vote on the question regarding the complaint. The Formal Complaint Committee, the individual filing the complaint, and any other persons directly involved in the complaint should be present at the meeting. If the persons involved are able to be found at the Host Club site, the Field Trial Chairman shall advise them that a meeting is being held, the time and location of the meeting and that they may be heard at the meeting; however, their presence at the meeting is not mandatory.

Step 4.

Once the Formal Complaint meeting is held, the results must be sent to U.K.C. on the Formal Complaint Meeting Results form and signed by the members of the Formal Complaint Committee. The report must contain: (1) the names of the individuals in attendance, (2) factual findings, (3) identification of rules and procedures that apply, (4) the committee’s recommendation and reason for the recommendation.

Step 5.

U.K.C. will review the results of the meeting and will either agree or disagree with the club or organization’s decision; however, U.K.C. reserves unto itself, in its sole judgement and discretion, the right to make corrections it deems necessary.