The Rhodesian Ridgeback Hunting Trial System
- Regulations and Guidelines –
Section 4 Trial Scoring
Section 4.1 Scoring overview
Each trial will consist of a single hunt or "brace" which will be observed by a RRCUS licensed Hunt Trial Judge who would then score the dog(s) across a multitude of Breed specific appropriate behaviors or characteristics. These characteristics would be specific to the game-sub-class (defined in section 5 sub sections) for that particular brace, as not all characteristics are relevant or appropriate for all sub-classes of game.
Section 4.2 Score Sheets
The trial judge must maintain in her control at all times, the score sheet for that brace. The characteristics which are to be judged will be specified on the score sheet for the particular sub-class. 20 of these characteristics will be specified as compulsory, additional non-compulsory characteristics may be specified on the score sheet of a particular sub-class. These characteristics will be those considered beneficial, but not necessary. Points awarded for these characteristics will be added to the compulsory score for the total, but the absence of these points will not be used to penalize the brace score, making them essentially 'bonus' points. The score sheet once completed must be signed by the judge and the handler, and then the original should be submitted with all haste, to the HRA.
Section 4.3 Scoring System
Dog(s) are given a single numerical score ranging from 0 through 10 points, in each of the 20 compulsory characteristics. These characteristic scores, along with any bonus points earned, are then totaled to yield the total score for that brace. In other words, 20 characteristics judged, 0-10 points awarded for each, for a possible highest score of 200 points. 150 points, including no more than 20 bonus points, are required to qualify that brace score towards a title.
The dog would have to achieve a qualifying score on two braces for a given game-class to receive that leg of the Championship title. Upon successful completion of that leg, the dog will have earned the next appropriate title as specified in Section 3.2 So in theory; a dog could achieve its first leg and the corresponding Junior Hunting Ridgeback title (JHR suffix) with a minimum of 300 points from qualifying scores, in as few as 2 braces.
Moreover, a dog could achieve its Champion Hunting Ridgeback title (CHHR prefix) with a minimum of 1,200 points from qualifying scores, in as few as 8 braces.
Section 4.4 Recall
The importance of a 100% reliable recall in any hunting dog, but especially in a breed with high prey drive, cannot be overstated. For this reason, "good recall" is a compulsory characteristic for all sub-classes, and "recall in the presence of game" is a compulsory characteristic for almost all sub-classes as well. Furthermore, if a judge feels that a dog's lack of recall is of such a level that it causes any of the following concerns:
1. Makes the dog non-functional as a hunting companion
2. Endangers the dog during the brace.
3. Endangers the handler or judge during the brace.
The judge may, at her discretion, disqualify the dog at any time during the brace for lack of recall. The disqualified dog will be considered disqualified for 24 hours, after which time it may participate in a new brace. However, three brace disqualifications for lack of recall will result in a permanent disqualification of that dog from Hunting Trials.
Section 4.5 Compliance Requirement
To qualify for title points, a brace must be performed in complete compliance with local, state, and federal game laws. Game must be pursued on public land, private property, or private game preserves, only when pursuing said sub-class of game with dogs is legal on the respective type of property in that state. Handlers must also have all licensees, 'tags' or permits required by law for the respective type of property in that state.