The leaderboard would like to remind everyone that the “franchise” agreement established in 2016 for Master’s and National affiliated trials remains a viable option in 2017, if your association chooses to participate. Again **Optional** Grade 3 class field trials choosing to sign up and meeting the criteria outlined below will be automatically upgraded and receive Grade 2 points for the AA hounds and Grade 4A for the Derby hounds. (Note- the Derby “bonus” was added for 2017)
 Trial must be Master’s or National Affiliated
 Trial may run under any of the Masters (HGA or GTP), National HGA or July National rules
 If a trial is held within any of the Region 1 states and has an AA or Open class entry of 150+ hounds or a trial is held within any of the Region 2 states and has an AA or Open class entry of 100+ hounds, the AA or Open class & derby class will automatically be upgraded (as described above) in Leaderboard points.
 Region 1- VA, NC, SC, GA, FL, TN, WV
 Region 2- AL, MS, LA, AR, TX, MO, IL, IN, KY, OK, CAN
 If you have questions or are interested in receiving a contract agreement for 2017, contact the leaderboard chairman, Clif Parker at 252-559-0400 or e-mail at jon.parker@pfizer.com