I was just looking at the trials that will be offered through the end of this year and there are very few opportunities to do ex hopers, especially within a reasonable distance of where I live. I have done it once and understand the concept, but how am I supposed to get the qualifying runs if they are not offered near me? I don't have the space or equipment to do a VT run.
I realize there was an uproar about the hoop circle in a run at champs this year. Couldn't we just be told to expect it next year? All the other classes are offered by all clubs which gives the opportunity to earn the points necessary. It would be really disappointing to miss going to champs because of a requirement that I have no way of fulfilling.
Sharon has made it clear that there will be a Hoop Circle next year at Champs. (I think it's a post under the thread "Championship Courses".) My best bet is that the qualifications for entering Champs next year will most likely be similar (meaning not *requiring* X-Hoopers) to this years' which are:
Regular Agility, Elite level, Proficient/Skilled: at least 200 points must have been
earned in the dog's lifetime. These points may have come from any/all classes offered in
NADAC, with the following requirements:
1. At least 80 points must have been earned be earned in the current year from the Regular
Agility class at the Open or Elite level.
2. At least 20 points must have been earned in the current year, at the Open or Elite level, in
both Jumpers and Chances.
3. If a dog is over 7 on August 1, 2016, then they MUST enter the Veterans division. If a
dog is over 10 on the first day of the Championships, then they will be entered into the
Double Digit division.
As you can see there's no requirement for any of the "games" - Weavers/Tunnelers/Touch N'Go.
Hope that helps,
Kyle
