You asked and we listened! 

As of August 1, 2019, false starts will be limited to one per race, per team.  Choose to push your start in the first heat or maybe you'll want to save it for the last heat - you decide, but once you use it, it's gone. 

We believe this will address dog safety and limit tournament time, while adding a bit of strategy.  

The addendum to the rules is as follows:

2.9 False Starts

False starts will be limited to one per race, per team.  A false start occurs when any part of the first dog's body passes the Start/Finish line before the start sequence has been completed.  When the first false start occurs, from either team; the head judge shall stop the heat, an infraction shall be indicated with a marker on the light tree, and the start sequence will begin again. 

If a second false start is called against the same team in the same race, an infraction shall be indicated, the heat will continue, and the dog will be required to run again at the end of the line-up for the heat to be considered complete.

If a second false start occurs concurrent with the opposing team's first false start any time during that race, the opposing team's first false start supersedes the team's second false start. The heat shall be stopped, an infraction shall be indicated with a marker on the light tree, and the start sequence shall be restarted.

Click on the link below to download your copy of the addendum.