Australian National Kennel Council - Flexible tunnel …ankc.org.au/media/9339/9-attachment-524-dogs-nt.docx · Web viewThe requirement for various and different jump designs between

DogsNT Submission for Agility rule changes enacted 2021

DOGS NT submission for rules changes 2021(DogsNT) Proposed Changes: Commonality of jumps between Agility/Jumping, Obedience and Rally O disciplines.DogsNTproposes that the above disciplines use the same jumps standards. Say use agility jump standards for Obedience and Rally O.

(DogsNT) Rationale:Committees managing the above various disciplines are requested to use a common set of jumps to allow clubs to minimise their inventory of equipment. A commonality of jumps may also simplify the transition between disciplines and reduce any reluctance to try another discipline which may be caused by the requirement to have additional equipment.

The requirement for various and different jump designs between disciplines is an unnecesary imposition on clubs and an impediment to clubs that are considering transitioning between disciplines.

There are a considerably more agility jumps in operation than any other discipline, therefore a minimal imposition on clubs to change jumps.

Changes to existing rules.Current rule:

4.4 Measuring DogsThe height of the dog at the withers is to be measured as follows:Height Category200 Up to and including 270 mm300 271 mm up to and including 365400 366 mm up to and including 455 mm500 456 mm up to and including 545 mm600 546 mm and over

The Judge may check at random the height of the dog by requesting to sight the dog's Official Height Card and/or utilize an ANKC Ltd approved measuring device on a hard level surface. This includes the use of measuring hoops.

4.4 (DogNT) - Measuring Dogs – proposed changeThe height of the dog at the withers is to be measured as follows:Height Category200 Up to and including 270 mm

Up to and including 300 mm 300 271 mm up to and including 365

301 mm up to and including 400

400 366 mm up to and including 455 mm

500

401mm up to and including 500mm

456 mm up to and including 545 mm 501 mm up to and including 600 mm

600 546 mm and over 601mm and over


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(DogsNT) Rational 4.4Dogs jumping at a maximum of the height of their withers focusses on the ‘agility’ of a dog where the direction, discrimination, obedience reaction and teamwork is tested rather than the dogs ability to jump at height. The reduction in height reduces the stresses presented by requiring a dog to consistently take off and land and will reduce the injuries caused by jumping at height therefore prolonging the competition life and capability of the dog. The focus of control, direction and response to commands and instructions is improved in the sport of agility rather than how high and persistently a dog can jump.

No dog should be forced to jump higher than its height when others in the class aren’t and this will cater for those dogs whose physical structure make it more difficult for them to jump.

(DogsNT) – Proposed change 4.4 add the following -

All dogs have the option of jumping one height above their measured height category for the life of the dog, no further changes are permitted.

(DogsNT) Rational 4.4 Proposed change.

Dogs should be permitted to jump 1 x height category above their measured height category should some people feel their measured height is too low. However this change remains for the life of the dog.

Current rule 4.4.


(DogsNT) – Proposed addition to 4.4


The dog will be required to compete at the height determined by the measurement conducted under this rule in all classes in which it is entered during the current competition.

The handler may challenge the measurement for future competitions by undertaking the formal measurement process conducted by authorised persons as specified in the ANKC Rules for the conduct of Agility trials and obtaining an official height of shoulder card duly dated and signed at that measurement.

(DogsNT) Rationale 4.4

Competitions have been observed where a dog is entered in a number of classes which are judged by different judges. One judge has required the dog to be re-measured and found to be significantly within a different height category. The dog has been run in the new height category for that ring, but has blatantly reverted to the previous height category for all other rings and for the remainder of the competition.

The intention is to support judges that have determined an incorrect height category competitor and to ensure that the dog is still permitted to compete rather than disqualify them from all competition. However the attempt of competing the dog in a height category that the dog is not eligible for needs to be supported for the entire competition, rather than making the judge out to be incorrect and unfair in their assessment.

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The handler has an apportuinty to redress the situation for future competitions but performed formally by official measurers in an appropriate location rather than a makeshift arrangement filled with emotion on the day.

Current Rule6.6 Spread Hurdle

A Spread Hurdle consists of two (2) bar Hurdles. The base support projection from the side of the jump must be a maximum length of 300 mm.The Hurdles must be adjustable for each height category as shown below.

HEIGHT DISTANCE BETWEENHEIGHT OF FIRST HEIGHT OF SECONDBAR TO THE BAR TO THE GROUND

CATEGORY HURDLES GROUND200 150 mm 150 mm 200 mm300 225 mm 225 mm 300 mm400 300 mm 300 mm 400 mm500 375 mm 375 mm 500 mm600 450 mm 450 mm 600 mm

6.6 (DogsNT) - Spread Hurdle - proposed changeA spread hurdle consists of a hurdle with or without wings. Each side of the spread hurdle consists of two uprights of between 1000 and 1200 mm high which can be connected and may contain a structure to allow easy adjustment of the various jump heights. Each side of the spread hurdle will be independent from each other to enable each side to be dislodged or knocked over if struck from any direction without affecting the other side. The base support projection from each of the sides of the hurdle must be a maximum length of 300 mm away from the middle of the jump. No projection toward the middle of the jump is permitted for the approach upright of the jump. See diagram.

The Hurdles must be adjustable for each height category as shown below.

HEIGHT DISTANCE BETWEENHEIGHT OF FIRST HEIGHT OF SECONDBAR TO THE BAR TO THE GROUND

CATEGORY HURDLES GROUND200 150 mm 150 mm 200 mm300 225 mm 225 mm 300 mm400 300 mm 300 mm 400 mm500 375 mm 375 mm 500 mm600 450 mm 450 mm 600 mm

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Diagram Spread Hurdle.

(DogsNT) - 6.6 - additional application of ruleProposed that a period of 6 months from the date of rule acceptance be permitted to enable exisiting spread hurdles to be modified to meet the standard.

(DogsNT) Rationale:The existing spread hurdles are seen as being a hazard therefore an appropriate timeframe should be allowed for clubs to modify equipment, but sufficient to ensure safety is maintained to a logical extent.

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Top brace if requiredTop brace if requiredTop brace if requiredTop brace if requiredTop brace if requiredTop brace if requiredTop brace if requiredTop brace if requiredTop brace if requiredTop brace if requiredTop brace if requiredTop brace if requiredTop brace if requiredTop brace if requiredTop brace if requiredTop brace if requiredTop brace if requiredTop brace if requiredTop brace if requiredTop brace if requiredTop brace if requiredTop brace if requiredTop brace if requiredTop brace if requiredTop brace if requiredTop brace if requiredTop brace if required


6.9 Collapsible TunnelThe Collapsible Tunnel consists of 1 metre of Flexible tunnel, to which a chute is attached. Theopening of the entrance section shall not be elevated. The Flexible entrance shall be 600 mmin width and height. It must be secured so that it will not move whilst in use.The length of the chute shall extend 2 metres past the end of the Flexible portion, made of asuitable lightweight opaque material and extended in a straight line with the entrance sec-tion.The exit of the chute must be secured to the ground. The chute is to be gradually flared tomeasure 2500 mm in circumference at the exit end.

(DogsNT) 6.9 Proposed Change

Delete section

(DogsNT) Rationale

Previously removed from competition.

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6.10 Flexible TunnelThe Flexible Tunnel is an open opaque flexible concertina type tube. It is to measureapproximately 600 mm inside diameter and be a minimum of four (4) metres to a maximum ofeight (8) metres long. The tunnel is to be flexible so that one or more bends can be shaped. Itmust be secured so that it will not move whilst in use.

(Dogs NT) 6.10 Flexible Tunnel Proposed Change

6.10 Flexible TunnelThe Flexible Tunnel is an open opaque flexible concertina type tube. It is to measureapproximately 600 mm inside diameter and be a minimum of four (4) metres to a maximum of eight (8) metres long. The tunnel is to be flexible so that one or more bends can be shaped. It must be secured so that it will not move whilst in use

(DogsNT Rationale)Improve safety to remove the injury caused by a dog having to change direction whilst inside the tunnel.

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7.5 MisbehaviourIf before, during or after the test, the dog or Handler is guilty of any breach of the Rules, orother misbehavior, a minimum penalty of five faults and up to disqualification shall be in-curred.A competitor shall not be penalised by spectator participation.

(DogsNT Proposed Change) 7.5 MisbehaviourIf before, during or after the test, the dog or Hhandler is guilty of any breach of the Rules, orother misbehavior, or is assisted by another person which gives the dog or handler an unfair advantage over other competitors, a minimum penalty of five faults and up to disqualification shall be incurred.A competitor shall not be penalised by spectator participation applause or support.

(DogsNT) Rationale

The intention of this change is to stop persons providing unfair unfluence to the competing dog spe-cifically when finishing the run, by placing toys, food containers, or standing at the end and calling the dog to speed the final section of the run.

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9.3 Current Rule

9.3 A Tunnel under the Scramble or Dogwalk must not be used in the Novice Class.

(DogsNT) - 9.3 - Proposed change9.3 A Tunnel under the Scramble or Dogwalk must not may be used in the Novice Class.

These obstacles are not to be placed to form anything above a low level discrimination (Novice standard) or to require a handler to perform distance handling during these obstacle negotiations. E.g. if one side of the dog walk prevents a handler working close to the dog, then the other side of the dog walk will enable the handler to work close to the dog and will not significantly disadvantage the handler or dog’s performance.

Flexible tunnel under dog walk requirements for Novice (AD)Requirements

1. Minor level discrimination permitted e.g. > 2 metres at 90 degrees

2. Under centre of dog walk with entries > 90 degrees to plane of dogwalk.

3. No closer than 2 metres from end of dog walk.

4. Does not create a handler restriction

(DogsNT) Rationale:

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Placing a tunnel under the dog walk and / or the scramble (A Frame) provides experience and training for seeing tunnels under obstacle which is not generally seen until competing in Excellent or Open classes but not currently in Novice.

Early introduction of these experiences reduces the challenges of transtion between novice and excellent classes.

The requirement needs to be included that the positioning or performance of either the obstacle or the tunnel does not form discrimination beyond that of a novice standard or cause a mandatory distance handling challenge.

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9.6 Distance between jumps

Current rule:

9.6 The straight line distance between the end of one obstacle to the start of the next obstacle measured from the centre of the exiting face to the centre of leading face of the next obstacle is to be a minimum of four (4) metres to a maximum of eight (8) metres.Except that subject to rule 9.3 the distance between the end of a contact obstacle and the entry to a flexible tunnel under that contact may be less than 4 metres when the direction of the course is from the contact to the tunnel.

Where individual height categories are scheduled then the minimum and maximum distance between obstacles are as follows;

Height Category Minimum Maximum200mm300mm400mm500mm600mm

2 metres3 metres4 metres4 metres4 metres

8 metres8 metres8 metres8 metres8 metres

(DogsNT) - Proposed change 9.6 The straight line distance between the end of one obstacle to the start of the next obstacle

measured from the centre of the exiting face to the centre of leading face of the next obstacle is to be a minimum of four (4) metres to a maximum of eight (8) metres. minimum of six (6) metres to a maximum of ten (10) metres.

Except that subject to rule 9.3 the distance between the end of a contact obstacle and the entry to a flexible tunnel under that contact may be less than 4 6 metres when the direction of the course is from the contact to the tunnel.

Where individual height categories are scheduled then the minimum and maximum distance between obstacles are as follows;

Height Category Minimum Maximum 200mm300mm400mm500mm600mm

2 4 metres2 5 metres 4 6 metres 4 6 metres 4 6 metres

8 10 metres8 10 metres8 10 metres8 10 metres8 10 metres

(DogsNT) Rational 9.6The distance of 4 metres (generally) between jumps often places the following jump at a distance that requires the dog to exert extreme stresses on their structure to change direction or gain position to safely negotiate the jump. Challenges of deceleration and prediction to change lead legs to safely ne-gotiate a jump is an advanced handling level technique and where these techniques are not known or not performed the risk of injury to the dog is increased. Penalising a dog for an error should not result in injuring the dog.

Placement of obstacles as measured in a straight line needs to be increased to a minimum of 6 metres to a maximum of 10 metres which then removed the high stresses caused by the demands for tight turns at speed and allows the dog time to change lead legs to negotiate jumps safely.

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9.15 Refusal of an obstacleIt is the Judge's decision as to when a refusal to take an obstacle has occurred the obstaclemust be re-attempted.A refusal should be indicated when:a. the dog fails to make an attempt at an obstacleb. Approaching an obstacle turns away or stops in front of the obstacle it should benegotiating.c. Attempting the Broad Jump a dog does not enter between the two (2) front poles ordoes not attempt to jump the boards.d. Attempting the Dog Walk a dog fails to ascend the up ramp or comes off the obstaclebefore reaching the horizontal section.e. Attempting the Hurdles a dog fails to pass between the two uprights.f. Attempting the Scramble a dog fails to ascend the up ramp or comes off the obstaclebefore the apex.g. Attempting the Seesaw a dog fails to ascend the plank or comes off the obstacle beforethe pivot point.h. Attempting the Weaving Poles a dog runs past the first pole to the left of the WeavingPoles or past the second pole to the right of the Weaving Poles.

(DogsNT) Proposed Change – Add interpretations to rule book.

RULE OF THIRDS1. To help judges determine when a spin, a hesitation, or a deviation off line is con-

sidered a refusal, we use the rule of thirds.2. Visualize the path of the dog between 2 (two) obstacles and break it into 3 (three)

sections:3. In the first one-third the dog is landing or leaving the prior obstacle and orienting to-

ward the next obstacle. A refusal cannot be called in this section.4. In the second one-third, the middle ground between two obstacles, only a significant

deviation from the dog’s line to the next obstacle can be called a refusal.5. In the final one-third, closest to the next obstacle and on the final approach, any spin,

hesitation, or deviation off line is a refusal. A significant hesitation is as long as it takes the judge to say the words, “significant hesitation.”

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EXAMPLES OF RULE OF THIRDS

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EXAMPLE OF RULE OF THIRDS

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EXAMPLE OF RULE OF THIRDS

PIPE TUNNELS

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ADDITIONAL REFUSAL CLARIFICATIONS JUMPS

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ADDITIONAL REFUSAL CLARIFICATIONS TUNNELS

Note Refusal is called when the dog has to change direction significantly.

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ADDITIONAL REFUSAL CLARIFICATIONS

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(DogsNT) Rationale.

1. To ensure consistency of understanding and application between judges and triallers.

2. Point b. “Approaching an obstacle turns away or stops in front of the obstacle it should be ne-gotiating”, is an important part of the refusal judgment as it is the second point in the consider-ation of a refusal.

3. However, this has never been effectively defined and leaves it to the judge to determine this performance.

4. Currently a dog is rarely penalised regardless of whether it turns, spins or alters course signi-ficantly until it either physically stops in front of the obstacle or crosses the refusal plane which is drawn across the face of the obstacle.

5. This is obviously in contravention to the wording of point b and does not encourage a continu-ous flowing negotiation of the course.

6. To address this matter, DogsNT proposes that ANKC adopts the GJP guidelines to implement a process of ‘The rule of Thirds’

7. To help judges determine when a spin, a hesitation, or a deviation off line is considered a re-fusal, we use the rule of thirds.

8. Visualize the path of the dog between 2 (two) obstacles and break it into 3 (three) sections:

9. In the first one-third the dog is landing or leaving the prior obstacle and orienting toward the next obstacle. A refusal cannot be called in this section.

10. In the second one-third, the middle ground between two obstacles, only a significant deviation from the dog’s line to the next obstacle can be called a refusal.

11. In the final one-third, closest to the next obstacle and on the final approach, any spin, hesita-tion, or deviation off line is a refusal. A significant hesitation is as long as it takes the judge to say the words, “significant hesitation.”

12. This adoption generates consistency in judging and common notification of the refusal inter-pretation to all competitors.

13. It addresses an important judgement i.e. POINT B. in the ANKC refusal rules.

14. Encourages trialers to train to take an object without significant deviation of the dog’s perform-ance.

15. Overall improvement of performance and quality of trialing.

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10 NOVICE AGILITY CLASS (14-16 OBSTACLES) There is no limit to the number of times an obstacle can be used, with the exception of the contact obstacles, Spread Hurdle, and Weaving Poles, which are not to be negotiated more than once.MANDATORYBroad Jump/sDog WalkHoop/sHurdle/sSpread HurdleScrambleFlexible Tunnel/sWeaving Poles - 12

(DogsNT) - 10 Novice Agility Class – Proposed change

Add seesaw into mandatory obstacles for novice class with requirements.10.0 NOVICE AGILITY CLASS (14-16 OBSTACLES)

There is no limit to the number of times an obstacle can be used, with the exception of the contact obstacles, Spread Hurdle, and Weaving Poles, which are not to be negotiated more than once.MANDATORYBroad Jump/sDog WalkHoop/sHurdle/sSpread HurdleScrambleFlexible Tunnel/sWeaving Poles – 12Seesaw

mandatory requirements for seesaw in novice (AD):1. Minimum of a 6 metre approach2. Straight line approach.3. No change of course direction within one obstacle either side of the seesaw.

(DogsNT) Rationale.The transition between Novice and Advance is significant and has many changes to accomplish. The transitions include rate of travel, handling challenges, new obstacles (seesaw and tunnels under obstacles) plus more obstacles and the introduction of discriminations. These additional challenges are not graduated and presents to the dog, a risk of injury a loss of confidence and a high level of dissapointment to triallers.

The seesaw, if introduced in training after introduction of the dog walk, it becomes a difficult obstacle to train due to confusion between the obstacles and where a dog has gained confidence on a stable obstacle, i.e. the dog walk, and then presented with a similar obstacle which is dynamic i.e. the seesaw. The dog tends to lose confidence as it has not been presented with these differences previously.

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Handlers, in many cases are not aware of ‘how to train’ the seesaw in a transition from the dog walk and subsequently make the transition difficult by their actions.

This proposal is to introduce the seesaw early into the dog’s training to gain experience and to allow the dog to understand the differences between the dog walk and the seesaw early and therefore to avoid the transition difficulty and reduce the risk of injury and the stresses of these errors.

The early introduction then reduces the transtion challenges between Novice and Excellent and improves the skill levels of the dog and handler.

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Current Rule (ready reconer)21 WEAVING POLES AND NUMBER OF OBSTACLES

NOVICE EXCELLENT MASTER OPENNUMBER OF WEAVING Poles

AGILITY 12 12 12 12JUMPING NIL NIL NIL NIL

NUMBER OF OBSTACLES:AGILITY/JUMPING 14-16 16-20 20-24 16-20

DogNT – Proposed change

21 (DogsNT) NUMBER OF OBSTACLES Proposed ChangeIncrease the number of obstacle in Novice (AD), Excellent (ADX) and Open (ADO) to enable better course design and flow.

NOVICE EXCELLENT MASTER OPENNUMBER OF WEAVING

AGILITY 12 12 12 12JUMPING NIL NIL NIL NIL

NUMBER OF OBSTACLES:AGILITY/JUMPING 14-16

16 - 1816-20

18 - 22 20-2416-20

18 - 22

(DogsNT) RationalTo allow for better and safer course design with more versatility of design.Designing a flowing course and avoiding sharp turns is at times difficult with current maximum obstacles. Additional obstacles assist in ensuring the approaches to contact obstacle are straight.

If this rule is agreed all the rules from 10-17 will need to be changed to show change.

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Documents

Australian National Kennel Council - Flexible tunnel …ankc.org.au/media/9339/9-attachment-524-dogs-nt.docx · Web viewThe requirement for various and different jump designs between