A working party consisting of dog agility measurers and Liaison Council representatives was set up during 2007 to review the agility measuring procedure and Regulations. The results of the working party’s discussions have now been approved by the General Committee. To summarise the recommendations:

•  It was agreed that an obviously ‘Large’ dog could be measured earlier than 15 months and would not require a second measurement provided this was indicated by the measurers at the time.
•  If a dog was measured into two different height categories at its two measurements, then a third, and final, measurement would be required to confirm the height category in which the dog should compete. This measurement must be undertaken within two months of the second measurement. Pending the outcome of the third measurement, the dog may continue to compete in its initial height category.
• The working party also clarified that a microchip or ear tattoo number would take precedence over a photograph.
• Appeals would now be allowed up to 30 days from the last measurement.

To support these recommendations the General Committee has now approved the following Regulation changes with effect from 1 January 2008.

Regulation H(1)(B)4(2)

FROM:

Large dogs entered for competition must be measured before they compete at their first agility show, if they have not competed prior to 1 January 2006. Dogs must be a minimum of 15 months old before the first official measurement takes place. (Dogs incapable of being measured at the time they are presented to the measuring officials will not be eligible for competition until such time that the official measurement has been successfully carried out.)

TO:

Large dogs entered for competition must be measured before they compete at their first agility show, if they have not competed prior to 1 January 2006.  Dogs must be a minimum of 15 months old before the first official measurement takes place. Dogs that are, in the official measurers’ opinion, obviously over 430mm prior to reaching 15 months of age can be measured. (Dogs incapable of being measured at the time they are presented to the measuring officials will not be eligible for competition until such time that the official measurement has been successfully carried out.) (Amendment underlined)

Regulation H(1)(B).4.(3).

FROM:

A second and final official measurement must be carried out on the dog between 12 and 24 months after the first. (Delete underlined)

TO:

A second measurement must be carried out on the dog between 12 and 24 months after the first unless the dog is obviously over 430mm (1ft 5ins), in which case the official measurers can strike out the second measurement in the Agility Record Book. The dog cannot be reclassified into the lower height category retrospectively if the second measurement is not taken up within the 24 month period. If the second measurement places the dog in the same height category as the first, this will be the final measurement. However, if the second measurement places the dog in a different category then a third measurement must be carried out within two calendar months by two measurers, both of whom must not have measured the dog on a previous occasion. The dog’s height category will be that confirmed by two out of the three measurements. The dog should compete in the original height category until the final decision has been made. (Amendments underlined)

Regulation H(1)(B).4.(10) 

FROM:

Dogs presented for measurement should be wearing a collar and must be under the control of the owner/handler. Dogs presented for measurement that cannot be controlled by the owner/handler will not be measured.

TO:

Dogs presented for measurement should be wearing a collar and must be under the control of the owner/handler. Dogs presented for measurement that cannot be controlled by the owner/handler will not be measured. Where a dog is known to have a microchip or ear tattoo this form of identification should take precedence over a photograph and should be used to confirm the identity of the dog. If these types of identification are not available, a clear identifiable photograph must be used. (Amendment underlined)

Regulation H(1)(B)4.(13)

FROM: 

In the event of a dispute over the measuring procedure the Kennel Club will evaluate whether there are grounds for appeal. The owner/handler of the dog may appeal in writing to the Kennel Club, but must do so within 90 days of the disputed measure having taken place Any appeal must be accompanied by a written statement from the owner/handler of the dog with a brief description as to the ground for the appeal and must be accompanied by the appropriate fee.

TO: 

In the event of a dispute over the measuring procedure the Kennel Club will evaluate whether there are grounds for appeal. The owner/handler of the dog may appeal in writing to the Kennel Club, but must do so within 30 days of the disputed measure having taken place. Any appeal must be accompanied by a written statement from the owner/handler of the dog with a brief description as to the ground for the appeal and must be accompanied by the appropriate fee. (Amendment underlined)

The General Committee also approved several procedural matters as follows:

• That the compulsory, third measurement be free of charge.
• That the third measurement be compulsory for dogs measured after 1 January 2008. Any dog which had changed height category before 1January 2008 could have the option of a third measurement, provided it was undertaken prior to 1 May 2008. Two different measurers would still be required and the standard fee would be payable.
• Any measurer who measured a dog into a different height category must inform the Kennel Club as soon as possible, to enable the Kennel Club to ensure the dog received a third measure. Any individual that did not have their dog measured a third time would be contacted and reminded of the Regulations. If the third measurement was not obtained, the matter could be referred to the WTOA Sub-Committee.
• Spot checks to be undertaken by societies on a random basis. It was suggested that ten books for each height category could be requested at a show. If anyone could not produce their record book, the dog’s details should be included in the incident book and the matter referred to the Kennel Club. The dog should still be allowed to compete in the entered classes. The Sub-Committee further recommended that any show which held a Kennel Club or Crufts qualifying competition should be required to undertake spot checks.
• Any Society which invited measurers to attend, whether at a show or a specific measuring session, should ensure the necessary facilities, including a table, were available.

A meeting of all measurers is due to be held at the Kennel Club at the end of November 2007 to review the measurement procedure and to be briefed on the regulation and procedural changes.