Major bummer on the changing of the scoring for Barrelers and XHoopers. I have LOVED the way the scoring has been. It goes with the philosophy of your original intent of what EGC was to be about….run a path, stick to it and if an error made, get back on the path and go go go. That philosophy has encouraged us to let our dogs run with out fixing mistakes; it has helped to build confidence and teamwork with our dogs. It behooves you NOT to fix mistakes and to just get your team connection back with your dog. I think that has help many a dog (and team) grow more and gain positive skills and immediate positive re-enforcement because it didn’t pay to fix an error. I see that changing now as you go for the Q and not the score.
I think that BR and XHP is slowly growing in some areas; we are seeing it here on the east coast on the premiums for lots of new trials/clubs this coming year. People are finally watching it and see the fun the dogs and people are having and are trying it. I know that I have offered a couple of “come and try” days for these 2 classes and the attendance was good and growing. We are actually holding a BR and XHP stand-alone trial and are very excited about it. Can’t wait to see how much fun the dogs will have after running these classes for 2 days.
Please rethink the changing of the scoring, those that have run these classes for a long time love the scoring as it is. Can you wait another 6 months to a year to see of things improve with the way you run it now?
Jean
Kopper, Zephyr & Wit who ALL love these classes.
I agree to a point, Jean. The extreme classes have been available for six years. Clubs are just now starting to really embrace them and most of that is because it is down to two classes.
There will be an update and I wish to only have "one" update. With the next update, we are updating the Barrelers and X-Hoopers classes to match Tunnelers, Touch N Go, etc. We are also heavily discussing adding Skilled/Proficient, Standard/Veteran dog/Veteran handler/disabled handler/junior handler to "all" classes. Also "maybe" increasing times for Weavers, Jumpers and Touch N Go, maybe.
We have to decide which are the upcoming improvements for NADAC and it competitors.
If Barrelers and X-Hoopers remains "different" it will be the main reason that new people won't enter the classes. When there is a different set of rules, it sets them apart. That was fine when there was an entire "extreme" listing of 4 classes. Now it is what causes the remaining two classes to be rejected.
I, too, love the existing scoring, but I have to look at the long term picture for NADAC. If people will enter those classes, more and more of them will really enjoy the challenges and the thrill of a great run without necessarily earning more points.
Sharon
