Qualifying Time

(1) Each Association licensed by the Commission may establish qualifyingtimes for its 5/16 mile races and for distances greater than 5/16 of a mile. (2) All greyhounds must wear the regulation association muzzle and blanket when placed in the starting box; the Judges must approve blinker muzzles. (3) Muzzles and blankets must be carefully examined in the Paddock by the Paddock Judge before the greyhounds leave for the post and again be examined before the Judges at the Judges' Stand or before the Starter at the starting box by the Patrol Judge. (4) All greyhounds must be exhibited in the show paddock before post time of the race they are entered. (5) After the greyhounds leave the paddock on their way to the starting point, and until the Judges direct the gates to be reopened, all persons except the racing officials and the necessary attendants, shall be excluded from the track to be run over. (6) No race shall be called official unless the lure is in advance of the greyhounds at all times during the race and if any time during the race any greyhound or greyhounds catch or pass the lure, the Judges shall declare it "No Race" and all monies shall be refunded. (7) The Judges shall closely observe the operation of the lure and hold the Lure Operator to strict accountability for any inconsistency of operation. (8) If a greyhound is left in the box when the doors ofthe startingboxopenat the start there shall be no refund, but if one greyhound or more is prevented from leaving the box at the start because of being locked in the starting box, the money wagered on said greyhound or greyhounds so locked in the starting box shall be deducted from the pool and be refunded. The Starter shall make the sole decision onthe questionofwhat greyhound or greyhounds are prevented from starting in a race throughfailure of the doors of the starting box to open. (9) If a race is marred by jams, spills or racing circumstances other than accident to the machinery, while a race is being run, and three or more greyhounds finish, the Judges shall declare the race finished, but if less than three greyhounds finish, the Judges shall declare "No Race" and all monies shall be refunded. (10) In purse races not less than five greyhounds, racing in the names of five licensed owners, must be entered and start, or the race may be declared off. In Stakes races at least four different interests must be entered and start or the race may be declared off. (11) If a greyhound bolts the course, runs in the opposite direction or does not run the entire prescribed distance for the race, it shall forfeit all rights in the race and no matter where it is finished the Judges shall declare the finish of the race the same as if said greyhound were not a contender. However, for the purpose of 205 CMR 5.00, said greyhound shall be considered a "Starter." (12) If a greyhound bolts the course or runs in the opposite direction during the running of the race and in so doing said greyhound, in the opinion of the Judges interfered with any other greyhound in the race, the Judges shall declare it "No Race" and all monies wagered shall be refunded. (13) If it appears that a greyhound may interfere with the running of the race because of failure to leave the box, because of accident or for any other reason, any person under the supervision of the Judges stationed around the track may remove said greyhound from the track. However, for the purpose of the Rule said greyhound shall be considered a "Starter."