The American Sighthound Field Association (ASFA) has its own website where you may learn more about the organization itself, the intention here is to give the newcomer to the sport some basic information about how the MCA works and runs its Field Trials.  For more information about the ASFA, go to www.asfa.org.

Breeds eligible to compete in ASFA Events are:
Only purebred Afghan Hounds, Basenjis, Borzoi, Greyhounds, Ibizan Hounds, Irish Wolfhounds, Pharaoh Hounds, Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Salukis, Scottish Deerhounds and Whippets may be entered in regular stakes. All entries will be individually registered with the AKC, NGA, or an AKC recognized foreign registry or possess a critique case number from the SCOA. Miscellaneous class
entries shall be individually registered with the appropriate registry.  (Currently Azawakhs, Chart Polskis, Galgo Espanols, Italian Greyhounds, Magyar Agars and Sloughis are eligible for entry in miscellaneous stake.)

The MCA Hosts several ASFA events each year, usually we also allow practice runs for any of the above-listed breeds on the Saturday or each trial, after we have completed the trial for the day.  We are always looking for new volunteers to train in during these events, you don't need to know everything, we're willing to work with you as long as you are willing to learn.

Some of the "introductory-stage" volunteer positions are:
Paddock person:  This person calls up the dogs for each race in the order they are to be run.  The paddock person has a list of these dogs provided to them.
Inspection Committee:  The reason this is a good place to start volunteering is that you are always paired with an experienced person for this job.  The inspection committee reviews each entered dog to make sure that it fits its breed standard, is not lame, and for females, that they are not in season.  It's a great way to start learning!

After you've participated in a few trials, you may want to volunteer for the following positions:
Huntmaster:  The huntmaster has an identical list in his possession to be sure that the correct dogs are "on the line" and ready to race in the correct color coursing jackets.  This position needs a little more practice, since it has more duties.  For instance, the huntmaster must be sure that all dogs and their handlers are ready to run, this includes correct jacket color,  jackets securely fastened, slip leads ready.  Also, the huntmaster must make certain that the judges, the lure operator, and the handlers are all ready before calling "tally ho".  Then, if any dog pre-slips, the huntmaster must report it to the judges.  Also, it is the huntmaster's responsibility to watch the course in progress to be sure that the dogs are all running safely.  If not, the huntmaster may call to have the course stopped.
Field Trial Clerk:  The field trial clerk is very important to the running of the trial.  The clerk provides the correct paperwork to the judges, checks the judges' addition on the forms, then places the information in the correct spot on the field trial paperwork.  This position does require some organizational skills, but we always provide a calculator!  ;-)

There are other volunteer positions needed for every trial, but you can learn more about those as you participate more and more in the above positions.  The other positions require much more experience, they are:
Field Trial Secretary
Field Trial Chairman
Lure Course Operator
Judge (not really voluntary, but they have their own apprentice process).

f you'd like to volunteer, there is much more information available at the trial itself.  Show up before the "roll call" time listed in the premium list and let the Field Trial Secretary or Field Trial Chairman know you'd like to volunteer!