26″ Class \u2013 dogs may be entered at this height at their owner\u2019s discretion.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nA dog may jump in a jump height class higher than his\/her shoulder measurement, but never lower.<\/p>\n
Preferred Class<\/strong><\/p>\nThis class affords an opportunity for a greater variety of dogs, and their handlers, to participate in the sport of agility. Handlers have the option to enter the Preferred classes with modified standards of lower jump heights and five additional seconds on the course. They must compete at the required jump height.<\/p>\n
Qualifying Performance<\/strong><\/h4>\nA perfect score in any class at any level is 100. A dog must earn 3 qualifying scores under two different judges. The minimum score to qualify is 85 in all classes except in the Master class where the minimum score is 100. The minimum time allowed to run the course and the number of obstacles to complete successfully, increase as the level of difficulty increases.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″][et_pb_image _builder_version=”3.0.92″ show_in_lightbox=”off” url_new_window=”off” use_overlay=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” force_fullwidth=”off” show_bottom_space=”on” src=”https:\/\/www.pslra.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/Venues_Agility_-V3.png” \/][et_pb_divider color=”#00470f” show_divider=”on” divider_position=”center” divider_weight=”2″ height=”1px” _builder_version=”3.0.89″ \/][et_pb_image _builder_version=”3.0.93″ src=”https:\/\/www.pslra.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/Venues_Agility_-V5.png” show_in_lightbox=”off” url_new_window=”off” use_overlay=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” force_fullwidth=”off” show_bottom_space=”on” \/][et_pb_divider color=”#00470f” show_divider=”on” divider_position=”center” divider_weight=”2″ height=”1px” _builder_version=”3.0.89″ \/][et_pb_image _builder_version=”3.0.92″ src=”https:\/\/www.pslra.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/Venues_Agility_-V2.png” show_in_lightbox=”off” url_new_window=”off” use_overlay=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” force_fullwidth=”off” show_bottom_space=”on” \/][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.0.92″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_divider color=”#00470f” show_divider=”on” divider_position=”center” divider_weight=”2″ height=”1px” _builder_version=”3.0.89″ \/][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” _builder_version=”3.0.92″ background_color=”#b7e0f1″ custom_padding=”0px||0px|”][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.0.95″ background_layout=”light” text_line_height=”1.9em” custom_padding=”0px|||”]<\/p>\n
Volunteer Roles at Agility Trials<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/h4>\nOverview<\/b><\/h4>\n
Volunteering at a trial is a great way to observe how a trial works, watch dogs in various classes, and meet fellow exhibitors.\u00a0 This list covers only those jobs assigned for the trial. The goal is for each volunteer to understand his or her responsibilities without feeling confused or intimidated.\u00a0 The most important thing about each of these jobs is making sure you are at your assigned job when scheduled. You will receive a worker schedule at the start of the trial. Please note where you are expected to be and when. It really helps move a trial along.<\/p>\n
Course Builder<\/strong><\/h4>\nCourse Builders move obstacles between classes as directed by the Chief Course Builder. Help move equipment between classes to set the course for the next class. You must be aware of when each class ends so the new course can be set quickly. Efficiency in course building can significantly affect the length of the trial. Generally, the Chief Course Builder (and then the judge during final “tweaking”) provides instruction as to what pieces of equipment are needed, and where to place them.<\/p>\n
Gate Steward<\/strong><\/h4>\nMake sure dogs and handlers are ready at start line.\u00a0 Referring to the running order on the gate sheets, you check to see that the appropriate handlers and dogs are present and aware of their place in order. At the beginning of the class, you will ask the judge when s\/he wants the next dog on the line. Inform handlers when they are to be going into the ring. The Gate Steward must not be shy, s\/he should help nervous handlers by gently reminding them which dog they follow and when they should be entering the ring. The Gate Steward should also control the gate area, making sure that not too many dogs are congregating in that area and creating a potential problem. The Gate Steward also adjusts changes in the running order due to conflicts. Being a Gate Steward is a great way to get to know other handlers. Ideally, the gate steward should:<\/p>\n
\n- Have the next three dogs ready to go.<\/li>\n
- Send the next dog on the start line at the time that the judge has indicated.<\/li>\n
- Alert the Scribe to dogs that are running out of order or that have scratched.<\/li>\n
- Call height changes to pole setters \u201clast dog at this height\u201d and the next jump height.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Scribe<\/strong><\/h4>\nMark down faults and points as directed by judge on the scribe sheet while each dog is running.\u00a0 Scribing differs for different classes.\u00a0 The judge will instruct you as to the meaning of various hand signals; s\/he is always pleased to provide you with a quick one-minute primer on the signals if you ask.\u00a0 If you ever are unclear about a judge’s signal, wait until after that run and clarify before the next dog starts.\u00a0 It is important to verify that you have the correct scribe sheet for each dog.\u00a0 Important: The scribe must watch only the judge at all times during each run, never the dog or handler<\/strong>.<\/p>\nTimer (If not using electronic timers)<\/strong><\/h4>\nUse stopwatch to time a dog during a run.\u00a0 This job requires your full attention and no distractions, as focusing on the dog crossing the start line and finish line is critical. One person must time an entire jump height within a class to minimize timing differences. You will start the timer when the dog breaks the plane of the start line, and stop the timer when it breaks the plane of the final obstacle (finish line) in its attempt at taking the final obstacle. Before the class starts, the judge will give you specific instructions on timing a class and when and how the judge will want to release the next dog. The Timer can be another set of eyes on the judge for the Scribe so that if the judge calls faults, the scribe can write those faults down and the timer should be able to watch for any additional calls while the scribe is writing.<\/p>\n
Timer (If using electronic timers)<\/strong><\/h4>\nMonitors timing equipment and communicates times to Scribe.\u00a0 As with timing with stopwatches, before the class starts, the judge will give you specific instructions on timing a class and when and how the judge will want to release the next dog. Should the dog start and run around the first obstacle, not starting the clock, the Timer must manually start the clock by press the START button on the timing equipment. Also, if the dog runs around the last obstacle and fail to stop the clock, the Timer must press the STOP button on the timing equipment. If a dog stops the clock inadvertently by taking the wrong obstacle during its run, the Timer will press the RESTART button to correct the time. The internal clock in the timing device keeps on timing even though the clock has stopped. Therefore, the time will correct itself. Once the dog finishes the run, the Timer communicates the time to the Scribe who writes it down on the scribe sheet. The Timer can be another set of eyes on the judge for the Scribe so that if the judge calls faults, the scribe can write those faults down and the timer should be able to watch for any additional calls while the scribe is writing.<\/p>\n
Ring Crew – Bar Setter or Chute Straightener<\/strong><\/h4>\nEach ring needs 3 ring crew volunteers who are responsible for resetting bars if a dog knocks one off and straightening the chute after each dog goes through it (chutes, aka closed tunnels, are no longer used in AKC competition).\u00a0 Additionally, the ring crew changes the heights of the jumps, table, tire, and sometimes the A-frame, when the jump height changes.\u00a0 You sit on a chair inside the ring and watch each dog run.\u00a0 If a dog knocks a bar or otherwise displaces an obstacle, you wait until the dog is no longer running in your area of the course, and fix the obstacle.<\/p>\n
Scribe Runner<\/strong><\/h4>\nThe scribe runner takes the scribe sheet from the Scribe to the Score Table.\u00a0 This task is a bit easier on your body than leash running is \u2014 you get to sit for much of the time.\u00a0 Each dog\u2019s faults and time (the score) are written down on a piece of paper by a scribe.\u00a0 This piece of paper needs to make its way from the score table in the ring to where the trial secretary is set-up, and that\u2019s where you come in!\u00a0 You get to sit in a chair behind the scoring table (That\u2019s where the timer and the scribe sit).\u00a0 After each run, the scribe will pass you the score sheet.\u00a0 After every three or four runs, you take these score sheets from the ring to the trial secretary so the dogs\u2019 score can be processed.\u00a0 If a competitor asks to see their score sheet, it is OK for you to show it to them, BUT THEY MUST REMAIN IN YOUR POSSESSION until delivered to the trial secretary.<\/p>\n
Leash Runner<\/strong><\/h4>\nA great starter job!\u00a0 It\u2019s simple, it\u2019s good exercise, and you get to see each dog\u2019s run from start to finish. As the leash runner, you are expected to pick up the dog\u2019s leash once they have started the course, and drop it off at a pre-determined spot near the exit so it is waiting for the competitor as they finish their run.\u00a0 Your goal is to be as unobtrusive as possible.\u00a0 Some handlers will hand you their dog\u2019s leash, others will throw it towards you (stay alert, leash clips can be painful!), and many just drop it behind them.<\/p>\n
It is important to wait until after the dog has begun running to pick up their leash, as you want to avoid inadvertently distracting the dog.\u00a0 You should also keep an eye on the dog while it is running in case something happens to terminate the run, such as the dog eliminating in the ring or the handler asking to be excused.\u00a0 In those cases, you will want to bring the leash directly to the competitor or meet them right by the exit.<\/p>\n
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Agility Competition Want to learn about Conformation and Dog Shows?\u00a0 Visit our Conformation page for more details. [Read More] Want to learn about Field Work and Retrieving Events?\u00a0 Visit our Field Competition page for more information. [Read More] Want to learn about Obedience and Rally Competition?\u00a0 Visit our Obedience & Rally page for more details. […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":51873,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"
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