LURE OPERATOR (L/O)--The single most important position in the running of the hounds on two levels. One, the safety of the hounds; two, the ability to keep the hounds on the lure to their best advantage. The Lure Operator can make or break a hound, literally. This position requires concentration, true concern for the hound's safety, an understanding of breed running styles, knowledge of or an interest in equipment maintenance, and a light touch for the lure button. The Lure Operator must be free of "politics" and be genuinely proud of an exemplary safety record. Any course changes are made after the Judges, Trial Chairman, Huntmaster, and Lure Operator (L/O) see the performance of the Pilot hound. The Test Hounds or first Trial Breed may now begin.

The L/O must always be alert for any possible hazard to a hound on the course and be prepared to halt the lure, release the flywheel line (or cut it free), and get aid to the hound at risk. It is the Huntmaster's responsibility to have a hound picked up, although the L/O must keep a "third eye" on the unsighted hound until it is under control. No hound owned or co-owned by the L/O or immediate family member may run under his/her operation.

This position will require operation practice under the guidance of an experienced operator for at least three separate breeds at three separate events and must include Whippets as one breed in the third event. The L/O may opt to hold practice runs after the Best-of-Breed/Best-In-Field are completed and may train new Lure Operators at the same time. The Handlers wanting to practice their hounds will be notified that an Apprentice L/O may be operating the lure.

This is the most intensive of the field assignments. It requires concentration, concern for the hounds, no political motivation, and knowledge of the running styles of all the sighthound breeds.

Training Level: Requires training under an Authorized Lure Operator (preferably two or more different individuals) for at least three different breeds at three separate events, AKC and/or ASFA, for a minimum total of nine breeds, or documented proof of experience (i.e., Premium Listing at other Clubs or out of area), with one of the 9 breeds being Whippet. An oral examination may be requested by an Authorized Lure Operator concerning breed running styles.

AKC Lure Coursing Regulations:

Section 6. Lure Operator
1. Is a member of the Field Committee.

2. Will make at least one pilot run of the lure before the first course of the day and again upon reversing or changing the course layout.

Note: If a hound is used for the pilot run it must be one of the eligible sighthound breeds (Chapter 1, Section 3).

3. Starts the lure at the signal from the Huntmaster and stops it at least 20 yards before the lure machine or final pulley.

4. After the course begins will attempt to keep the lure 10 to 30 yards in front of the lead hound at all times. In the event a hound becomes unsighted, the lure must continue in the originally planned direction until completion of the course.

5. Will stop the lure on a signal from the Huntmaster or Judge, but shall automatically stop the lure any time a hound becomes entangled in the string or when a potentially dangerous situation may develop.

6. Shall not operate the lure for any stake where any hound which he owns or co-owns or is owned or co-owned by a member of his immediate family or household is entered.

7. The same lure operator shall operate the lure throughout an entire stake.

Section 9. Field Committee
1. Field Committees may make additional regulations for the government of their events as shall be considered necessary and proper, provided such regulations-  or rules do not conflict with, change or modify any Rules or Regulations of The American Kennel Club. Such additional Regulations shall be printed and distributed with the premium list and violations thereof shall be considered the same as violations of the Rules and Regulations of the AKC.

2. The decisions of the Field Committee shall be final, conclusive and binding on all parties, in all matters occurring on the day of the meet, except for matters coming within the jurisdiction of the Judge(s). Such Committee decisions must be made in accord with the general regulations and standard procedures that apply to the trial being held.

3. The decisions of the Judges in all matters relating to the course are final.

4. If it becomes necessary to replace an advertised Judge after the opening of the event and no person on the eligible Judges list is available as a replacement, the Field Committee may select a person whose name is not on the eligible Judges list provided such person is in good standing with the AKC. The Field Committee must announce and post the name of any substitute Judge before the draw for the stake at which he is to officiate.

5. If a Judge is unable to complete a judging assignment, a replacement may be substituted. The Field Committee shall notify the exhibitors of the substitution. All of the scores of the Judge who was replaced shall stand as recorded.

6. If a Judge is substituted, the owner or handler of a hound entered in that stake has the option of withdrawing the hound before the draw and receiving an entry fee refund. If, after the draw, a Judge must be substituted, no refunds shall be made.

7. In the event that an unadvertised Lure Operator must be used, the Field Committee must select a substitute Lure Operator and must announce the name of that substitute before the draw for the stake at which he is to operate the lure. If an unadvertised Lure Operator is used, the owner or handler of a hound entered in that stake has the option of withdrawing his hound before the draw and receiving an entry fee refund. If, subsequent to the draw, a Lure Operator must be substituted, no refunds shall be made. The advertised Lure Operator shall make every effort to complete his assignment.

8. The Field Committee shall handle all official protests on the day of the event as specified in Chapter XIV.

9. At no time may the Field Committee overrule, change or reverse a judging decision except in the case of eligibility as determined after a protest is filed, without the express consent in writing of the Judge involved.