Intro to Agility

[Sharon Nelson]

Hi, group.
    We are proud to announce the addition of "Intro" as a level to the NADAC program!   "Intro" is a level for the classes, just like Novice, Open and Elite.  So now there are four levels to each class.... Intro, Novice, Open and Elite.

    The Intro level will be a shorter course than Novice.  The only Intro level class with weaves will be Intro Weavers and it will have one set of 6 poles.  No other classes will have weaves in them.  The Intro level will have no tunnel/contact discriminations.  The Intro level is a full titling level with the basic titles at 30 points, Outstanding Performance at 60 points and Superior Performance at 100 points for Chances, Jumpers, Tunnelers, Weavers, Hoopers, Touch N Go, Extreme Chances, Extreme Gaters, Extreme Barrelers, and Extreme Hoopers.  For Regular the basic title is at 30 points, Outstanding Performance is at 100 points and Superior Performance is at 200 points.

   BA is not required for entry into the Intro level of any class.

   Clubs can choose which classes they will accept Intro level entries into.  So not every trial will have Intro level in all classes.

   Only clubs with the software packages from Agility Unscrambled and FAST will be allowed to accept Intro level entries at this time.

   All upcoming NADAC funraisers will allow Intro level entries into every class.  Dogs must be 18 months old and all other NADAC rules apply to entries.

   Good luck!!

Sharon

[DougRicks]

Hi Sharon-
   Great idea, this is a nice way to ease those new people and dogs into competition while they are still mastering the weaves, the environment, and distractions of trialing in new places.
   A few questions came up that I am sure will be shared by others:

1. When can clubs start to offer this class?
2. Will there be skilled and proficient, vet handlers and vet dogs, and junior handlers?
3. Are the yards per second going to be lower than for novice courses?
4. There will obviously be qualifying scores, will there also be placements?
5. How long might a shorter course be?
6. All other rules apply, so are we correct in assuming that the dogs must be at the level of performing obstacles safely, working off leash, and that no treats or toys are allowed in the ring? And that the "one time per run" and handlers need to attempt the numbered course with maximum of standard course time etc. training in the ring rules still apply as in other levels?
7. Can a dog that has titled in novice/open/elite go back down into Intro level (thinking of semi-retired or restarting after time off)?
8. Since the course is different, there will be a separate walk thru?
9. It does not sound like this is involving EGC agility?

Looking forward to having another option for people and dogs to get started in agility with even greater chance of successes early on. We will definitely be looking at this for our upcoming trials.
Thanks
Doug Ricks
Extreme Agility Team
Seattle Agility Center

[TheQuestKnight]

Hi Sharon!!!!!!!!!!!

Absolutely, positively, TOTALLY AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  As it has been since you founded NADAC, NADAC once again is on the cutting edge of the sport!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We're not sure if there will be "Intro" offerings near to us for us to take advantage of; but that doesn't matter!!!!!!!!!!!!!  The program is GREAT for NADAC................................and GREAT for agility!!!!!!!!!!!!!

THANKS and CONGRATULATIONS for "doing the right thing" once again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

May the force of the purple tie-dye be with you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Al & Barb Ceranko, Gael, Pellinore & Caitlin

[Sharon Nelson]

Hi Sharon-
   Great idea, this is a nice way to ease those new people and dogs into competition while they are still mastering the weaves, the environment, and distractions of trialing in new places.
   A few questions came up that I am sure will be shared by others:

1. When can clubs start to offer this class? It is ready in FAST now and I have beta tested it in AU and you could use the Beta version.

2. Will there be skilled and proficient, vet handlers and vet dogs, and junior handlers?  Yes, exactly the same as any Novice entry.

3. Are the yards per second going to be lower than for novice courses?  No, they are the same as Novice, just a shorter course.

4. There will obviously be qualifying scores, will there also be placements? That is up to each club.  For instance, NADAC funraiser do not have placements in any class, but do have qualifiers.

5. How long might a shorter course be?  For Regular and Jumpers, probably 8-10 obstacles, the other classes probably 5-8.  It will certainly depend upon the individual original course design.

6. All other rules apply, so are we correct in assuming that the dogs must be at the level of performing obstacles safely, working off leash, and that no treats or toys are allowed in the ring? And that the "one time per run" and handlers need to attempt the numbered course with maximum of standard course time etc. training in the ring rules still apply as in other levels?  Yes, you are correct in all of the above remarks!

7. Can a dog that has titled in novice/open/elite go back down into Intro level (thinking of semi-retired or restarting after time off)?  Yes, Intro is open to all dogs.  An Elite dog could enter Intro instead of Elite if wanted.

8. Since the course is different, there will be a separate walk thru?   Yes, the Intro people will walk their own course

9. It does not sound like this is involving EGC agility?  Yes, Intro includes EGC classes.



Looking forward to having another option for people and dogs to get started in agility with even greater chance of successes early on. We will definitely be looking at this for our upcoming trials.
Thanks
Doug Ricks
Extreme Agility Team
Seattle Agility Center

[Lois Mierau]

Sounds great Sharon!! If we already have trials approved can we apply to add this?

Thanks,
Lois Mierau
Sondog Agility
Saskatoon, Sk.
Canada

[A Jussero]

How does Intro count toward the number of runs at a trial--for instance if you offer 2 Reg, Chances, Jumpers, Tunnelers, Weavers, do you just offer 4 rather than 3 levels of each class.  In other words, it is not considered a 7th class in this case.

[DebbieClark]

Terrific news!!

Intro will be great for Roxie, my fearful girlie

Hopefully clubs in my area will offer it.

[Mary Kapner]

If a dog is entered in the regular trial, say 5 classes, can we enter the dog in an Intro class for the 6th?  I think that would be helpful for problem areas.

[Sharon Nelson]

How does Intro count toward the number of runs at a trial--for instance if you offer 2 Reg, Chances, Jumpers, Tunnelers, Weavers, do you just offer 4 rather than 3 levels of each class.  In other words, it is not considered a 7th class in this case.

Intro is not a "class", it is a level just like Novice, and Open and Elite.  NADAC is comprised of classes (like Jumpers, Regular, Chances, Weavers, etc) and levels (like Intro, Novice, Open and Elite) and categories (like Proficient and Skilled).

So every time a dog runs they are in a "level" and "category" of a "class".

Sharon

Sharon

[Sharon Nelson]

If a dog is entered in the regular trial, say 5 classes, can we enter the dog in an Intro class for the 6th?  I think that would be helpful for problem areas.

Intro is not a class, it is a "level" just like Novice, Open and Elite are levels of a class.

Sharon

[knittingdog]

What does this mean for the All Around awards?  Do the qualifications change or do we just need superior titles at the Novice, Open, and Elite levels?

Thanks!
Robin

[Janice_Shavor]

When will it be available in the VT courses?

[Shirlene Clark]

Am pleased to say that I have already added Intro to one of the trials I host in Australia for all classes in April.  I will most likely add it to all the trials I host as i think it is a terrific idea and fills the gap perfectly between Beginners Agility and Novice Level

Often agility enthusiasts get concerned about a couple of issues getting new people involved in the sport and keeping entry numbers healthy at trials.  This innovation addresses both of these issues nicely.

I think it is fantastic how NADAC evolves to continue to offer new challenges to experienced and highly skilled teams through thins like the bonus program and S&S trials but also addresses the other end of the scale and helping people and dogs  begin their agility journey with great support and thoughtful innovations to gently transition them into the sport and hopefully enable them to enjoy a lifelong passion.

[Lisa Schmit In The Zone Agility]

We can still offer FEO for the intro level as well correct?    So dogs over 18 months can enter intro level class and jump lower, but not receive a score.

Also, is it OK to copy your blurb about intro and post it/send it in emails?

I want to know what my exhibitors want

THANKS

[Dan Roy]

I like the idea of Intro. Did someone already ask this - Will Intro be a prerequisite before moving up to Novice? Thanks!

Dan