Agility Dog Association of Australia Ltd

From the ADAA Chair ... January 2010

I hope you have had a great break during Christmas/New Year. Those who attended the New Year’s Eve competitions certainly had a great party to see in the New Year. Congratulations to everyone who contributed to the event, including the non-titling games on Thursday.

It was quite some time ago that Members sent in their thoughts and suggestions for the next edition of ADAA’s Agility Regulations. This was followed up by considerable research, time and effort (including over the Christmas break) during the Board’s review. I am now really pleased to advise that the Agility Regulations 9th Edition (PDF download - 1.25mb) to commence 15 January 2010 have been finalised/released. With this new edition of the Regulations, ADAA continues to not only be a part of the global Agility community but also meet the needs of all of our Members, whether they are new to Agility or “seasoned” hands with experienced dogs. On each occasion that the Board has undertaken a major review of the Regulations there has tended to be a significant development. For the 9th Edition, I believe this is the introduction of Not For Competition rounds where a Handler may (having indicated to the Judge before starting) reward their Dog in the Ring. In addition the Combined Programme Pairs and Team Games have been expanded to include all four height classes. This allows you to mix ‘n’ match your dogs in these classes. For instance a Combined-Open Midi 4 Dog Team will jump 400 mm and may comprise an IPR Midi, IPR Mini, RPR Midi and RPR Mini Dog (but not any Maxi Dogs). And for those who may be in search of the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, three new titles have been introduced. Advanced Australian Agility Dog (AAAD) and Regular-Advanced Australian Agility Dog (R-AAAD) utilising Advanced Clear Round Certificates (yes, Clubs can now include Regular-Advanced classes) and the Regular-Australian Agility Champion (R-AAC) following the change to the Teams/Pairs classes (with the Regular-Excellent Agility Dog title to be phased out). A Summary of changes implemented in the Regulations (PDF download - 44 kb) has been created to give you a head start.

As more classes are introduced and numbers at competitions continue to grow, the need to provide enough and a variety of events for everyone to be satisfied is certainly a topic of frequent discussion at Board meetings. This can only be done if the “downtime” between runs is minimised, otherwise we face the real possibility of having to reduce the number of events offered on schedules. We will be asking Judges (and Club officials) to remind Members at competitions to help to maximise the efficient running of Rings at competitions. This can be achieved by Competitors entering the Ring as the previous Competitor completes their run and being ready to start as soon as the Judge is ready, Handlers not wasting time at the start and finish, Members stepping up to help with all facets at competitions (equipment set up, height changes, dropped bars, stewarding) and training of Members so Scribes and Stewards are always available. If you can help, we ask you to do so.

The development and release of ADAA’s Policies is an ongoing project at Board level. These are imperative both to ensure the fair and equitable treatment of Members (and their Dogs) but also to meet ADAA’s legal obligations. ADAA’s Refund Policy (PDF download 27kb) has been updated (particularly with respect to events/competitions run by ADAA) and the Canine Contagious Diseases Policy (PDF download 37kb) has replaced the Interim Kennel Cough Policy. The FAQ’s for Members (PDF download 143kb) has also been updated. Club officials (as are all Members) are especially encouraged to read through and become conversant with the Extreme Weather Policy (PDF download 32kb).

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

Cathy Slot
ADAA Chair

[Top]