BAA news & information

The British Agility Association provides full hands on support and advice to all show organisers hosting a BAA sanctioned show. It is sponsored by Alpha Feeds. For more information visit www.baa.uk.net

 SEPTEMBER 2007

New Seaside Show for 2008

This show will be limited to three rings so you will need to get your entries in early to avoid disappointment. Schedules will be out shortly. Check www.baa.uk.net for this and other new show schedules.  (17/09/07)

JUNE 2007

New Ideas?

Reading postings on an Agility Forum regarding some 'new idea’s' and changes in Agility, I feel compelled to put fingers to keyboard.

In 2002, after many years of competing and research on the Agility scene, Steve Retter and I decided the time had come to provide the agility service that many competitors were crying out for. Basically people wanted a choice, whilst at the same time, an environment to enable them to enjoy competing with their pet dogs. With the emphasis on the well-being of the dog, encouraging a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, and the facility to introduce new competitors to the Sport, we decided to start up a new agility association which we called East Midlands Dog Agility Club (EMDAC).

At first we were met with some opposition, but, after a meeting in 2003 with the Kennel Club at their offices in Clarges Street (London), the KC issued a press release making it quite clear and I quote from the statement of September 2003 regarding 'Unlicensed Agility Shows.'

The Kennel Club reiterates that it will not take action against any participants at unlicensed Agility Tests. 
It should also be noted that Societies should not take action against individual members who enter these competitions.

EMDAC was the UK’s first independent agility association. It soon proved very successful with competitors from all parts of the country from as far a field as Devon, Isle of Man, Hull and Scotland to take part in these shows. We also have competitors from America and Europe dropping in from time to time to join in.

Due to such success and the fact that it was not just competitors from the Midlands attending, we decided the time had come to make our shows more accessible all around the country and to encourage show organisers to run shows in their own area. Hence, the formation of the British Agility Association. We are very pleased with the steady growth of this Association, and expect that over the next few years competitors will not have too far to travel to their nearest BAA show.

So what has the BAA done for the benefit of agility and agility dogs?

• Lower jump heights

• Lower A-frame

• No marking of up contacts

• Lower A-frame and dog walk in Veterans and Pawsability

• Choice of jump heights in Veterans and Pawsability

• No marking of refusals in Introductory

• An overlap of dog height in relation to jump height. Owners have a choice within the overlap.

• Dogs are measured for the benefit of the dog

• All dogs compete against their peers

What does the BAA have to offer competitors?

We listen to our competitor’s comments and ideas, study the pros and cons and act upon them.

• Leagues and Annual Awards for all heights and all levels

• Junior Handler Leagues (Under 12’s & Under 16’s)

• Veteran league

• Alternative Handlers League

• Over 60s Male Handler League

• Over 60s Female Handler League

• Grand Prix Finals

• Voluntary promotion during the season based wins

• Compulsory promotion at the end of season based on points or wins

• Voluntary Promotion at the end of season based on points

• Voluntary Demotion at the end of season based on performance.

At the Show

Our show results processing service provides:-

• On screen viewing of results as they are input for each class in each ring.

• Printout of all results

• Rosettes with labels (dog, handler, class, place, time) usually available for collection five minutes after close of class.

• All Show results and updated league tables inserted on the BAA Website, usually before most competitors arrive home.

Since the beginning of 2005 season, The BAA has kept a record of all dogs which have ever competed at BAA shows. We can provide, upon request, a record of every single dogs performance in every class that it has entered. (Place, Clear, E’d, Time, Points gained)

So maybe all these 'new ideas' are not so new after all. The British Agility Association is 'making it happen!'

 MARCH 2007

Clever Dogs Championships

Former British Clever-Dogs Champions include Richard Blanchard with Scooby (2006), Graham Burgess with Page (2005), Sarah Coverdale with Meg (2004). Ann Atkinson with Jimmy (2003 and 2002) FOr ful results visit http://www.nbass.freeserve.co.uk/clever-dogs.htm#Clever-Dogs

 FEBRUARY 2007

Breed Apart Classes

Midland Counties Canine Sports are scheduling what they are calling 'Breed Apart' Classes at their BAA show on Saturday and Sunday of their weekend show on 30 June to 1 July 2007.

These classes will be run as one class over the same course. It will be split along traditional agility lines by breed (NBC and ABC)  with two classes and two sets of rosettes and trophies. The classes will be defined as follows:-

1. Border Collies/Working Sheepdogs and their crosses i.e. Border Collies/Working Sheep Dog’s and any dog crossed with them.
2. All other dogs i.e. any dog that is not a Border Collie/Working Sheepdog or crossed with one.

EMDAC Latest News

Entry fees
Good news for people entering EMDAC 2007 summer show events. The entry fees will remain unchanged for Grand Prix Series at £2 per run

Judges remuneration
EMDAC to change the format of rewarding Judges for their time and effort. As of 1 April 2007 Judges (Judging at EMDAC Shows) will be recompensed to the sum of £50 per half day Judging or £100 per full day. In addition, Judges will receive Free weekend camping, or recompensed to the sum of £10 if not camping. This will replace the free entries and Judges Meals scheme.

EMDAC feel that this will ensure all Judges are treated the same. Judges that Judge only half a day may enter all available classes and will be reimbursed on the day for classes missed due to their Judging appointment.

Ring Managers will be recompensed to the sum of £10 half day & £20 full day plus free camping. This replaces the free breakfast/lunch vouchers scheme.

Flexibility within the BAA
To avoid any misconceptions that all BAA shows should run to the same format as EMDAC, EMDAC have decided to schedule a different format for classes on Friday, 13 July 2007 showing that BAA show organisers may schedule any combination of classes at their own shows.

Dogs in a particular level will receive points based on their own level when entering open or combined classes i.e. a Primary dog that wins an Open class will receive the same points as if it had won a Primary only class. Therefore, dogs will not be penalised for entering Open Classes. Below is an example of classes that may be scheduled at BAA Shows. Points do not count for Pairs, Teams,  Trios and Pay on the Day (POTD) classes.

Example of BAA Classes

 For more information email June Bass at June@emdac.co.uk. (06/02/07)

2000th Member Joins BAA

The 2000th member joined the The British Agility Association the other day. Congratulations to Harry and his handler Louise Balloch! Junior handler Louise receives a year's free entry to all the BAA shows this season and her dog Harry gets a huge rosette!

Meet BAA's 2000th Member
Louise caught the agility bug whilst watching her mum, Karen, training their first agility dog, Murphy. Louise was desperate to have her own puppy to train and, as the family had always thought about getting another dog, the decision was made and Harry joined the family. Harry is now almost 17 months old and has been training with Louise since June. He will be old enough for competition by the end of the year. The EMDAC show on 21 January 2007 will be his first show.

Over the summer Louise competed in the Junior Handlers events with Murphy, as she was desperate to have a go at the real thing. This year Louise moves into the U16 category for the BAA Junior Handler of the Year competition.

Louise and Harry do their agility training at TOFFS in Daventry. They also attend Obedience Classes at Daventry Dog Training Club, where he passed his Bronze Good Citizens to enable him to train for Agility.

Grand Prix Finalists Announced

An Insight into the British Agility Association’s Rules on Progression

We pride ourselves on the fact that The British Agility Association Rules, Policies & Progression system is unique. We thank EMDAC for their development and proving their robustness in practice.

 Q.  Why do we have a system where dogs are promoted at the end of the year as opposed to a compulsory 'win out with x amount of class wins' system?

 A.  When devising our rules and progression system, the following was taken into consideration:-

Our general principle is that the welfare of the dog is paramount. Therefore, a system was devised to promote Agility, as we believe would maximise ALL dog’s active agility careers. We believe that if the demands on the dog’s skills and experience are developed gradually it will have long-term benefits.

Another consideration for encouraging dogs to remain in one level for the duration of the year is that our Judges are able to set the appropriate courses for the level, rather than having to cater for the lowest common denominator.

With this system our Judges are able to graduate the difficulty in the courses throughout year, knowing that towards the end of the year the majority of dogs in all levels will have gained adequate experience and be better able to deal with more difficult courses, making the transition to the next level seamless. This system ensures that ALL dogs moving up to next level have had a good foundation at their lower level, Compulsory instant promotion tends to negate this, as judges would then have to make allowances for inexperienced dogs/handlers within that level.

 Q.  So what about new handlers with new dogs entering for the first time later in the year?

 A.  New handlers with new dogs entering later in the year would have the choice of entering the Pawsability class, to enable them to gain 'Show' experience before moving on to the levels proper.

 Q.   Why do we provide a voluntary progression system based on two class wins in Agility or Jumping?

 A.  Although our system is designed to encourage dogs and handlers to remain at the same level throughout the year, therefore encouraging dogs and handlers to gain experience in a more gradual and structured way. We also believe in allowing handlers the freedom of choice, as every dog is different and some handlers if they deem they are ready may wish to move through levels more quickly. They still have to prove their merit with two class wins at each level. The same goes for our system of allowing dogs to progress through the levels in Agility and Jumping separately, handlers have the choice of remaining in the separate levels for each element or moving to the higher level in both

Our system does reward wins, but we do not wish to portray that as the ultimate goal. Our aim is to encourage consistency and accuracy.

The Dog of the Year award is designed to reward the consistency of dogs at each level. Thereby encouraging a dog that starts the year at one particular level, to remain in that level for the duration of the year allowing the dog and handler to ease into the new higher level.

 Q.  What are our ideals regarding progression?

 A.  Progression should be through consistency of performance gained through experience, with the number of wins becoming less important, we feel too much emphasis is put on those 1st places. In reality there is little difference in experience and ability gained between 1^st and 2^nd place. Or to put it another way: If a dog/handler wins an Introductory class, are they that much more experienced a few weeks later to cope with the higher level at the next show? – NO! But by the end of the year they will have gained some considerable experience in which case the move to next level becomes a smoother progression for both dog and handler.

 Q.  What happens if I win out under another organisations rules?

 A.  Although the initial entry level to BAA allows for experience gained under other organisations Agility shows,
our system is designed to be totally independent of other organisations. Once you enter a BAA show, progression within BAA rules is totally dependent on performance at BAA shows.

BAA Show Organisers Required

The British Agility Association has secured several brilliant venues for 2006 with more being arranged for 2007.

The organiser are looking for clubs, groups or individuals to run shows at the venues below. Everything will be pre-arranged including toilet facilities, camping etc. Our Risk Assessment Officer will even check out the venue for you.

June Bass confirmed that BAA will, if required, help to organise classes and advise on schedules, show processing, equipment and rosettes etc. and even insurance requirements.

It’s never been easier to run an Agility Show than under the British Agility Association

Available venues to date include:-

Please feel free to phone or email June Bass for further details on tel. 01664-500327 or email June@emdac.co.uk

Some FAQ for BAA Show Organisers

For those show organisers and other interested parties who might have questions about the new British Agility Association here are some of the most frequently asked questions and answers.

 Q. What are the aims of this association?

To bring together Unaffiliated/Independent show organisers, to run their own shows under one set of rules, therefore giving competitors 'a fair deal' with regards to working their way up through the classes and ultimately offering them a 'British Grand Prix Finals', with a 'British' title well worth working towards. Also a 'British Dog of the Year Award' for each height at each level

 Q.  Will the British Agility Association restrict the way I want to run my shows?

    Certainly not, you can run your own shows to exactly whatever format you prefer.

 Q.  What classes can I run at my shows?

    You can run whatever classes you prefer . The Levels are: Introductory, Primary, Novice, Graduate and Masters

• The Heights are: Micro, Mini, Medium and Maxi.
• Veteran & Pawsability are run at Micro, Mini and Medium.
• Juniors- Under 16s and under 12s

    Therefore, you can run any combination you wish.

 Q.  Will points count from fun type classes?

    Yes, you just need to stipulate whether they are classed as Jumping or Agility. i.e. Snakes & Ladders is a Jumping class

 Q.  Can I run the type of class that the competitor runs twice?

    Yes, the only proviso is that the points count from the first run only.

 Q.  Can I run Limited shows?

    Yes, providing the limit is done in a fair way. IE: Everyone gets the same chance to enter.

 Q.  Will points count at my Limited show?

    Yes, providing the limit is done in a fair way.

 Q.  Can I charge whatever entry fees I prefer?

    Yes

 Q.  Can I choose my own Judges?

    Yes, providing every Judge is given a copy of the Judges Guidelines and Judges to British Agility Association Specifications. Seminars will be made available.

 Q.  Why is the British Agility Association adopting EMDAC Rules?

    Because they are a 'well thought out set of rules', and the British Agility Association is 'in association with EMDAC'

 Q.  Where can I get more information?

    Check out the EMDAC website, you will find Progression/Juniors info on the Results section.

A copy of our rules will be made available to show organisers. Please feel free to phone tel. 01664-500327 Email June@emdac.co.uk

Announcing a New Association for Non-associated show organisers

The British Agility Association, a new umbrella association aimed at bringing together Unaffiliated/Independent show organisers has been launched by EMDAC. Its purpose is to run their own shows under one set of rules, therefore giving competitors 'a fair deal' with regards to working their way up through the classes and ultimately offering them a 'British Grand Prix Finals,' with a 'British' title well worth working towards. Also a 'British Dog of the Year Award' for each height at each level

Since the announcement in 2003 giving Independent Agility shows the freedom to go ahead without sanctions being imposed on the competitor, many unaffiliated shows have set up around the country but only a couple with a solid set of well thought out Rules & Regulations and a governing body.

The British Agility Association feels that in fairness to the paying customer, they should be offered a good choice of, well-organised sanctioned shows, with an ultimate goal to work towards.

The British Agility Association

Offers:

• A collaboration of Unaffiliated/Independent shows
• Free Membership to all participating Show Organisers (With a proviso that a fund raising effort is made at each participating show to raise money for 'The Friends of Chernobyl' Charity)
• Full support and as much assistance as required by the organiser.
• A show processing service at a very special price. (if required)
• An at show results service at a very special price. (if required)
• Coalition of all the results and points from each show.

The British Agility Association

Requires:

• All Shows are run to the Rules and Regulations of the British Agility Association

The British Agility Association is a Non Profit Organisation in association with East Midlands Dog Agility Club (EMDAC)

Enquiries contact: June Bass on tel. 01664-500327 or email: June@emdac.co.uk

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