i understand what your saying as i was young and female when i got into the sport, i was lucky and i worked with racing greyhounds in ireland where we ran hares to keep the racers keen,, i loved it, however i find in england you do need to sort of prove that you are genuine and are serious about working the dogs, HOWEVER i don't think this is due to age or sex - apart from a few small minded indeviduals,, i think this has more to do with any one who works their dog wont want just anyone looking at their kennels, watching their dogs work,, i know i wouldn't!! i think we respond to a novice no m