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V2.5 1st March 2025 (basic)

The following is a basic quick look at the rules of the exciting sport of Fast Dog.

1. Participants

2. Canine Participants

3. RAD Sports Clubs

4. Fast Dog Equipment

5. Event Manager

6. Event Administrator

7. Lure Driver

8. Catcher

9. Point Scoring

10. RDS Rankings

11. Breed Handicaps

12. Titles

13. Other Awards

14. Minimum age (human & canine)

15. Junior & Disabled competitions

16. Hardware Required For Fast Dog Events

17. Rules Of Fast Dog (events)

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1. PARTICIPANTS

All participants must be registered with Renegade Active Dogs (RAD) in order to receive awards, titles and rankings. This includes the owner and their dog(s).

The only exception is "RAD Fun Days", where ribbons may be on offer as a reward to trying the sport.

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2. CANINE PARTICIPANTS

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All canines must be registered with RAD in order All participants must be registered with RAD in order to receive awards, titles and rankings. The dog(s) MUST be microchipped, no exceptions except for fun days where no points are awarded.

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3. RENEGADE DOG SPORTS CLUBS

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All clubs must be registered with RAD in order to hold official RAD events, any events that are non-RAD approved or licensed will NOT be including in rankings, points, titles and awards.

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4. FAST DOG EQUIPMENT

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All lure systems must be from RENEGADE ACTIVE DOGS (ALPHA or APEX), and a trained driver must be in control at all times, this ensures consistency in performance, and creates the best possible level of safety for all involved, including the dogs.

Timing systems must be electronic, and of the multi beam variety to ensure no times are missed, and/or tripped by the lure.

Fencing must be in place for the track, which is to be 100M long x 3M to 5M wide timed area, a 3M starting area, and a minimum of 35M runout area, ideally 50M.

A holding pen is optional by the event manager, although this will help speed up the event. The pen must be at least 3M long, by 1.5M wide and 1.8M high, with a lockable latch, fresh water and under shade regardless of weather. Shade cloth can be used if no other shade is available.

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5. EVENT MANAGER

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The event manager is in charge of ensuring a fair and safe event takes place. He/she is in charge of all staff, and must act as the backup should any of the other employees be absent, this includes the driver, catcher and administrator. The event manager is to ensure all participants follow the rules and regulations of Fast Dog, and that a fair and accurate event is carried out. The event manager is to email results through to RAD admin for processing.

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6. EVENT ADMINISTRATOR

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The event administrator must carry out the task of signing participants in, and checking dogs for lameness and/or seasonal in females. Microchips must be scanned to ensure the correct dog is presented to compete in the event. This is to be done a few minutes prior to the dogs scheduled time to run. All times are to be recorded and signed off before being passed onto the event manager. The lure driver must also sign to ensure there's no errors.

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7. LURE DRIVER / STARTER

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The lure driver is to also be the starter to ensure correct release of the dog, and to maintain integrity with results. He/she must be trained to operate the Renegade Dog lure systems, and this incudes any onsite repairs it may need. The lure driver is to ensure the correct length of the track is setup, and that all timing systems are operating correctly. It's at this point the LD should do a quick check of the canine for any injury that may have been missed prior.

The LD must ensure a fair run is given to each dog, from start to finish, and must ease the lure past the finish line to allow the dog to come to a safe stop and not jolt or baulk in the runout / catching pen area.

Only the lure driver can determine a false run, and the participant can be given the option to run again after 30 mins. This is to be reported to the event manager immediately. If the participant declines the offer of a re-run, a refund is to be issued electronically unless cash was used.

At the request of the participant, a toy may be added to the lure if its appropriate and at the discretion of the driver.

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8. CATCHER

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Participants can elect to have their owner catcher, otherwise the default option is an event catcher will collect the dog, and put them into a 3M x 1.5M lockable pen (with shade and fresh water) for the owner to collect. The catcher must stand to either side of the pen, and must not move until the dog has eased to a near stop, a toy may be used to help direct the canine to a safe area to pull up and stop. The catcher or anyone else can "call up" the dog, however a toy can be added to the lure, but this must be discussed with the driver prior to the run.

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9. POINT SCORING

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The aim of Fast Dog is to reward dogs that can go faster than what their breed is naturally able to do. The method used is based on each breeds median 100M speed, which is derived from around the world. The speed is then converted to KPH, then the breed specific handicap points added, giving the final score for that run. The dog must have at least 3 runs before an average can be determined, this is where our worldwide ranking system is arranged from, however if your dog doesn't compete for 90 days, 2.5% is deducted from the last average score, and again up to 3 times before automatic retirement is carried out by RAD. See retirement for more info.

Points go towards RAD Fast Dog titles, from Omega, to Apex, see titles below.

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10. RAD RANKINGS

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As mentioned in point scoring, the rankings are based on a 3 run rolling average, with deductions given after 90 days of no runs. These rankings will be displayed on the website, but only the top 100. To get your dogs ranking, please see their unique profile, which is also shareable to all socials so you can show off your canines achievements.

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11. BREED HANDICAPS

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Also mentioned in point scoring above. To elaborate, the handicap is given to each breed. The baseline is the top breed at the time, which in most cases will be either the greyhound or whippet, this is updated annually (1st of JAN) by RDS to ensure up-to-date data is used to provide a fair sport for all canines, again, we want to reward dogs that can run faster than the median speed of their breed, that's a true fast dog. From the baseline which is zero, the next breed is given a handicap of the baseline median speed to the variance of the breed's median speed. So if the whippet has a baseline of 55.65KPH, and the greyhound is next at 53.34KPH, the greyhound is given a handicap of 2.31KPH (points).

This continues through each breed, of which we have over 240 recorded as of 3/8/2021.

Another example is a pug (breed speed rank 222nd of 242) median speed is 26.6KPH, giving the breed a handicap of 29.39. If a pug runs a time of 10.10s over the 100M trip, that converts to 35.64KPH, add the handicap of 29.39 and that gives a score of 65.03, that means a whippet must run above its median speed to beat the pug.

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12. TITLES (canine personal status)

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Apart from trophies and ribbons, RAD also has on offer personal titles for each dog to work towards. Some special events will be status specific events only too, keep an eye on the events tab on the website, or regularly check your emails from RAD admin regarding various upcoming events.

A metal dog tag will be presented to your dog once they reach each milestone as set out below:

* OMEGA = 250 (approx. 5 runs)

* OMEGA-BETA = 500 (approx. 10 runs)

* BETA = 1000 (approx. 20 runs)

* BETA-ALPHA = 2000 (approx. 40 runs)

* ALPHA = 3000 (approx. 60 runs)

* ALPHA-APEX = 4000 (approx. 80 runs)

* APEX = 5000 = (approx. 100 runs)

* APEX# = every additional 1000 points earns a number APEX1 etc

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13. OTHER AWARDS

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RAD will award achievements such as fastest of the day (no handicap), 25th, 50th start, 75th start and 100th start (and beyond) with ribbons, and for special events a trophy will be on offer, and in some cases place getters will also receive trophies.

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14. MINIMUM AGE FOR ATHLETES AND HANDLERS

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In order to maintain a safe environment for all, the minimum age for handlers is 12, this is for the starter and catcher. For the dogs, they must be at least 9 months age without a vet certificate, or if at least 6 months of age they will need a vet certificate, and points will be maintained but speeds won’t go against the breed as these will be slower than normal for the breed in most cases. See junior and disadvantaged athletes below. Please note, minors must be accompanied by an adult of 18years up.

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15. JUNIOR & DISADVANTAGED (Disabled) ATHLETES

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Fast Dog is all about fairness and inclusiveness, so even if your dog can't compete in the main competition (titles and rankings) they can however compete against other juniors and disadvantage canines, without effecting the main competitions median breed handicaps. These are separate competitions called JuniorRAD and ParaRAD.

Disadvantaged is a disabled dog, which includes but not limited to, sight, missing limb or there part off (not including a missing toe) mentally disabled or any other condition approved by RAD admin. A vet certificate can be requested by an event manager or administration. Please note, this does not include hearing as this sport is a "sighthound" sport, hearing isn't needed to chase the lure, as well as a missing tail for example.

The under age (under 9 months) canines can also compete at this level, and their points won't affect the main median speeds or rankings, however these will be tracked and displayed by RAD. Junior champions will be rewarded. Age will need to be proven.

 

16. HARDWARE REQUIRED TO RUN FAST DOG (event days)

 

16.1 ACCEPTED COURSE SURFACES
 

• GRASS – No higher than 4inches. Flat surface with no dips. Can be slightly uphill, but never downhill.

• SAND or SAWDUST MIX – No deeper than 6incehs. Flat surface with no dips. Can be slightly uphill, but never downhill.

• DIRT – Must be of soft fine substance, no rocks, no holes or uneven parts of the track. Can’t be used in weather unless it’s under cover. All dirt tracks must be approved prior to any events or fun days that are in our name.

 

16.2 NIGHT EVENTS

For night events, the lighting used must cover all parts of the track, including starting point and the catching pen. No shadows can for at any point of the entire course, this is so dogs don’t baulk and potentially faulter in their stride which would put them and others at risk.

 

16.3 COURSE DIMENTIONS

Entire Track Area:

Minimum area for the track is 144m. Which is 4m for the starting area, 100m for the running area, and at least 40m for the catching pen. Longer the catching pen the better. But 50m would be ample even for the fastest breeds; Greyhounds and Whippets.

Starting Pen and Launch Pad Area:

The starting pen must be 4m long by the width of the track. The minimum width for the track is 3m.

With the starting pen, there must be a “launch area” clearly marked with paint. This area is set back 1m from the starting line, which will have the timing gates either side. The launch area therefore will be 3m long by the width of the track.

The handler must release the dog anywhere from inside the launching pad. This ensures a clean release giving the dog a chance to be clean footed before triggering the timing system.

 

Running Area:

This is the main area, between the starting line and finish line. It must be exactly 100m long, and the width must be at least 3m. The widest we recommend is no more than 8m, it’s just not necessary.

 

Finishing Line:

The finishing line must be clearly marked, and have the timing gates either side of the line. It must be free of any obstacles and distractions.

 

Catching Area or Catching Pen:

This is where safety must be at the forefront. Minimum length of 40m must be adhered too or the event holder will be responsible for any injuries, and will not ne covered by insurance. 50m in length is the maximum before it becomes pointless as the fastest breeds won’t need anymore than that.

 

16.4 FENCING REQUIRMENTS

The main area of the track and catching pen must be fully fenced to the height of at least 1m.

A perimeter fence is recommended, but not essential. This would be set back several meters from the track to ensure other people and dogs don’t get too close to the running area which could distract the running dog. Rules already state that all non-running dogs must be leased and kept at least 10m away from any part of the course/track.

 

16.5 TIMING REQUIRMENTS

For fun days and other non-official events hand timers can be used. But there must be two people with hand timers, both located at the finish line. The start must wave a red flag when the dog is released. Then the two timers are combined and halved to give the final result.

For official events, electronic timing systems must be used. If there’s any major issues during the event with this system, hand timers may be used, but this must be reported to RAD and noted beside each run with the initials HT, this is so RAD admin know and can make any final adjustments before being lodged as official results. These result impact on world rankings, so they need to be as accurate as possible.

RAD has a policy regarding any questionable times lodged, so we can ensure there’s not mistakes or cheating.

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16.6 LURE SYSTEM REQUIRMENTS

For all events under RENEGADE ACTIVE DOGS, our lure machine must be used. This is because there’s no better system on the market that suits our sports, and this will ensure consistency across the world. Our machines are the easiest to operate, and are by far the safest, especially for the real fast dogs.

RAD also has exclusive rights to loan machines should a club’s machine be in need of major repair. So, each club or event holder will never be without a lure system. Renegade lure machines are used across the world, and the fastest dogs in the world train with these on a daily basis in the greyhound industry.

 

17. RULES OF THE SPORT

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17.1 EVENT CHECK-IN

On the day of the event, all dogs are to be checked in with the event holder, signs must be clearly marked so people can find where to check-in.

The event holder must check all dogs for obvious injuries or lameness, and scratch them if they are deemed unfit to run. A report must be written, and submitted to RAD for record keeping and if any follow-ups are required. The person checking must also check all females for sign of being on season.

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17.2 RUN NUMBERS & CALL-UPS

To ensure a smooth and speedy event, run numbers must be given to each participant, and then use these numbers to call them up when it’s turn to run. It is recommended the event holder has 2-3 dogs waiting in a staging area close to the starting pen.

If a participant is late to the starting pen, the event holder must go to the next runner and the late person has report to the checking-in person for a new run number. Discretion can be used by the event holder, for example there might be a chance to run the late comer in between others. Worst case, the later runner can be ran at the end of the event, or they can get a full refund and abort their run(s).

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17.3 STARTING PEN RULES

The event holder will have an allocated starter. This person is in charge at all times of starting area, and will decide when it’s safe for the next participant and their runner to enter the starting pen.

The dog must be held inside the allocated launch pad, this should be clearly marked with paint.

The dog can be held anywhere inside the launch pad, but must wait for the starter to yell RELEASE, the word GO may be misunderstood by the dog as NO causing him/her to baulk and faulter at the start.

Collars and harnesses are permitted to stay on the dog for its run. Even race vests are allowed, just no crude or political print, we want to keep our sports family friendly and non-political, we are all there to have fun. Sponsorship prints are encouraged, as well as any colours etc.

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17.4 FINISH LINE & CALL-UPS

The dog must pass the entire finish line to have an official time and score recorded.

Call-ups are permitted, but the person calling the dog must be at the very back of the catching pen, in either corner and away from the lure line that is in the middle, they can also use a soundless toy.

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17.5 CATCHING PEN

The dog must be collected in a timely manner, and if they make a mess the owner is to clean it up without delay. Catchers need to be mindful of the lure line in the middle of the track, it can be a trip hazard if you don’t pay attention. Catchers enter the pen at their own risk.

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17.6 RE-RUN

If there’s an error made by any staff, or if there’s any fault with equipment, the owner can request a re-run. To do this they need to speak with the starter, but in most cases the starter would already know of the error/issue and wave the owner back to do another run at an appropriate time, as the dog may need a short break. The dog has until the final scheduled dog has entered the starting pen to be ready for the re-run.

The owner can also elect to get a refund, or a free run at the next event, they would need to relay this decision to the event holder, or the person that checked the in.

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17.7 LEAVING THE TRACK

After the dog has ran, the owner or handler must lead the dog off the track, and maintain at least 10m away from the track fencing. This is so the next runner isn’t delayed or destructed. If a dog runs back up to the start, the catcher and starter need to both work together to collect the dog in a timely and safe manner. Re-calls are permitted, but the handler must inform the starter.

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17.8 HEAT EFFECTED EVENT

A forecast of above 30 degrees Celsius for an event must be deemed heat effected. This will mean all runs must be complete prior to midday, and if this can’t be achieved the event holder can use discretion to delay proceedings until a cool change, or cancel and refund runs that either elect to cancel themselves, or cannot be ran due to weather condition.  Pools with water must also be provided by the event holder, as well as shade by at least having a gazebo at the start and finish areas. Fans may be provided is possible. This does not impact night events, but only if started after sun set.

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17.9 OTHER SEVERE WEATHER CONDITION

Any other weather conditions must be monitored by the event holder. Rain is fine, as well as wind, but any lightening in the area as seen by eye, the event must either be put on hold until conditions clear, but if the weather (storm) persists for more than 2 hours the event must end, and any remaining runners must be refunded. Participants may wish to cancel after 1 hour..