"Leash Lock" Change Proposal Passes 24;12

[Jerry Moll]

The PKC National Directors have voted 24;12 to change the PKC Rules related to “Leash lock”. The following updated rules go into effect Monday November 1, 2021. Please note, updated rule language is shown in red text.

9.J. Scoring Trees Out Of Order – All trees will be scored in the order they were declared treed in. Trees may not be scored out of order, unless cast is over.

9.K. Recasting After Scoring Tree - After scoring a tree, lead handled dog(s) one (1) minute, if all dogs are on leash, or if no dogs are struck in, dog(s) should be released and a new set of strike points opened up. If other dog(s) are struck in, but not opening, the six (6) minute rule will then be applied to them. Do not start six (6) minute rule until after walking the required one (1) minute from tree. Leashed dog(s) should be released when one (1) of the struck dogs opens, or if a dog at large opens and is declared struck. If no dog opens for six (6) minutes, except when cast has walked out of hearing of all trailing and/or treed dog(s), all strike points will be minused. All leashed dog(s) should then be released and a new set of strike points opened up.

After scoring a tree and walking a minute, always release handled dog(s) except when:
(1) The six minute rule is working on trailing dog(s).
(2) The two minute rule is working on treed dog(s) and no struck dog(s) are opening.
(3) Cast had walked out of hearing of all trailing and/or treed dog(s) to score the tree.
(4) Less than six minutes remain in the cast and struck dog(s) are not opening.

9.L. Going Out Of Hearing Of Trailing Dog(s) To Score Tree - When a cast walks out of hearing of all trailing and/or treed dog(s) to score a tree, the cast should return to the area where the dog(s) were last heard. If dog(s) are not heard within six (6) minutes, points will be deleted and the time-out rule applied or the handler(s) may receive minus strike points and continue the cast at their option. If handlers with struck dogs are unable to reach a unanimous decision, time-out will be called.
Note: If dog(s) trail away from the cast this rule does not apply. This rule applies only when cast walks out of hearing of trailing dog(s) to score tree(s).

[R D Carnegie]

Suggestion:
9.L. Going Out Of Hearing Of Trailing Dog(s) To Score Tree - When a cast walks out of hearing of all trailing and/or other dog(s) to score a tree, the cast should return to the area where the dog(s) were last heard.