Agility Dog Association of Australia Ltd

From the ADAA Chair ... March 2011

The South East Queensland floods and broken wrist notwithstanding, the start of year just slipped away from me. So here I am in March writing my first Chair report for the year. It certainly has been a tragic start to 2011 with floods (still continuing around the country), cyclone Yasi, earthquake in Christchurch NZ and now the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. I know that members/members’ family and clubs have been affected by these events. My best wishes go to those of you in these areas.

Thank you to Nicola Read for her contribution to the ADAA Board for the past 4 years. Nicola has stepped down from the Board due to work commitments. Notwithstanding the wonderful job being done by the group of member supporting the ADAA NSW competitions, if you are a member interested in contributing/ developing ADAA further in NSW, please contact me. Members are also advised that the Board has, in accordance with Rule 33c, decided to fill a casual vacancy on the Board. Further information regarding the role to be undertaken, together with nomination forms, can be obtained by emailing chairman@adaa.com.au.

Entries for the ADAA Nationals 2011 are well and truly open. Early close of entries is 31 March 2011 with late close a month later on 30 April 2011.  Extreme thanks to Propac Supreme Petfood for partnering with ADAA by sponsoring prizes for the Nationals (and they will also be on board for the Grand Prix). We are hoping for a great turn out with the format following that of the IFCS World Agility Championships, at such a great venue as AELEC. There are plenty of opportunities for everyone to enjoy themselves with up to 8 runs per day, with the first run (in each ring) on Friday a warm up on the equipment and at the venue. The title of National Champion is available for each height class for the individual events (Agility, Jumping, Gamblers and Snooker), National Biathlon Champions (Agility and Jumping combined) as well as the National All Round Champions. The team event format for the Nationals has/is being run in each of the states and that has created lots of fun (I think the Toy and Mini dog handlers have never felt so much demand – great to see). Whether or not you think you will take out the title of National Champion, the Nationals will provide an opportunity to meet, socialise and compete against members from around the country. The weekend includes a variety of Open A events (ie open to all dogs, titled and untitled, on both the International Programme Register and Regular Programme Register).

Nominations to be a part of the Team Australia at the IFCS World Agility Championships to be held in USA May 2012 have been released (and also close on 30 April 2011). There will be a Team Manager, Team Coach plus Team Handlers travelling to the USA.  Full details and Expression of Interest forms are now available. Participating in the same arena as previous World Champions is a phenomenal experience and we encourage you to give it a try. Selection events for those trying out for Team Handler positions are a part of the ADAA Nationals.

The Medallion Stakes Rounds and Rules for 2010/2011 have been released and are available for your perusal (together with results for rounds held so far this year). The Board has allocated a “bonus round” at the Nationals, making it best 9 rounds out of 11 possible. This will apply each two years when the Nationals are held.

Congratulations to the following Queensland members on receiving an Outstanding Service Award: Tandy Allen, Del Aravandino, Jane Barron, Jeanette Durante, Sharon Dungey, Julianne Hoey, Margaret Lind, Lyndal Nichols, Sharyn Palmer and LeAnne Wegner. And to the following members on receiving a Certificate of Appreciation: Kate Bartels, Michael Dungey, Peter Mason, Anita Pengilly, Libby Selby and Celia Woodhouse.

Finally, congratulations to our newest affiliated group – Tailwaggers from Chinchilla (run by Caryl and Graham Oates). To fit in with May Day celebrations in Chinchilla, Tailwaggers will be holding their inaugural Agility competition 30 April and 1 May 2011. So keep an eye out for their schedule too.

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

Cathy Slot
ADAA Chair

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