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2022 NCA National Finals Rules

2022 Finals
Buckle Sponsors

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Open Champion
Rogers Stockdogs

Open Reserve
M & H Cattle Company

Nursery Champion
Creeper Border Collies

Nursery Reserve
Open Lock Stock Dogs
(Jeanne/Dale Bulkley)

Intermediate Champion
Central Cattledog Association

Intermediate Reserve
NCTA Stockdog Team

Novice Champion
Select Stock Dog Sales

Novice Reserve
Acosta Stockdogs

Horseback Champion
Blue Allen Training Stables

Horseback Reserve
Hodge Cattle Company

Open Rookie of the Year
Jeremy McBride

Class Sizes and Limits
 

Open Class

50 dog limit, two (2) dogs per handler limit.

Handlers may enter one (1) additional dog if class limits are not met.

Dogs qualify, not handlers. A qualified dog may be run by any NCA member.

Handlers may enter one (1) additional dog if class limits are not met.

 

Nursery Class (Dogs born after 10/1/18)

35 dog limit, two (2) dogs per handler limit.

Dogs qualify, not handlers. A qualified dog may be run by any NCA member.

Handlers may enter one (1) additional dog if class limits are not met.

 

Intermediate Class

25 team limit, two (2) dogs per handler limit.

Dog/handler teams qualify, not dogs or handlers.

Handlers may enter one (1) additional dog if class limits are not met.

 

Novice Class

25 team limit, two (2) dogs per handler limit.

Dog/handler teams qualify, not dogs or handlers.

Handlers may enter one (1) additional dog if class limits are not met.

 

Horseback Class

20 dog limit, two (2) dogs per handler limit.

Open & Nursery – Dogs qualify, not handlers. A qualified dog may be run by any NCA member.

Intermediate – Dog/handler teams qualify, not dogs or handlers.

Novice handlers are not eligible to enter the Horseback class.

Handlers may enter one (1) additional dog if class limits are not met.

 

Course Rules

 

Instructions given at handler meetings take precedence over these rules.

 

  • Courses are points and time.
 
  • Handler is to send dog from, and is free to move anywhere, behind handler line.
 
  • Time begins when cattle leave trailer or set-out panels, or when handler sends dog, whichever occurs first.
 
  • The outrun will not be judged, and points will not be awarded or deducted based on the outrun.
 
  • Must get one head through each obstacle before proceeding to next obstacle.
 
  • Handlers may retry any obstacle before moving on, but once it’s obvious to the head scorer that a retry is being attempted, previous points earned at that obstacle are forfeited. Handlers may retry obstacles as many times as they wish.
 
  • After cattle have mixed, handler must either retry or move to the next obstacle.
 
  • Runs will receive full time unless all cattle exhaust.
 
  • Running on the course is not allowed. Violations will result in points for that obstacle being forfeited.
 
  • A stock stick may be carried.
 
  • Handlers may not enter, reach into, or put any object into obstacles. Violations affecting the outcome of the run will result in points for that obstacle being forfeited.
 
  • If cattle leave the course and the dog was not responsible, a re-run may be given at the discretion of the head scorer. If a re-run is not given, the head scorer may allow points earned to be scored with full time allotted. If the dog is responsible for the cattle leaving the course, a full DQ with no score may be given at the discretion of the head scorer.
 
  • A handler may retire their dog for points earned and a maximum course time at any time during their run.
  • Intention to retire should be indicated clearly to the head scorer.
 
  • During their run, handlers may question scorer as to completion of an obstacle, time used, clearing of obstacle, etc. Scorers will not provide information unless asked.
 
  • If a dog appears out of control and is abusing the cattle, the head scorer may instruct the handler to retire. Dog will receive points earned to that point in the run and maximum time.
 
  • Grievances must be directed to the course director. Course director may consult with scoring committee. Decisions of the course director and scoring committee are final.

 

Final Rounds

  • The course committees for each class will determine the number of cattle used and the total points for the final round of each class. These will be announced before the final round of each class begins.
 
  • The top 40% of dogs in each class, based on the combined scores from the two preliminary runs, will qualify for the final round in each class.
 
  •  In the event of tie scores, the dog/team with the fastest combined time will be taken to the final round.
 
  • A handler may only run their two (2) highest ranking dogs from the two preliminary rounds in the final round.
 
  • The run order for the final round will be from lowest to highest combined score from the preliminary rounds.
 
  • Final class placings will be determined by cumulative scoring, the total of scores from the two preliminary runs plus the score from the final round.
 
  • Ties will be broken by cumulative time, the total of times from the two preliminary runs plus the time from the final run.
 
  • Any remaining ties will be broken by the placings in the final run.

 


National Cattledog Association
625 N 250th St
Mulberry, KS 66756

970-224-2437

nca@nationalcattledog.com