ATTENTION: ALL MEMBER BODIES
The National Agility Committee has been liaising regarding the Agility Rules and how Agility Trials can proceed and comply with Covid-19 restrictions.
Due to the Covid-19 virus and the various Federal and State Government requirements the National Agility Committee has identified one area within the ANKC Rules for the conduct of Agility Trials which requires temporary modification to enable compliance with these requirements.
This modification does not change the intent of the rule but will enable the recommencement of trials once permission is given by each Member Body.
Current Rule:
7.2.1 On the Steward’s call of the dog’s catalogue number, the Handler will enter the ring via the entry point, with the dog on lead and follow the Steward’s and/or Judge’s instructions. The lead and harness or head collar must be removed, the collar may be removed and all items handed to a Steward.
The temporary modified Rule:
‘7.2.1 On the Steward’s call of the dog’s catalogue number, the Handler will enter the ring via the entry point, with the dog on lead and follow the Steward’s and/or Judge’s instructions. The lead will be removed, the collar maybe removed. The Handler will either place the lead/collar in a pocket whilst running the course or wear it on them (e.g. clipped around their waist like a belt). If any of these items fall to the ground or the dog grabs the lead while running the course this will result in a DQ. The lead/collar must be inaudible and if not this will result in a DQ.’
Leaving out ‘harness or head collar’ was based on discussions about modern ‘active’ wear doesn’t usually have pockets. As such these large and sometimes heavy items could not be ‘stored’ on the handler with ease. This is also to prevent them from falling on the ground and becoming a trip hazard as well as to prevent the possibility of the spread of Covid-19 should it be present either on the equipment or the ground.
PLEASE NOTE: Once social distancing rules have been lifted, this exercise must comply with the current rules immediately (whether it is the rules as they appear on our website now or the new rules which become effective from 1 January 2021).
Member Bodies and their Affiliates are responsible for sanitising regimes for Judges and Stewards.
Tracey Barry
Administrator | Australian National Kennel Council Limited