APRIL 2018 NOTC MTG – ATTACHMENT 4c
RULES FOR THE CONDUCT OF ENDURANCE TEST
EQUIPMENT (3)
Current Rule
The handler may jog the distance, ride a bicycle or use any other form of non motorised mechanical vehicle with the dog, provided the required speed is maintained. Motor cycles or cars will not be permitted. Should the handler ride a bicycle, a helmet must be worn. The Springer device for attachment to a bicycle is not permitted.
Proposed
The handler may jog the distance, ride a bicycle or use any other form of electric powered appliancessuch as a bicycle, wheelchair or “gopher” vehicle of a type commonly used by disabled persons with the dog, provided the required speed is maintained.The engine of a powered appliancemust be silent and emit no fumes. Motor cycles or cars will not be permitted. Should the handler ride a bicycle or other vehicle, a helmet must be worn. The Springer device for attachment to a bicycle is not permitted.
Any electrically powered appliance must be approved by the local affiliate for use prior to the trial being held.
Rationale:
The Endurance Test shall demonstrate the dog's ability to work after being subject to a certain degreeof physical strain without showing signs of undue stress or lack of constitution.
We are testing the endurance of the dog, not the handler. Over the years we have had a number of disabled handlers competing in various disciplines including Conformation, Obedience and Agility, some using various electrically powered appliances.
We should not be discouraging such people from undertaking Endurance Tests.
JUDGING (2)
Current Rule
The judge shall judge no more than twenty (20) dogs and shall travel with the dogs, eitherwalking, bike riding, jogging, or using any other form of non motorised mechanical vehicle.
Proposed
The judge shall judge no more than twenty (20) dogs and shall travel with the dogs, ensuring that they can observe all dogs and competitors closely at all times. The Judge may travel eitherwalking, bike riding, jogging, or using any other form of approved electrically powered vehicle.
Rationale:
To ensure that Judges do in fact travel with the dogs and not simply take up a position where they can see the dogs from a distance.
To allow Judges to use electrically powered appliances if they have a disability that prevents them from riding a conventional bicycle.
THE TEST
Proposed
New Rule (20)
A Test may be cancelled, at the discretion of the host club, if, at the close of entries there are fewer than five (5) dogs entered. Advice of any cancellation must be conveyed to entrants at least fourteen (14) days before the scheduled date of the test.
Rationale:
The cost of contracting a Judge and engaging a Vet would leave a club out of pocket without a certain number of entries. This may lead to clubs no longer wishing to hold Endurance Tests. Clubs would still have the discretion to proceed with the Test if they wish.
Advising Competitors at least 14 days before the scheduled date would prevent them from incurring the expense of a vet check in the event of a cancelled Test.