I.        STATEMENT OF PURPOSE 

The Texas Sheep Dog Association (TSDA) incorporated Crawford, Texas is hereby established to create interest in the breeding, working, and training of stock dogs; to further promote and conduct sheep dog trials on a uniform basis throughout the state of Texas; to cement happy, cordial relationships among its members and other dog associations; and to protect animals, dogs, sheep, cattle, goats. 

II.      OVERVIEW 

A.      ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT:  The information contained within was created to provide TSDA members with a uniform set of rules and guidelines regarding TSDA sanctioned events.  In general, rules must be adhered to and may carry penalties for not doing so; guidelines provide more flexibility and serve to identify common practices or options available to competitors and trial hosts.  Rules contain language such as “will”, “must”, or “may not” (or similar inflexible expressions).  Guidelines contain language such as “may” or  “can” (or similar more flexible expressions).  The Class Definitions section provides dog and handler information.  The General Rules & Guidelines section provides all other information.

B.     INFORMATION:  The Texas Sheep Dog Association (TSDA) provides information to its members via a newsletter and the Internet.  A newsletter is sent four (4) or more times a year.  Newsletters can contain messages from the Board President and other Board or committee members, event information, trial results, etc.  The TSDA maintains a web site located at www.texassheepdogassoc.org.  Web site information is updated frequently and provides the most comprehensive source of information for both members and non-members.  In addition to the types of information found in the newsletter, the web site also contains TSDA Rules & Guidelines, ISDS Rules, trial entry forms, trial sanctioning forms, point standings, etc.

C.     BOARD OF DIRECTORS:  The TSDA  sustains a Board of Directors consisting of no less then six (6) elected members.  The term of a Board member is three (3) years.  The officers of the Board are president, vice-president, and secretary/treasurer.

D.     CLASSES:  The TSDA recognizes the following classes:  Open, Open Ranch, Ranch, Novice, Nursery and Youth.  To compete in a class both handler and dog must meet the requirements as stated in their respective definitions, i.e. Open Class: Open Handler, Open Dog. 

E.     COURSES:  The typical National Style trial course is run in an open field.  However, trials can also be run in indoor and outdoor arenas, baseball diamonds, city parks, etc.  The phases of work in a full course most often include, but are not limited to, the outrun, lift, fetch, drive, pen, and shed or single.  Obstacles (such as panels) are usually set up and the dog is required to maneuver the livestock in, around and through them in a workmanlike manner using as straight a line as possible from one to another.  The trial host and trial committee most often set up the course and may incorporate, as part of the course, obstacles already part of the trial field, e.g. a bridge, creek, etc.  A complete description of the National Style course can be found in the ISDS rules.

Courses differ in difficulty from class to class.  The courses, in order of difficulty, starting with the most difficult are:  Open, Nursery, Open Ranch, Ranch, Novice, Youth.

F.      SCHEDULES:  The Dog of the Year points schedule is strictly adhered to.  The Premium Money and Percentage of Premium Money schedules are a guideline for trial hosts.  Trials not following the published schedules must advertise that other schedules will be used.   Advertising can be done in the TSDA newsletter and web site.  Unless otherwise stated, a maximum of two (2) premiums per class per handler are paid.

G.     FINALS:  Each class, with the exception of the Youth Class, is represented at the TSDA Finals Trial held at the end of the trial year.  Perpetual trophies for Finals Champion are awarded in each class eligible to compete.  Finals Champions are determined by their performance at the Finals Trial.  All perpetual trophies must be returned prior to the Final Trial.

To be eligible for the TSDA finals trial, a dog must compete in 5 TSDA trials of the year of the Finals.  A Nursery dog must compete in 5 TSDA Nursery classes and 5 Open Ranch or Open classes in order to run in both classes at the finals. Dog of the Year points are awarded during the trial year with one (1) point given for every three (3) entries.  To see how points are awarded for each placing, see Dog of the Year Point System.  Classes with less than three (3) entries are considered qualifying trials, but do not award Dog of the Year points.  Qualifying trials and points are earned by and belong to the dog regardless of handler or ownership changes.  The handler/owner must be a paid, participating or family member prior to going to the post before the dog can earn qualifying or Dog of the Year points.  

H.     DOG OF THE YEAR:  Both fully judged Open field trials and fully judged Arena trials will award DOY points, Lifetime points and Qualify dogs for the TSDA Finals. Timed trials, whether Open field or Arena, will qualify dogs for the TSDA finals, award Lifetime points, and award DOY points. There shall be no restriction on the number of trials that a dog may run in to earn DOY points. Dog can receive points from a maximum of three (3) goes at any given trial. At the Finals Trial, perpetual trophies for Dog of the Year are awarded in each class with the exception of the Youth Class. An asterisk on these trophies identifies American bred dogs., Dogs moved down within TSDA guidelines are not eligible for DOY in the lower class.

      Dog of the Year points begin with zero (0) points starting with the first TSDA sanctioned trial following the Finals Trial.  A dog that moves to a higher class during the trial year retains any Dog of the Year points earned in the lower class.  The high point dog takes Dog of the Year honors even though that dog may have moved up.

I.   COMPULSORY ADVANCEMENT REQUIREMENTS":
Any dog that begins its trial year with 50% or fewer of the Lifetime points required to point out of its class may continue to run in the same class for that trial year with no restriction on the number of DOY points it can accrue.   However, such a dog must move up following the Finals Trial if it has reached or exceeded the Lifetime points requiring advancement.  Any dog that begins its trial year with more than 50% of the Lifetime points required to point out of its class must move to a higher class immediately upon exceeding its maximum allowable Lifetime points  Dogs moved down one class must advance at the time they reach or exceed the number of points allowable for such dogs.

Lifetime points requiring dogs to advance consistent with the above:

Open Ranch - 57 or more
Ranch - 35 or more
Novice - 29 or more

J.         TRIPLE CROWN:  Every year three (3) trials are selected as Triple Crown Trials. Perpetual trophies are awarded in each class eligible to compete.  All classes except the Youth Class compete in this series.  To qualify for a Triple Crown award a dog must run in all three trials.  The first (1^st) go-round only will be counted, or as designated by the trial schedule.  The highest aggregate score in each class determines the winners.  Scores belong to the dog.  Membership requirement is the same as for Finals qualification.

K.       SANCTIONING:  The rules herein apply to TSDA sanctioned trials only.  Points, trophies and earnings awarded by other associations are not considered in TSDA Dog of the Year or Lifetime points.  For a class or trial to count as a TSCDA sanctioned trial and receive TSDCA DOY or Lifetime points, it must be advertised in the TSCDA newsletter or website at least 14 days prior to the date of the trial or class. The trial host has the option of adding additional classes after the 14 day period but these classes will not be considered to be sanctioned and cannot be counted towards TSCDA DOY or lifetime points, nor can these scores or points be added into the scores or points from a sanctioned class.

L.     EXHIBITION:  Trial hosts have the option of allowing exhibition runs during the course of the trial.  These runs are non-competitive and place no restriction on a dog or handler.  The handler must pay the TSDA fee plus any fee required by the trial committee, e.g. stock charge.  The handler does not receive prizes or money, nor does the dog receive Dog of the Year points.  A dog may not run exhibition and then compete in a lower class during the same trial, e.g. run exhibition in the Open Ranch then compete in the Ranch. 

M.      WEST TEXAS SHEEP DOG ASSOCIATION:  The TSDA is the parent organization of the West Texas Sheep Dog Association (WTSDA). 

N.     CATTLE DOG PROGRAM:  The Texas Cattle Dog Association (TCDA), an affiliate of the Texas Sheep Dog Association maintains rules and definitions for its trials, handlers and dogs.  They can be found under Cattle Dog Rules & Guidelines.
 

O.  The Board of Directors moved and passed (December 30, 2006) to permit the TSDA/TCDA board(s) or members of any committee designated by such board to participate in and hold a meeting of such board or committee by means of a private Internet web forum that provides access to the meeting in a manner by which each member participating in the meeting can communicate concurrently with each other participant.  Participation in a meeting under this procedure shall constitute presence in person at such meeting, except where a person participates in the meeting for the express purpose of  objecting to the transaction of any business on the ground that the meeting is not lawfully called or convened.

III. CLASS DEFINITIONS 

A.      OPEN CLASS

1.      HANDLER
a.      An Open Handler is a National style competitor who has competed in a TSDA, USBCHA, ISDS Open Class, or a comparable Open Class worldwide.
b.      This handler is eligible to compete in the Open, Open Ranch and Nursery Classes.
c.      This handler cannot move down nor run any Open dog in the Open Ranch Class.
d.  It is the responsibility of buyers and sellers to properly represent class status of any dog. Failure to do so may result in sanctions against either or both parties "

2.      DOG
a.      An Open dog is any dog that has competed in the Open Class worldwide, regardless of winnings.
b.      This dog may not compete in any other Class with an Open handler except for the Nursery Class.
c.      This dog does not accumulate lifetime points.
 

3.      COURSE
a.      In a field trial, the dog will run a full course with a shed or single. These trials are judged with a time limit for completing the course. The course may be modified to include, for example, a chute or Maltese cross.  These obstacles may be in addition to the full course or may replace a phase of work such as the shed or pen.
b.      In an arena trial, the dog may run a full course or may run a pattern as determined by the trial committee.  The trial may be judged, timed, or a combination of judged and timed.

B.     OPEN RANCH CLASS

1.      HANDLER
 a.            An Open Ranch Handler is any handler who has competed in the Open Ranch Class, but has not competed in the Open Class worldwide.
 b.            This handler is eligible to compete in the Open Ranch, Ranch, and Nursery Classes.
 c.            This handler may compete in the Open Ranch Class with a dog that may have been advanced from the Ranch or Novice Classes.
 d.            This handler may compete in the Open Ranch Class with a dog that has a history of Open Class competition.
 e.            This handler cannot move an Open Ranch dog down to the Ranch Class.
 f.            This handler may exhibition an Open dog. 
g.      It is the responsibility of buyers and sellers to properly represent class status of any dog.    Failure to do so may result in sanctions against either or both parties "

2.      DOG
 a.            An Open Ranch dog is any dog that has competed in Open Ranch Class competition.
b.            This dog may be a dog in training, handled in competition by an Open Ranch or Open handler    c.            This dog may have been started in the Open Ranch Class or advanced from the Ranch Class by   point system requirement or by choice of the handler.
 d.            A Novice Class dog may advance to the Open Ranch Class by choice of the handler.
 e.            All Open Ranch dogs earn lifetime points using the same point system as Dog of the Year    points.  Compulsory advancement of dogs brought into Open Ranch by b, c, or d (above) is governed by paragraph "I.  COMPULSORY ADVANCEMENT REQUIREMENTS."  Points remain for the lifetime of the dog with two (2) exception.

1.      The dog moves to the Open Class.

2.      Ownership of the dog changes and the dog is moved, by the new owner, back to the Ranch Class.

i.         Under this exception, should the dog move back to the Open Ranch Class, it retains all previously accumulated Open Ranch points.

                    f.            An Open Ranch handler, under the following provisions, may move a dog from the Open Class to the Open Ranch Class.

1.      The handler both owns and runs the dog.

2.      Once the dog earns 16 points, it is no longer eligible to compete in the Open Ranch Class.

3.      COURSE

                  a.            In a field trial, the dog may be required to run a full course, excluding the shed or single.  The dog is never required to shed or single.  The outrun and drive are usually shorter than an Open course.  These trials are judged with a time limit for completing the course.  The course may be modified to include, for example, a chute or Maltese cross.  These obstacles may be in addition to the full course or may replace a phase of work such as the pen.

                  b.            In an arena trial, the dog may run a full course or may run a pattern as determined by the trial committee.  The trial may be judged, timed, or a combination of judged and timed.

C.     RANCH CLASS

    1. HANDLER

a. A Ranch Handler is any handler who has competed in the Ranch Class, but has not competed in the Open Ranch, NURSERY, or Open Classes worldwide.

b. This handler is eligible to compete in the Ranch classes.

c. This handler may compete in the Ranch Class with a dog that has a history of Open Ranch Class competition.

d. This handler cannot move down nor run any Open dog in the Ranch Class.
e. Any handler may exhibition a dog.
f.  It is the responsibility of buyers and sellers to properly represent class status of any dog. Failure to do so may result in sanctions against either or both parties "

2. DOG

a. A Ranch Dog is any dog that has competed in the Ranch Class that has not competed in an Open Ranch, Nursery or Open Class worldwide.

b. A Ranch handler, under the following provisions, may move a dog from the Open Ranch Class to the Ranch Class.
1. The handler both owns and runs the dog.
2. Once the dog earns 16 points, it is no longer eligible to compete in the Ranch Class

c. All Ranch dogs earn lifetime points using the same point system as Dog of the Year points.   With the exception of dogs subject to paragraph "b." above, compulsory advancement of Ranch dogs is governed by paragraph "I.  COMPULSORY ADVANCEMENT REQUIREMENTS."  Points remain for the lifetime of the dog unless it advances to a higher class. 

d. Ranch dogs will no longer retain any points from the novice class.

e. Any dogs already running in ranch at the time of this rule change will have all novice points dropped.

3.      COURSE

                  a.            In a field trial, the dog is not required to run a full course.  The dog is never required to shed or single.  Typically the dog is required to do an outrun, lift, fetch, partial drive, and pen.  The handler may not walk with the dog during any phase of work except to pen.  The outrun and drive are usually shorter than an Open Ranch course.  The outrun is approximately 150 yards or less.  The fetch may or may not have fetch panels.  The drive may have three (3) legs of approximately 35 to 50 yard each; or may be through or around an obstacle then to the pen.  Drive points may be earned by completing the entire drive or to each leg of the drive.

                                    These trials are judged with a time limit for completing the course.  The course may be modified to include, for example, a chute or Maltese cross.  These obstacles may be in addition to the prescribed course or may replace a phase of work such as the pen.

                  b.            In an arena trial, the dog may run a modified course or may run a pattern as determined by the trial committee.  The trial may be judged, timed, or a combination of judged and timed.

D.     NOVICE CLASS

4.      COURSE

                  a.            In a field trial, the dog is not required to run a full course.  The dog is never required to shed or single.  Typically the dog is required to do an outrun, lift, fetch and pen.  The handler may not walk with the dog during any phase of work except to pen.  The outrun is approximately 75 to 125 yards.  The fetch may or may not have fetch panels.  The fetch may be straight to the pen, to the handler, or to a designated spot on the field.

                  b.            In an arena trial, the dog may run a modified course or may run a pattern as determined by the trial committee.  The trial may be judged, timed, or a combination of judged and timed.

E.     NURSERY CLASS

1.      HANDLER      

                  a.            Any Open, Open Ranch, or Ranch handler may compete in the Nursery Class.

1.      A Novice handler may compete in the Nursery Class, but will lose his/her Novice standing.

                  b.            The handler must submit a copy of the dog’s registration certificate prior to going to the post.

1.      Certificates not available at that time have a thirty (30) day grace period.

2.      Imported eligibility documents should be included with certificates.

3.  It is the responsibility of buyers and sellers to properly represent class status of any dog. Failure to do so may result in sanctions against either or both parties "
 

2.      DOG

                  a.            Any dog that meets the age requirement is eligible to compete in the Nursery Class.

1.      A Ranch or Novice dog that competes in the Nursery Class will lose their eligibility to run in both the Ranch and Novice Class.

2.      Nursery dogs are treated as Open Ranch dogs regarding movement from one class to another.

                  b.            Age Requirement:

1.      A dog must be less than 3 years old (36 months) on June 30^th of the Finals year.

2.      Dogs imported younger than one (1) year of age may compete in the Nursery Class.

                  c.            A dog begins the trial year with zero (0) Dog of the Year points.  All points are dropped after the Finals Trial

3.      COURSE

                  a.            In a field trial, the dog may be required to run a full course, excluding the shed, or as directed by the presiding judge.  The dog is never required to shed or single.  The outrun and drive can be the same an Open course, or may be shortened.  These trials are judged with a time limit for completing the course.  The course may be modified to include, for example, a chute or Maltese cross.  These obstacles may be in addition to the full course or may replace a phase of work such as the pen.

                  b.            In an arena trial, the dog may run a modified course or may run a pattern as determined by the trial committee.  The trial may be judged, timed, or a combination of judged and timed.

F.      YOUTH CLASS

1.      HANDLER      

                  a.            Any youth ten (10) years of age or younger may enter the Youth Class with a helper at the post.

                  b.            This class does not compete for prizes or money.

                  c.            The TSDA fee is waived.  However, other fees, as set by the trial committee, can be charged, e.g. stock charge.

                  d.            Handlers in this class are drawn and compete within the Novice Class.

                  e.            The judge scores the Youth Class.

                    f.            Token prizes/certificates may be awarded.

                  g.             A youth may choose to run in the Novice Class, with no helper, to compete for prizes and money.

1.      A youth competing for prizes and money pays the Novice Class entry fee.

2.      DOG

                  a.            Any dog may run in this class:  Open, Open Ranch, Ranch, Novice, or Nursery.

3.      COURSE

                  a.            In a field trial, the dog is not required to run a full course.  The dog is never required to shed or single.  Typically the dog is required to do an outrun, lift, fetch and pen.  The handler may not walk with the dog during any phase of work except to pen.  The outrun is approximately 75 to 125 yards.  The fetch may or may not have fetch panels.  The fetch may be straight to the pen, to the handler, or to a designated spot on the field.

                  b.            In an arena trial, the dog may run a modified course or may run a pattern as determined by the trial committee.  The trial may be judged, timed, or a combination of judged and timed.

IV.   GENERAL RULES & GUIDELINES
 

A.    JUDGES

      1.            All TSDA sanctioned trials are judged according to the following sections found in the  ISDS Rules and Guidelines.

a.      Section 5 ‘i’ through ‘vi’

b.      Section 19

c.      Notes for the Guidance of Judges

      2.            Judges should be familiar with these rules and these rules should be available for review while judging.

      3.            Only a secretary, clerk, and/or timekeeper may sit with the judge.

      4.            The judge should describe the trial field boundaries.

      5.            Distractions to the judge should be limited.

      6.            The judge has the authority to retire any entry that may be abusing the livestock and/or dog.

      7.            All decisions of the judge are final.

      8.            Judges determine reruns.

      9.            Judges determine the manner in which ties are broken and have the following options available to him/her.

a.      Split the premiums.

b.      Use the highest scoring gather (total outrun, lift and fetch points)

i.         If the gather is tied, each single phase of work is compared until a higher score is found, thus breaking the tie.

                                            1            Phases or work are compared in the following order:  outrun, lift, fetch, drive, pen, shed/single

                                            2            If a course has been modified so it does not include one or more phases listed above, the “other” phases will be compared in the order they occurred during the run.

c.      Have a run-off.

  10.            Judges are not paid by the TSDA for judging, except for the Finals Trial.

  11.            A judge may call for a personal break at any time during the trial.

  12.            If a judge is unable to perform his/her duties, it is his/her responsibility to find a replacement.  S/he may call the TSDA secretary for suggestions.

  13.            It is the trial committee’s responsibility to provide a clerk and a secretary.

  14.            A judge may run a dog in a class s/he is not judging.

B.     COURSE DIRECTOR

      1.            The trial committee, TSDA secretary, or trial sponsor may appoint a course director.

a.      If more than one person is designated course director, they should:

i.         Carry out all duties at different times during the trial.

ii.       Carry out the specific duties that have been divided among or between those designated.

iii.      Carry out duties as directed by the trial committee.

      2.            The course director’s duties include, but are not limited to:

a.       Handling complaints.

b.      Maintaining the run order.

c.      Determining the method of exhausting stock.  The course director may:

i.         Appoint someone to exhaust.

ii.       Require competitors to exhaust the run that follows them.

      3.            The course director should be available at all times during trial hours.

      4.            All complaints must be filed with the course director.  If s/he is unwilling or unable to handle the complaint, it may be filed with the Board in writing.

C.     DOGS

      1.            Any dog may compete regardless of breed, age, or color.  A dog is not required to be registered or purebred.

      2.            There are restrictions as to the equipment a dog is allow to wear on the trial field premise and during competition.  Non-adherence to these restrictions may result in disqualification, as well as loss of fees, prizes and premium monies.

a.      A dog may be equipped with any standard collar.

b.      Restricted devices include, but are not limited to:

i.         Any remote controlled device on premise..

ii.       Dummy or weighted collars.

iii.      A leash or rope not detached before the dog is cast.

iv.     Any device used to distract or cause pain to a dog.

c.      The judge and course director have the right to inspect a dog for any violation to this rule.

      3.            All dogs should be kept securely tied, on a leash, or in a crate while not competing.

      4.            Dogs that are competing should be kept off the trial field prior to their run.

D.     HANDLERS

      1.            A handler is limited to the use of a crook or stock stick while competing.

      2.            A contestant shall not enter the trial field at any time with any kind of training device.

a.      The trial committee, representative, or judge may disqualify a contestant if s/he enters the trial field with any such equipment.

      3.            A handler is responsible for injury to livestock and property, both on and off the trial field, that results from a dog being loose and/or out of control.

      4.            Handlers should always demonstrate sportsmanlike conduct.

      5.            Assistance from sidelines may subject a handler to disqualification.

      6.            Handlers may walk the trial field prior to the trial.

      7.            Upon leaving the post area during a phase of work that does not include the pen, shed, chute, or other similar work, it is assumed the contestant is retiring and, therefore, no points are awarded.

      8.            When the allotted time for a run has expired, points are awarded through the last completed phase of work.

      9.            If the judge signals “off course”, the handler will quickly retire from the post.  No points are awarded.

  10.            If the judge signals “thank you”, the run has been disqualified and the handler will quickly retire from the post.  No points are awarded.

  11.            A handler should be ready to run whenever his/her name is called.  Failure to come to the post when called is cause for disqualification of that run.

E.     TRIALS

      1.            Every competitor prior to competing in a TSDA trial, effective May 22, 1997, must sign a Statement of Responsibility.  This statement is renewed annually.

      2.            A competitor may enter three (3) dogs per class.   Each trial host has the option to limit entries to two (2), or fewer, dogs per handler.  Arena trials (Ft. Worth, San Antonio, Star of Texas) is limited to 2 dogs per handler per class.

      3.            Entry fees are payable to the person designated in the newsletter or web site.

      4.            No entries are accepted after the cut off date for trials that require pre-entries.

a.      Entrants may be put on a waiting list.

b.      The trial host may make an exception on a case-by-case basis.

      5.            Entries are not accepted once a class is underway.

      6.            The TSDA secretary will furnish scoreboard sheets and a time clock.  A run order may be furnished if requested by the trial committee.

      7.            The complete run order must be drawn prior to the first entry in a class proceeding to the post.

      8.            No entry may be pulled after the draw.

a.      The handler is liable for the entry fee.

b.      The trial host may allow substitutions.

      9.            A draw in a run order consists of a dog/handler team

a.      An entry must run in order drawn.

b.      A handler cannot name the order in which his/her dog shall run.

  10.            A random or rotation draw by the trial committee or someone appointed by the trial committee determines the run order.

a.      Should a handler’s entries be drawn back-to-back or with only one draw between runs, entries are drawn and inserted so the handler has two draws separating his/her runs.

i.         If it is not possible to separate a handler’s runs by at least two (2) draws, that handler is allowed enough time to put up one dog and get the other to the post without the risk of forfeiting his/her run for being tardy to the post.

b.      All classes are drawn in this manner.

  11.            Score sheets are checked and posted by the trial secretary in an area not readily accessible to the judge.

a.      Total scores only are posted as soon as practical after run.

b.      Point deductions are filled in after the last contestant in a class has run.

  12.            Once a class starts, the method of spotting livestock cannot be changed.  It may be changed at the start of another class.

a.      Should it be necessary to change the method of spotting livestock before the end of a class, all competitors who ran using the first method must be given the option of a re-run.

  13.            The TSDA secretary must receive the original score sheets, as filled out by the judge and clerk, for every sanctioned class run during a trial.

a.      A trial may use its own score sheet or the form found in the newsletter and web site.

  14.            Each entry fee will include a $3.00 TSDA fee (office charge) to be paid to the TSDA.

  15.            The division of the premium money is at the trial host’s discretion.  It should be included in the trial application or properly advertised in the newsletter or web site.

  16.            Any dog may run in a jackpot class without affecting their TSDA class standing.  No Dog of the Year points are awarded.

  17.            Deviations from TSDA guidelines may result in disqualification as a sanctioned, trial loss of points for entries, etc.

 18.     A limit of $100.00 for sheep loss/damage (per head) unless otherwise stated on web or newsletter.

19.     In all arena trials a trial host may limit the number of entries in each class – if the trial host does limit entries it must be listed in newsletter and web site,

F.      MEMBERSHIP

      1.            Membership is not required to compete in a TSDA trial.

      2.            Dues are paid annually, Januray 1 through December 31, and are based on the membership level.

a.      Participating Membership:  $25 

This level is for handlers who want to compete in TSDA trials and receive Dog of the Year points, run in the Finals trial, and vote in TSDA elections.

b.      Family Membership:  $25, first member; $10, each additional member

This level is for family members living in the same household.  Each member has the same privileges as the Participating Member.  The household receives only one (1) newsletter.

c.      Associate Membership:  $15

This level is for individuals who do not regularly compete but wish to receive the TSDA newsletter.  They may not run as a paid member nor vote in TSDA elections.

d.      All membership levels receive a newsletter.

      3.            Participating or Family Membership is required before going to the post in order to receive Dog of the Year and qualifying points.

      4.            The membership elects the Board of Directors.

 

G.    OTHER

 

    1.     Rule changes and/or new rules made during the trial year will go into effect 30 days after the

            rule change is approved, unless the change will affect year end issues such as DOY, lifetime

            points or handler status. In those cases the rule will go into effect with the first trial of the next

            trial season

    2.      In case where the number of handlers placing in a class is less than the number of places paid, the      l            trial committee  has discretion as how to distribute the remaining payout funds.  They may:
                   1.  Split all remaining funds between placing handlers.
                   2.  Place disqualified and retired handlers by the work completed (i.e. add all points earned). 

       3.    The minutes of the Board of Director’s meetings are published in the newsletter.  The minutes will state how each director voted.

       4.    The Board has the authority to act on hardship situations on a case-by-case basis.

       5.    Disciplinary Action:  The Board of Directors has the authority to set disciplinary action for any valid written complaint filed with a course director.  If a course director is unable or unwilling to handle a complaint, the next course of action is through the Board.  A complaint must be filed, in writing, within ninety (90) days of the infraction.  These infractions can include, but are not limited to:

a.      Unsportsman-like conduct

b.      Offensive language

c.      Disrespect to sponsoring host, labor, judge(s), or trial director

d.      Abuse to animals

e.      Misrepresentation of dogs and their classifications

      6.      Handlers should observe the dress code, for each run, when requested by the trial host or Board of Directors, or if printed in the newsletter or web site.  Failure to do so can result in denial overrunning privilege.

a.      Dress Code:

i.        Men – Long pants and sports coat should be worn while competing.

ii.       Ladies – Dress jacket should be worn while competing.

 

H.     FINALS TRIAL

          1.   Once the drawing for a class is completed and the class starts, the handler is liable for the entry fees.

        2.  Entry fees must be paid prior to going to the post.

        3.The Open Class will have double lift finals.

a.      The course size may be modified.

b.      The double lift will have two (2) groups of sheep.

         4.Determining Runs:

a.      75 entries or less:  2 go-rounds plus finals

Payback:  60% average; 20% First go-round; 20% Second go-round

b.      76 - 100 entries:  two (2) go-rounds, combined scores, no finals for Open Ranch, Ranch, Novice, and Nursery

Open only – 40% run back double lift finals, clean slate

Payback:  60% average; 20% First go-round; 20% Second go-round

c.      101 – 125 entries:  one (1) go-round plus 40% run back in all classes

Payback:  60% average; 40% First go-round

V.      WEST TEXAS SHEEP DOG ASSOCIATION

A.      The WTSDA operates under the same by-laws and trial guidelines as the TSDA.

B.     The WTSDA must have the same number of officers and Board of Directors as the TSDA.

C.     The TSDA must receive one half (1/2) of the WTSDA membership fees.

D.     The TSDA must receive one half (1/2) of the association fee, which is $1.50

E.     WTSDA members receive each TSDA newsletter.

F.      The WTSDA may have added classes but will not receive Dog/Year points.

H.   WTSDA is exempt from by-law Article 4.2, so they may elect Directors outside of Texas, and Article 6.1, President must be elected from the Board of Directors
 

IX.  PREMIUM MONEY SCHEDULE

Premium Money Schedule

Open, Open Ranch, Ranch, Novice, and Nursery Classes

Unless otherwise stated in newsletter, catalog, brochures, etc. 

	Total Entries	Places Paid
	1 - 3	1
	4 - 6	2
	7 - 11	3
	12 - 15	4
	16 - 22	5
	23 - 28	6
	29 -35	7
	36 - 42	8
	43 - 48	9
	49 - over	10