Before the current policy of having the leash runner hand the open leash to the exhibitor, many clubs here in So. CA had leash holders of various designs. The Aus's is probably a much improved version. Personally I think being handed my open leash does allow me to get out of the ring faster than in the "old days".
Should we start using a leash holder, chair, bucket or the like I would like to request that these not be placed immediately beside the ring ropes and right at the exit. I judged or years before the human leash holder rule came about. I would continually move the chair, or what ever, that the leash was to be put on into the ring about 5-10 feet or so and often just off to the side of the exit. Two main reasons:
1. I personally feel this was a safer placement of the leash. I saw a lot of dogs that ran or wondered out of the ring while the handler was walking towards their leash and then while fumbling with the leash trying to get it open and on the dog. The holder being away from the ring rope (not all rings are enclosed) and exits reduced the dog from accidentally walking out of the ring.
2. The shorter the distance the handler has to walk to get to their leash the faster they get it on the dog. Many of us slow down as our dogs drive across the finish line. We then walk to our dog. The closer the leash is to that finish line, the faster the handler gets there, leashed up and out of the ring.