The Agenda for the meeting of the Kennel Club Agility Liaison Could to be held on 19 June 2008 at 10.00am at Clarges Street, Piccadilly, London W1 are as follows.

AGENDA

ITEM 1.           APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

ITEM 2.           APPROVAL OF MINUTES

To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 17 January 2008

ITEM 3.           MATTERS ARISING/RESULTS OF RECOMMENDATIONS

a.         Regulation Changes
The meeting will receive a report on the progress of various Regulation amendments to be considered by the General Committee at its meeting on 22 April 2008.

b.         Kennel Club International Agility Festival
Dave Ray will give a verbal report on arrangements for the 2008 Kennel Club International Agility Festival.

c.         European Open Agility Competition
John Gilbert will give a verbal progress report on the European Open Championships.

d.         Control of Dogs
John Gilbert would like to discuss the prepared document regarding the control of dogs at agility shows which proposes ideas of how to better educate owners on training their dogs. (Annex A refers – To be tabled on the day)

ITEM 4.           PROPOSALS FROM SOCIETIES/PRIVATE INDIVIDUALS

a.         Proposed Deletion of Regulation H(1)(B).3.p. – Cross Over Bill Glover & Lesley Olden

Cross Over – Four planks approximately 3.66m (12ft) long. Width 254mm (10ins) minimum 305mm (12ins) maximum securely fixed to a metal table frame 1.219m (4ft) high with a top 818mm (2ft 8ins) square. The obstacle may be used with 2 or more planks but must be of stable construction. The last 914mm (3ft) from the bottom of each ramp should be a different colour to indicate the area with which the dog should make contact. Each ramp to have a non-slip surface, and anti-slip slats at intervals but not within 152mm (6ins) of the start of a contact area. (Deletion underlined)

The proposal to delete the 'Cross Over' obstacle has been put forward as it is believed the obstacle has not been used for over 15 years. It is believed it would be unsafe to use now as it is unlikely that any dogs currently competing would ever have seen one before.

b.        Proposed Amendment to Regulation H(1)(B).5.a.(7)  - Hilary Crew & John Gilbert

            FROM:

Weaving Poles - The dog to enter the weaving poles with the first pole adjacent to its left side. Each incorrect entry to be classed as a refusal – further error, maximum 1 fault – failure to complete correctly before negotiating any further obstacle, elimination.

TO:

Weaving Poles - The dog to enter the weaving poles with the first pole adjacent to its left side. All faults at the obstacle to be classed as a refusal. (Amendments underlined)

This proposal has been put forward to remove the confusion that can arise as to whether a fault is a refusal or not. Some judges also do not realise that they can only fault a dog once for a mistake in the middle or at the end of the poles. It also takes away the need for the statement that the weaves need to be completed correctly before continuing. Which, if the dog just keeps slipping a pole in the middle or end, can be time wasting, as three mistakes would become an elimination.

c.        Proposed Amendment to Regulation H(1)(B).2 - Fiona Hulse & Dave Ray

FROM:

Height Limit for Dogs

1. Large Dogs – For dogs measuring over 430mm (1ft 5ins) at the withers.
2. Medium Dogs – For dogs measuring over 350mm (1ft 1.75ins) and measuring 430mm (1 ft 5ins) or under at the withers.
3. Small Dogs – For dogs measuring 350mm (1ft 1.75ins) or under at the withers.

TO:

Height Limit for Dogs (Amendment underlined)

1. Large Dogs – For dogs measuring over 510mm (1ft 8.1ins) at the withers.
2. Standard dogs – For dogs measuring over 430mm (1ft 5ins) and measuring 510mm (1 ft 8.1ins) or under at the withers.
3. c. Medium Dogs – For dogs measuring over 350mm (1ft 1.75ins) and measuring 430mm (1 ft 5ins) or under at the withers.
4. d. Small Dogs – For dogs measuring 350mm (1ft 1.75ins) or under at the withers.

Proposed Amendment to Regulation H(1)(B)3.a.

FROM:

Hurdle – Large dogs – to be between 550mm (1ft 9.6ins) and 650mm (2 ft 1.6ins). Medium Dogs – to be between 350mm (1 ft 1.75ins) and 450mm (1ft 5.7ins). Small dogs – to be between 250mm (9.8ins) and 350mm (1ft 1.75ins). Width: 1.219m (4ft) minimum. The top bar or plank must be easily displaced by the dog. A wall should have displaceable units on the top.

TO:

Hurdle – Large dogs – to be between 550mm (1ft 9.6ins) and 650mm (2 ft 1.6ins). Standard Dogs – to be between 450mm (1ft 5.7ins) and 550mm (1ft 9.6ins). Medium Dogs – to be between 350mm (1 ft 1.75ins) and 450mm (1ft 5.7ins). Small dogs – to be between 250mm (9.8ins) and 350mm (1ft 1.75ins). Width: 1.219m (4ft) minimum. The top bar or plank must be easily displaced by the dog. A wall should have displaceable units on the top. (Amendment underlined)

This is a proposal to introduce a new dog and jump height between Medium and Large. In this proposal it will be referred to as 'Standard' height.

Rationale:

• The present jump height system has 3 heights – Small, Medium and Large.
• Small jump height: 250-350mm
• Medium jump height: 350-450mm
• Large jump height: 550-650mm
• In practice the actual heights that are set at shows are the maximum ones for each dog height
• Small dogs are those that measure up to and including 350mm at the withers
• Medium dogs are those measuring over 350mm, and up to and including 430mm at the withers
• Large dogs are those measuring over 430mm at the withers

There is an obvious gap here, the 450-550mm jump height (proposed 'Standard' height). It is also proposed that 'Standard' should be for dogs – hereafter referred to as 'Standard' dogs – measuring over 430mm, and up to and including 510mm at the withers. This is a dog height range of 8cm, which is the same range as in Medium.

The effect of changing from three to four jump and dog height categories as per the above is illustrated clearly in the (attached diagram). It allows the smaller Large dogs that are just out of Medium to compete at a more appropriate height ensuring fairness for as many dogs as possible. Many Large dogs experience difficulty in clearing 650 mm, and whilst most manage on the whole, there is some concern as to the dogs' long-term health and wellbeing.

Introducing a new dog and jump height will involve many changes to current regulations. It is not the intention of this proposal to lay out all those changes in detail at this point. However, due consideration will need to be given to the various ways (e.g. obstacle specifications, dog measuring) in which this new height will need to be integrated with the existing ones in the Regulations. (Annex B refers)

ITEM 5.           DISCUSSION ITEMS

To be read alongside Item 4.c.

a.         'Preferred' Height Agility Classes - Dave Ray

Dave Ray, on behalf of a private individual, requests the Council to discuss a new 'Preferred' Height in Agility. Under the current KC
Regulations, dogs are required to jump 'standard' height hurdles. Although the rules permit clubs to set hurdles at different heights, in practice most open classes jump height are set at the maximum permitted height for each category, small, medium & large.

A number of dogs are measured into height categories in which the height the dog is required to jump, is either too demanding physically (because of its breed / physical make up), or the dog is reaching the end of its career and the owner handler feels the standard height category is now beyond the dog's capabilities. In the latter case the dog is usually still fit enough to negotiate hurdles at a lower height safely.

Under the current KC regulations, the aforementioned dogs are not catered for at all. In some cases clubs, where time permits, schedule 'any height' jumping classes for these dogs. However, there are no rules which govern how these classes should be run.

One of the criticisms of the existing measuring system is that some breeds of dog and some cross breeds are ruled out of competing in KC licensed events because of the inflexibility of the height categories / measuring system.

Whilst it is accepted that the height categories as far as possible have to be clear cut, a number of dogs are unable to compete because of this.

The introduction of a 'Preferred' height category would encourage owners / handlers with a wider range of dogs to enter KC licensed events.

Whether regulations should be introduced to permit owners / handlers to enter dogs to a 'Preferred' height category; that is to permit dogs to jump a hurdle height below the height category the dog has been measured into. For example, a dog measured into 'Large' would be permitted to enter a class where dogs jump at 'medium' height. The following points would also need to be considered:

• Preferred height classes would run alongside existing events and would be at the discretion of the show committee. Alternatively, shows could be forced to schedule classes through Regulation.

• The presentation of awards for the preferred height category would be at the discretion of the club / show committee. However, a separate list of results must be published for the 'preferred' class.

• Dogs entered into the preferred height for 'small' dogs would need to jump hurdles at a lower height (appropriate height to be discussed / decided).

• Preferred height classes would be scheduled for grades 1,2,3,4 & 5 only.

• Progression through the grades is not transferable. That is dogs progressing through the grades in the preferred height category cannot move into the equivalent grade in the standard height category. Such dogs must start at the lowest level they are eligible for in the standard height category and work their way up.

• Dogs currently in grade 6 or 7 may be entered in the preferred height category for grade 5 dogs. Electing to drop the dog into 'Preferred' grade 5 is for life; i.e. having elected to drop into the preferred height category dogs must remain in the 'preferred' category for the remainder of their career.

• Progression between grades would be the same as for 'standard' height classes. Once having entered a preferred height class dogs must continue to enter such classes for the period 1st January to 31st December each year. (This does not apply to former G6 / 7 dogs which must stay in the preferred class). The rule could allow dogs to alternate between preferred heights and standard heights between shows, but this would not be permissible at the same show.

• Dogs working in the preferred height category could be eligible for Agility Warrant points, but the AW would be prefixed with the term 'Preferred'.

b.         Graded Classes for Small and Medium Dogs - Dave Ray

Mr Ray, on behalf of the Rough & Smooth Collie Training Association, has requested the Council to discuss the apparent disappearance of grade/graded classes for Small and Medium dogs.

It is felt that last year, with the new grading system, there was quite a good number of shows offering graded classes. However, this year many of the shows are offering far fewer graded classes for small and medium dogs, compared to last year.

It is understood that it is the society's decision on which classes they hold. However, it is requested that the Council encourage shows to offer at least one graded class to each size and grade wherever possible or even to vary the combinations.  It is believed that Grade 7 small and medium dogs are now a reasonable sized class, but grade 1 is not. Suggested combinations could be 1-3, 4-6, 7 or 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7. It is hoped that each grade could have the opportunity of being the highest level in a combination.

ITEM 6.           JUDGES WORKING PARTY (WTOA)

A report will be given on the progress of the Judges Working Party.

ITEM 7.           ANY OTHER BUSINESS

ITEM 8.           DATE OF NEXT MEETING

The date of the next meeting will be confirmed in September 2008.

NOTES:

1. The Kennel Club will reimburse standard rail fares to all representatives attending the meeting, from their addresses as recorded at the Kennel Club. Claim forms will be available at the meeting.
2. Those resident in Northern Ireland or Scotland may apply in advance for authority to substitute shuttle air travel for standard rail fare. Although it is requested that tickets are booked well in advance to take advantage of any reduction in fares.
3. Please give advance notice of matters to be raised under 'Any Other Business'. This assists the Office if research is required. These items are discussed at the discretion of the Council.
4. Kennel Club Liaison Council Regulations state that the Kennel Club will bear the cost of all reasonable and externally incurred costs connected with a Council, if agreed in advance. Therefore, representatives should apply to the Kennel Club for approval of any costs they may wish to claim prior to the expense being incurred.

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