AFA Policy - AFA Sanctioned Demonstrations

 

 

Demonstration Aims & Objectives:


As well as promoting Flyball, demonstrations play a vitally important role in assisting dogs make the transition from club training to AFA competitions. Demonstration policies aim to encourage developing dogs to attend demonstrations with a relaxed and friendly atmosphere so we have fewer incidents at sanctioned AFA competitions.

Those attending AFA sanctioned demonstrations must up-hold the objectives, rules and policies of the AFA and affiliated Clubs, to promote the sport of Flyball, its training and exhibiting of dogs, in a positive, informative, safe and entertaining manner.

Insurance:


For AFA members or honorary AFA members to be covered by AFA insurance at demonstrations, the Host Club must submit an email or correspondence to the AFA Secretary, stating the date, times, format and location of the demonstration with enough time for the AFA to approve & notify the organiser of the sanctioning before the demonstration takes place. AFA sanctioning of a demonstration allows for all AFA members to participate and for the host club to access the EJS, should one be available, for the purpose of the demonstration. A copy of the details should be forwarded to the Webmaster for inclusion on the AFA calendar on the web. Only AFA members and honorary AFA members are covered by AFA insurance. For dogs and their actions to be covered by AFA insurance the dog must have a valid AFA Competition Racing Number (CRN). Only AFA members and dogs with valid CRN's are to participate in events in the Flyball ring for example there will be no racing of spectators against dogs.

Unsanctioned demonstrations or demonstrations limited to a single club or clubs are not covered by this policy document or AFA Insurance. The AFA advises organisers of unsanctioned demonstrations to arrange an appropriate level of insurance coverage.

Format:


The format of the demonstration shall be negotiated between the Host Club and the Event Organiser. Formats may include demonstrations of team racing, recall racing, training competences, training methods, games and tricks. Format details are to be submitted to the AFA with the request for sanctioning.

Demonstration Policy Statement:

  • All participants within the AFA sanctioned demonstration must be financial members of the AFA or honorary members of the AFA.

  • Honorary members can not run dogs at AFA demonstrations.

  • AFA demonstrations are open to all AFA members and the EJS may be used if available.

  • Competition standards may to be relaxed because demonstrations can be used as part of the training process.

  • Organisers should notify participants what standards or level of competency will apply before the demonstration. The demonstration organiser has the responsibility to make the final decision on demonstration formats. Demonstration organisers will notify the AFA of format details when requesting AFA sanctioning.

  • AFA Officials include the organisers, AFA committee members and AFA Judges.

  • Aggression or unacceptable behaviour at demonstrations should not be tolerated. A report, including any witness statements, outlining the incident is to be forwarded to the AFA Secretary as per the AFA rules and policies. A dog/handler should be removed from the demonstration after an aggressive incident or if it likely that further participation may cause aggression. AFA officials have the power to stop a dog/handler from taking further part in a demonstration if either displays aggression or inappropriate behaviour as outlined in the AFA rules and policies.

  • Where possible, action taken to minimise unfavourable behaviour should be based on a consensus of opinion between the handler and attending AFA officials. Non aggressive crossing and exiting from the ring may not be grounds for removing dogs from demonstrations unless the crossing continues to disrupt the demonstration or the behaviour is inconsistent with the advertised format.

  • AFA Cards can be used as an example at demonstrations to signal to handlers what may happen at AFA competitions under similar circumstances.

  • Dogs or handlers suspended or black carded for aggression from AFA competitions may NOT participate in AFA sanctioned demonstrations as per competition rules and policies.

  • Where practical the demonstration area should be fenced on all sides as per an AFA sanctioned competition.

  • Above all a friendly common sense approach should be taken towards all incidents at demonstrations.

  • Officials, handlers and dogs need to maintain standards that leave the public with glowing views of Flyball and promote Flyball in the community.

  • Participants shall at all times be courteous and friendly. At no time should they show displeasure with a dog, exhibitor, AFA official, sponsor, host or spectator, in or out of the ring.

Demonstration Checklist:

  • Venue, time, date, & program confirmed with Event Organiser,

  • Venue, time, date & program forwarded to AFA Secretary for sanctioning,

  • Information & format about the demonstration circulated to AFA members via club reps, Flying Times, AFA website & email.

Equipment checklist:

  • Tickets for everyone to get in,

  • Maps of where to go & parking. (http://www.whereis.com.au),

  • AFA Pamphlets & someone to hand them out during the demo (these can be downloaded from the AFA website)

  • Photographer,

  • Fencing (each lane has a separate entry & exit if possible),

  • Jumps and jump pads,

  • Boxes, with one spare (just in case),

  • PA system,

  • Racing Lights or EJS may be available. If using the EJS make sure you have access to an experienced operator to setup and run the EJS,

  • Spruiker and information sheets,

  • Boxloaders & Ball shaggers,

  • Buckets and Balls,

  • Spraypaint and measuring tape,

  • Shade, dog pools & hose, buckets & drinking water.

(8 March 2005)