New
Zealand
The
Secretary: Allan Rohde,
Email:
mark.iii@clear.net.nz
INTRODUCTION
In the Agility Link of November 1992, a new activity was launched which was given the name FLYGILITY, as it incorporated skills and equipment from flyball and agility. Since then, a monthly competition programme has been offered through Agility Link and interest has grown steadily. Interest in the sport has been broadened by an Internet reference.
The
sport has been given a good test. The
principles are being used for displays and demonstrations and the sport has
received very favourable reception from spectators and sponsors. It is the view of some competitors that
flygility should be put on a firm management base in order to fully develop its
potential as a fun sport for dog owners, but also to ensure that it is kept
solely under the control of the competitors, so that its reputation as a safe,
exciting, all-breeds and all-ages dog sport is guaranteed.
For
these reasons, the NEW ZEALAND FLYGILITY DOG ASSOCIATION ("the Association") was formed. This Association's main aim is to promote a
regulated form of flygility and to work positively with any other interested
organisations towards this end, but always retaining control of the sport.
Currently
(2001/2002), the annual fee for membership of the Association is $7.50 for an
individual, $5.00 for a second member of the same family, and all other members
of the same family are free. Cheques to
be made payable to New Zealand Flygility Dog Association and are to be
forwarded to the Secretary at the above address
Anyone
who wants to have fun with a ball-loving dog that is under control is welcome
to join.
The
main thrust of the Association will be to encourage flygility groups throughout
Any
enquiries should be directed to Secretary at the above address.
SOME OF FLYGILITY'S ADVANTAGES
1. Handlers
of all ages and health conditions can compete equally, as a team is allowed to
have an extra person as a runner if required for any handler unable to run with
their dog in a re-run. This effectively
means a person in a wheelchair would not be disadvantaged when competing.
2. It
is ideally suited for all breeds of dogs, for skill is required as well as
speed.
3. The
sport does not require a lot of space.
4. There
is limited equipment, therefore, cost, cartage and storage is not excessive.
5. So
long as a dog loves a tennis ball and is under control, it can be ready for
competition within a couple of months, with the right training. Basic training can be done in the home
garden.
6. As
all the equipment is low, a dog can compete at the age of 12 months, but also a
dog could realistically compete well into advanced years.
7. As
a variety of equipment is used, it is possible to have different levels of
difficulty, so making it more attractive for those whose dogs have different
levels of skill.
8. Spectator
appeal is terrific because it involves lots of action but more than just
flat-out speed. There can be two teams
running against each other. The variety
of obstacles; e.g. low hurdles, long jump, bendy tunnel, ramp, weaving poles,
and the possible use of curves in the course; create a very competitive
atmosphere. Add to this the hype of dogs
and handlers, and the situation is electric.
The competition variations, done at speed and often resulting in
foul-ups, is what the public loves.
9. The
fast action of teams running against each other, the equipment allowing for
colour and logos, the fact that an exciting demonstration can take half-an-hour
or five hours, will make this sport very attractive to sponsors.
10. Setting
up a course is neither laborious nor time consuming. This means there can be many different courses
set up in a day, allowing a dog several runs on the one day. At public displays, where an official
tournament could be very effectively run, spectators are not bored or lost,
because of protracted course setting times.
FLYGILITY'S DISADVANTAGES
None
apparent.