MEDIA RELEASE

For many, the really enjoyable part of greyhound racing is naming the greyhound.

For others, it is possibly the hardest part of the sport. To assist participants in this regard, Greyhounds Australasia (GA) provides an insight into how the naming process works and offers some pointers to make naming greyhounds easier.

In the past, greyhounds have been named after persons, places - just about everything!

It is amazing after a major event like the Olympic Games how many name requests are received, i.e. Thorpe and Hackett after the 2000 Sydney Games.

Music is always a common theme, with the allocation of Que Sera Sera, Bad Medicine and Billy Ray Virus.

Movie and television shows like Rocky, Superman and Babe have been allocated.

Participants often request names after prominent persons, which are not allowed unless special permission is received from the individual, i.e Brett Lee, Rodney Rude and Billy Slater.

The use of part names is generally acceptable and ones granted previously include Hewitt, Come On Lleyton, Slater, Bond and Sangakurra, to name a few.

Most people in the industry know that names can be re-granted if they are not protected and after 15 years have passed since receipt of the name allocation. Protection refers to guidelines 2 and 3 of the GA naming policy (i.e. has previously been recorded as a sire or dam, or is listed as a classic winner in the GA database).

Some participants don’t realise that there are 22 guidelines in the policy for naming greyhounds and if you are unsure of these you should view: http://www.galtd.org.au/GreyhoundsAustralasia/index.php?q=node/37

The number 4 guideline, similar names, is often abused. No matter how you spell it – Lori, Laurie, Lory, Lauri – if it sounds the same, it cannot be used unless it is due to be re-granted.

We all know that greyhound names can only be 16 characters long including spaces. Sometimes fitting the name into 16 characters becomes a problem, thus a letter is omitted or words are joined. Please don’t send in your naming application with caughtfornought because it will be broken up to see if it fits and if not, we will move to your next choice.

Also, remember that as per guideline 11 you can only use 3 words.

Every now and then someone tries breaking guideline 8, Obscene or Vulgar Names, and once they get caught, the offender may be subject to inquiry. So if you wish to run the risk of breaking this rule, be prepared for a conversation with your controlling body.

Granted, there are always exceptions due to the volume of greyhounds named. However apart from the general application of knowledge gained from experience, together with common sense, the criteria listed in the guidelines are generally followed by the registrar in not allowing names applied for amongst the many thousands lodged.

The Naming Process - Whilst it is recognised that the owner of the greyhound has preferences in selecting a name, it is to be noted that the orderly and consistent granting of a name rests with GA and the controlling bodies.

Operationally, how does the Naming Process work?

- Participants forward a naming application to their local controlling body with their 9 choices in order of preference

- GA receives the greyhound name selections from your respective controlling body to verify against the GA database

- GA allocates a name, based on the choices provided, guidelines of the naming policy, and the rules of racing and advises the controlling body of the allotted name

- The controlling body then determines whether to register, reject or amend the selection and forwards the appropriate registration papers to the owner

Once a greyhound is named, it is only under “exceptional circumstances” that a name is changed.

Naming a greyhound can be rewarding but also challenging, the guidelines provided and rules of racing provide direction in this regard with the aim to maintain the integrity of the sport.

Participants are reminded of their obligations when naming greyhounds to ensure it is a positive experience and for more information are advised to contact their respective controlling body or GA.