Rally: News and Updates

May 2023

Pilot Program for Three-Legged (Tripod) Dogs in Non-Jumping Rally and Obedience Classes

An 18-month pilot program, allowing tripod dogs to participate in the non-jumping obedience and rally classes, was approved by the AKC Board of Directors, beginning July 1, 2023, and ending December 31, 2024. The sport specific regulation language in Chapter 1, Section 17 will be amended to read: Dogs disfigured as the result of accident, injury, or illness are eligible to compete provided the disfigurement does not interfere with functional movement. A dog that shows no signs of physical discomfort is to be considered fit to compete. The judge must excuse a dog as “unfit to compete” if the dog demonstrates sickness, discomfort, or pain while performing.

Here is the link to the regulation insert: http://images.akc.org/pdf/AKC1193_ROR001_1217_WEB.pdf

May 2023

Obedience & Rally Event Site Approval Process

Obedience & Rally Trial

Site Requirements
It is the responsibility of the event-giving club to provide a site that will accommodate the ring requirements as specified in the sport specific regulations. This includes minimum/maximum ring sizes and general ring conditions. (See 4-32)

In addition, the building must be ADA compliant, provide sufficient parking and restrooms for the number of anticipated exhibitors. The club must be aware of inclement weather conditions, and ensure water is available on site and provide appropriate safe crating areas for the dogs.

Performance rings should be as free as possible of any obstructions such as columns and/or poles. If there are any unusual conditions, it is strongly recommended this information be published in the premium list.

(See 10-74 – Updated 5/2023)

February 13, 2023

Management of Dogs Attempting to Leave the Ring While Being Judged – Obedience and Rally

The Board VOTED to modify the Obedience & Rally Regulations to provide instructions to judges and stewards on how to manage a dog that leaves its handler and attempts to leave the ring while competing.

A judge will instruct the stewards not to reach for or grab a dog to stop it, but if the dog is not responding to its handler’s commands, the judge may advise the stewards to attempt to block the dog from leaving if it is safe to do so. The dog will then be released from the ring.

Effective June 29, 2023

Rally Choice – New Rally Class

At the November meeting, the Board of Directors voted to modify the AKC Rally® Regulations to allow the addition of a new optional titling class named Rally Choice.
Clubs may start to apply for events with this new class on April 2, 2023, for events held on or after June 29, 2023.

https://akcobedrlyjudges.wordpress.com/2022/11/17/rally-choice-new-rally-class-effective-june-29-2023/

August 2022

At the August 2022 meeting, the Board voted to make the following COVID provisions permanent:

Qualifying Scores for Obedience & Rally Titles:

• In all Obedience and Rally classes that require three qualifying scores to earn a title, the three scores may be earned under the same judge.

Assignment Limitations:

• There are no mileage restrictions for judging Obedience or Rally trials.
• There are no restrictions on the number of times an individual can judge a class at Obedience or Rally trials in a cluster.