Posted: Mon Jul 25, 2011 11:04 am Post subject: Can someone explain the Grade's to me please?
Being new to all of this I'm eager to learn more about how things work in the competition side of things.
After yesterday's agility lesson, I was told the courses we'd been doing were grade 2/3 and that as Mole was fine with these we'd be ok to compete at Grade 1 if we wanted to.
I don't really want to compete this year, but could well be up for having a go next year, so basically I'm after some more information about how it all works
The above link is great starter info, heres a bit more explanation on the grades
New handlers and dogs start off in Grade 1 to move up a grade you have to either win 1 agility class or 3 jumping classes or gain 75 points all of these must be on clear rounds only in an open show and not in 'special' classes. Once you have won out of grade 1 you can't go back even if you have a new dog. If you have two dogs and one wins out both dogs move out of grade 1.
Grade 2 is the same 1 agility win or 3 jumping wins or 75 points. Once you have won out of grade 2 you can never return.
Grade 3 changes slightly same rules for winning out 1 agility win or 3 jumping wins or 75 points but this is where you'd start off with a new dog if you reached a higher grade with another dog. Both dogs would then progress from grade 3 on their own merit.
Grade 4 same rules for winning out 1 agility win or 3 jumping wins or 75 points
Grade 5 slight change again to win out you 1 agility win or 3 jumping wins there is no option to progress on points
Grade 6 needs 4 wins 2 of which much be agility
Something which can also complicate matters is if you run someone elses dog or they run yours as if you or they win it can effect your own and you dogs grade.
Totally agree about the addiction we started off doing a few classes for 'fun' we now camp and complete at least two weekends a month (normally in the pouring rain!!), drive around the country setting off at stupid o clock, I ran a club for two years and now run a competition class. All for the odd trophy and rossie, catch up with fab friends, watch some fantastic dogs runs, its the best fun Ive had
Glad it makes more sense can be a bit of a mine field when you are first starting out but you get used to it in no time at all
Yes can be a bit tricky find shows locally we luckily have a venue which is used a few time a year about 30 mins away all the rest are at least 1hr 30 - 2hrs away hence where the camping comings in
As another newbie checking out schedules it does seem that a lot of the shows run their classes with Grades 1-3 combined. I assume that the courses then are quite a lot harder than a separate Grade 1 class?
I have no Grade experience at all cos we don't do any KC shows, my only knowledge is how grades can be used to enter BAA shows:
Quote:
For dogs new to BAA please enter level as follows:
All dogs AND handlers new to agility should enter as INTRODUCTORY.
Handlers with new dogs that have never competed at Novice or above should enter their new dogs as INTRODUCTORY.
For handlers that have competed at Novice or above, their new dogs should enter as PRIMARY.
Dogs/handlers that compete under other organisations are required to make INITIAL entry to BAA shows at the appropriate level as follows:
Dogs which currently compete in Grade 4 or above (KC) by virtue of handlers wins with another dog may enter at one level below – PRIMARY.
For dogs not jumping their regulation BAA jump height they can be entered in either:
Pawsability - for dogs of any age that for whatever reason are not able to jump at their designated jump height as specified in height definitions. Choice of jump height 9, 13.75 or 17.75ins. No dog in this class will be permitted to jump over 17.75ins. This category is designed for young dogs just starting their agility careers and also for dogs that are returning to agility after a layoff from illness/injury. Dogs can enter this class at any time and when ready, return to their appropriate ability level & jump height. It also gives opportunity for veteran dogs to enter at lower height before fully committing to veteran classes.
NB: where Pawsability classes are not available competitors may enter NFC in other appropriate levels.
Or alternatively:
Veteran – for dogs of 7 years of age and over. Choice of jump height 9, 13.75 or 17.75ins. No veteran dog will be permitted to jump higher than 17.75ins. Once a dog enters BAA Veteran it will be expected to remain there for the remainder of its agility career and will not be permitted in future shows at Introductory, Primary, Novice, Graduate or Masters.
BAA are having more and more clubs over your side of the country put on shows... don't know how close they might be to you though:
http://www.baa.uk.net/shows.html
Come to the August Wymondham one the weekend after next! We're camping and Lizzie and Bamber are competing for the first time Mini LF GT at agility - yay!!!
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