Hi ~ I'm getting caught up on reading the forum... Will Barrelers and Hoopers become part of the V-NATCH requirements...or only for the All-Around NATCH for teams that choose to pursue that? Also, will clubs be required to offer either of these classes?
Thank you,
Cheryl Henning
Salem, OR
We will be setting a date (a couple years into the future) where Barrelers and X-Hoopers will be required for a Versatility NATCH. Until that time we will temporarily be offering an All Around NATCH, but when those two classes get added on for the Versatility NATCH, then the All Around NATCH will be removed from the Awards list (just like the Extreme NATCH was removed when we removed Gaters and X-Chances from the NADAC class listing for awards).
This will give clubs two years for their competitors to get their dogs into the Elite level of those classes for their Versatility NATCH.
Sharon
I would be more in favor of leaving the V-NATCH as it is and offering an All-Around NATCH for the added classes for a few reasons.
First: I live in an area where these classes are simply not offered on a regular basis. Those that do offer it, often offer it on a Friday, and I unfortunately can't take off of work all that often to be able to attend the trial and gain the points necessary for the title. The fact that you cannot do barrelers as a VT (and I understand why)makes it even more difficult if not impossible to obtain the necessary NATCh points.
Second: This adds 4 additional runs for the dogs on any given weekend. Granted, these are not jumping runs, but the stress on some dogs to run that many runs in a weekend, regardless of jumping or not, is a lot. Not to mention that it is hard on the handlers too. Many of the venues that we run in are indoor soccer fields. Those are simply some turf over concrete, with concrete surrounding the field. Running multiple runs over multiple days is hard. Plus I often am working with course sets, bar setting or leash running. I have bad knees and ankles and most times by the end of the weekend after running my 3 dogs, I can barely walk. Adding 12 additional runs would be torture. Not to mention what it does to the dogs. Outdoors or on dirt wouldn't be as bad because the pounding isn't there, but it is still a lot to ask of any dog. It also adds a lot of time to an already long day. If I am at a trial that I have spent the night, it makes for a LOOOONG, late, exhausting drive home.
Third: As I mentioned, I run 3 dogs at this time. My fees for any given weekend is anywhere from $360 to $450, depending on if the club gives discounts or I can get an early bird special. This doesn't count any hotel costs, gas, meals, etc. Adding 12 runs to the weekend would be a huge expense for me. An expense that could easily make me have a $800-1,000 weekend of agility. This is something that I simply can't afford to do.
And YES I have the "choice" of running these runs or not, and while the awards are not the reason to run, everyone has the right to have a goal and to feel like they can reach that goal. If because of lack of availability, finances, or simply taking care of myself and my dogs, I could never achieve a V-NATCH, I would most likely only run on a regular basis those events that I could earn my NATCH points. I might add a course here or there, but not on a regular basis. This would not only be disappointing to my dogs, but would also hurt the local club putting on the trial because there would be far less money coming in. And in our area, NADAC is struggling as it is. The clubs can't afford to lose any more entries.
One of the reasons that I love NADAC so much is the endless variety of things that we can strive for with our dogs. You can keep your dogs in the lower levels and earn extended titles or you can move up more quickly. You can run many runs or just a few. You can work bonus lines or not. By keeping the NATCH, V-NATCH and All-Around NATCH separate, it gives those of us a choice of how we want to proceed with our dogs and our goals. Those with the opportunities, dogs, finances and bodies that can handle the additional runs can choose to go for the All Around and enjoy THAT journey. Those who choose for whatever reason not to do the additional events, can stick with the V-NATCH and enjoy THAT journey, and those that only strive or choose the NATCH, can enjoy THAT journey. There is something for everyone out there to enjoy and set their own personal goals and achievements.
