Explanation of AKC Agility Equipment Changes Effective 09-01-06
The following is a brief explanation of AKC Agility equipment changes that will be effective in the AKC Regulations for Agility Trials on September 1, 2006.
- The chute's overall length is now 12 feet long including the barrel. The exit of the fabric chute is still 96" circumference. The entrance of the chute must be a solid material on top and bottom.
- The up contact on the dogwalk will be 45 inches, an increase of three inches. The eight foot dogwalk is no longer legal.
- Contacts zones should be painted on the side of the boards (for A-Frame, Dogwalk and Teeter) to aid in judging the dog's performance.
- Slats are no longer allowed on the seesaw.
- Contacts may be made of a wood or fabricated material that can be properly surfaced.
- Table is recommended to be painted a light color.
- Tunnels are recommended to have 4" rib spacing.
- All jumps need 26" jump cups.
- Jump bars shall be schedule 40 or furniture grade PVC.
- Clubs must supply 50% wing jumps on the course (50% of the jumps on a course must have wings, not including tire & broad jumps).
- Double & Triple Jumps MUST have 5 foot bars on them.
- The panel jump to comply with the 26 inch jump height, can have a jump bar placed at the 26 inch height and the rest of the jump consists of solid panels.
- The triple bar jump to comply with the 26 inch jump height will only need the top bar set at the 26 inch height and the lower two bars set where they would be for the 24 inch height.
- The double bar jump to comply will need to have the two top bars set at 26 inches with the distance between the two bars being 12 inches to 13 inches on center. Please remember to check and make sure the 24 inch height bars are still displaceable with the addition of the 26 inch jump cup. While an 1¾ inch diameter bar may be legal, the 26 inch jump cup may not allow the bar when set at the 24 inch jump height to be easily displaced, thus a smaller diameter bar will be required (minimum diameter for bars is 1¼ inches).
- The tire jump will also need to be able to be set at the 26 inch height.
- The height of the weave poles are now 40 inches, the diameter is 1 to 1¼ inches.
- Weave Poles must have a non-slip surface on the center base. It is not required on the base supports since they are out of the dog's path.
Weave Poles: Below is an example of the style of weave poles that would be acceptable. Weave poles are not required to have a support at each pole.
The drawings below are sets of 12 weave poles with braces. Braces located on the right-hand side would only be located on even number poles (2, 6, 8, 12). Braces on the left-hand side would only be located on odd number poles (1, 5, 7, 11). This way the dog should never have to step over or on a brace while weaving.
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Bar Set in Cup: Cups must be of a construction to allow displacement - all jumps will require the addition of the 26" jump cup. See example below. Dog Walk Contact Zone: The contact zone may be a striped line set at 45" on each side of the plank on the dog walk. The slats on the ascending side ramp may be within 4 inches of the top of the contact zone. You may also use solid paint of the same color (yellow) or a contrasting color clearly visible to a judge. See example below.  |
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Closed Tunnel: The length of the closed tunnel (or chute) effective Sept. 1, 2006 will be 12' overall (including the length of the rigid entrance). This changes from the overall length of 12' to 15' that is currently required. The opening at the end of the chute is 96" but is subject to the 4% tolerance. It is highly recommended that the 96" opening is maintained for large breeds. |
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