Agility Dog Association of Australia Ltd

From the Chairman...November 2005

The rapid race towards Xmas has begun. It seems that once October arrives, everyone gets into Xmas Mode, however we have a few competitions left on the 2005 horizon before most go into relax mode over Xmas. I say most, as Bundaberg Dog Sports Club has decided to do the entertaining of the agility masses over the New Year weekend, a first time for such a venture and I wish them well and lots of participants.

I would like to offer my thanks to both the outgoing and incoming Board members. Neville Allen has decided to finish his term of office on the Board and has offered his services to the Judges Training Committee. Sharon Dungey and Lisa Ruberry have joined the Board of Directors. To all I would like to offer my thanks for assistance given to ADAA to date as well as for their future voluntary assistance.

The backbone of ADAA is volunteers. None of the Board of Directors receive remuneration, neither do the Judges nor the committees of the Not for Profit Affiliated clubs. This is the time of the year when most volunteers seem to feel the strain; it’s a hard load they carry and many hit October thinking, “Can I do this again next year?” Thankfully most recharge their batteries over the holiday period and come back invigorated ready to tackle the load in the name of the Sport they love

While thanking volunteers, I would like to thank the Sydney members who have offered assistance with the NSW Pet Expo over the 1st weekend of November. There are many who will be assisting ADAA in promoting agility at this very public event. The equipment has been loaned by PICSI, Loyd barker will transport the equipment and then there are the competitors who we hope will have fun doing the demonstrations over the 3 days. Well done and Thank You to all for volunteering.

While thinking of Agility as a Sport, I must mention that on Sunday 30th October, I will be attending the Northside Community Cabinet, along with Cathy Slot and Tracey Harrison-Hill. We have a 15-minute deputation with the Premier, Mr. Peter Beattie, with the aim of getting his assistance in having Agility officially recognised as a Sport; currently it is not and hence many avenues for development are closed to us. We hope we can achieve a positive outcome!

I would like to thank all who submitted suggestions for regulation changes to the Board for consideration. We had many submissions and all will be well considered as we plan the path ahead for ADAA. The new regulations will be published in 2006, as soon as workloads of the regulation writers permit.

November competitions see the launch of the 2006 Medallion Stakes, so ensure you have checked the dates for the year on the website and marked them in your diary as First Priority! Next priority is ink the Grand Prix dates in; the weekend at the end of September/beginning of October. That’s an essential in any Agility Addict’s diary.

Have FUN always

Marion

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