Maybe there was a misunderstanding and someone was just trying to communicate that running at Champs might be a bit on the difficult side if the dog's only qualifications had come from Intro? Be sure to read the description for the Pre-Elite class -- and if this sounds like something you can do then go and have fun because yes, the rules state that points can come from any level.
What to expect in the Pre-Elite Divisions:
• Courses similar to an Elite level challenge. Dogs should be comfortable doing a full set of 12 weave poles, multiple contacts and challenges comparable to an Elite level course on a normal weekend. In the themed runs, such as the Jumpers round or
the Touch n Go round, there may be more repetitions of certain obstacles than on a regular weekend, though never more than 12 poles at one time.
• Shorter courses than the Elite Division. The Pre-Elite course typically has changes from the Elite course. These changes can be either a reduced number of obstacles, or reduced challenge, or both. There will be no distance test at the Pre-Elite level.
• Larger groupings. Because Pre-Elite is not the main event we do not split up the groups like we do for the Elite division. There are only 4 divisions: Large, Medium, Small, and Mini. The only other added division may be if we have enough Junior
Handlers in Pre-Elite to make a group. Pre-Elite should be viewed as an opportunity for dogs that aren’t quite ready for the main event to still get a chance to experience the environment and camaraderie of the event.
• Pre-Elite ribbons and overall awards are smaller than the Elite Divisions (but still pretty darned nice!).
