Torches
Bring a good torch for hashes which will be run in the dark (from late August to late April). Head torches are very popular with hashers as they do away with the need to carry a hand torch, thus enabling you to run naturally. They can be obtained from camping and outdoor shops. Rechargeable batteries work out cheaper in the long run. [^ index]

Safety
For moorland runs in the winter it is advisable to carry a whistle, map and compass if you can manage it. You may find it useful to take a look at the map of the area where the run is going to be before hand so that you have an idea where to go to get back to the cars if you get separated from the pack. [^ index]

At The Start
Get to the start on time - Drake H3 runs start at 7.30pm sharp and won’t wait. Don’t park your car in a gateway or blocking a road or track. If you have to block in another hasher’s car, check with them first that it is okay to do so. [^ index]

Know Your Hare
Find out who is going to be the hare for the run so you know who to ask if you need any help. Try to listen to any announcements the hare has to make before the run. However, this isn’t so easy as the noise everyone else makes tends to drown them out! [^ index]

Countryside Code
If you are the last person through a gate make sure that it is properly closed. It is better to walk through a field with livestock in it in order to avoid panicking the animals. Don’t run over crops. Make sure that any dogs you bring are under control and put on a lead where necessary. It is a good idea to put a reflective collar on your dog if you intend bringing it on a hash being run in the dark. [^ index]

Etiquette
Make sure that you always shout “On On” when you are following the correct trail, in order to help the hashers behind you keep in contact and to assist them to find the trail. Shouting is the most important thing a hound can do because it is what keeps the runners together so making it a hash and not just a run. Hashing is non-competitive cross country running so fast runners should not try to run off and leave everyone behind.

Look out for the welfare of the other runners on the trail. Check who is around you and tell the hare if someone is returning to the cars. Don’t run off and leave the last runner on their own. [^ index]

Checking
When you are one of the first to arrive at a check point (a circle) go and look for the
correct trail. If you see sawdust, shout out the number of drops you find as you go along e.g. “On One...On Two...On Three” etc. When you are sure you have found the
correct trail shout “On On”. [^ index]

Kicking Out The Check
The hound nearest the check when the correct trail is found should kick the check circle through in the direction the trail goes. If necessary return to the check to do this, because if a lone hound at the back has to search for the trail at each check, he or she will be very late back indeed. [^ index]

False Trails (Check Backs)
If you go checking and come across a trail with a cross at the end of it it means you
are following a false trail. Shout “Check Back” and go back to the check point, where you can try again or wait for someone else to find the correct trail. [^ index]

Back Checks
If you are following the trail and come across a circle with a cross in it you have found a back check. Shout “Back Check” then retrace your steps whilst looking for the correct trail somewhere off to the left or right of the trail you are on. [^ index]

Regroups
If the hash is getting very split up, a regroup should ber called where the front runners stop and wait for everyone else to catch up. After all, hashing is not a race, it is much more fun to have other people to run with. Drake H3 does not usually have formal regroups marked on its trails, because with a bit of common sense (something not normally associated with hashers) informal ones will work much better. However, there are occasions when formal regroups can be of value, such as at the top of a hill, if getting there has involved a long climb. A marked regroup is indicated by laying the letters 'RG'. [^ index]

Search Parties
If someone has not returned after the run don’t drive off to the pub. All the members of the hash are responsible for each other’s safety, and so if someone is missing we should all be available to form search parties if necessary. [^ index]

The On Down
At the on down circulate and make any new members feel welcome. Let the scribe
know about anything of interest that happened before, on or after the run. Pay your hash subscription and check that your name is ticked off on the hash list - only people who pay are recorded! Make sure you get a copy of the hash mag to find out where the next run is going to be. [^ index]

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