This is a quote from Sharon:
If a handler does not enter the ring when asked, they can be and should be eliminated. If entering a ring puts them in a dangerous situation then either that team should not be competing or the team that ran right before them should not be competing.
A judge tells the gate steward when they want the next team to enter the ring. If the team refuses to enter when told, they are supposed to indicate to the judge that the team refused to enter. The team should be eliminated for not entering the ring. If the handler explains that they are afraid of the previous team, then the judge will talk to that team to find out just which dog of the two teams seems "dangerous".
If a dog and handler cannot enter the ring in a controlled manner and be safe doing so, then NADAC is not the best pick as a venue. NADAC is very strict about aggressive dogs, dangerous dogs and out of control dogs not being allowed to compete.
If a competitor feels that their dog is at risk because of another dog at the trial, then they should send a letter of concern to NADAC and we will contact the other team and let them know that there are some concerns about their dog's potential behavior. Sometimes everyone stays quiet when they know for a fact that a particular dog is dangerous to others at the finish or the start. The competitors should also help in reporting the dogs in question and maybe the owners will work on getting more control over their dogs. If no one ever says anything, then more and more dangerous dogs will be competing.
At a NADAC trial it is "mandatory" that the entering dog must be in the ring before the finishing dog leaves the ring. They are not to remove their leash until directed to do so by the "Good luck" indicator, but they must be inside the ring area before the previous dog leaves the ring. Anyone not complying may choose to wait and enter late after the previous dog leaves, but at that time they have chosen an elimination for their run.
Sharon