Running order boards are read left to right and then top to bottom. Each call steward has their own unique way of doing things, but the general conventions are:
- A cross (two diagonal lines) or a scribble over the dog’s number – the dog is scratched and won’t be running in this class.
- A dot above the dog’s number – the handler and dog have checked in and are waiting nearby.
- A single diagonal line through the dog’s number – the dog has already run.
- A circle around the dog’s number – the handler may not turn up because they have a clash with another ring, or they’ve missed their turn because they didn’t arrive at the ring in time.
- A circle with an arrow – the dog has been moved to avoid a clash.
Looking at the example above, we can see that:
- The two dogs in the 320 height group have run. They are crossed backwards but this doesn’t mean anything special – I suspect a left-handed person has crossed them off before the call steward got there.
- The first two dogs in the 500 height group have also run.
- The dog that is currently in the ring (the last one that is crossed off) is Q208. This handler has moved up a couple of spaces so that she can have more time to get her other dog (S208).
- The next dog to run should be S243. There is no dot (indicating that they are present) but also no circle (indicating that they are not). My hunch is they are there but the call steward forgot to dot them – but if in doubt, always ask.
- The next three dogs in the 500 height, and many of the dogs in the 600 height, have checked in with the call steward.
- L278 has a circle around it (indicating that they may not be there) but also has a dot (indicating that they have checked in). Handlers often circle their numbers well before their run when they think they might have a clash. If they are dotted you can assume that they will be running in order.
- Five dogs have been scratched (P205, Q272, R211, Q670, P703).