Agility Dog Association of Australia Ltd

From the ADAA Chair ... August / September 08

Congratulations to all of ADAA’s members who attended in the NSW ADAA Training Camp, whether as a participant, instructor or helper. All of the handlers and dogs kept upbeat and demonstrated some excellent skills (training and handling) throughout. It was a fabulous weekend and, despite some rain on Saturday night for those who were camping at the grounds, the weather was perfect during both days. I really want to thank Nicola Read for all of her work in organising the camp, and also in welcoming all of the new members to ADAA, who came along and enjoyed themselves. Thanks to Jeanette Durante and Marion Allen in joining me as the Queensland instructing contingent. Thanks also to all of the NSW members who gave up their weekend to instruct too (Natalie Winter, Penny Mead, Marj Kibby, Kerri Lowis, Elsina Meyer, Siegfried Clever, Nicola Read), together with Julia Barnett (who looked after all of our delicious meals and morning teas), Loyd Barker for bringing the ADAA trailer and equipment to the venue, Mal Williams and Jaki Wallbank who volunteered to deliver us three Qld-ers to our destination at the end of the day and especially to Ann Tomlinson who, despite having other commitments over the weekend, collected Marion, Jeanette and I from the airport, looked after us each night and transported us to/from Erskine Park each day.

All ten Rounds for this year’s Medallion Stakes are now complete.  This year saw dogs on the Regular Programme Register become eligible for Medallions and there has been one Regular dog who achieved the outstanding achievement of a Gold Medallion as well as three International Programme Register dogs.  Therefore congratulations to the following:

• International Programme Gold
  Marion Bland and Collendina Gypsy Rose
  Denise Crook and Lexie
  Merrilee McGee and Magpie
• Regular Programme Gold
  Tandy Allen and Flicka
• International Programme Silver
  Elsina Meyer and Beljekali Gypsy in Black
  Ian Weston and Bobbi
  Tandy Allen and Flye
  Jo Lewohl and Pepper
  Eddy Szmelter & Holly Connor and Saffy
  Jan Williams and Scary Spice
  Maria Thiry and Split Second
• Regular Programme Silver
  Michael Warren and Code
  Sharon Fraser and Heidi
  Natalie Kirkwood and Nitro
  Sharon Dungey and Tess
  Vickie Clever and Jack
  Marion Bland and Sam
• International Programme Bronze
  Elsina Meyer and Georgia
  Senga McLellan and Jedda
  Glenn Harrison and Jonty
  David & Robyn Yould and KC
  Eddy Szmelter & Holly Connor and Maverick
  Vickie Clever and Max
  Ken & Kay Crook and Monty
  Stephanie Winter and Shayla
  David Coggan and Shirley
  Natalie Kirkwood and Sonic Boom
• Regular Programme Bronze
  Heidi Bradshaw and Enna
  Leanne Wegner and Jed
  Deborah Duce and Maggie
  Natalie Winter and Micki
  Glenn Harrison & Tracey Harrison-Hill and Missy
  Natalie Kirkwood and Skye

Notice of this year’s ADAA Annual General Meeting has now been issued. The AGM will be held at the Grand Prix to facilitate as many members as possible attending. Speaking of which, final touches are currently being completed for the Grand Prix and it is shaping up to be our best Grand Prix ever. We look forward to both previous and first-time Grand Prix participants coming along and joining in the fun in a few weeks. I believe that Damian Noud is still on the lookout for  Grand Prix HERO’s (view the flyer 55kb PDF), so if you are coming along (or would like to come along) and can assist please get in contact with him as soon as possible.

Members will be aware that ADAA introduced an Interim Kennel Cough Policy in April 2008. With assistance from Damian, the Board has now prepared a Frequently Asked Questions document which includes information to assist members in understanding the objectives of the policy and what to look out for to minimise the risk of your own dog(s) getting sick. You are asked to have a read of the Frequently Asked Questions document (which will be regularly updated with essential information for members) at your earliest convenience.

> Download the ADAA FAQ for Members as a PDF file (143kb)
> Download the ADAA FAQ for Members as a PowerPoint file (151kb)

One of ADAA’s ethoses is that everyone contributes to the organisation and events in order to share the volunteer load and for ADAA (and clubs) to be able to keep the cost to a minimum for the benefit of all. This is especially important at competitions and, whilst clubs will have a number of key tasks completed by their members (eg preparation of Clear Round and Qualifying Certificates) and often some of the stewarding responsibilities, handlers do need to make themselves available for scribing, scorekeeping and marshalling. If each handler assists with one or two classes, these requirements will easily be fulfilled. So please step up at each competition that you go to and help out at the ring. For those who are not sure about what is needed, the Steward’s Training Programme (view the Steward's Training PDF Document - PDF 915kb) gives you all of the key information and an opportunity to do some practical examples.

Congratulations to Jim Hull and Lisa Henshaw on successfully completing their Judges Training and becoming Level 1 Judges. What an awesome achievement and I’m sure the NSW members look forward seeing you judging solely in the near future.

May you enjoy your training with your dog and achieve your goals.

Cathy Slot
ADAA Chair

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