Dog Agility Wellington Group

Throughout the later part of 2005, the AWG worked through gaining opinion and information which resulted in the Governance Proposal which was sent out for discussion in November 2005.

This proposal, including the feedback received, was tabled to the Sector Representation Sub-committee of the NZKC. This Committee recommended rule changes to the 2006 NZKC Annual Conference which paved the way for Agility to be able to have separate representation within the NZKC system.

Therefore, Agility now has the right to be represented on the Executive Council by an executive councillor and has the right to send three additional delegates to the Annual conference of delegates.

In the latter part of 2006 the proposals and the supporting documents were distributed to the Zone representatives and to all Clubs and individuals. Each Zone held workshops to discuss the proposal, and individuals and Clubs were asked to provide feedback on the proposal.

The changes to the original proposal are:
    Role of individuals - added
    Funding of NZAC and Levies structure - clarified
    Co-operation with other Dog Training disciplines on a National calendar - added
    NDTA supported till 2008
    Election processes - clarified (inaugural and subsequent)

The following Document is the result of the above processes.

The Agility Working Group recommends that a committee of elected representatives be formed to run agility as a sport in NZ.

The revised proposal is now submitted to Clubs and individuals for their information and voting.
Regards,
Agility Working Group members  Karen de Wit  Peter de Wit   Fiona Ferrar  &nbsFiona Hodgson  Deb Jackson  Carole Logan  Alan McClumpha  Allan Rohde  Kathy Roper  Roy Thorndycraft

1. AGILITY SECTION OF THE NEW ZEALAND KENNEL CLUB

1.1 Agility Regulations
Agility Regulations cover the structures and procedures governing the conduct of the Agility section of the New Zealand Kennel Club, and its activities.

1.2 Responsibilities of the Agility Section
The Agility Committee of the New Zealand Kennel Club is responsible to the Executive Council of the New Zealand Kennel Club for the following activities: Agility

2. DOG TRAINING SOCIETIES

2.1 Registered Dog training Societies Except for a Dog Training fixture conducted pursuant to Dog Training Regulation 2.2, to conduct any Dog Training fixture or regular training class a society must be registered as a Dog Training society pursuant to these regulations

2.1.1 to 2.1.3 Defines societies that can conduct shows � no change.

2.1.4 Working Trials � delete.

2.1.5 Dog Training Judges Associations -
Change 2.1.5 above to 2.1.4 and alter to read;

2.1.4 Agility Judges Associations
Societies recognised by the New Zealand Kennel Club pursuant to New Zealand Kennel Club Rule 11 can be registered pursuant to Agility Regulations as an Agility Judges Association.

2.2 Tests and Trials Conducted By Affiliated and Associated Clubs that are not Registered Dog Training Societies. refers to Obedience only. DELETE

2.3 refers to Working Trials - DELETE

2.4 Obligation to Conduct Dog Training Fixtures renumber 2.4 to 2.2 and remove 2.4.1and 2.4.3 as they refer to obligations to conduct obedience tests.
Obligation to Conduct Agility Fixtures, will then read�

2.2 Obligation to Conduct Agility Fixtures

2.2.1 Championship Agility Societies
Societies registered as Championship Agility Societies pursuant to Dog Training Regulation 2.1.1 must conduct regular Agility training, must conduct at least one Championship Agility Event per year and may conduct Agility Open Events and Agility Ribbon Trials

2.2.2 Non Championship Agility Societies

2.2.2.1 Dual Discipline Societies - Societies registered as Non Championship Agility Societies pursuant to Dog Training Regulation 2.1.1 must conduct regular Agility training, may conduct Open Agility Events and Agility Ribbon Trials and must hold at least one Open Agility Event or Agility Ribbon Trial per year.

2.2.2.2 Recognised All Breed Societies - Societies registered as Non Championship Agility Societies pursuant to Dog Training Regulation 2.1.2 must conduct regular Agility training, may conduct Agility Ribbon Trials and must hold at least one Agility Ribbon Trial per year.

2.2.2.3 Associated Group, Multi Breed, or Specialist Breed - Societies registered as Non Championship Agility Societies pursuant to Dog Training Regulation 2.1.3 must conduct regular Agility training, may conduct Open Agility Events and Agility Ribbon Trials and must hold at least one Open Agility Event or Agility Ribbon Trial per year.�

2.5 Procedure for Registration of Societies
alter to read that Agility Societies make approach to NZ Agility Committee.

2.5 Procedure for Registration of Societies for Agility

2.5.1 Application
Applications for registration are made in writing to the (Director/Secretary of the REMOVE) New Zealand Kennel Club.

2.5.2 Information Required
Every application for registration shall include the following:

2.5.2.1 A list of officers and members at the date of application

2.5.2.2 The Rules of the Society which shall include its aims and objects

2.5.2.3 Names and addresses of instructors with written acknowledgement of availability to officiate with particulars in each case

2.5.2.4 Venue of Training

2.5.2.5 Dates and Times of Training

2.5.2.6 A written report from the relevant Zone Representative (remove and renumber)

2.5.2.7, the equipment available to be used by the society.

2.5.3 Affected Societies
Every society likely to be affected by the proposed registration must be advised in writing of the application and may make written comment on the application to the NZ Agility Committee.

2.5.4 Registration by NZ Agility Committee
Registration is made by the NZ Agility Committee. If the society also requires allocation or alteration of status pursuant to New Zealand Kennel Club Rules the NZ Agility Committee shall make appropriate recommendations to the Executive Council of the New Zealand Kennel Club for the allocation of the appropriate status to the society. Once appropriate status is conferred the registration will come into force.

2.5.5 Unrecognised Shows
Training Fixtures held by registered societies are recognised shows. All other competitions are unrecognised shows pursuant to these regulations.

Alter

3. New Zealand Kennel Club Dog Training Committee to read,

3. NEW ZEALAND KENNEL CLUB AGILITY COMMITTEE

3.1 THE NZ AGILITY COMMITTEE

3.1.1 Members
The New Zealand Kennel Club Agility Committee comprises the Agility Committee Chairperson, Deputy Chairperson and six representatives, of which two must reside in each of the North and South Islands of New Zealand. Only persons that are currently registered as Agility Voters with the NZKC are eligible to stand for membership of the Agility Committee.

3.1.1.1 Term of Office.
Members of the Agility Committee will sit for two years.

3.1.1.2 NZKC Annual Conference of Delegates
The Agility Committee shall have Four delegates at the NZKC Annual Conference of Delegates. These four delegates shall be made up of the Agility Committee Chairperson and a further three people selected from amongst its members by the Agility committee.

3.1.2 The Agility Committee Chairperson.
The Agility Committee Chairperson shall be a member of the Executive Council of the New Zealand Kennel Club during their term of office. The Agility Committee Chairperson will be subject to all protocols and standing orders of the Executive Council.

3.1.3 Deputy Agility Chairperson.
The Agility committee shall also elect from its members a deputy Agility Chairperson who shall represent the Agility committee at any Executive Council meeting, Agility committee meeting or any other official function when the Agility Committee Chairperson is unable to attend.

3.1.4 Secretary of the Agility Committee
The Agility Committee shall appoint a Committee Secretary.

3.1.5 Venue of Meetings
Save in exceptional circumstances the NZ Agility Committee will meet in Wellington.

3.1.6 Frequency of Meetings
The NZ Agility Committee may meet as often as necessary.

3.1.7 Notice of Meetings
At least three weeks' notice of all Agility Committee meetings together with an agenda for such meetings shall be given to all members.

3.1.8 Lapse of Meeting
If no quorum is present the meeting shall lapse and the chairperson shall fix the time and place of the next meeting. All business on the agenda of the lapsed meeting shall be included on the agenda of the next meeting and shall take precedence over the new business.

3.1.9 Order of Business

The order of business at ordinary committee meetings shall be:
 (i)    Apologies
 (ii)    Roll Call
 (iii)    Minutes of previous meeting
 (iv)    Business arising from Minutes
 (v)    Financial Report
 (vi)    Correspondence
 (vii)    Business arising from Correspondence
 (viii)    Notices of Motion
 (ix)    General Business

3.1.10 Expenses
All members of the NZ Agility Committee shall be paid reasonable traveling and accommodation expenses.

3.1.8 delete Resolution by Entry in Minutes Book

3.1.9 Quorum (renumber)

3.1.11 The quorum for a meeting of the NZ Agility Committee will be six members.

3.1.10 delete reference to deputy Zone rep
 add reference to methods of voting

3.1.12 Voting.
The mode of voting shall be either by ballot or by show of hands. Individual member voting shall be recorded in the minutes. The Agility Committee must consult widely with the agility community when making significant decisions. In the case of a formal Agility Committee meeting, all matters require a two thirds majority of members present to pass.

3.1.13 Committee Minutes
The minutes of all Committee meetings and subcommittee meetings shall be circulated to registered societies' secretaries, the Chairperson of the Agility Committee, members of the Agility committee and the Director Secretary of the New Zealand Kennel Club within one calendar month of the meeting.

3.2 Election of the NZ Agility Committee Chairperson

3.2.1 Election
The Agility Committee will vote for the Chairperson from amongst their membership. The term of office of the Agility Committee Chairperson shall commence at the first meeting of the NZAC.

3.2.2 Nominations
The NZKC will distribute resumes of those seeking the position of Chairperson to all members of the NZAC.

3.2.3 renumber 3.2.2 Voting
Voting is by secret ballot under the supervision of the NZKC who shall appoint the returning officer.

3.2.4 renumber 3.2.3 Tied Vote
In the event of a tie the sitting Agility Committee Chairperson shall be deemed re-elected. or, if the sitting Agility committee Chairperson is not a candidate for election, the result shall be decided by second ballot.

3.2.5 delete reference to Chairperson not eligible to be Zone Representative

3.2.6 renumber 3.2.4 Casual Vacancy of NZ Agility Committee Chairperson
In the event of a casual vacancy in the office of the Agility Committee Chairperson, the members of the NZ Agility Committee will elect a Chairperson from amongst their membership. Any person so appointed shall serve until the expiry of the term of the retiring NZAgility Committee Chairperson

5. ELECTION OF THE AGILITY COMMITTEE MEMBERS

5.1 Registered Agility Voters

5.1.1 Any NZKC member can register as an Agility voter.

5.1.2 Only NZKC members who are registered as Agility voters will be entitled to nominate, second, vote, or be part of the Agility Committee.

5.1.3 Register of Eligible Agility Voters
The NZKC will maintain a register of people eligible to vote at Agility elections.

5.1.4 Registration to be an agility voter must be indicated as provided on the official NZKC membership form.

5.2 Election of the Agility Committee

5.2.1 Election

5.2.1.1 The Agility Committee will be elected from nominations received by the NZKC by 28th February from the Agility registered membership.

5.2.1.2 The election will take place over a two-week period, concluding as close as practicable to 30th April.
5.2.1.3 The term of office of any member of the Agility Committee shall be for two years and will commence from the time notification of election results are given.

5.3 Nominations

5.2.1 The NZKC will call for nominations for the NZ Agility Committee in Dec/Jan New Zealand Kennel Gazette, via Notice to Clubs and on the NZKC official Web site.

5.2.2    Nominations to be received by the New Zealand Kennel Club by the 31st January and be accompanied by a biography of the candidate.

5.2.3 The person must be nominated and seconded by financial NZKC members who are also registered as Agility voters.

5.4     Voting
(It is proposed that members will be able to vote either by postal or internet methods. The NZKC will establish a voting process on the webpage that will enable people to vote via the Internet. They will require their NZKC number as proof of membership as an Agility voter. They will also need to input their NZKC password.)

5.4.1    Voting Procedure.

5.4.1.1 Agility Registered Members may vote for up to 8 people.

5.4.1.2 notice calling the election will be published in February by a variety of methods including the Gazette and website. Voting forms will be included to be filled in by the member and sent to the NZKC where the Returning officers will enter the details into the system. 5.3.1.3 Voting will close on March 31st.

5.4.1.4 When voting closes the Returning officers, as delegated by the NZKC will count the votes, and post the results of the election on the Webpage and in the official NZKC publication(s).

5.4.1.5 The successful candidates will be informed by the NZKC, and will be given the date for the first meeting which will generally be held within one month of the results being notified.

5.4.1.6 Returning officers Returning officers may be employees of the NZKC, or may be members of the NZKC delegated to fill the role. Where the Returning Officers are NZKC members there must be a minimum of three people.

5.4.2 Tied Vote
In the event of a tie the other members of the Agility Committee will vote. If there is still a tie then the NZKC Executive will have the power to split the vote.

5.4.3 Casual Vacancy of Agility Committee Member
In the event of a casual vacancy in any position of the Agility Committee, the next highest polling candidate must be given first opportunity to join the Committee, whilst maintaining the representational requirements. In the event of that person no longer being available, the Committee may temporarily appoint a replacement from the Agility Registered voting membership.

3.3 Responsibilities of the Agility Committee
The Agility Committee shall be responsible for the day to day running of the Agility Section of the New Zealand Kennel Club and all matters concerning agility and shall, including but not restricted to:
 a.   Recommend to the Executive Council of the New Zealand Kennel Club any Remit or
 b.   Recommend to the Annual Conference of Delegates or any Special General Meeting of Delegates of the New Zealand Kennel Club any recommendation.
 c.   Recommend to the Executive Council of the New Zealand Kennel Club the adoption, revocation or amendment of any regulation of the New Zealand Kennel Club.
 d.   Recommend to the Executive Council of the New Zealand Kennel Club the approval or alteration of the status of any Agility society pursuant to the rules of the New Zealand Kennel Club.
 e.   Approve or amend the registration of any Agility society pursuant to these regulations.
 f.   Institute, or recommend to the President or the Executive Council of the New Zealand Kennel Club the institution of, disciplinary proceedings pursuant to the Rules of the New Zealand Kennel Club.
 g.   Bring to the attention of the Executive Council of the New Zealand Kennel Club any matters of concern including any recommendations for action by the Executive Council of the New Zealand Kennel Club.
 h.   Receive and respond to submissions on any Agility matter.
 i.   matters affecting policy or affecting the conduct of, criteria for, or judging of any test, trial, fixture or class
 j.   Conduct agility judges examinations and judges seminars.
 k.   Recommend to the Executive Council of the New Zealand Kennel Club the Official Agility Judges Panel.
 l.   Oversee the conduct of the agility section of the annual National Dog Training Assembly.
 m.   Allocate AD and ADX Class dates, and Agility Ribbon Trial dates, and liaise with other dog training committees on Championship and Open agility event dates.
 n.   Delegation of authority to a sub-committee for any purpose that is agility related.

Delete 3.4 Procedure of the Dog Training Committee
Replace with
3.4 Procedure of the NZ Agility Committee

3.4.1 Policy Matters Referred To Agility Registered Members
All matters affecting the setting of levies and the governance structure of the Agility committee shall be referred to the Agility registered members who shall discuss and vote on the matter as requested.

3.4.2 Considering Matters Without Referral To Agility Registered Members
Nothing in this regulation shall prohibit the Agility Committee from acting without referring a matter to the Agility Registered Members in an emergency, if such referral is not warranted, or if a majority of Members shall so decide.

Delete 4. DOG TRAINING ZONES
And replace with�
3.5 Agility Committee Finances

3.5.1 Bank Accounts
A bank account or accounts shall be operated as decided by a resolution of the NZ Agility Committee provided that cheques must be signed by the Agility Committee Chairperson and one other elected signatory. The bank statement and account books shall be produced to the Agility Committee whenever they so desire.

3.5.2 Annual Accounts
Audited Statement of Accounts for the past year shall be presented to the Agility Committee meeting immediately prior to the elections of the Agility Committee each year.

5.5.3 Committee Annual Returns
The Agility Committee shall annually furnish to the New Zealand Kennel Club:

5.5.3.1 A copy of the Committee�s annual report.

5.5.3.2 Audited financial statements for the Agility Committee.

5.5.3.3 The names and addresses of the Agility Committee Chairperson and Deputy Agility Committee Chairperson.

5.5.3.4 A contact telephone number for the Agility Committee.

5.5.4 Change of Details
The Agility Committee shall promptly advise the New Zealand Kennel Club of any alterations to names, addresses or telephone numbers.

And

4.    REGIONAL GROUPS

4.1. Clubs may group together to form regional groups.

4.2. Responsibilities of regional groups.

4.2.1 The promotion agility in their region by, for example, organising Interclub events and regional awards.

4.2.2 Application to conduct any regional event must be submitted to the NZ Agility committee for approval and inclusion in the national calendar of events.

4.2.3 Results of regional awards and competitions must be submitted to the NZAC

4.24 Application for funding of regional awards or competitions may be made to the NZ Agility Committee.

4.3 Structure of regional groups.

4.3.1 Regional Groups may elect a Chairperson and Secretary and treasurer for the purpose of conducting regional matters.

4.3.2 The names and contact details and Club of any persons forming a regional group must be forwarded to the NZ Agility Committee.

5.  B. GENERAL - FIXTURES
No changes are proposed to this section of existing regulations, except for removal of references to Dog Training, Obedience and trials and replacement with Agility .:.

5. AGILITY FIXTURES - GENERAL CONDITIONS

5.1 Agility Fixture Defined
"Agility Fixture" includes The National Dog Training Assembly, Championship Agility Event, Agility Open Event, Agility Ribbon Trial, AD Class, ADX Advanced Class and Agility Interclub or Club Day.

5.2 General Conditions of Entry

5.2.1 Competitor
The competitor is the owner of the dog.

5.2.2 New Zealand Kennel Club Membership
Competitors at a Championship Agility Event, Agility Open Event or AD Class, ADX Advanced Class must be members of the New Zealand Kennel Club.

5.2.3 Handlers
Handlers of a dog at a Championship Agility Event, Agility Open Event, AD Class or ADX Advanced Class if not the competitor must be members of the New Zealand Kennel Club.

5.2.4 Dress of competitors
Any competitor whose dress is considered by the Show Manager to be inappropriate or unreasonable may be barred from the ring. No competitor will be permitted into the Show Ring with bare feet.

5.2.5 Competitors' Numbers
Competitors must display only one number in the ring. The number must be fairly large and must be legible. Judges will be instructed to refuse to judge where two visible numbers are worn.

5.2.6 Registration of Dogs
All dogs entering in a Championship Agility Event, Agility Open Event, AD Class or ADX Advanced Class must be registered with the New Zealand Kennel Club in the name of the competitor on either Part I (the purebred register) or Part II of the New Zealand Kennel Club Register of dogs. A dog that is registered on Part I of the register cannot be registered on Part II of the register.

5.2.7 Endorsed Dogs
The endorsement "Not to be Shown" does not prohibit exhibition in any Agility Fixture.

5.2.8 Official Entry Form
All entries in any Championship Agility Event, Agility Open Event, AD Class or ADX Advanced Class must be on the official New Zealand Kennel Club entry form.

5.2.9 Qualified Dog Deemed to Have Been Awarded Title
For the purposes of competition only, in any class, test or fixture restricted by qualification, any dog entitled to apply for the award of any title or certificate will be deemed to have been awarded that title or certificate, whether or not it has been confirmed by the New Zealand Kennel Club.

5.2.10 The Closing Date for Entries
In any Dog Training fixtures under no circumstances shall any entry be accepted later than 7 days prior to the first day of the Show.

5.2.11 Conduct of competitors
Competitors shall at all times act with courtesy, sportsmanship and integrity. By their actions they should set an example to other New Zealand Kennel Club members and demonstrate a respect for judges, show officials and fellow competitors.

5.3 Judges at Agility Fixtures

5.3.1 Listed on Panel
The judge at any Championship Agility Event, Agility Open Event, AD Class or ADX Advanced Class must be listed on the New Zealand Kennel Club Official Judges Panel as qualified to judge that trial or class. Judges of any special class at any Ribbon Trial or at any Agility Club or Interclub day can be any person not being a disqualified person under the Rules or Regulations of the New Zealand Kennel Club.

5.3.2 Overseas Judges
Overseas judges require the prior approval of the NZ Agility Committee

5.3.3 Judge May Arrange Steward, Timekeepers and Scribes
Judges may arrange their own stewards, timekeepers and scribes provided they state this on their judging contract and the club conducting the fixture agrees.

5.3.4 Handling of dogs by Judges

5.3.4