A hound may be excused for a number of reasons: Did Not Run; Hound Coursed Other Hound; Handler Interference; Hound Delayed Course; Hound Unfit to Compete; and Other. A Judge must indicate for which offense the hound is Excused. A hound Excused in the Preliminary runs will not count toward points for the other hounds. Excused in the Final runs will count.