The 2005 Flyball-Hessen-Trophy:
Rules and Regulations (Version: August 30, 2005)

Dogs            

Dogs of all races and mixes are welcome. Participating dogs must be at least 15 months of age, healthy, properly vaccinated (bring vaccination records !!!) and carrying a valid insurance. Bitches in heat are excluded from the tournaments.

Even though it is not an international tournament, it might be a good idea to get an international Pet Passport, as it is now being issued by all countries within the European Union.

Team             

A team consists of a maximum of 6 dogs. However, only four dogs may start in each individual run. The other two dogs may be substituted in later runs. In case a dog hurts itself, another dog may be nominated for the following tournament. Our experience shows that it is good practice to bring additional dogs to a tournament since a dog may hurt itself or tire physically or mentally. This holds especially true for dogs participating in a tournament for the first time. A real tournament is something different from test runs druing practice.

Each team shall name a team captain who serves as person of contact for the tournament organizers and referees, in case something needs to be discussed.

No dog may start in two different teams.

Each team provides their own flyball box, balls and box loader.

Equipment    

All standard flyball boxes are permitted. We recommend not to use catapult boxes as they present a high risk of injury to the dogs.
Jumps will be provided by the tournament organizers.
Equimpent of dogs and handlers is at each team's discretion. However, collars with spikes or choke, electronic impulse equipment like Teletakt or similar are not permitted at the tournament.

Schedule

Upon your arrival at the tournament site, please check in at the registration site with your entire team. We will check the vaccination records and you will receive up-to-date information about the tournament schedule.

Depending on how many teams will be participating in the particular tournament, the tournament organizers will decide whether to have one or more divisions. In order to place each team into its appropriate division, we need the current "best time" of each team, thus avoiding true beginners running against world champions. We need a relatively accurate assessment of your team's speed. The tournament organizers reserve the right to change the division placement of teams who are much faster or slower during Round Robin than their registered best time. We would like to avoid qualifying runs for the individual divisions so that the dogs do not have to run too much. The dogs' health is most important to us.

The timing and changeover control will be by an Electronic Judging System (EJS). Each team will be able to hold practice prior to the actual race.

At the Hessen Trophy we will not have runs by individual dogs at the conclusion of the tournament. For one, we fell it is not a good idea to wear out the dogs after such a tournament. And also, it does not make sense to time them when they are in no condition to give their very best. Most important, however, is that we feel that flyball is a team sport and should remain such.

Rules

A race consists of three heats. The winning team receives two points for the heat, the other team receives no points. In the rare case of a tie, the points are split. 

During each tournament the teams are collecting points which will be counted both for the individual tournament and the overall Hessen Trophy. The team with the most points from all tournaments will win the trophy. In case of a tie the direct comparison of all tournaments will decide the over-all winner.

The ring layout is as follows:

The jump height for each lane will be 10 cm less than the shoulder height of the smallest dog starting for that particular team in any given heat. This value will be rounded to increments of 2,5 cm, with a minimum of 20 cm and a maximum of 40 cm.

Errors may occur which cause a team to forfeit the heat. The following incidents are counted as such:

• The dog handler crosses the start/finish line.

• A false start/early pass.

• The box loader triggers the box for the dog.

• The dog misses one or more jumps.

• The dog drops the ball and passes the start/finish line without it.

• The dog relieves itself in the racing lane.

• The dog leaves the racing ring.

• A dog or team member interferes with the other team.

In case a dog handler accompanies his/her dog on its way to the box, three additional seconds will be added for the team.

The tournament organizers reserve the right to ban a dog from starting in case of poor health of the dog or unsportsmanlike and unfair conduct towards dogs or members of other teams.

Further information

The tournament will take place in any weather. Food and drink will be available. Dogs have to be on a leash except within the racing ring. In case a dog relieves itself, please pick up the droppings and dumpthem in one of the dontainers provided.

Participation in the Hessen Trophy is at your own risk.

We are expecting a great turnout and are looking forward to two great days with flyball enthusiasts, both four-legged and two-legged.