Suomen Agilityliitto Finnish Agility Association

B.2_Agility competition organizer's guide 1(22)

A NATIONAL AGILITY COMPETITIONS 1 COMPETITION ORGANIZATION 1.1 SETTING UP A COMPETITION ORGANIZATION The organizer of a competition is responsible for practical issues and finances of the competition. The organizer must book a sufficient number of officials to manage practical matters. All officials must be briefed about their duties before the competition. The organizer must appoint a person who is familiar with agility rules and all practical aspects of competitions, as well as capable of organizing events, as the competition manager. The organizer can also appoint a competition committee, or a team to make preparations for the competition. In major events, an organizing manager should preferably be appointed to take responsibility of the practical functions of the organization, and to be the reserve competition manager. 1.2 RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE COMPETITION ORGANIZATION 1.2.1 Competition manager • • • • • • • • • • • • •

has passed the agility officials' training and has a valid official's license manages and oversees the competition organization and does not take on other duties during the competition appoints tasks and is responsible for briefing the officials applies for necessary permissions and sees to it that the conditions of these permissions are met invites the agility judge and handles all communications between the organizer and the judge arranges the judge's travelling details and accommodation checks the travelling expenses of the officials and the judge and takes care of expenses plans the site map and placement of rings when necessary, reserves a space for taking doping samples pays attention to safety concerns when organizing a competition or event makes decisions concerning the eligibility of the dog and handler verifies entries in the record books, and is responsible for all decisions, that are not appointed to the judge according to the rules

1.2.2 Competition secretary • • •

receives entries and is responsible for answering all questions related to entries checks that the data in the entries is correct and fills in missing information when necessary and feeds the entries into the information management system or controls electronic entries.

1.2.3 Results manager • • • • •

checks that all entered handlers have a valid license compiles starting lists for each class by randomly selecting the order of entered teams compiles the competition schedule on the basis of the number of entries and instructions from the judge writes the invitations and is responsible for printing and mailing them and prepares the starting list, judging slips and list of entries for registration on site and prints them.

1.2.4 Logistics manager • •

plans and organizes the assembly and transportation of obstacles, tents, office furniture, prizes and other such materials to the competition site and back and reserves sufficient staff resources and transportation equipment.

1.2.5 Prize manager • •

secures prizes for the competition and ensures that there is a sufficient number of certificate cards on site maintains a list of prizes, that shows which prizes go to which winners and

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B.2_Agility competition organizer's guide 2(22)

•

organizes the practical aspects of prize giving ceremonies.

1.2.6 Sponsor manager • negotiates sponsorship matters for the competition and • ensures that the sponsor is visible in the competition as agreed. 1.2.7 Canteen manager • • •

has passed hygiene training (valid hygiene proficiency certificate) is responsible for selling and obtaining products to be sold in the canteen or, if the canteen is handled by outside sources, operates as the contact person for the organizing club and usually also manages the competition officials' meals.

1.2.8 Information manager • • • •

notifies the local media before the competition delivers the main results to the media for publication after the trial updates the competition data on the competition's or organizer's web site and can also write a report or bulletins on the progress of the competition.

1.2.9 Photographer (recommendation) •

takes official photographs and prepares the photo shoot site.

1.3 COMPETITION OFFICIALS 1.3.1 Registration official •

•

• •

•

•

receives record books on site and checks the dog in, arranges the record books by competition class, uses e.g. a sticker to note the starting number and possibility for moving to the next level and delivers the record books to the scorer's secretary after all teams have arrived or the registration time is over checks that the handler is eligible to compete (license, possible certificates or receipts, age or club membership when necessary) and that the dog is eligible to compete (vaccinations, ID, registration or vet certificate when necessary) gives competitor numbers (unless they have been sent by mail), starting lists and other necessary equipment to handlers asks the handler to fill in the record book of a dog competing for the first time, and to deliver the registration documents of the dog for measuring, and informs the competition manager and agility judge of the number of dogs to be measured informs the competition manager, scribe and announcer of dogs that are absent or have moved to a higher level, and informs the handlers of any special instructions or changes to the timetable made by the organizer when necessary and sells record books, rule books and other related materials

1.3. Measuring secretary • •

•

prepares a place for measuring dogs at a quiet location and secures a level table, measuring wicket, micro chip reader and equipment for taking notes makes a preliminary check to see that the dog is eligible to compete and that the dog's record book containing the preliminary data, dog's pedigree, and vaccination certificate are present in addition to the dog and handler, and assists in confirming the ID of the dog and measuring it, as requested by the agility judge.

1.3.3 Scribe • • • •

checks that the judging slips are in the starting order, moves the slips of those dogs that have changed level to the correct stack, removes the absentees' slips and changes the names of changed handlers, enters the SCT given by the judge to the judging slips, checks that the running team's competitor number is the same as the number in the judging slip, follows the judge's hand signals to note the team's faults and writes the running time given by the time keeper in the judging slip, and

Suomen Agilityliitto Finnish Agility Association

B.2_Agility competition organizer's guide 3(22)

•

when necessary, checks any unclear issues with the agility judge and passes the judging slip on to the scorer.

1.3.4 Time keepers • • •

The main time keeper checks the stopwatches before the competition class begins, and agrees with the scribe and the second timekeeper on how to back up the time, the main time keeper measures the dog's running time to 1/100th of a second, and gives the time to the scribe, and informs the agility judge, if the maximum course time is exceeded, the second time keeper is responsible for recording the backup time and timing the course walking.

1.3.5 Chief ring steward •

• •

• • • •

ensures that the ring measures up to requirements, the markings or fences surrounding the ring are safe, the surface is sufficiently even and offers good footing, and that the start and finish areas are sufficient in size, and access to them is denied from other teams, ensures, that only obstacles that comply with regulations are offered to the agility judge, has the course built according to the judge's course design and instructions, so that the obstacles' places are marked, obstacles are supported so that they do not move, and that the course is numbered as in the design. briefs the ring stewards and positions them so, that they can easily fix the obstacles after each team and if necessary, also while a team is running the course, ensures that the course is built on time and is the same for all teams, measures the course or has it measured if the agility judge so wishes and informs the judge of the course length and monitors the ring stewards during the competition and ensures that the obstacles and course are fixed at sufficient intervals.

1.3.6 Ring stewards • •

build the course and change obstacle heights as size categories change and maintain the course as instructed by the agility judge and the main ring steward.

1.3.7 Scorer • •

•

prior to the beginning of the competition class, updates the data on changed handlers, absent dogs and dogs that have moved to another level, to the information management system or score sheet during the competition, calculates the total faults by adding course faults to time faults, enters the information from the judging slip to the information management system, and gives the results to the scorer's secretary for filling in the record books, and after the competition class is over, compiles the result lists complete with certificate information, and ensures that the agility judge and competition manager sign the necessary documents (including score sheets, record books and certificate cards).

1.3.8 Scorer's secretary •

• •

prior to the beginning of a competition class, receives the record books delivered by the registration to the competition office, prepares the judging slips for the scribe and updates any changes to the starting list to the notice board, announcer and collecting ring steward, during the competition class, fills in the record books according to instructions with the data received from the scorer, and informs the announcer of the progress of the competition and the final results and fills in the certificate cards after the competition class, and delivers the final results to the notice board.

1.3.9 Announcer • • •

presents the judge and the competition manager, explains the schedule and progress of the competition or event, and especially tells when the course walking takes place, and the competition classes begin presents the next competitor to start and the teams waiting for their turn, including their numbers; the announcer can also talk about the sport, handlers, clubs, dogs and their breeds or results, announces the results of individual teams, i.e. faults and time, while the competition is running, and keeps the audience informed of the progress of the competition, as well as possible

Suomen Agilityliitto Finnish Agility Association

B.2_Agility competition organizer's guide 4(22)

• •

announces the prize giving ceremony's time and procedures and introduces the winners and makes other announcements concerning the security of the competition, and other issues that the organizer deems important.

1.3.10 Collecting ring steward • •

ensures that the running order is followed, and that there is a sufficient number of teams waiting for their turn and ensures that the next team to run can start its run without obstructions.

1.3.11 Messenger • •

delivers the judging slip from the scribe to the scorer and writes the faults and time to a results list on a bulletin board, so that the team's results can be checked immediately after the run

1.3.12 Leash carrier • moves the leash of the running dog from the starting area to the area around the finishing line • this task can also be assigned to the messenger, second time keeper or collecting ring steward. 1.3.13 Doping sampling assistant • •

assists the doping sampler Finnish Kennel Club will notify the competition manager before the competition, if an assistant is needed.

1.3.14 Competition site manager • • • • •

draws up the area plan of the competition or event (ring, warm-up area, office, parking, canteen, toilets, emergency routes etc) delivers guide posts to roads leading to the competition site and fastens signs on site (e.g. water, signs leading to dog walking areas) guides traffic at the parking lot observes the teams in the warm-up areas and takes care of the equipment in the area and maintains general order on site.

1.3.15 Additional officials • •

responsible for any such organizing functions that are not the direct responsibility of named officials, e.g. cleaning or traffic control tasks are assigned by the competition manager.

1.4 EXTERNAL OFFICIALS 1.4.1 Security steward Regulatory provisions may require that a security steward has to be appointed to a major competition or event. Such a person should usually have at least a valid security guard license. The security steward discusses his tasks directly with the competition manager. 1.4.2 Additional services The organizer has the right to set up different kinds of additional services, such as dog product sales, dogsitter services or child care services. Organizers must pay special attention to using qualified service providers.

Suomen Agilityliitto Finnish Agility Association

B.2_Agility competition organizer's guide 5(22)

1.5 OFFICIALS' ATTIRE All competition officials should preferably wear similar attire (a vest, for example) to indicate that they belong to the competition organization. The competition manager should wear a high visibility vest with the words Competition manager on it. 2 PREPARING FOR A COMPETITION 2.1 RESERVING THE SITE AND SUPPLIES 2.1.1 Competition site When selecting a venue for the competition, it is necessary to observe the official regulations on whether the site is suitable for competition use and if the number of dogs and people coming to the competition can be accommodated. An area of 1-2 m around the ring should be reserved for officials and photographers, and for fencing off the public. Start and finish areas must be sufficient in size. At least a 6 m space must be reserved in front of the first obstacle and behind the last one. Start and finish areas may be placed inside the ring. Fenced queueing areas may be built, for allowing the teams to prepare for running the course. Also, the organizer may set up a rewarding zone, that is not accessible to public and is placed next to the finish area, where the handler may reward the dog, and put a leash on it. The surface must be safe and the lighting sufficient, so that equal conditions can be guaranteed for all competitors. The organizer should point out an area for the use of bitches in heat. The organizer must be prepared to reserve sufficient parking space for handlers within a reasonable distance from the site. There should be suitable terrain for walking the dogs on or near the site. A WC or an outhouse should be available on site. 2.1.2 Warm-up area The organizer must reserve a warm-up area for the teams, if possible. Obstacles in the area must conform to the rules. The area should be accessible to teams, so that priority is given to teams that are closest to their starting time. A separate warm-up area may be reserved for bitches in heat. 2.1.3 Obstacles The organizers must have at their disposal a set of obstacles conforming to the rules and containing at least the following: 14 hurdles with poles (1 brush fence, 1 hurdle with full panel, 1 hurdle with gate are also allowed), 1 wall, 1 long jump, 1 (collapsible) tyre, 1 A-frame, 1 dog walk, 1 see-saw, weaving poles, 1 table, 2 tube tunnels and 1 flat tunnel. 2.1.4 Supplies All equipment and supplies must be acquired well before the competition. All technical equipment must be tested before the competition. All materials needed for the competition should be listed by pickup point and location on the competition site, to make it is easier to deal out materials and prepare everything for the competition.

Suomen Agilityliitto Finnish Agility Association

B.2_Agility competition organizer's guide 6(22)

2.1.5 Safety The organizer must have a plan for using the competition area. The plan should include the different competition functions, but also possible seating for the audience, tent, warm-up, walking and parking areas, and routes and directions. Areas must be maintained appropriately and when necessary, marked clearly. Signs are also recommended. The organizer must clearly indicate dangerous places on or near the site and, when necessary, block access to them. The organizer must ensure that exit routes are in working order, and that the rescue route leading to the site remains unobstructed. The address and name of the town where the competition takes place (and possible GPS coordinates) should be attached to a visible place on the wall. 2.2 INVITING A JUDGE The competition organizer invites an agility judge and a reserve judge in writing (Form 1). A preliminary agreement can be made by word of mouth. The agility judge confirms the invitation in writing. An invitation that has been accepted by an agility judge and/or reserve judge is binding to both judge and/or reserve judge and competition organizer. The organizer agrees with the judge in advance, when inviting the judge, on the number of teams the judge will be judging. If the number of entries is greater than that, the judge's consent to judging the excess teams must be obtained well before the competition. At least one month before the competition, the judge's accommodation and eating arrangements must be made, and the details on available obstacles, ring measurements and the surface of the ring delivered to the judge. The agility judge gives his/her final approval to the number of teams per class, the schedule of the competition, and any changes to original arrangements before the invitation letters are sent. Reserve agility judges must be informed well in advance of whether they are needed in the competition, or not. Upon request from FIAGI, FKC checks that a foreign judge has the necessary rights to judge in Finland. The organizer must contact FIAGI well before the deadline for competition applications, and ask FIAGI to have a foreign judge's rights checked. Foreign judges' travelling itinerary will be checked well in advance and when necessary, help for making travelling arrangements is provided. A foreign judge must be provided with contact information for the days before and during the competition. The scribe and the person looking after the judge during the competition or event must have sufficient language skills. A Finnish agility judge must brief the foreign judge about Finnish agility rules and competition arrangements. 2.3 APPLYING FOR AN AGILITY COMPETITION Applications for organizing an agility competition are made to FIAGI through an Internet-based service. The service can be found at www.agilityliitto.fi. Competition applications are made in accordance with the valid FKC schedule for making applications with limited application periods (Appendix C). The procedure for applying for an agility competition has been described in greater detail in the instructions for the competition and result service system (KITU), see Appendix D.4. The organizer must notify FIAGI and entered handlers if the competition is moved or cancelled, if the judge changes, or if there are any other essential changes to the competition. When necessary, the changes are updated in FIAGI's competition calendar. 2.4 PERMISSIONS Local police and health officials must be contacted to check for necessary permissions and special regulations. The organizer must have the contact information of the nearest veterinarian on duty on the bulletin board or equivalent of the competition site. If music is played on the site, it should be reported to

Suomen Agilityliitto Finnish Agility Association

B.2_Agility competition organizer's guide 7(22)

Teosto and Gramex when necessary. When using map or location information and other such materials, copyright law and copyrights should be respected. If signs are posted by public roads, the Finnish Road Administration should be consulted. 2.5 RESPONSIBILITIES AND INSURANCES Competition organizers must prepare for possible damages in the competition by getting an insurance policy, or through other means. Organizers must have group insurance for judges and competition officials, and liability insurance to cover personal or property damages to audience, officials or outsiders. 2.6 COMPETITION INFORMATION All sanctioned competitions are published on FIAGI's Internet site and FIAGI also delivers a list of sanctioned competitions to FKC for publication. Additionally, the organizer can advertise their competition in any way they deem necessary. For example, the organizer's web site and local media are recommended. 2.7 SENDING AN ENTRY A competition entry can be made either electronically as explained it the instructions for the competition and results service (KITU), or in writing using FIAGI's entry form (Form 2). The handler's postal address must always be given. The entry fees are set by the organizers. The entry must be paid for (receipt) and posted (date on stamp) by the last entry date. The entry form must note if the dog can accept a certificate from the named agility judge or reserve judge. If the dog is registered abroad, a copy of the registration certificate must be included. Entries that are late or missing information may be dismissed. 2.8 LIMITED ENTRY Entry to a competition can be limited in accordance with the valid FKC instructions on limiting entry to trials and competitions (Appendix C). Limitations must be noted clearly when advertising the competition. If the number of entries is the limiting factor, these procedures must be followed: • • •

•

•

First, the total number of teams should be determined. The total number of dogs on one level may not be less than 60 teams. In a limited national competition, it is possible to select entries based on entry time, so that the fastest, or those who can send an entry at a specific time, will be favoured. An equal number of entries must be taken from each size category (e.g. 20 small, 20 medium and 20 large dogs). If there are fewer entries than allowed for a size category, the remaining places can be divided equally among other categories. When a competition has a limited number of entries, those who sent an entry must be notified immediately after the last entry date about their standing, i.e. if their entry was accepted or if they are on the waiting list. When a team is absent from a competition where the number of participants is limited, another team may be substituted from those in line.

2.9 ENTRY FEE REFUNDS Entry fee must be refunded fully, if the competition is cancelled. If the competition is cancelled due to exceptional circumstances or other similar extreme conditions, the organizer is not required to return the fees. If the absence is due to the judge being unable to judge the team, the dog is in heat (certificate signed by two uninterested persons), the dog or handler is ill (doctor's or vet certificate) or in case of death, the organizer is allowed to reduce handling fees from the refunded amount. The organizer should also return the entry fee when the handler or dog cannot compete due to treatment or medication that has been administered by a person other than a doctor or a vet. Refunds due to a change of

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B.2_Agility competition organizer's guide 8(22)

judge are only recommended, if the new judge cannot award a result needed for moving up a level or getting a championship title to the team. If the number of entries is limited, those who do not fit in are refunded in full. In order to get a refund, the handler must notify the organizers immediately after they find out about the obstruction, and send a refund request to the organizer within a week of the competition, stating why a refund is requested and containing the necessary certificates or a separate description of treatment or medication, the name of the handler and of the dog, which competition and level they were supposed to compete in, the amount to be refunded, bank account number and bank, and contact information. 2.10 PREPARING THE SCORING FUNCTIONS 2.10.1 Running order The running order should be determined by random draw. Order of entries must not be the running order. If a random draw places a handler's two dogs less than five teams apart, other teams can be placed in between the two dogs. If a dog has just moved to a new level, it must start before those competitors, who are running in the randomly drawn order. 2.10.2 Competition numbers Each handler must have a clearly visible competition number. The number must be of a sufficient size and it must be worn or attached so, that it can be read from a reasonable distance. Competition numbers can be mailed to the competitors before the competition, or handed out on site, at the registration desk. 2.10.3 Evaluating the schedule The starting time of a competition class is estimated on the basis of the number of entries and the time it takes to set up a course. Some guidelines: run 70 - 100 sec/team, walking the course 7 - 10 min/competition class, setting up a course 15 - 30 min/level, changing obstacle heights 3 - 5 min/size category and prize giving ceremony 5 -10 min/level. 2.10.4 Starting list The organizer compiles a starting list that contains information on the competition (e.g. teams, judge and other necessary data). The starting list must be given to the handlers for free. Audience may be charged a reasonable fee for the list. The list must be visible on site and the organizer must mark absent teams and those that have changed level to the list. The changes should be made before the handlers walk the course. 2.10.5 Judging slips The judging slips used by the scribe are printed and the names, places and dates filled in before the competition. The organizer should also reserve some empty slips for the competition day. The slip must state at least the date and place of the competition, the name of the particular competition (for example, competition A, B or C) the name of handler and dog and the starting number of the team. 2.10.6 Competition invitation The organizer must confirm the team's entry by sending a competition invitation to the handler. The invitation can be sent by mail or e-mail. It can also be published on the organizer's web site. The handler must have the option of receiving the invitation via mail. The organizer is only obliged to deliver the invitation to one email or mail address. Upon request from the handler and with the organizer's consent, the invitation can also be delivered to a second address, but the possible expenses are paid for by the handler. The organizer has the right to collect the expenses from the handler on the competition site before the competition. In a team competition, the invitation is sent to a named team leader.

Suomen Agilityliitto Finnish Agility Association

B.2_Agility competition organizer's guide 9(22)

The invitation should include: • • • • • • • • • • •

information on the organizer name and town of the competition site driving instructions to the site and possible parking instructions date of competition estimated schedule number of participants and judges for each competition class the phone number (with possible limitations to when calls can be made) and email of the competition manager the name and contact information of the person who receives information on level changes and cancellations information on the venue and the surface when the team is expected to be on the competition site and a reminder of vaccination rules, registration and ID requirements, competition license requirements and canine antidoping rules.

3 FUNCTIONS DURING THE COMPETITION 3.1 CHECKING ELIGIBILITY It is the organizer's duty to check that the handler and dog are eligible to compete. The competition manager must exclude a team from a competition or event, if they are not eligible to compete. More specific instructions on checking the eligibility of a team have been given in the instructions for checking eligibility (Appendix D.5). 3.2 CHANGING THE HANDLER If the handler changes after the entries have closed, the eligibility of the new handler must be checked on site during registration. The competition manager, scorer and announcer must be notified of the change of handler. After course walking, the handler can no longer be changed without exceptional reasons. In a major competition, where the result consists of the combined results of several runs, the handler may not be changed in the middle of the trial. 3.3 CHANGING A TEAM IN A TEAM COMPETITION Dog and handler teams entered to a team competition can no longer be changed after the entry has closed. If a team is unable to participate, the reserve team should run instead. When the reserve team is running, the organizers should be notified immediately. The final composition of the team must be confirmed before the competition, on the competition site. If a handler belonging to a team cannot participate in the competition, another eligible handler may be substituted to handle the dog. The organizer must be notified of the new handler immediately. After course walking, the handler can no longer be changed without exceptional reasons. 3.4 WHITE DOG The judge and the competition manager decide on whether to use a white dog or not. 3.5 RESULTS The organizer must display the results on at least one scoreboard, or alternatively on a separate computer display. The results are unofficial, until the judge has verified them. Each result should be entered in the score sheet immediately after the team's run, so that the handler can check the result.

Suomen Agilityliitto Finnish Agility Association

B.2_Agility competition organizer's guide 10(22)

The results become official, after the judge has checked and verified the score sheet. Final results must be available on the score board before the prize giving ceremony, so that participants have the possibility to request corrections before the prize giving. The competition cannot be considered closed until all the results have been published for the handlers and the audience. If a competition consists of several runs and the results of the previous run dictate who has the right to start in the next one, the results must indicate clearly who made it to the next round. Also the detailed starting list must be published as soon as possible. 3.6 RETURNING THE RECORD BOOKS The organizer may return the record books immediately after the competition class has ended, if the team has not had a clean run (0.00), and the competition will not be noted in the record book, unless the agility judge specifically denies this. The record books of those dogs, that have had a clean run, will be returned to the handlers, when the agility judge has signed the results and they have been noted in the record books. 3.7 PRIZE GIVING CEREMONY The organizer must inform the handlers of the time and other details of the prize giving ceremony well before the actual ceremony. All competition should cease for the duration of the ceremony, if possible. Prizes should be on display throughout the competition. The recommended number of prizes is one prize for ten handlers, or 10% of participants should receive a prize, but at least the top three must get a prize. The prizes should cost at least as much as a single entry to the competition. The prizes are usually given by the judge and the competition manager, or someone else from the organizing club. The organizer is not required to deliver the prizes to a team, that is absent from the prize giving ceremony. Photographers should have an opportunity to take photos of the prize giving ceremony. 3.8 GENERAL ATMOSPHERE The organizer must pay attention to the audience. They should have access to information on agility, rules, handlers, dogs and results. Smoking is not allowed in indoor competitions or events, or in outdoor competitions under canopies or in seating areas, and other spectator areas, where people stay in one place. The organizer may set up a smoking area within the competition site. 3.9 ENVIRONMENT AND WASTE MANAGEMENT The organizer is responsible for organizing the waste management of the competition site. Dog waste bags and extra garbage bins should be available both on the site and in the areas surrounding it.

4 TASKS AFTER THE COMPETITION 4.1 INFORMATION TASKS After the competition, the main results should be sent to the local media. Sending also high quality photos with the results improves the chances of having the results published. Publishing the results and photos on the organizer's web site is also recommended. 4.2 SENDING THE RESULTS The results of official competitions are sent to FIAGI as described in the instructions for using the competition and result service (KITU), see Appendix D.4. In addition to the score sheets, checked and verified by the judge, also an electronic version of the results is delivered to FIAGI. Results must be sent within one week

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B.2_Agility competition organizer's guide 11(22)

of the last day of the competition or event. The organizers must maintain a copy of the results for at least two (2) years after the competition. FIAGI delivers the results to FKC within two (2) weeks. 4.3 PAYMENT OF FIAGI'S FEES The organizer must pay FIAGI's fees, based on the number of runs, by due date. There will be a separate set of instructions concerning the payment. 4.4 ECONOMY 4.3.1 TRAVEL EXPENSES, DAILY EXPENSE ALLOWANCES AND OTHER ALLOWANCES Travel expenses, daily expense allowances and accommodation and meal allowances are paid according to the tax officials' regulations, which are updated yearly. The travel expenses of the agility judge and the officials should be paid in cash or via bank in two weeks' time of the last day of competition. Travel expense claims must have detailed information on the expenses, and possible receipts must be attached. The travel expenses of a foreign agility judge should be paid using the most inexpensive method available. The organizer should take into account the possible costs of money exchange, if the travel expenses are not paid in the judge's own currency. 4.3.2 REFUNDING ENTRY FEES Entry fees that are refunded should be paid within two weeks of the handler providing his/her bank account details. Handling fees can be reduced. Handler's travel expenses to the competition site are not refunded.

5 CHANGES TO INSTRUCTIONS FOR ORGANIZING NATIONAL AGILITY COMPETITIONS Changes to the instructions are verified by FKC based on a motion made by FIAGI's board of directors.

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B.2_Agility competition organizer's guide 12(22)

B INTERNATIONAL AGILITY COMPETITIONS 1 APPLYING FOR A COMPETITION International agility competition applications are made to FIAGI in the same way as applications for national competitions. In addition to the electronic application, the organizer must also fill in a written form and deliver it to FIAGI within a week from submitting the electronic application. Only two international agility competitions or events can take place within one kennel district, each year. On any given day, only one international agility competition can take place in Finland. Applications for international competitions are made according to the following schedule. Competition date 1.1. – 30.4. 1.5. – 31.7. 1.8. – 31.12

Application in FIAGI by 31.3. 31.8. 31.12.

Application in FKC by 30.4. 30.9. 31.1.

After FIAGI has processed the application, it is delivered to the FKC at least six (6) months before the competition. FKC then delivers the application to FCI. When FCI has approved the application, it is noted as accepted in the FIAGI competition calendar. 2 ELIGIBILITY To be eligible to participate in an international agility competition, the handler must be a member of a club belonging to a National Cynological Organization (Kennel Club) affiliated to the FCI. The handler must have a record book, a license or a similar document, issued by his/her NCO, in which competition results are recorded. Participating dogs must be over 18 months and 1 day old and in possession of a pedigree recognized by the FCI; they must be tattooed or chipped and compete on the highest level in their own country. 3 ENTRIES Entries to international competitions are made as instructed by the organizer, by the last entry date. The last entry date of an international competition must be at least two weeks before the competition date. At least a Finnish and English version of the entry form must be available. Only paid entries are accepted. If the dog is registered abroad, a copy of the dog's registration certificate (pedigree) must be attached to the entry form. Limiting entries By default, the number of entries in an international competition should not be limited. The only possibility to limit entries to an international competition is to limit the number of competitors and this should be done as follows: • •

•

First, the total number of teams needs to be decided. It cannot be less than 150. Competitions limited to a number smaller than this cannot become internationals competitions. In each size category, an equal number of teams must have the possibility to enter the competition (e.g. small 50, medium 50 and large 50). ). If there are fewer entries than allowed for a size category, the remaining places must be divided equally among other categories. If an international competition takes place in connection with an international championship competition (e.g. Nordic championships), teams participating in the championship must have priority over others to enter the international competition. Additionally, teams from abroad can have their own quota set apart from the Finnish teams.

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B.2_Agility competition organizer's guide 13(22)

•

If the number of entries is limited and separate quotas are used, the remaining participants must be selected by random draw. In a limited international competition, the selection of competitors cannot be based on who sends their entry fastest or has the possibility to send an entry at a specific moment.

The invitation to an international competition must be delivered to participants at least a week before the competition date. When sending an invitation to handlers from abroad, the invitation must be in English. The organizer must explain the import regulations, vaccination rules and doping rules in a brochure about the international competition. 4 ORGANIZING A COMPETITION The organizer is responsible for managing the practical aspects of a competition, such as reserving a site and officials, and receiving entries. The site and field must be suitable for an international competition. At least 30 x 40 m must be reserved for the ring. The timing must be electronic. Competitors must also be briefed in English, when necessary. 5 INFORMATION TASKS Sanctioned competitions are published on FIAGI's web site and a list of international competitions is delivered to FKC for publishing. The organizer must have a web site for providing information for international participants. Essential information must be available in at least Finnish and English. An email address and a phone number for contacting the organizer must be published. The competition brochure must be available in English. 6 SPECIAL FEATURES OF THE COMPETITION An international competition is held on an agility course, for the highest competition level only. FCI agility rules and Judging Guidelines are applied in international competitions. In an international competition, the winning dog (result 0.00) receives the CACIAG, and the second dog (result 0.00) is given the reserve CACIAG. CACIAG and res-CACIAG can be given to a dog belonging to a breed the FCI recognizes and registered by FKC, or any other breed registry recognized by the FCI. A national certificate is also awarded in an international competition class. 7 JUDGES Organizers of an international competition must name a chief judge for the competition. An assistant judge is only responsible for judging the up contact of the dog walk, in accordance with the FCI Judging Guidelines. 8 FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS FOR ORGANIZING NATIONAL AGILITY COMPETITIONS In other matters, instructions for organizing national agility competitions apply. 9 CHANGES TO INSTRUCTIONS FOR ORGANIZING INTERNATIONAL AGILITY COMPETITIONS Changes to the instructions are verified by FKC based on a motion made by FIAGI's board of directors.

Suomen Agilityliitto Finnish Agility Association

B.2_Agility competition organizer's guide 14(22)

C KENNEL DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIPS District championships are organized according to each district's rules for organizing the championship. The regulations below should be noted in each district's own championship rules. 1 APPLYING FOR A COMPETITION Kennel district championship competitions take place between July and December. Applications are made to FIAGI in the same way as applications for national agility competitions. A written application is sent to the kennel district to apply for the district championship status for the competition. Competition date 1.5. – 31.7. 1.8. – 31.12.

Applications in FIAGI and kennel district by 31.12. 31.3.

FKC notified by 31.1. 30.4.

2 ELIGIBILITY General The handler must be a member of a club belonging to FKC, or the kennel district. The handler must have a valid license. District championship competitions are open to dogs that have been identified and registered in FKC's breed registry or dog registry according to the kennel district's specifications. Individual district championships Individual district championships are open to all dogs, whose owner has a permanent residence in the area comprising the kennel district at the time of entry, regardless of where the club of the owner/handler is registered. When a dog has several owners, it only competes for the championship of the district where it mainly lives. A dog can only compete for the championship of one district per year. District championship team competition A kennel district's member clubs have the right to send a team to the district championship team competition. Breed clubs compete in the district, where the club is situated. A club can send one or more small, medium and large teams to the kennel district team championships. A handler can participate in several kennel districts' team championships with different dogs. Within a district championship competition, a handler can only represent one club per size category, and the handler must be a member of the club. A dog can only compete in one kennel district's team championships per calendar year. 3 ENTRIES Entries to kennel districts' team championships are made as instructed by the organizers, by the last entry date. Only entries paid in full are accepted. A team must enter both competitions and also note in the entry that they are participating in the district championship competition. District championship team competition entries are made by the clubs, and the teams cannot be modified after the last entry date. 4 ORGANIZING THE COMPETITION

Suomen Agilityliitto Finnish Agility Association

B.2_Agility competition organizer's guide 15(22)

The organizer is responsible for the practical aspects of the competition, securing a competition site and officials, receiving entries etc. Timing systems should preferably be electronic. The organizer carries all costs related to the competition and its arrangements. Perpetual trophies may be donated; the person making the donation dictates the rules for winning the cup, and the district approves the rules. 5 SPECIAL FEATURES OF THE COMPETITION 5.1 Individual championships Individual championships are arranged yearly in each kennel district for small, medium and large dogs. The dogs competing on the highest level compete for the championship. The championship competition consists of two competitions, and the total result determines the district championships. One of the competitions is an agility competition and the other one is a jumping competition. Both competitions are official, and agility rules apply. The district championships are awarded to small, medium and large categories. If several teams have the same number of faults and the same time, they run again for the championship. With other placements, the judge decides if there is a repeat run or if a tie is called. Running again does not change the team's results, it only determines the placements. Results of both competitions are noted in the record book as explained in the currently valid rules. Additionally, the kennel district, total result and placement of the dog winning the district championship are marked in its record book. The total results of the championship competition are not used as criteria for selection to the Finnish championships or the Finnish team selection competition, and they do not entitle the dog to a certificate. The winner of the kennel district championship competition (result 0.00) is entitled to participate in the following year's Finnish championship competition, if the district championships have been organized according to these instructions and the winner is eligible to compete in the Finnish championships. 5.2 Team competition Clubs are allowed to send any number of small, medium and large teams to the district's team championships. When necessary, the organizer may limit the number of entries. Limitations and how they are applied must be described in the competition application. When two teams have the same result, the winning team is the one with least faults. The team competition is official and agility rules are applied. The results of team competitions are not noted in record books. 6 INFORMATION DETAILS The competition details are published in Koiramme (FKC's journal) and on FKC's Internet site. Additionally, the competition may be advertised on its own site, the organizer's site and other media chosen by the organizer. The results of the district championships must be delivered to FIAGI, FKC and the kennel district in question within a week after the competition. Also, a document proving that the district championship competition has been organized as instructed here must be sent to FIAGI. 7 FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS FOR ORGANIZING NATIONAL AGILITY COMPETITIONS In other matters, instructions for organizing national agility competitions apply.

Suomen Agilityliitto Finnish Agility Association

B.2_Agility competition organizer's guide 16(22)

8 CHANGES TO INSTRUCTIONS FOR ORGANIZING KENNEL DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIP COMPETITIONS Changes to the instructions are verified by FKC, based on a motion made by FIAGI's board of directors.

Suomen Agilityliitto Finnish Agility Association

B.2_Agility competition organizer's guide 17(22)

D FINNISH AGILITY CHAMPIONSHIP COMPETITION 1 APPLYING FOR THE COMPETITION Finnish championship competition takes place on the weekend before midsummer. All applications for the competition are made to FIAGI. FKC has given FIAGI the right to decide who organizes the championships each year. Other competitions that will be organized together with the championships must be mentioned in the application. If no applications for the Finnish Championship competition are made, the competition takes place in the Finnish team selection competition, according to the rules and participation criteria of the team selection competition. Appication in FIAGI by Jan 1, previous year

Application and notification in FKC by st Jan 31 , year of the competition

2 ELIGIBILITY General Any handler participating in the Finnish championships must be a Finnish citizen. The handler must also have a valid competition license. Dogs that have been ID marked and registered in FKC's breed registry are eligible to compete in the Finnish championship competition. Individual Finnish championships Dogs are eligible to compete in the individual class of the Finnish championship when they comply with at least one of the following criteria: • ruling Finnish champion • ruling district champion with a clean run (0.00) or • meets the selection criteria for the competition. FIAGI confirms the selection criteria for Finnish championships' individual class on a yearly basis. Team championships FIAGI's member clubs are allowed to enter a team according to currently valid selection criteria. Clubs may enter one small, one medium and one large team. A handler can only represent one club in each size category. A dog can only compete in one team. 3 ENTRIES Entries to Finnish championships are made according to the organizer's instructions, by the last entry date. The last entry date is Monday, following the weekend two (2) weeks prior to the competition. Only fully paid entries are accepted. The members of the team are listed by the clubs, and cannot be changed after the entry closes. When necessary, FIAGI can limit the number of entries. Limitations and rules governing them must be published beforehand. 4 ORGANIZING THE COMPETITION The organizer is responsible for the practical aspects of the competition, securing a competition site and officials, receiving entries etc. Timing systems must be electronic.

Suomen Agilityliitto Finnish Agility Association

B.2_Agility competition organizer's guide 18(22)

The organizer carries all costs related to the competition and its arrangements. FIAGI donates the medals for the Finnish champions and the organizer acquires all other prizes. Perpetual trophies may be donated; the person making the donation dictates the rules for winning the cup, and FIAGI approves the rules. 5 SPECIAL FEATURES OF THE COMPETITION 5.1 Individual competition Individual Finnish championships are arranged yearly for small, medium and large dogs. The dogs competing on the highest level compete for the championship. The championship competition consists of two competitions, and the total result determines the placements. One of the competitions is an agility competition and the other is a jumping competition. Teams eligible for the latter course must be in the top 50 from the first course, or have a clean run. The individual competition is official, and agility rules are followed in full. If several teams have the same number of faults and the same time, they run again for the championship. With other placements, the judge decides if there is a repeat run or if a tie is called. Running again does not change the team's results, it only determines the placements. In the Finnish championship competition, the total result and placement is noted in the record books of each participant. The total result does not apply as a criterion for entering the Finnish championship, and no certificates are awarded based on the total result. 5.2 Team competition The Finnish championship team competition is organized yearly for small, medium and large dogs. Clubs may enter one small, medium and large team. When two teams have the same result, the winning team is the one with least course faults. The team competition is official and agility rules are applied. The results of team competitions are not noted in record books. 6 JUDGES A chief judge must be named for the Finnish championship competition. FIAGI selects the chief judge, officiating judges and assistant judges. In the competitions, an officiating judge and an assistant judge both judge the courses. The judge decides on how the judging tasks are divided on the course. 7 INFORMATION DETAILS The competition details are published in Koiramme (FKC's journal) and both FIAGI's and FKC's Internet site. Additionally, the competition can be advertised on its own site, the organizer's site, and other media chosen by the organizer. The results of the Finnish championships (in a format defined by FIAGI) must be delivered to FIAGI and FKC within a week after the competition. 8 FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS FOR ORGANIZING NATIONAL AGILITY COMPETITIONS In other matters, instructions for organizing national agility competitions apply. 9 CHANGES TO INSTRUCTIONS FOR ORGANIZING FINNISH CHAMPIONSHIP COMPETITIONS Changes to the instructions are verified by FKC, based on a motion made by FIAGI's board of directors.

Suomen Agilityliitto Finnish Agility Association

B.2_Agility competition organizer's guide 19(22)

FINNISH CHAMPIONSHIP COMPETITION FOR JUNIOR AND YOUNG HANDLERS 1 APPLYING FOR THE COMPETITION Finnish Championship Competition for Junior and Young Handlers takes place in August - September. All applications for the competition are made to FIAGI. Appication in FIAGI by Dec 31, previous year

Application and notification in FKC by st Jan 31 , year of the competition

2 ELIGIBILITY Handlers are eligible to compete from the beginning of the year when they turn 10, to the end of the year when they turn 17. The handler must have a valid competition license. Dogs are eligible to compete in the Finnish Championship Competition for Junior and Young Handlers, when they have been permanently identified and registered, either in the FKC breed registry, or the ID registry (FIX). Bitches in heat are allowed to compete, provided that the handler keeps the dog separated from other dogs, and agrees to run last in his/her class. FIAGI verifies the participation criteria for juniors and young handlers for one year at a time. 3 ENTRIES Entries to the competition are made as instructed by the organizer, by last entry date. The date of birth of the handler must be included in the entry. Only paid entries are accepted. 4 ORGANIZING THE COMPETITION The organizer is responsible for the practical aspects of the competition, securing a competition site and officials, receiving entries etc. Timing systems should be electronic. The organizer carries all costs related to the competition and its arrangements. FIAGI donates the medals for the Finnish junior and young champions, and the organizer acquires all other prizes. Perpetual trophies may be donated; the person making the donation dictates the rules for winning the cup, and FIAGI approves the rules. 5 SPECIAL FEATURES OF THE COMPETITION The Finnish Championship Competition for Junior and Young Handlers is arranged yearly, and is run on level 2 style courses in all size categories. Juniors compete in age group 10-13. Young handlers compete in age group 14-17. The championship competition consists of two courses, and the total result determines the placements. One of the courses is an agility course, and the other is a jumping course. The Finnish Championship Competition for Junior and Young Handlers is an official competition, and agility rules are followed in full. If several dogs get the same number of faults and the exact same running time, the competitors run the same course again to determine the championship. With other placements, it is up to the judge to decide if the placement is divided, or if the competitors run again. The second run does not effect the result of the dog, it is only run to determine the placements. In the Finnish Championship Competition for Junior and Young Handlers, the total result and placement is noted in the record books of each participant. The total result does not apply as a criterion for entering the Finnish championships, and no certificates are awarded based on the total result.

Suomen Agilityliitto Finnish Agility Association

B.2_Agility competition organizer's guide 20(22)

6 JUDGES The organizer is responsible for inviting the judges. 7 INFORMATION DETAILS The competition details are published in Koiramme (FKC's journal) and FIAGI's Internet site. Additionally, the competition can be advertised on its own site, the organizer's site, and other media chosen by the organizer. The results of the Finnish Championship Competition for Junior and Young Handlers (in a format defined by FIAGI) must be delivered to FIAGI and FKC within a week after the competition. 8 FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS FOR ORGANIZING NATIONAL AGILITY COMPETITIONS In other matters, instructions for organizing national agility competitions apply.

9 CHANGES TO INSTRUCTIONS FOR ORGANIZING THE FINNISH CHAMPIONSHIP COMPETITION FOR JUNIOR AND YOUNG HANDLERS Changes to the instructions are verified by FKC, based on a motion made by FIAGI's board of directors.

Suomen Agilityliitto Finnish Agility Association

B.2_Agility competition organizer's guide 21(22)

F FINNISH TEAM SELECTION COMPETITION 1 APPLYING FOR THE COMPETITION The Finnish team selection competition is mainly organized on the weekend after midsummer. Applications for organizing rights are made in writing to FIAGI. The competition application, as well as a written application, are delivered to FIAGI before the end of the application period. FKC has granted FIAGI the right to decide on the team selection competition organizers each year. Other competitions that will be organized together with the team selection competition must be mentioned in the application. Application in FIAGI by Jan 1, previous year

Applications and notification in FKC by st Jan 31 , the year of competition

2 ELIGIBILITY Any handler participating in the Finnish team selection competition must be a Finnish citizen. The handler must also have a valid competition license. Dogs that have been ID marked and registered in FKC's breed registry at least 12 months prior to the competition are eligible to compete in the Finnish team selection competition. Dogs meeting one of the following criteria are eligible to compete in the Finnish team selection competition: • ruling Finnish champion • meets the selection criteria for the competition FIAGI confirms the selection criteria for the Finnish team selection competition on a yearly basis. 3 ENTRIES Entries to Finnish team selection competition are made according to the organizer's instructions, by the last entry date. The last entry date is Monday, following the weekend two (2) weeks prior to the competition. Only fully paid entries are accepted. 4 ORGANIZING THE COMPETITION The timing system for the competition must be electronic. The competition takes place at an indoor venue and on a carpet surface, that is safe for the competitors. The organizer carries all costs related to the competition and its arrangements. Perpetual trophies may be donated; the person making the donation dictates the rules for winning the cup, and FIAGI approves the rules. 5 SPECIAL FEATURES OF THE COMPETITION Finnish team selection competition is arranged yearly for small, medium and large dogs. Teams competing on the highest level compete for membership in the Finnish team. FIAGI confirms the number of courses and method of selection on a yearly basis. The team selection competition is official and agility rules are followed in full. If several teams have the same final results, all placements from 1 to 10 are determined by running again. With other placements, a tie is called. Running again does not change the team's results, it only determines the placements.

Suomen Agilityliitto Finnish Agility Association

B.2_Agility competition organizer's guide 22(22)

In the Finnish team selection competition, the total result and placement is noted in the record books of all participants. The total result does not apply as a criterion for entering the Finnish championship or the team selection competition, and no certificates are awarded on the basis of the total result. Nominating the teams FKC confirms the members of the Finnish teams competing in the World championships and the Nordic championships when it notifies the organizers, FCI and NKU. FKC has the right to deny access to the teams from a person, whose actions have at some point given cause to reproach, or who is suspected of activities listed in FKC rules, article 34. A handler appointed to the Finnish team must wear the team outfit in such competitions or PR events that are listed in the team's agenda, and on occasions where the FKC and FIAGI expect them to wear the outfit. The official team outfit may not be used for commercial purposes without FIAGI's and/or FKC's permission. The Finnish team for World championships contains in each size category • For the individual competition, the highest placing teams; their number is defined by the FCI agility committee • Ruling World champions have the right to compete in the individual class • For the team competition, the highest placing dog and handler teams; the size of the team is defined by the FCI agility committee. Each handler can only have one dog per size category in the team class competition. • FIAGI has the right to decide to send different teams to World championship individual competitions and team competitions. Such a decision must be published on FKC's and FIAGI's internet site at least a month before the Finnish team selection competition's last entry date. The team sent to the Nordic championships consists of the teams with highest placements in the team selection competition; their number is agreed upon by the Nordic countries. If a dog is selected to the Finnish team, it can be measured to ensure its size category when necessary. This measurement is always done by a board of judges. If the measurements indicate that the dog does not belong in that size category, the team placing next will be selected to the Finnish team. 6 JUDGES A chief judge must be named for the competition. FIAGI selects the chief judge, the officiating judges and the assistant judges. In the competitions, an officiating judge and an assistant judge both judge the courses. The judge decides on how the judging tasks are divided on the course. 7 INFORMATION DETAILS The competition details are delivered to FKC for publication and published on both FIAGI's and FKC's Internet sites. Additionally, the competition can be advertised on its own site, the organizer's site and other media chosen by the organizer. The results of the Finnish team selection competitions (in a format defined by FIAGI) must be delivered to FIAGI and FKC within a week after the competition. 8 FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS FOR ORGANIZING NATIONAL AGILITY COMPETITIONS In other matters, instructions for organizing national agility competitions apply. 9 CHANGES TO INSTRUCTIONS FOR ORGANIZING FINNISH TEAM SELECTION COMPETITIONS Changes to the instructions are verified by FKC based on a motion made by FIAGI's board of directors.