2016 World Agility Open Championships Team USA

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1 2016 World Agility Open Championships Team USA Thank you for your interest in joining Team USA for the 2016 World Agility Open Championships that will be held in England at Addington Manor Equestrian Centre on May Attendance at the is mandatory for any handler wishing to try out for the team. This event will be held on November 12-15, 2015 in Perry, Georgia, and is open to all dogs and handlers. Information regarding this event will be available on the UKI website: Team applicants must enter the appropriate events at the UKI U.S. Open as well as enter any local Masters heats and Games classes necessary to qualify for the Masters Final and Games Challenge held at the UKI Open. UKI jump height cutoffs have a greater range than WAO so dogs must be entered in UKI events based upon the equivalent WAO height cutoffs shown here: WAO Jump Height Name WAO Dog s Height at Withers UKI Jump Height at Which Dog Must Compete at UKI Open inches & under 12 inches inches & under 16 inches inches & under 22 inches 650 Any 26 inches Note: Candidates for the team may not enter any titling classes at the U.S. Open as an NFC (not for competition) entry. There will be a mandatory meeting for team applicants on Thursday, Nov. 12, before classes start. Details will be provided after the final schedule is published. To give you an idea, however, last year they were running dogs at 4 p.m. Please make travel arrangements accordingly and be prepared to be at the event in time for the meeting. Included here are the Team USA selection criteria and requirements. Read them carefully. Your application is due by October 1, 2015 but we encourage you to apply as early as possible. Please note that neither points nor a win-on team spot can be earned at the U.S. Open unless you have submitted your application by the deadline. There is a $50 fee due at the time you submit your application; 100% of the fee goes toward the 2016 team s travel expenses. Team USA s mission is to select a squad of handlers and dogs that will be competitive against the rest of the world in all disciplines offered at the WAO. It is anticipated that Team USA will consist of dogs, with 3 or 4 dogs in each of four jump heights: WAO Jump Height Height in Inches in Millimeters inches inches inches inches 2016 WAO Team USA Selection 1

2 Dog & Handler Requirements for Application All dogs and handlers applying for Team USA must meet the following requirements, whether they earn a win-on spot or are selected to the team: The dog must have a microchip. The dog must have an official WAO measurement and meet the requirements of the WAO height for which the handler is applying. Dogs that do not have an official measurement must be measured by Greg or Laura Derrett at the at a specific time, which will be announced before the U.S. Open. This measurement will be your official WAO measurement. If you make the team, you will not have to be measured again at the WAO. The handler must be a citizen of the United States or a resident alien, and must hold a U.S. passport that is valid at the time of the team s departure and return. (Note that it is not necessarily enough to have a current passport. Some countries will not allow entry if there are 6 or fewer months remaining until your passport expires.) The handler who runs the dog at the UKI U.S. Open MUST be the same handler who ran the dog in the competitions listed on the application form and who will run the dog at the WAO. Team USA Policies If you earn a spot on Team USA, it is important for you to understand the expectations of team management as well as the official team policies: You are responsible for paying for all of your own expenses including (but not limited to) flight, dog s flight, transfers, vet fees, hotel, bus (or other ground transportation), meals, uniforms, and team operating expenses. You are responsible for arranging your own transportation to England and while at the event. Team management will secure lodging. Team members are required to stay at the hotel selected by management. You will be responsible for making a deposit and final payment directly to the hotel. Your dog must be in good health and fit to fly at the time of the team s departure. You are solely responsible for obtaining all of the veterinary paperwork that is required to fly internationally and to enter England with a dog (see the WAO website). You will arrive in England by Tuesday, May 10, 2016 and be prepared to participate in all published official days and events at the competition, as well as the unofficial team practice on Wednesday. You will remain on site at the WAO during all ceremonies, USA team practices, and scheduled competition hours. Start times of walkthroughs and running times are very strict at the WAO, and competitors are not allowed to walk or run if they miss their scheduled times. It is your responsibility to follow the schedule each day and be aware of changes in the schedule as they happen. Team management will support you, but they are not responsible for getting you to and from the rings for your walkthroughs and runs. You will read the WAO Rule Book and be aware of the differences between WAO and other major organizations. You will read the WAO Snooker, Gamblers, and Team Relay briefings that are published prior to the event. Even if you are not initially selected for these events, last minute roster changes can occur and all team members should be prepared WAO Team USA Selection 2

3 You will attend all team meetings and meals scheduled during the trip. You will wear the official team uniform in competition at the WAO. You will make every effort to participate (at your own expense) in a team practice to be held on January 30 and 31, 2016, at a location to be determined. You will only be allowed to work the dog that qualified for the team during this practice. You will follow the directions of team management and reply to their inquiries and communications in a timely fashion (2 business days.) You will abide by all decisions of team management. These decisions are final. You will inform team management as soon as you learn of any health or injury concern (to yourself or to your dog) that occurs prior to competition and that may affect your ability to participate in the WAO. This includes making a decision to breed a female dog. You will support any sponsorship requirements for Team USA. You will support all fundraising projects including submitting an original training article or video for the Team USA E-book fundraiser by December 19, You will support, encourage, and respect fellow team members and management before and during the WAO competition. You will participate in team activities with integrity, honesty, and good sportsmanship. You will put your dog s needs ahead of your personal desires. Failure to comply with team policies may result in immediate removal from the team, forfeiting of runs at the WAO, losing monies received by Team USA through fundraising or sponsorship, or being banned from applying for Team USA in future years WAO Team USA Selection 3

4 Team Selection Criteria: Win-on Spots Two (2) spots in each jump height are win-on spots as required by WAO rules one spot is to compete in the WAO Biathlon, and the other is to compete in the WAO Individual Pentathlon. These spots will be earned at the. Only results from the 12", 16", 22", and 26" height divisions will be used to determine the win-on spots. Biathlon Win-on Spots The dog in each jump height (12", 16", 22", and 26") earning the most points from the final cumulative results of the Agility Biathlon held at the UKI U.S. Open will automatically be offered a spot on Team USA to compete in the 2016 WAO Biathlon, provided they meet the requirements list in Dog & Handler Requirements for Application. If the 1st place finisher does not meet the requirements or declines the invitation, the 2nd place finisher will be invited to fill the spot. If that person declines the spot, the invitation will go to the 3rd place finisher. If the 3rd place finisher declines, the spot will not be filled. Note: Cumulative points cannot be earned for the Agility Biathlon with an elimination in one of the rounds. Individual Pentathlon Win-on Spots The dog in each jump height (12", 16", 22", and 26") earning the most points from the final cumulative results of each of the following events held at the UKI U.S. Open: Agility Biathlon Masters Final National Championship Final will automatically be offered a spot on Team USA to compete in the 2016 WAO Individual Agility Pentathlon, provided they meet the requirements list in Dog & Handler Requirements for Application. If the 1st place finisher does not meet the requirements or declines the invitation, the 2nd place finisher will be invited to fill the spot. If that person declines the spot, the invitation will go to the 3rd place finisher. If the 3rd place finisher declines, the spot will not be filled. If dogs are tied on points, times will be calculated for all events and the dog with the lowest cumulative time will win. Note: Cumulative points cannot be earned for the Agility Biathlon or the Masters Final with an elimination in one of the rounds WAO Team USA Selection 4

5 Team Selection Criteria: Other Positions on Team The other positions in each jump height will be determined by the Team USA Selection Committee, which is comprised of the Loretta Mueller (coach), Mike Padgett (assistant coach), Monica Percival, and Laura Derrett. The decision will be based 50% on the selection committee s evaluation of the handler s and dog s performance at the as well as at the major U.S. and international events listed on the application form, and 50% on points earned under the point system described here. The members of the selection committee will be attending the U.S. Open to observe all team applicants. Video review during and after the event will also be used to evaluate performance. Team applicants may participate in the Last Chance Masters Heat to try to earn points even if they have already qualified for the Masters Final. Points must be earned in a height division that is comparable to the WAO height division you are applying for, with the exception of the AKC National Finals where you are restricted as to what height you can enter. Cumulative points cannot be earned with an elimination in one of the rounds of an event. Agility Biathlon: Cumulative Agility Biathlon: Jumpers Agility Biathlon: Agility Placement Points Placement Points Placement Points 1st 20 1st 10 1st 10 2nd 19 2nd 9 2nd 9 3rd 18 3rd 8 3rd 8 4th 17 4th 7 4th 7 5th 16 5th 6 5th 6 6th 15 6th 5 6th 5 7th 14 7th 4 7th 4 8th 13 8th 3 8th 3 9th 12 9th 2 9th 2 10th 10 10th 1 10th 1 Masters Final: Cumulative Masters Final: Jumpers Masters Final: Agility Placement Points Placement Points Placement Points 1st 20 1st 10 1st 10 2nd 19 2nd 9 2nd 9 3rd 18 3rd 8 3rd 8 4th 17 4th 7 4th 7 5th 16 5th 6 5th 6 6th 15 6th 5 6th 5 7th 14 7th 4 7th 4 8th 13 8th 3 8th 3 9th 12 9th 2 9th 2 10th 10 10th 1 10th WAO Team USA Selection 5

6 Games Challenge: Cumulative Games Challenge: Gamblers Games Challenge: Snooker Placement Points Placement Points Placement Points 1st 20 1st 10 1st 10 2nd 19 2nd 9 2nd 9 3rd 18 3rd 8 3rd 8 4th 17 4th 7 4th 7 5th 16 5th 6 5th 6 6th 15 6th 5 6th 5 7th 14 7th 4 7th 4 8th 13 8th 3 8th 3 9th 12 9th 2 9th 2 10th 10 10th 1 10th 1 Last Chance Masters Series: Cumulative Last Chances Masters Series: Jumpers Last Chances Masters Series: Agility Placement Points Placement Points Placement Points 1st 10 1st 5 1st 5 2nd 9 2nd 4 2nd 4 3rd 8 3rd 3 3rd 3 4th 7 4th 2 4th 2 5th 6 5th 1 5th 1 6th 5 6th 1 6th 1 7th 4 7th 1 7th 1 8th 3 8th 1 8th 1 9th 2 9th 1 9th 1 10th 1 10th 1 10th 1 UKI U.S. Nationals: Finals Placement Points 1st 20 2nd 19 3rd 18 4th 17 5th 16 6th 15 7th 14 8th 13 9th WAO Team USA Selection 6

7 2015 World Agility Open Biathlon: Cumulative 300, 400, 525, World Agility Open Games: Cumulative 300, 400, 525, World Agility Open Ind. Pentathlon: Cumulative 300, 400, 525, 650 Placement Points Placement Points Placement Points 1st 10 1st 10 1st 10 2nd 9 2nd 9 2nd 9 3rd 8 3rd 8 3rd 8 4th 7 4th 7 4th 7 5th 6 5th 6 5th 6 6th 5 6th 5 6th 5 7th 4 7th 4 7th 4 8th 3 8th 3 8th 3 9th 2 9th 2 9th 2 10th 1 10th 1 10th FCI Individual WAC Small (WAO 300), Med (WAO 400), Large (WAO 525 & 650) 2015 FCI European Open Small (WAO 300), Med (WAO 400), Large (WAO 525 & 650) 2015 USDAA Cynosport Masters Challenge Biathlon Placement Points Placement Points Placement Points 1st 10 1st 10 1st 10 2nd 9 2nd 9 2nd 9 3rd 8 3rd 8 3rd 8 4th 7 4th 7 4th 7 5th 6 5th 6 5th 6 6th 5 6th 5 6th 5 7th 4 7th 4 7th 4 8th 3 8th 3 8th 3 9th 2 9th 2 9th 2 10th 1 10th 1 10th AKC National Finals 8", 12", 16", 20", 24", 26" Placement Points 1st 10 2nd 9 3rd 8 4th 7 5th 6 6th 5 7th 4 8th 3 9th 2 10th WAO Team USA Selection 7

8 Team USA Height Certification To be completed at UKI U.S. Open by Greg or Laura Derrett Dog s Call Name: Owner s Name: Height at withers in inches or mm: (exact measurement) Measurer (check one): Greg Derrett Laura Derrett I hereby certify this is a correct and accurate measurement and that based on the official measurement above, this dog is eligible to compete in the following height division at the World Agility Open Championships, according to the regulations put forth by the WAO): Measurer to check one: 300: 12.60" (320mm) or less 400: 16.14" (410mm) or less 525: 19.69" (500mm) or less 650: Any Signature: IMPORTANT: It is not necessary to have this form completed if your dog already has an official WAO measurement (either he was measured at a previous UKI U.S. Open or at the WAO) or he is competing in the 650 division WAO Team USA Selection 8

9 2016 WAO Team USA Application WAO jump height (check one): Handler s Name: Dog s Call Name: Note: All WAO & Team USA communication is done via . Please provide an address that is checked regularly. Handler Details Address: City/state: Cell phone: Zip code: Home phone: Do you have a U.S. passport: Yes No If No, are you eligible to get one? Yes No Name of dog s owner if different from handler: Dog Details Date of birth: Breed: Sex (check one): Male Female Spayed or neutered: Yes No List the highest title earned in each of the following agility organizations and the jump height at which it was earned: Organization Title Jump Height AKC UKI USDAA List any health issues or injuries your dog has had in the last 2 years as well as any medications your dog is currently taking and why: 2016 WAO Team USA Selection 9

10 Competition Details For all competitions list below, please enter your results, not eligible, or did not compete. World Agility Open, 2014 and 2015: FCI Agility World Championships, 2014 and 2015: European Open, 2014 and 2015: IFCS World Championships, 2014 and 2015: UKI U.S. Open, 2014: World Cynosport Games, 2014: AKC National Agility Championships, 2014 and 2015: 2016 WAO Team USA Selection 10

11 List any other competitive achievements in 2014 or 2015 that we should consider: By signing this application form, I agree to the following if I earn a spot on Team USA (please initial each item that follows and then sign at the bottom): I have read all of the Team USA Policies and I agree to comply with them both before and during the 2016 WAO. Between the time of selection and the 2016 WAO, I agree to immediately notify team management of any circumstances that may affect my ability or my dog s ability to participate in the 2016 WAO so that an alternate may be notified and selected if possible. Owners of unspayed females: I agree not to breed my dog without notifying team management before I proceed with the breeding. I understand the importance of team camaraderie and respect for teammates, good sportsmanship, and respect for team management and their decisions. I understand that the responsibilities of being a member of Team USA are not limited to running at the WAO, but involve planning, preparation, practice, fundraising activities, and sponsorship support activities. I understand that if I fail to fulfill these commitments or I fail to comply with team policy, I may be immediately removed from the team and an alternate selected, I may forfeit runs at the WAO, I may lose proceeds from team fundraising, or I may be banned from trying out for Team USA in future years. Signed: Date: Please send application plus a check for $50 payable to WAO Team USA: WAO Team USA, 1315 Shadow Lane, Anderson, SC All applications must be received by October 1, 2015 If you have any questions, please send an to info@waoteamusa.com WAO Team USA Selection 11

12 About the Event The World Agility Open Championships (WAO) is an annual international event designed to Provide the ultimate in dog agility competition where speed, efficiency, and consistency are all necessary for success. Showcase the highest level of agility training, human/canine partnership, and athleticism. Acknowledge the dog as an athlete and equally important member of the agility partnership. Enable all dogs, whether pedigreed or not, to compete in an environment that is solely focused on the sport of agility. Promote the design of better and safer agility equipment, new technology to improve the sport, and better show management processes The WAO strives to provide jump height divisions where similar types of dogs compete against one another, an excellent competition surface and environment, and several varieties of contests with maximum runs to adequately test teams for all the skill sets necessary to be the best in dog agility. With that goal in mind, the Individual winners from the 2015 FCI Agility World Championships and 2015 European Open, as well as the 2015 WAO Individual Pentathlon, Biathlon, and Games winners, are automatically eligible for entry to the 2016 WAO even if their country does not submit an entry. The WAO is the first international agility event created and managed by agility competitors (Greg Derrett and Monica Percival). It is not run under the auspices of any agility organization. The official language of the WAO is English. More information about the World Agility Open Championships can be found at WAO Team USA Selection 12