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2018 Implementation Plan

Jump Heights – Measurement Cut-off

The implementation of new jump heights and dog measurement cut-offs will occur in stages throughout 2017. 

This is AAC’s tentative schedule through to the end of March 2017.

December 2016 – Release Statement of changes to be implemented by January 1, 2018 including new jump height categories and new dog measurement cut-offs.

January – Downloadable dog ID card process implemented.  NEWS

February – Release of the 2018 Re-Measurement Information Process and Forms

  • Re-Measurement Procedures
  • AAC Dog ID Application Form (Competitors)
  • Request for Re-Measurement Day Form (Clubs)
  • 2018 Measuring Device Inspection Form (For Clubs/Regional Directors)
  • Dog Measurement Form (For Clubs/Judges)

March – Equipment Inspection Procedure for 2018 including:

  • Equipment Checklists (for 2018)
  • Equipment Specification List (for 2018)

Further information and release schedules will be provided as details are finalized.

AAC Board

BoD Meeting Highlights for : December 2016

BoD Meeting Thursday, December 15, 2016

Here are the highlights of the AAC Board meeting held on Thursday, December 15, 2016 . Full motions will be published on the AAC website (Members section) once the minutes are approved and the motions are translated.

  1. The following Committees are seeking representatives. Contact admin@aac.ca if interested in applying. Committee responsibilities available at: AAC/Contacts/Committees.
    • Appeals Committee – QC Representative
    • Discipline Committee – NS/NL Representative
  2. Two Regional Championships have been approved for the NS/NL Region for 2017. Competitors within the Region may attend either of the Regional Championships for the NS/NF Region.
    • Newfoundland Athletic Dog Association, Inc. will host the first Newfoundland Regional Agility Championship on June 3 or 4, 2017 at the St. John’s Southlands Park at 44A Clovelly Lane, Logy Bay, Newfoundland.
    • CAANS will host the 2017 Nova Scotia Regional Agility Championship on May 20, 2017 at the MacMillan Centre – Truro Nova Scotia, 8 Central Ave., Halifax, Nova Scotia
  3. Guides Canins have been approved to host the 2017 Quebec Regional Agility Championship on June 24-25, 2017 at the Complexe Sportif St-Lazare, 1850, rue des Loisirs, Saint-Lazare, Quebec.
  4. Rave Dog Sports was approved to sponsor a Judges Clinic April 7-9, 2017 in Nanaimo, BC.
  5. Jump heights - Dog measurement cut-offs: Implementation will be effective January 1, 2018. The official announcement is available at: AAC/NEWS
  6. Applicants applying for dog ID starting January 1, 2017 will receive an online dog ID card. They will be required to print the dog ID card, and take it with them to a trial the dog is registered in to have the card filled out when the dog is measured.
  7. Mini ( currently 10R/6S/6V) dog points required in Snooker and Gamblers reduced by 2 points. Effective: July 1, 2017
  8. The AAC's 2017 AGM will be held about Noon, Saturday March 11th, 2017 in conjunction with the K-9 Cliffhangers trial at the Agrifair Arena, Exhibition Park, 32470 Haida Drive, Abbotsford, BC.
  9. Mini time for a final gamble amended to always be 20% more than the Open division so it scales with complexity. Effective: July 1, 2017.

To obtain a copy of the AAC Board minutes (in English or French, once approved), email Seanna O'Neill at: dogsport.org@hotmail.com, or fill out form on members page.

The next Board meeting is scheduled for: Thursday, January 19, 2017.

Jump Heights - Measurement Cut-offs

Over the past year the AAC began evaluating the jump heights and dog measurement cut-offs. This led to research on the effects of jump heights equal or greater than the shoulder and evaluations of what brought competitors to the activity. This included considering dog conditioning and the impact on dogs with mobility issues due to structure.

The AAC reviewed the categories of Regular, Specials, Veteran and Double Drop Veteran and agreed that they still provided for the needs of the majority of dogs as they moved through the competitive cycle from a young to aged dog in agility.

We went on to compare other North American associations with National programs to identify if there were any ideas or trends that would be of benefit to the AAC.

We considered the trends of IFCS, as we are affiliated and a National Team is sponsored to attend their World Championship annually.

After working through numerous variations, we shortened the list to three options that we thought the AAC Membership could proceed with. A survey was distributed to both AAC Membership and Clubs to garner input and identify which would be the best solution.

The results rolled in and were evaluated, and the majority of AAC selected Option 4. There were numerous comments advising that Option 4 may be the best solution but it did not address fully the smaller dog cut-offs to member satisfaction. Taking that into consideration, a good deal more work and discussion followed. We will be implementing a revised Option 4 that incorporates those concerns.

Dog’s Measured Height Regular Special Veteran/ JH Double Dropped Vet
< or = 12 inches 8 (or 12) 4 4 N/A
> 12 and < or = 15 12 (or 16) 8 8 4
> 15 and < or = 18 16 (or 20) 12 12 8
> 18 and < or = 22 20 (or 24) 16 16 12
> 22 24 20 20 16

 

The attached changes will be implemented no later than January 1, 2018. The AAC will provide detailed information in the next several months to address questions from the perspectives of measuring and equipment inspections. Information sheets will be distributed and will be posted to the AAC website for competitors, judges, clubs, vendors and event hosts on how the changes will impact each of you and what actions will be required.

The AAC will seek your assistance over the next year as we work to transition to the new changes as smoothly as possible.

AAC Board

BoD Meeting Highlights for: November 2016

BoD Meeting Thursday, November 17, 2016

Here are the highlights of the AAC Board meeting held on Thursday, November 17, 2016.. Full motions will be published on the AAC website (Members section) once the minutes are approved and the motions are translated.

  1. The following Committees are seeking representatives. Contact admin@aac.ca if interested in applying. Committee responsibilities available at: AAC/Contacts/Committees.
    • Standing Rules Committee — Ontario East Representative
    • Equipment Committee — Ontario East Representative
    • Judges Standing Advisory Committee — BC Representative
  2. All bids for 2017 have been received with a 2018 AAC Nationals bid approved for 2018 in Maxville Ontario.
  3. A survey was distributed to all AAC Clubs and Members regarding jump heights and dog measurement cut-offs.
  4. Judges are required to supply a copy of courses to Trial Secretaries 1-2 days prior to trial so an alternate judge can fill in if necessary. Motion 161105. Effective January 1, 2017,.
  5. Cindy Swiney was appointed as Interim Course Approver Coordinator.

To obtain a copy of the AAC Board minutes (in English or French, once approved),  email Jennifer Laird jennifer.lairdaarf@gmail.com, or fill out form on members page.

The next Board meeting is scheduled for: Thursday, December 15, 2016

BoD Meeting Highlights for: October 2016

AAC Board of Directors – October 2016 Meeting Highlights (unofficial)

Highlights of the AAC Board meeting held on Thursday, October 20, 2016.

Full motions will be published on the AAC web site (Members section) once the minutes are approved and the motions are translated.

  •  Micro mini SCT revision.  Motion 161010.  Effective Jul 1, 2017
  •  The following Committees are seeking representatives.  Contact admin@aac.ca if interested in applying.  Committee responsibilities available at: http://www.aac.ca/en/contact/main/#CO. 
  • Membership Committee – Prairie Representative
  • Standing Rules Committee – Ontario East Representative
  • Equipment Committee – Ontario East Representative
  • Judges Standing Advisory Committee – BC Representative
  • Discipline Committee – BC Vancouver Island Representative
  • The NSC is requesting bids for the 2017 Regionals from the following Regions:  QC and NS/NL.
  • Equipment revisions include: 
  • Double Bar Jump description amendment. Effective Immediately.          Motion 161007.
  • T weave pole base removal.  Grandfathered until club’s next inspection, otherwise effective January 1, 2018.
  • Jump rails and planks no longer optional replacements for jump poles effective July 1, 2017.
  • The AAC National Team has fundraising projects underway through National Team Members.  Also, auditing of the National Team Only Training Area is available at:  http://aacnationalteam.org/store/.    In addition, the National Team Management Group is working on revising the selection criteria’s point schedule for the 2017-2018 team.
  • The Board continues to work on jump height and dog measurement cut-offs.

To obtain a copy of the AAC Board minutes (in English or French, once approved), email Jennifer Laird at jennifer.lairdaarf@gmail.com.

The next Board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, November 17, 2016.

Welcome to the new AAC website!

Welcome to the new AAC website!

As you have already noticed, the website has a new look and feel. However, our new website is more than just flashy screens.  The underlying database system has been completely re-vamped.  The end goal is to consolidate the many databases into a central location and reduce or eliminate manual data entry by automating the many AAC processes.

The complete transition to the new site format and database structure will take place in stages starting in the summer of 2016.

This will include things like:

  • Membership management
  • Registration of dogs and junior handlers
  • Trial application and approval
  • Site and equipment approval
  • Voting
  • Trial Management and Results

Until the transition is 100% complete you will still see some links to older website pages and layouts.

A key difference is that the new website has user account functionality (this is for both AAC members and non-members).  In order to take full advantage of the website and to perform online transactions, a user account is required.

The user account system is highlighted by the concept of a user “role”.  What a user account can see and do is based on the assigned roles.  The roles will vary depending on if you are an AAC member, judge, trial host club, board member, non-member, etc.

 

Getting Started

 

The first thing you should do is to create a user account.  This will allow you to login and manage your account/profile and perform online transactions.

To get started, from the home page, click on MY ACCOUNT (top right corner).

Then click on Register.

 

 

Follow the prompts, an e-mail will be sent to your specified e-mail address in order to complete the user account setup.

Part of the user account setup is to attach/claim your AAC membership (if you are an AAC member).  You will also be able to attach/claim your dogs and junior handlers. This is a simple, one-time process.  Make sure you have these numbers handy.

*** IMPORTANT NOTE FOR FAMILY MEMBERSHIPS ***

The system currently has a 1-1 relationship between user accounts and AAC memberships, dogs and junior handlers.  This means that only one user account can attach/claim an AAC membership, dogs and junior handlers.  This is important if you have a family membership and plan on creating multiple user accounts. 

Take care when planning on the user accounts you will create and what you will attach/claim with each user account.

Once logged into the system you will see a user account status bar at the top of the screen (in the black bar).

 

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MY ACCOUNT, lets you manage your user account.

 

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Administration functions will depend on your assigned “roles”.  In many cases this menu option may not be present.  This menu is primarily used by system administrators, AAC board members and judges.


 

Support

 

To help you navigate and become familiar with the new site, we have prepared the following:

  • Online Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
  • Online Help
  • A Technical Systems Administrator that can be reached by online SUPPORT

 

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3 Dog Team Awards - Nationals 2016

The 2016 3-dog team event was a great success, with 92 teams entered, and great team names, costumes, and posters. Thank you to Meaghan O’Neill for organization and registration, and to Gary and Tammy Kollar, Rhéal Nadeau, and Jennifer Laird for scoring.

Winners:

  • Top scores: Globetrotters (AB), 1366.92 points; Tylted Devyls Getting Spicy (AB) 1352.46; Ontario’s Golden Girls (ON West), 1289.75;
  • Best Costume: Bond et ses Golden Girls (QC);
  • Best Name: Card Sharks (ON East).

Full results are available athttp://www.aacnationals2016.com/uploads/5/5/8/7/55879311/final_3-dog_team_standings.pdf

Starting in 2017, a 3-dog team can have two (2) Veteran dogs.

Important Chute News

The Agility Association of Canada has been researching and considering the attributes, safety, and use of the chute in courses at Agility Association of Canada events for some time.

The chute was introduced as one of the original tests in agility of confidence from the dog and the handler to manage a course. As the chute does not measure skill or speed but rather confidence in team through the dog trusting the handler while entering a “blind trap” in a controlled situation. Command overrides instinct. As speed shouldn’t be the sole determinant in agility success, it has remained, and is probably one of the few obstacles left that measures that aspect of teamwork.

Therefore, in efforts to reduce a perceived stress to handler’s concerned about their dog’s safety, though the chute receives far less incident reports for injuries than other equipment in the Agility Association in Canada the following has been reviewed. Fabric composition and material length, fabric being weighted on the bottom side to reduce twisting and flipping, dog’s footing on a curved floor vs. flat floor in the frame, exits of the obstacle and distances to other obstacles in course design to ensure the dog can get re-oriented, the angles to obstacle entries to assist handlers who miscalculate their dog’s paths, the methods used to secure the chute to the site surface, and the composition and shape of the frame.

Thank you to everyone whom has voiced their opinions regarding the chute and its use in the AAC.

As of September 1, 2016, the Agility Association of Canada suspends the use of the chute in competition as there are items that can’t be addressed in the near term.

Judges may substitute one of the following in place of the chute in their course designs: 1 or 2 jumps; broad jump; or a tunnel.
 

BoD Meeting Highlights for : August

BoD Meeting Thursday, August 18, 2016

Here are the highlights of the AAC Board meeting held on Thursday, August 18, 2016. Full motions will be published on the AAC website (Members section) once the minutes are approved and the motions are translated.

Reminder: In Motion 160605 (June 2016), the Board approved a revised application process for Regional/National bids: Bids will be accepted 48-39 months prior to the event window, will be reviewed and compared between 39-36 months, and if no bids are received within 36 months of the proposed event window the first bid received may be awarded the event at the NSC's discretion. This was established in order to help organizers book facilities and decrease last minute pressures.

  1. The Board is discussing the possibility of adding a 4" Veteran Double-Drop height, and a 2" height for large dogs (the handler would have the option of running their dog at 24" or 26").
  2. The Board approved the chute becoming optional in all Masters events effective January 1, 2017.
  3. Testing of the new AAC database and web site are ongoing. In the next phase, judges will be invited to sign up and create an account.
  4. AAC National Team -- 2016-2017:
    • Congratulations to the members of the 2016-2017 AAC National Team 2017-team
    • Starting in 2017-2018, National Team applicants for (win-on and medal spots) must compete in the Nationals (unless an exemption is granted), and do so at their IFCS competition height;
    • Starting with the 2017-2018 National Team, Regional byes will apply to the current National Team dogs only.
  5. Nationals and Regionals:
    • A bid is being prepared for the 2018 Nationals.
    • Absolute Agility's bid was accepted as host for the 2018 Ontario East Regionals to be held June 1-3, 2018 at Centennial Park,4500 Centennial Park Road, Harrowsmith, Ontario.
    • The NSC is requesting bids for the 2017 Regionals from the following Regions: QC, NS/NL, and NB/PEI.
  6. 3-Dog Team:
    • The 2016 3-dog team event was a great success, with 92 teams entered, and great team names, costumes, and posters. Thank you to Meaghan O'Neill for organization and registration, and to Gary and Tammy Kollar, Rhéal Nadeau, and Jennifer Laird for scoring.
      Winners:
      • Top scores:
      • Globetrotters (AB), 1366.92 points;
      • Tylted Devyls Getting Spicy (AB) 1352.46;
      • Ontario Golden Girls (ON West), 1289.75;
      • Best Costume:
      • Bond et ses Golden Girls (QC);
      • Best Name:
      • Card Sharks (ON East).

      Full results are available at: final_3-dog_team_standings.pdf

    • Starting in 2017, a 3-dog team can have two (2) Veteran dogs.
  7. The Board accepts the Standing Rules Committee recommendation to outline a scribes' responsibilities which are: Blowing a whistle as instructed by a judge to indicate that maximum course faults have been exceeded, Recording faults or points as signalled by a judge and recording the dog's time as reported by the timer. It was outlined that nothing else should be written on the scribe sheet unless directed by a judge.
  8. In response to a question: as of August 19, 2016, no Board liaisons' are representing Committees they are voting members of.
  9. The Safety Committee reported a single submitted injury report, and 2 courses that were submitted as unsafe for review (e.g. backsides on wingless jumps and chute exits). Members can file a Report or contact their Regional Director to express concerns about course safety.
  10. The Database Team is seeking a member to assist with the new web site and database project.
  11. The Membership Committee is seeking a member to represent the Prairies.

Reminder: 
 The nomination period for the 2016 AAC elections is now open: 
   AAC Election 2016

To obtain a copy of the AAC Board minutes (in English or French, once approved), email Jennifer Laird at: jennifer.lairdaarf@gmail.com.

The next Board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, September 15

Rhéal Nadeau, Communications Officer

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