From: Noela [mailto:
Sent: 12 April 2013 09:27 PM
To: Debbie Maltby
Subject: FW: SADAA Board meeting

“To spec” and “safety” are very often closely related. Much of what is mentioned is in fact covered by the rules (in red) but not always applied.

6.4.1.5 To ensure that all the necessary equipment is available, in good condition and conforms to SADAA specifications.

Anyway, specifics as requested

What is not safe:

Contacts: Obviously the condition of the surface (grip) is very important for safety, especially on the Dog Walk, but what most concerns me, is incorrect slats which can and do cause jammed toes especially when they are too wide/too high (as they were in Knysna, but which would be important to note for new clubs equipment as this generally cannot easily be changed).

12.1.3 Contact obstacles must always provide good traction for the dogs without being too rough as to injure the dog’s feet. Surfaces must be maintained on a regular basis so that the dogs will not slip when performing these obstacles.

12.2.1 /12.2.2Each ramp must have rounded anti-slip slats at 25cm intervals, but not within 10cm of the line indicating the contact area. The slats must be from 5 to 10mm high

Tunnel/hoops should not be placed at the back (outside) of curved tunnels as doing this poses a danger to dogs banking hard – Boland RT’s and some club trials spring to mind – judges not always happy to change on request. Damaged tunnels with holes large enough for a foot to get caught in - Boland

Floppy Tunnels – the rigid sections should be safe without any protruding bars on sides (Knysna) which are dangerous, especially if dogs enter at an angle. If the bottom surface is mesh (as per Jump’s tunnel) this needs to be very well and securely covered as a foot caught in the mesh, once again could have dire consequences for the dog. At WP RT every time I checked in the tunnel on a course there was exposed mesh as the canvas had come loose.

Tyre: Would be great if new clubs could consider the break-away tyre when purchasing/constructing their tyre jump – even better if all clubs could start to think about replacement if and when funds become available

What is not “to spec”:

The DW at the last GR RT which horizontal section was very much shorter than specified 3.6m– saw plenty dogs battle with their striding.

The Boland A-frame which needs contact area marked on the sides to makes judging of contacts more reliable as obviously clearer for the judge (fantastic new A-frame though which doesn’t go unappreciated – thank you Maryna!!)

The last 1,06m from the bottom of each ramp must be a different colour (on the sides as well) to indicate the contact area.

BOARDS COMMENTS

SADAA is a small group of Handlers and there is an even smaller group always doing all the work and hosting Trials from their Club. Until everyone realises that their support is required, Trials will continue to host with equipment that is available.

There is no major financial sponsor to help us grow in being a more professional sport and although there is a financial plan of support available from SADAA, it still needs to be paid back by the Club.

It is difficult to have all the equipment across the country to be identical. If anyone wishes to contribute to upgrading or fixing equipmentthey have issues with, theyneed to become actively involved in making this happen. The hosting clubs should try to ensure that equipment meets the required specifications and safety standards as per SADAA rules.

Final comment: With the sport being so small and limited financial backing to clubs, it is difficult to have all the equipment at the standards that we would want. At the same time we must not lose sight in one of SADAA's main goals to grow the sport and increase the number of clubs affiliating to SADAA. We need to help new clubs as much as we can to get off the ground but at the end of the day the club has to maintain and improve their own equipment. That being said the equipment needs to conform to SADAA specifications.

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