Agility Dog Association of Australia Ltd

Member Notices

• Qld Kennel Cough incidents - added 5 July 2008
  
  Members are advised that dogs from two separate households have received veterinary diagnosis of kennel cough in the last 24 hours.
  
  Between them, the affected dogs, and/or dogs within their household, attended the following ADAA associated activities during the past week:
  - WAAG training 27/6/08
  - PADS competition 28/6/08
  - ADCQ training 29/6/08
  - WAAG training 30/6/08
  - BADC training 2/7/08
  In addition one of the dogs attended Flyball training on Thursday 3/7/08
  
  Members should refer to ADAA's Interim Kennel Cough Policy and are reminded to decide the risk for their own dog(s) in participating in any activities (including ADAA) and to seek advice from their own veterinary surgeon if uncertain.
  
  With thanks for your assistance and due diligence in ensuring that the risk to ADAA members' dogs is minimised.
  
  Cathy Slot
  Chairman, ADAA
  Brisbane Australia
• Membership Renewals Due (if your 3 year membership expires on 30 June 2008) - added 10 June 2008
  
  It is the end of our financial year and membership renewal time for those whose three year membership expired on 30 June 2008. We have taken every effort to advise all members who have renewals due - see the list of Members due for renewal 30 June 2008 whom ADAA has not been able to contact due to no valid email address (8kb PDF). Please check your last membership/renewal advice for your membership expiry date. If still unsure, or if you cannot locate the details, please email chairman@adaa.com.au and we will confirm when your membership expires. Remember, only Financial Members of ADAA may enter ADAA competitions and all Owners of dogs entered in ADAA competitions must also be Financial Members. If you are not, not only will you be in breach of ADAA’s Regulations, you will also forfeit all Clear Round and/or Qualifying Certificates earned, so it is definitely in your interests to ensure that your membership is up-to-date.
• Competition Incident Reports - added 29 May 2008
  
  Members are reminded that it is their obligation to report incidents of dog aggression, harsh handling or bad sportsmanship that they witness anywhere within the Competition precinct (excluding in the ring) to an officiating Judge. Rule 16.5 In such an event, a Competition Incident Report form is available from the Competition Secretary or Judge. This form must be completed by the Member and signed off by the officiating Judge.
  
  View the Competition Incident Form (PDF 22kb)
• Interim Kennel Cough Policy Notice - added 12 April 2008
  
  The Board of Directors has undertaken a risk assessment review of ADAA's current contagious diseases restrictions with respect to Kennel Cough. The Board has identified that there are significant factors, outside ADAA's control, that reduce the effectiveness of the current restrictions (including cancellation/postponement of competitions and/or ADAA club training) adhered to by ADAA members for Kennel Cough. Therefore the Board has developed an interim alternate policy for Kennel Cough that is effective immediately.
  
  ADAA's interim Kennel Cough policy is as follows:
  
  - Any dog(s) that have kennel cough are to be quarantined from all ADAA activities (including affiliated group activities) for 21 days from onset of clinical signs. This "quarantining" is to include all dogs within the household/under the same roof.
  
  - A dog is not required to have veterinary diagnosis/certificate/clearance prior to being excluded from activities or returning to ADAA activities, however members should comply with any veterinary/professional advice they receive.
  
  - The ADAA Chairman and Secretary must be advised as soon as possible (and certainly within 24 hours) from onset of clinical signs of Kennel Cough.
  
  - There is no blanket "quarantine" on other dogs that have been in potential contact/near dog(s) that have been identified with Kennel Cough. The "quarantining" is only for dogs that have been identified as having Kennel Cough and other dogs within the household.
  
  - The Board reserves the right to cancel/postpone Competitions/Events, exclude dogs that have been at affiliated group training from ADAA competitions/events and/or request that affiliated group(s) cancel training if, in the opinion of the Board, there is an outbreak that is widespread and/or poses an unacceptable risk to dogs.
  
  - Withdrawal of a dog from an ADAA activity/event due to onset of clinical signs of Kennel Cough (with or without veterinary certification) will be treated in the same manner as any other illness/disease for the purposes of refunds. Please refer to ADAA's refund policy (PDF) together with the official schedule for the relevant event(s). This includes a dog(s) that a member wishes to withdraw from an event due to their own risk management, provided this advice is received prior to the scheduled commencement of the event or within four days (96 hours) of their receipt of notice of incidence from ADAA, whichever is earlier.
  
  When there is an incidence of Kennel Cough, all members and affiliated group contacts will be advised. It is the owner's responsibility to decide the risk for their own dog(s) in participating in any activities (including ADAA) and to seek advice from their own veterinary surgeon if uncertain. The Board (nor any of ADAA's representatives) does not give veterinary advice and will not accept liability for the owners' decision to participate with their dog.
  
  It is the Board's intention to review the effectiveness/outcomes of this interim Kennel Cough Policy towards the end of 2008.
  
  Please note that the current contagious diseases restrictions will apply to all diseases except Kennel Cough:
  - Any Dog that has had contact with an infectious disease (including being present when a dog with an infectious disease has been at a location at the same time, or in contact with others dogs that have been in contact with a dog with an infectious disease) is excluded from any Competition for 18 days post contact.
  
  Members are reminded that Kennel Cough is a highly contagious bacterial infection that is spread through nasal secretions and shared drinking water much like the common cold in humans. The disease is characterised by a hacking cough which often sounds as if the dog has something caught in its throat. Kennel Cough is usually not serious and can be easily treated with antibiotics and cough suppressants. It is recommended that if any signs of this disease in a dog are noticed, a veterinary surgeon should be consulted.
  
  The main risk of infection will always be by aerosol and direct contact. Dogs that have been in contact with an infected dog will be the main source of infection to other dogs, and remember that these infected dogs may be pre-clinical, post clinical but still shedding, or asymptomatic shedders of infective agent(s).
   "Aerosol or direct contact is considered the main source of exposure. clinical signs usually develop 3-5 days after initial exposure."
  "Isolation of dog affected with infectious tracheobronchitis from other animals is to be encouraged. Infected dogs may transmit the agent(s) before onset of clinical signs and afterwards until immunity is developed."
  "Shedding of the causative agent(s) of infectious tracheobronchitis in the respiratory secretions of dogs that are asymptomatic undoubtedly accounts for the persistence of this problem in kennels, grooming salons etc"
  
  The above quotes are from the following sources:
  "Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine" Stephen Ettinger & Brett Kantriowitz"
  "Canine Infectious Tracheobronchitis" Johnny D. Hoskins
  References: Bemis, DA, Bordetella and mycoplasma respiratory infection in dogs. Vet Clin N Am Small Anim Pract 1992;22:1173-1186. Ford RB, Vaden SL, Canine Infections Tracheobronchitis In: Greene CE, ed. Infectious diseases of the dog and cat. Philadelphia: WB Saunders 1990: 443-452.
  
  With thanks for your assistance and due diligence in ensuring that the risk to ADAA members' dogs is minimised.
• Agility Regulations Review - added 20 February 2008
  
  The Board of Directors recently reviewed the Agility Regulations (8th Edition 1 July 2006) and concluded that a limited number of changes (mainly Administrative) only would be made. Therefore the 8.1 Edition of the Agility Regulations (PDF 856 kb) will be implemented with an effective date of 1 April 2008. An amendment summary page (PDF 42kb) has been created listing the changes, and it is strongly recommended that members read this prior to participating in competitions on or after 1 April 2008.
• ADAA Refund Policy - added 20 February 2008
  
  The ADAA Board of Directors recently obtained advice regarding ADAA’s Refund Policy and has updated the Policy to ensure that its application is clear. Members are advised that no payments will be accepted unless they are accompanied by an acknowledgement that the applicant/member has read and accepted ADAA’s Refund Policy. Therefore would you please ensure that you destroy any old forms as these do not include the acknowledgement and cannot be accepted (so as to avoid any disputes).  All current guidelines and associated forms will be linked on ADAA Policies page and available for download in PDF format.
• Agility Stewards Training Notes and Questionnaire - added 13 January 2008
  
  The "Training Notes for Stewards" booklet (PDF 718 kb) was updated in January 2008 and is available for download.  Learn all about Stewarding for an ADAA Agility Competition. Covers scribing, scorekeeping, timing, calling, running and assisting stewards for the various Tests and Events on offer at an ADAA Competition. Complete the questionnaire at the end of the notes and send to ADAA. If you score 80% or higher you will receive a lovely certificate from ADAA acknowledging your efforts to improve the proficiency of competitions / stewarding.
  
  Download the "Training Notes for Stewards" booklet (PDF 718 kb)
• Annual Report for year ended 30 June 2007 - added 2 January 2008
  
  ADAA's Annual Report for the year ended 30 June 2007 is now available for download (PDF 120 kb) - View Report.
• Grand Prix 2008 Announcement - added 22 December 2007
  
  ADAA is pleased to announce that the venue for next years' Grand Prix will be Macksville Showgrounds, Rodeo Drive, Macksville NSW.  View further information about this venue.
  • NOTE RE GRAND PRIX ACCOMMODATION (added 11 January 2008) - The caravan parks suggested for the Grand Prix have advertised some or all of their accommodation as 'dog friendly'. Caravan parks can have differing interpretations of 'dog-friendly' and you should query the caravan park to see if their pet policy suits your requirements.
    
    The Grand Prix organisers have been advised by one of the suggested caravan parks that emails have been received from our members telling them that they a dog unfriendly because they will not let dogs inside park accommodation.
    
    If you are not happy with a pet policy of a caravan park (or otherwise), it would be preferable for you to speak 'with your feet'. If you don't agree with the caravan parks' pet policy, please find alternative arrangements and book elsewhere. Emails like this could potentially cause damage to ADAA in establishing local networks. ADAA was in the middle of negotiating a sponsorship for the Grand Prix with one of these caravan parks. Receiving such emails does not support our case for sponsorship.
    
    Thanks in advance for your co-operation
• 2008 Medallion Stakes, Round 3 QLD ADCQ - added 01 December 2007
  
  Due to an error in the judging option chosen for the Gamblers round (Option 2, instead of option 4 or 5, as specified in the 2008 Rules for the Medallion Stakes), dogs who earned points, but did not gain a qualifying round or were not eliminated, will be awarded 6 points to their Opening sequence total from the event. This is so they are not unduly penalised by the reduced time to earn obstacle points for the purpose of earning Medallion Stakes points scoring only. This alteration is made completely post the event and only relates to the allocation of Medallion Stakes points for the round, it will not change the official results of the event as run on the day as these were run within ADAA Regulations.
• Uralla Showground Trust Board Open Letter - added 6 October 2007
  
  An open letter to the competitors at the 2007 ADAA Grand Prix (PDF 95kb), from the Uralla Showground Trust Board has been made available to all members.
• 2008 Medallion Stakes - added 22 September 2007
  
  The Rules and Regulations, along with nominated dates, for the 2008 Medallion Stakes are online and available for download.
• Junior Members Participating in an ADAA Competition - added 14 September 2007
  
  Junior members who own a dog entered in an ADAA Competition, or who are handling a dog entered in an ADAA Competition, will need a Parent/Guardian to fill out a permission slip.  This slip is to be submitted along with the dog(s) entries to the club holding the competition.  Download the Junior Parent/Guardian Permission Slip for Competition Participation - 8kb.
• ADAA Policies
  
  ADAA is in the process of developing guidelines and reviewing existing policies. All current guidelines and associated forms will be linked on ADAA Policies page and available for download in PDF format.
• JHOT Registration
  
  Juniors wishing to be eligible for Junior Handler Owned & Trained Certificates need to complete and lodge the JHOT registration form - further information can be found in Section 6 of the 8th Edition of the ADAA Regulations.
• Entering a Competition
  
  In order to enter a Competition the Owner(s) and Handler(s) must be a member of, and all Dogs registered with, ADAA as at the close of entries (excluding late entries). Membership number and Dog registration number must be included on all entries. Please ensure that all Competition entry forms are signed by the owner, especially when the dog is to be handled by another person.
• ADAA Fee Structure
  
  ADAA has not changed its fee structure since it started 10 years ago, despite significantly rising insurance and other costs. The Board has decided in order to undertake projects to provide additional services to its members, the cost of some ADAA services will be increased. Cost changes are set out below and do not affect existing membership until they are due for renewal:
  • All Membership subscriptions will increase from $10.00 to $15.00 for three years (effective from 1 April 2006).
  • Subscription to written mail outs will cost $30-00 per annum (now separate from membership subscription) (effective from 1 April 2006).
  • Changes to membership (eg additional family members, or deleting family members) will cost $10.00 per person per change (there is currently no charge for this service) (effective from 1 April 2006).  A Membership Change Form can be downloaded for printing - PDF 25kb.
  • Additional dog registrations and/or changes will increase from $5.00 to $10.00 (effective from 1 July 2006).
  • Applications for titles with Rosette will increase from $20.00 to $25.00 (effective from 1 July 2006).
  • Applications for titles without Rosette will increase from $10.00 to $15.00 (effective from 1 July 2006).
  • Postage on title with rosette will increase from $3.00 to $5.00 (effective from 1 July 2006).
  • Clubs - the competition entries will increase from 50c to $1.00 for in-time notification and from $1.00 to $1.50 for late notification (ie schedules submitted less than 3 months prior to the competition and/or judges agreements received by ADAA less than 1 month prior to the competition) (effective from 1 July 2006).
• Agility Judge Training
  
  The information regarding the ADAA Agility Judges' Training Programme has been updated.  Judges who successfully complete the initial programme are recognised as Level 1 judges and are not responsible for designing courses (you can Judge using courses supplied to you by ADAA). The course design process is learnt as part of the progression to a Level 2 judge.  Course design and the art of course nesting is an important component of being an ADAA judge. This skill is developed over time.
• Official ADAA Competition Entry Forms
  
  Official ADAA Competition Entry Forms are now available in Word and Excel formats for download.  The PDF form is still also available.
• ADAA Mobile Phone: 0423 138 914. 
  
  ADAA has a mobile phone for use for general queries etc.
  This is also for use at events in Qld, eg Pet Expo etc.  The mobile should be the first point of reference for all telephone enquiries.
• ADAA Chat and ADAA Email Notices.
  
  Keep in touch with other ADAA Members, and receive ADAA updates by email.  Details are on our Email Services page.
• Improved Ring Efficiencies
  
  Due to the increase in numbers at competitions it has become more important to streamline the process of competitors through the rings.
  
  For each ring, 3 witches hats (or similar) will be set up for the next 3 dogs to stand beside. The next dog to run will be at the start line, collar removed, under control and ready to go. Once that dog leaves everybody moves up one place. A running order board will be placed at the marshalling area. Those already lined up are requested to call out for the next dog that is to precede to the last witches hat. If everyone helps then the process moves efficiently.
  
  If someone is delayed in another ring, then everyone should just move up and that person can slot in whenever possible. Handlers are to announce themselves to the scribe before their run to ensure that their details are entered correctly.
• Conditions of Entry
  
  REMINDER: Viruses/Diseases Policy – any dog who has contact with an infectious disease, eg Kennel Cough, are excluded from any ADAA sanctioned event for 18 days post contact. If a dog on club grounds is established as having an infectious disease, then all dogs on the ground are excluded from ADAA events for 18 days.
• ADAA / SHAG Equipment - NSW
  
  The 2 sets of equipment loaded onto the ADAA trailer in Sydney are available for hire at the cost of $50 per day, plus delivery costs. If entry fees for the competition exceed $4 per event then the hire fee is $150 per day. A Bond of $200 is payable for each hire.
• Competition Secretaries
  
  Important Notice: Competition Schedules are now to be sent whenever possible in electronic version to chairman@adaa.com.au and secretary@adaa.com.au Fees and all paperwork should still be sent to the secretary at the normal office address. See the Clubs Info page for links to forms etc.

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