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SECTION 1.0 PURPOSE AND ELIGIBILITY
1.1 Purpose of the Whippet Racing ProgrAM
1.2 WHIPPETS ELIGIBLE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE WRA'S RACING PROGRAM
2.1 Requirements for Whippet Racing Association Racing
2.2 Requirements for a Qualifying Whippet Racing Association Race Meet
2.3 Requirements for granting a waiver of the requirement for a Qualifying Meet
2.4 Scheduling of Approved Whippet Racing Association Race Meets
2.5 Reporting Results of an Official Race Meet
2.5.1 Per Capita Payment and Grading Guide Information
2.6 National Meet .
2.6.1 Seniors and Legends Classes
2.7 Nonaffiliated Events .
2.8 Official Entry Blank for Approved WRA Whippet Race Meets.
section 3.0 Racing Officials and duties
3.1 Local Race Secretary
3.2 Inspection Committee
3.2.1 Disqualifications
3.2.2 Measuring
3.2.2.1 Purpose
3.2.2.2 Site
3.2.2.3 Procedure
3.2.2.3.1 Proper Positioning
3.2.3 Inspection for DQs
3.2.4 Paddock Scratches
3.3 Foul Judges
3.4 Finish Line (Placement) Judges
3.5 Paddock Judges
3.6 Lure Operator
3.7 Box Operator
3.8 Timer
3.9 Extra Officials
section 4.0 DISQUALIFICATIONS and dismissals
4.1 Adult DQs
4.2 Puppy DQs
4.3 OWNER CONDUCT AND OTHER CONSIDERATIONS FOR POSSIBLE DISMISSALS
4.4 RERUNNING OF A RACE
4.5 CAUTIONS
4.6 PROTEST PROCEDURES
section 5.0 operation of the national grading system
5.1 Objectives
5.2 How Whippets Are Graded
5.3 Selection of Post Positions
5.3.1 First Program
5.3.2 Rotation by Points
5.4 Adult Point Scoring
5.5 Puppy Races
5.5.1 Age
5.5.2 Grouping Puppies by Races
5.5.3 Scoring of Puppy Races
5.6 Trophies and Awards
section 6.0 Race Track and Equipment
6.1 Race Track
6.2 Paddock Area
6.3 Paddock Identification Board or Official Score Board
6.4 Loudspeaker
6.5 Racing Blankets
6.6 Racing Muzzles
6.7 Lure Equipment
6.7.1 Lure Machine
6.7.2 The Lure
6.8 Starting Box
7.1 Certificates
7.2 Companion Racer and Companion Racer Excellent Points and Use
7.3 Whippet Race Champion Award Points
7.4 Whippet Race Champion Excellent (National) Points
7.5 TITLES AWARDED BY THE WHIPPET RACING ASSOCIATION
7.5.1 THE COMPANION RACER TITLE (CR)
7.5.2 THE COMPANION RACER EXCELLENT TITLE (CRX)
7.5.3 THE WHIPPET RACE CHAMPION TITLE (WRCh)
7.5.4 THE WHIPPET RACE CHAMPION EXCELLENT TITLE (WRChX)
Figure 2 Adult Quick Set-Up Chart
Figure 3 Puppy Quick Set-Up Chart
CHECK LIST FOR HOLDING AN OFFICIAL WRA RACE MEET by barbara koch
WHY MUZZLE SPEED by louis pegram
training a racing whippet by paul fraser
Some thoughts on bumping or interference by bill turpin sr
lets get something straight by bill turpin, jr
products pages (where to find racing equip)
FORMS: Entry Form, Foul Judges Sheet, and Line Judges Sheet can be found in
the pdf printable version.
SECTION 1.0 PURPOSE AND ELIGIBILITY
The Whippet Racing Association sponsors and supports Whippet Races as a part of its overall Breed Improvement
Program. The authority and responsibility for the administration and operation is delegated to the National Race
Director and Board of Directors. The authority to operated the WRA Race Meets is then delegated to the local Club
or Group.
1.1 Purpose of the Whippet Racing Program
■ To encourage properly trained, registered race Whippets to compete against one another in an organized
manner,in a safe environment, with high quality equipment, and knowledgeable people in charge.
■ To respect the all-purpose Whippet as:
● A racer with speed, endurance and intelligence.
● A dog with proper conformation to be able to compete in all Whippet activities.
● A friend and companion, of disposition and discipline to be a pet in the home.
■ To reward race Whippets with recognition commensurate with their ability as outlined in the award
program. (See 7.5, Titles Awarded by the Whippet Racing Association.)
1.2 Whippets Eligible to Participate in the WRA’s Racing Program
■ Whippet must be registered by the American Kennel Club or The Canadian Kennel Club. A Whippet with a
foreign registration (and a certified COO pedigree of three generations) shall be issued a temporary WRA
registry, and be allowed to race for a period of six (6) months, subject to receiving AKC registration.
This temporary registry may be extended for a period of three (3) months. No further extensions will be
permitted. Any points toward a WRCh, or WRChX under the temporary registry shall be awarded to the dog upon
receipt of its AKC registration. In the event that the dog is not AKC registered within the maximum nine
(9) month time frame, any WRCh/WRChX points garnered by said dog shall then be awarded to the 2nd place dog
(and on down the line of winners) in the meet(s) in which the points were awarded.
■ Any disqualification covered in the AKC Whippet Standard of the Breed, or any AKC disqualification, applies
to any Whippet racing in a WRA meet.
■ Prior to the first WRA Practice or official WRA Meet in which a Whippet will participate, a copy of the AKC
or CKC registration and $2.00 registration fee should be sent to the Registrar/Recorder. However, the copy
of the Whippet’s registration may be sent with the race results by the Club Secretary. A litter registration
number will be accepted on Whippet racers 8 to 14 months of age for entries in the puppy class only, but
at the adult level, 14 months, an individual registration number is required.
■ The person entering a Whippet for racing, must be the owner of the Whippet, or be the authorized agent for
said Whippet, or be in possession of the AKC papers transferring the ownership to the name of the person
entering the Whippet for racing.
■ Whippets carrying Indefinite Listing Papers (ILP) are NOT eligible to run in the WRA Program.
■ Spayed/Neutered Whippets are eligible to run in all WRA events.
■ Whippets with the following AKC or WRA disqualifications may be raced only when they have been spayed
or neutered.
● Blue or China Colored Eyes.
● Undershot Jaw.
● Overshot Jaw [One-Quarter (1/4) inch or more.]
● Deafness
A veterinarian’s certificate, signed and dated, must be presented to the inspection committee each time the
Whippet is inspected for a race meet. Any Whippet which is found to have raced at any WRA race meet under false
neutering papers will automatically have all titles and points toward all titles revoked. Any WRCh or WRChX
points will be assigned to the next Whippet in line for the points. The number of WRCh and WRChX points for
the race meet will be unaffected by a Whippets revocation.
SECTION 2.0 REQUIREMENTS
2.1 Requirements for Whippet Racing Association Racing
Any group or club interested in participating in the WRA sponsored Racing and the Whippet Race Champion (WRCh)
programs must demonstrate to the National Race Director the ability to fulfill the requirements of the program
as listed in The Official Rules and Regulations, by:
1. Conducting a qualifying WRA Race Meet.
2. Have sponsored National Point Racing under the rules set forth by the AWC prior to 4/10/96, and within two
years of the request.
3. Have been granted a waiver of the requirement for a qualifying meet by the NRD using the below listed
criteria.
2.2 Requirements for a Qualifying Whippet Racing Association Race Meet.
1. The group or Club requesting a qualifying WRA Meet must sent the request to the NRD at least 60 days in
advance of requested date, in writing, although initial contact may be by telephone. The Group or Club
requesting an approved WRA Meet must hold at least one (1) successful Qualifying Meet.
2. The Group or Club must have a minimum of fifteen (15) adult Whippets starting in the first race program.
3 There should be four complete race programs. Three programs would be acceptable only in the event of
severe weather or other racing conditions that would make further racing hazardous to the Whippets
and/or their owners. The reduction to only three programs must be with the approval of the RRC
or his/her representative at the qualifying meet, or the Race Secretary for said meet.
4. Results of the race meet must be sent to the NRD within two weeks, with a copy to the RRC.
5. The official qualifying race meet must be free of written, factual complaints to the NRD.
6. The group or club requesting permission for a WRA meet must show they are capable of operating
a race meet under WRA Official Rules and Regulations.
Following compliance with all of the above requirements, the NRD will then notify the group or club of official
approval to hold WRA Race meets and of their acceptance as a WRA member Club. At this time the new Member
Club will be asked to inform the NRD of the identity and location of its Member representative.
2.3 Requirements for granting a waiver of the requirement for a Qualifying Meet
1. Has an experienced Race Secretary.
2 Either has other trained people to do the necessary work within the club, or a guarantee of help from
trained people from other clubs who will also help train the host clubs workers at the meet.
3 The National Race Director, or another individual appointed by the NRD, must attend the race meet
to observe. Based on the observer’s report the NRD may grant or deny permission for further Race Meets
or require a Practice meet before another Race Meet may be held.
2.4 Scheduling of Approved Whippet Racing Assoication Race Meets
1 Any approved group or club must write or otherwise communicate with the RRC having jurisdiction, requesting
race dates at least sixty (60) days in advance of the proposed Official Race Meet. The RRC will give
preference to clubs that asks for dates on which they traditionally hold race meets. (The number of weekends
into the year will decide what is the traditional date for a race meet, not which holiday or which weekend
in a month. An AKC scheduling calendar is excellent for this purpose.) Otherwise the RRC is to disapprove
a date only for reasons of date conflict. All other problems or questions on race dates must be handled
directly by the NRD.
2 Announcements of an approved Whippet Race Meet should be made at least thirty (30) days prior to the event.
Should a cancellation be necessary, ALL ENTRANTS must be notified by letter or telephone by the local Race
Secretary. The Registrar/Recorder must be notified as soon as possible of a cancellation by the local Race
Secretary.
3 No Member Club will hold more than four (4) Race Meets per year within a radius of one hundred (100) miles
of one another.
2.4.3.1 Race Meets held in conjunction with the AWC National Specialty or an AWC Regional Specialty,
and held on a date other than the traditional dates used by the club, will not count against
the four meet limit.
4. A Member Club may hold two (2) Race Meets in one weekend.
5 Two (2) Clubs may have meets in conjunction with each other on the same weekend if the race meets are no
more than fifty (50) miles from each other. Special permission for a greater separation may be given by
the NRD in some cases if requested by both Member Clubs.
6. No two race
meets may be held on the same weekend and within the same Region, or within
300 miles of each
other if not in the
same region. Except as specified in paragraphs 4 and 5 above.
Regardless of regional boundaries, WRA race meets may be held on the same weekend provided the meet
locations are separated by a driving distance of 400 miles. (For convenience, a computerized mapping
program may be used to determine driving distance.)
7 No scheduling of a WRA meet will be allowed on the same day as any AWC Regional or National Speciality
within the same region, unless in conjunction with that Specialty.
2.5 Reporting Results of an Official Race Meet
The approved group or club operating a WRA Meet must send to the NRD, the Registrar/Recorder, and the Regional
Race Coordinator the complete results of the meet, within two weeks, following the race meet. Also, the registrar/Recorder must receive the results of the meet by phone, fax, or e-mail by the Monday immediately
following the completion of the meet (as detailed in section 2.5.1 below). A sample WRA Race Report is shown
in Figure 1. These results should include the following information.:
■ Number of Whippet adults, and puppies starting.
■ Registered name of each starter, its owner, and AKC Registration papers included for the first time
entered (FTE) Whippets.
■ Individual points, and placement earned by each Whippet.
■ Placement or position, with race points earned, of each Whippet in each race or heat. A photocopy
of the race results sheets for each heat, copied from the results board, is the preferred way to do this.
■ Names of Whippets eligible to receive WRCh or WRChX (National) points with the names and complete
address of the owner(s).
■ Disqualifications and scratches
■ Any other information needed to properly award WRA Title Points. Sending of the above information is
compulsory, and it must be sent to the NRD, the RRC and the Registrar/Recorder in writing within two weeks
following the meet. Failure to supply this information could result in points being withheld. This
information is needed in order for all to maintain proper grading records. The NRD will send all race
reports to all RRC at year end.
2.5.1 Per Capita Payment and Grading Guide Information
The local Race Secretary is to send the per capita fee for all dogs who started the meet, and the $2.00
registration fee for any dog not previously listed in the Grading Guide to the Registrar/Recorder, along with
the final report and any registration papers collected. This requirement covers both adult and puppy racers.
The Registrar/Recorder will be phoned or faxed with the information necessary to complete the Grading Guide no
later than the Monday following a race meet. This is in addition to the requirement for sending a written
record to the NRD, RRC and Registrar/Recorder. The Registrar/Recorder will inform the Race Secretaries which
information is necessary to be phoned or faxed for the Grading Guide.
2.6 National Meet
Once a year WRA will celebrate a National WRA Meet. Member Club(s) are encouraged to volunteer to host this
Meet and submit their request to the NRD by the same time rule proposals are due. When more than one host club
location has been received, Club Members will be allowed to vote to determine the National Meet location.
If no club requests to host the National Meet, then the NRD may solicit a host club.
2.6.1 Seniors and Legends Classes
In addition to the regular puppy and adult classes held at the National Meet, the host club is encouraged to
have the special classes of Seniors and Legends. The Senior Class is for dogs at least 9 years of age, and
the Legend Class is for dogs at least 11 years of age. These classes will run once, unless there are over 6
entries. It there are over 6 dogs entered in the class, then they will run twice, and the winner of the
second race shall be declared the winner of the class. Entrants in these classes will NOT count toward the
number of adult starters, for the purpose of awarding Championship and National Points.
2.7 Nonaffiliated Events
The Lure Coursing, Oval Racing, Exhibition Racing of AKC registered Whippets, or other breeds must not interfere
with the conduct of an official WRA Race Meet. Nor may such events be advertised or construed as part of the
WRA race program.
2.8 Official Entry Blank for Approved WRA Whippet Race Meets
A sample official WRA entry blank appears in the Appendix (not included in this html doc, entry form can be
found in the PDF printable doc). The official entry blank must be sent to the local Race Secretary, with all
the information requested on the form, by the entrant. Grade and average information will be taken from the
grading guide if one is available. If a Whippet is first time entered (FTE), it should be so noted in the
average column. All titles that each Whippet has earned should be noted on the entry form, and check, cash, or
money order should be included for entry fees.
Alternately, the Quick entry form, also found in the Appendix, may be used. This Quick Entry Form will contain
the Club Name, Date of the Meet, Name of the Race Secretary, the dogs Call Name and Registered Name with all
titles, the Owners Name, Class (Adult, Puppy or Veteran), whether FTE (yes or no), the required disclaimer of
Liability, the Owners, or Agents, Signature and address.
The following statement must appear on all entry forms returned and must be signed by the actual owner, or the
owner’s agent, of Whippet or Whippets entered.
“I and my heirs, legal representatives and assignees shall hold harmless and defend ________________(Name of Club),
its officers, directors, committeemen and agents, from any claim arising from participation in this event.
I agree to abide by the Official Rules and Regulations of the Whippet Racing Association during the period of
this race meeting.
___________________________________________________ __________________”
Acutal Owner of Whippet or Owners Agent Date
The recommended closing entry dates for clubs and groups sponsoring WRA meets should be 7 to 10 days
prior to the approved race meet.
SECTION 3.0 RACING OFFICIALS AND DUTIES
It is most important that each group or club make every effort to have officials that are well trained.
The officials can come from other clubs or can all belong to the club offering the race meet. The important
point to remember is that no race meet is better than the efficiency and honesty of the officials in charge.
It is important to plan in advance the duties to be assigned to each official or group of officials.
3.1 Local Race Secretary
The Race Secretary is solely responsible for the conduct of the race meet. Should there be a change of the
local Race Secretary on the day of the race meet, an announcement so stating the change must be made at the
time of Inspection. The local Race Secretary will appoint qualified people to perform the necessary details of
the race meet, and will act as coordinator of these individuals and/or committees and will assume responsibility
only when true emergencies arise.; If the Race Secretary deems it to be necessary, there may be an
Assistant Race Secretary appointed. The local Race Secretary will write the Official Race Report as soon as
possible after the race meet is concluded, and within two (2) weeks. This report will then be sent to the
NRD, the Regional Race Secretary, and the Registrar/Recorder. The local Race Secretary is responsible for the
enclosure of the sponsoring Club’s check for the Per Capita Fee. (Number of Whippets that began the meet
x the Per Capita Fee set by the WRA Board of Directors).
3.2 Inspection Committee
It is the responsibility of the local Race Secretary to select an Inspection Committee of three qualified people
for each approved race meeting. The Race Secretary, or his/her appointee, will officially check-in those
Whippets that qualify to participate in the meet. This person can also be the “Timer for Measuring
Procedure.” The purpose of this committee is:
■ To measure and inspect all Whippets following procedures described in section 3.2.2 (Measuring)
■ To check and inspect all Whippets for all characteristics that might disqualify them from racing.
■ To check muzzle of each racer for safety.
These are all done before the racing begins.
This committee of three should not include the RRC or the NRD. However, if the RRC or NRD is present,
he/she may step in to help only after allowing the host club reasonable time to solve a situation.
3.2.1 Disqualifications
If the Inspection Committee finds a Whippet which measures over or under the allowed size limit, or
possesses a disqualification listed below, that particular Whippet will not be allowed to run at that race
meet. All Whippets racing in WRA meets must be inspected at each meeting, except in cases where two race meets
are held on the same weekend, by the same club and at the same location. In such instances, the inspection
committee may choose to inspect for disqualifications only those Whippets who did not compete in the first
day’s meet. All Whippets must be inspected each day for soundness and bitches checked for evidence of being
in season.
Disqualifications included in the AKC Standard for the Breed are:
● BLUE OR CHINA-COLOR EYES
● UNDERSHOT JAW
● OVERSHOT JAW (ONE QUARTER (1/4) INCH OR MORE)
● A WHIPPET MORE THAN ONE-HALF (1/2) INCH ABOVE OR BELOW THE MEASUREMENTS SPECIFIED UNDER “SIZE”
● COAT OTHER THAN SHORT, CLOSE, SMOOTH AND FIRM IN TEXTURE
Those disqualifications covered by the Whippet Racing Association program are:
● MONORCHIDS (A MALE WITH ONLY ONE VISIBLE/PALPABLE TESTICLE)
● CRYPTORCHIDS (A MALE WITH NO VISIBLE/PALPABLE TESTICLES)
3.2.1.1 Puppies that are monorchids or cryptorchids should be allowed to run as puppies.
When entered as a FTE adult they must be neutered.
● WHIPPET BITCHES IN HEAT OR SEASON
● A WHIPPET THAT SHOWS POSITIVE EVIDENCE OF SICKNESS OR ABNORMLITY (ie, LAMENESS) THAT COULD BE
DETRIMENTAL TO THE WHIPPET OR TO OTHER WHIPPET RACERS.
● THE USE OF ANY DRUG, STIMULANT OR NARCOTIC
3.2.2 Measuring
3.2.2.1 Purpose
The purpose of Measuring is to determine through the use of the wicket whether the Whippet is within the
height limits as described in the Whippet Standard of the Breed, “19 to 22 inches for dogs”; “18 to 21
inches for bitches” as measured across the shoulders at the highest point. More than One Half inch above
or below the above stated measurements will disqualify.
3.2.2.2 Site
The measuring site will be picked by the local Race Secretary. This site will be located away from
“traffic” and other disturbances. Only the Whippet being measured and handler will be allowed in this area.
During the measuring procedure, there will be NO activity on the track, no testing of boxes, no lure
machines going, or loudspeakers seaking! We must do everything possible to maintain “quiet,” so to avoid
distractions that could “trigger” the racing personality, thus making the “natural, relaxed stance” harder
to obtain. The place of inspection will be a level, hard, even surface, into which the legs of the wicket
will not sink, that is not smooth so it will give good traction to the whippets when standing on it. There
will be an inspection board, generally made to these requirements: 1/2” to 1” plywood 24” wide, 44” to 45”
long, and will be flat over its entire surface. The board may be unpainted, but if painted, only nonskid
paint will be allowed. The Race Secretary, or an appointee, will check-in each entrant on the program that,
after the measurement and inspection, is acceptable, and will be responsible to time each measuring attempt.
The wickets for measuring each entrant will be approved by the NRD. Approved wickets are available through
the WRA.
3.2.2.3 Procedure
Each Whippet handler is entitled to two (2) measuring procedures, of three (3) minutes each. In the event
a Whippet does not measure properly on the first attempt, the handler may return for a second measurement
before the Committee closes. To eliminate wasted time with this procedure, the owner and/or handler is
encouraged to train the Whippet at home, so all become familiar with the exercise! The Inspection Committee
will not speak other than answering questions from the handler, or to request that the handler properly
position or handle the dog for inspection. The Committee will not touch the Whippet on the board except
to perform individual inspection duties. Any Whippet whose shoulder touches the crossbar of the wicket and
either, or both legs of the wicket fail to touch the surface on which the Whippet is standing will, at the
second measurement, be disqualified for that particular WRA meet. The entry fee will not be returned.
Any Whippet that has the crossbar of the wicket touch the shoulder and the legs of the wicket still
touch the surface on which the Whippet is standing is qualified to run in that particular meet.
3.2.2.3.1 Proper Positioning
The Whippet being measured should be walked or placed on the measuring board, and the handler should
ready the Whippet for the wicket. The Whippet will be posed in a naturally alert position, with the
head up, but not stretched upward in an exaggerated position nor will the top of the head be lowered below
the level of the top of the shoulder blades; its feet should be well under it, and its forelegs vertical,
ie, the front legs must be perpendicular to the board, and parallel to each side of the wicket, as
viewed from front and side. The front legs cannot be spread far apart, nor can they be angled or
stretched in front of the Whippet’s head. The hindquarters may not be pulled back, and hocks must be
at a right angle to the board. ABOVE ALL, the handler is not allowed to push, poke, pinch, slap, or
in any way attempt to alter or change the height of the Whippet. (Stroking or scratching will be allowed
only to relax the Whippet.) If two (2) of the three (3) inspectors on the Inspection Committee agree a
handler is attempting to alter the height of the Whippet, the handler will be excused and thereby forfeit
one turn.
Once the handler feels he has attained the proper pose, the call is made for the wicket. A member of the
Committee then brings the wicket quickly from behind the Whippet, over the back and lowers it so that the
crosspiece comes directly over the highest point of the shoulder blades. That is the moment the majority
(2 of 3) of the Inspection Committee must agree that the Whippet is within or outside of the limits as
covered by the Breed Standard. A Whippet is disqualified if above or below a certain height,
ie, dogs under 18 1/2” or over 22 1/2”’; bitches under 17 1/2” or over 21 1/2’. It must be noted that
the wicket should never be allowed to hang or rest temporarily in place to see if the Whippet will
“settle-down.”
3.2.3 Inspection for DQs
The Inspection Committee is then ready to check bites, and in dogs, check for testicles and in bitches look
for evidence of being in season (any sign of discharge or swelling.) In doubtful cases regarding bites,
the bite can be measured by cutting a light, thin piece of wood, stiff paper, or a piece of cardboard not
wider than one inch. Make a line one-quarter (1/4) of an inch from the end of the measure. If overshot,
place end of the measure against front teeth of lower jaw. If the point of the front teeth of top jaw
“touch or exceed” the quarter-inch mark, the Whippet is disqualified.
3.2.4 Paddock Scratches
No Whippet may be scratched by its owner after the racers have been regrouped for the next racing program,
unless the Whippet is injured or ill. Late scratches must be approved by the Inspection Committee. Owners
scratching a sound, healthy Whippet after racers are regrouped, are subject to have all their Whippets
disqualified from further competition at that event.
3.3 Foul Judges
There should be three thoroughly qualified judges who understand what constitutes intentional fouling by a Whippet
or Whippets in a race. Judges should stand in appropriate locations on opposite sides of the track, along the
side of the track. The first judge should be approximately 50 yards from the front of the box. However, the
first judge may be the box operator if qualified. The third judge should be standing in the general area of the
finish line for either puppy or adult, and the second judge should be approximately halfway between the first and
third judge. This should provide the best possible vantage points for certainty when an intentional fouling
occurs.
Two or more, (a majority), of the three foul judges must agree that a Whippet or Whippets has committed an
intentional foul. The foul judges will individually report the blanket number of the Whippet or Whippets
creating the intentional Foul to the Racing Secretary prior to discussion of the foul with any other person,
including other foul judges. The Race Secretary discusses the foul with the foul judges before it is publicly
announced that a Whippet has been disqualified for intentional interference. If a minority of the foul judges
call a foul the owner of the Whippet will be told that a minority of the foul judges called a foul on their
Whippet, that it is not disqualified, and there may be a problem that the owner would wish to address to prevent
a future disqualification. Only the Race Secretary or the Assistant Race Secretary should appoint replacement
foul judges in the event they have a dog in a race. If the Race Secretary feels it is necessary, he may supply a
list of qualified persons to his Head Foul Judge who can then replace needed judges from this list. Only persons
whose names are on this list should be used in the foul judge positions.
3.4 Finish line (Placement) Judges
The Race Secretary will appoint a head Finish Line Judge, who, in turn, will select the necessary finish line
judges for each race. Judges must be thoroughly qualified to honestly place all dogs in each race. Whippet
owners may act as judges, but must ask to be replaced when their dogs are competing.
There should be six (6) placement judges with a minimum of four (4) for High Point Races, Adult or Puppy, and
four (4 placement judges, with a minimum of two (2) for all other races. Each judge will write placements by
number on the finish line report form immediately after each race and give this information to the Head Line Judge.
Care must be taken to see that spectators are not blocking the placement judges view of the races, and that
there is “quiet” with the judges until all placement reports are submitted to the Head Placement Judge.
Owners and judges should learn to call races BY BLANKET NUMBERS ONLY, not by color of blanket. The color can be
helpful to judges, but should not be relied upon in lieu of the actual number on the blanket. At no time
should the numbers or colors of racing blankets be called out loud as this may confuse the other judges.
Placement judges should decide quickly about placement in order not to confuse the owners of dogs racing.
Should there be a disagreement on a placement the decision of a majority of the judges will make the placement
decision official. Any questions or complaints regarding placement or order of finish should be directed to
the local Racing Secretary only! Judges, under no circumstance, should discuss placement with owners or
spectators. Once the final placements are determined, under no circumstances should these placements be reversed.
This information is then given to the local Race Secretary for official scoring, and an announcement of the
results will be made to owners and the public.
3.5 Paddock Judges
This individual should be thoroughly qualified to ascertain all racing Whippets are in the paddock area on time,
properly blanketed and wearing a safe, secure, and properly adjusted muzzle. Any muzzle that allows a Whippet
to grab the lure is a serious safety threat to other Whippets and handlers, and therefore will not be
allowed. The Paddock Judge shall note each Whippet for any obvious indication of ill health before each
race and is empowered to recall the inspection committee to determine if a Whippet, which has not been
scratched, is lame, injured or ill before the Whippet is allowed to run in a race. The Paddock Judge should
work closely with the local Race Secretary, or may be the local Race Secretary. Either the Paddock Judge
or Race Secretary may be the
official announcer of the race meet. All owners must enter the paddock
area
through the provided entrance, report to the Paddock Judge, and exit onto
the race track in the area as
directed, proceeding to the starting box as a
group. All owners must
enter the paddock area through the
provided entrance, report to the Paddock Judge, and exit onto the race track in the area as directed,
proceeding, AT A WALK, to the starting box as a group.
3.6 Lure Operator
The Lure Operator will be trained to properly place the lure. The lure should be kept approximately 25 feet
ahead of the lead Whippet for adults, and 15 feet for puppies, to provide the best possible racing. The lure
is to be pulled at a steady pace, rather than a jerking motion, and continued at full speed for at least 20
yards beyond the finish line.
3.7 Box Operator
If possible, two persons should be assigned to work the starting box, but one will suffice if a second qualified
person is not available. The Box Operator may serve as a foul judge also, if qualified. The lure should be
placed ten to fifteen (10-15) feet down track, directly in front of, and at the center of the starting box.
By watching the movement of the lure, and with practice, the boxes should be opened the very instant the lure
moves. A delay in opening the box after the lure moves can cause Whippets to charge the door and be off balance
when the door opens, causing an unfair advantage. Whippets should be placed (loaded) in the starting box in
numerical order, one (1) through six (6) after all entrants reach the boxes. The Box Operator should check all
Whippets and racing equipment as the dogs are placed in the starting box, it is the responsibility of the Box
Operator to see that all Whippets are muzzled and jackets are on properly before the box is opened. The operator
may assist owners in placing Whippets in boxes when necessary. After all Whippets are in the starting box, the
Box Operator will tease the Whippets with the lure, and ascertain at that time all racers are facing the front
and have their blankets and muzzles ON! The Box Operator will then place the lure in the center of the area, at
the front of the box, in the marked circle. Box Operators will not delay the start of a race due to untrained
Whippets that persist in turning around in the boxes. If a muzzle is broken, or pulled off by a dog, or if the
jacket comes loose, the Box Operator must hold up the race until all problems are corrected! If a delay of more
than a few seconds is necessary, all Whippets will be removed from the box by their handlers.
3.8 Timer
It is not necessary to have a timer, but if one is available, it is most important to have a thoroughly
qualified individual with a stopwatch, or better still, an electric timer. Ideally, two stopwatches would be
averaged for more accurate results. Time is ir