Question 1

How are Tryouts being run?

Accepted Answer

Hosts across Canada will run a Tryout event like a regular trial with all dogs being scored for a Qualifier in whatever division (Regular/Special/Veteran) they normally run in. All of the courses will be designed & run under Masters rules but Qualifiers will be applied for each level (Starters/Advanced/Masters) the team normally competes in by the AAC record keeper. A-frame height & spreads will follow normal trial rules. Results will be sent off to AAC for title Qs & the NTMC for team applicant results to be plotted into our scoring spreadsheet to determine spots on the team.

Question 2

How are Tryouts being scored?

Accepted Answer

After the event is over applicant scores will be plotted into a spreadsheet where teams will start off with 100 points in both Standard & Jumpers to either gain time bonuses in a clean round or lose points based on faults & SCT time overage. SCT will be determined by the fastest time + 10% in each height across Canada not at each event. Gamblers & Snooker is strictly point accumulation with time bonuses for running under the set SCT. Snooker SCT is set at 55 seconds and Gamblers will be determined by the designing judge.

Question 3

Who is designing the courses?

Accepted Answer

Gary White from Blur of Fur fame has agreed to design all 4 courses and we are very excited to see what challenges he'll have for all of our Tryout applicants. If you want to know more about him or see some examples of his course designs check out his page here.

Question 4

How do Tryout runs count towards Qualifiers?

Accepted Answer

An SCT will be determined in advance based on a CRCD path tweaked for more natural lines. Dogs running clean under that SCT will be given a qualifier in whatever level they are currently running under.

Question 5

If I want to do a course twice, which course will count towards a qualifier/team spot?"

Accepted Answer

Only the first attempt on each course will be considered legitimate and thusly scored. Any attempts at a course after it has been scored are now FEO (if the Host allows) and count for nothing but practice.

Question 6

How can I check my results on the day of tryouts?

Accepted Answer

Just like Nationals, all competitors will have the opportunity to verify their individual results immediately after they run via carbon copies of their scribe sheets. If a competitor sees a discrepancy they must immediately notify the judge (within 2 dogs of running after the competitor). If the judge is notified more than 2 dogs after the competitor ran that competitor must accept what is written on the scribe sheet.

Question 7

Will results be posted in real time from the various events across Canada?

Accepted Answer

No, but once results have been submitted from the various HOSTS those results will be posted to the website. Tryout scoring will be posted relatively shortly after once applicants' scores have been entered into the Management's scoring spreadsheet.

Question 8

What bar lengths will be used at tryouts?

Accepted Answer

A combination of 4ft & 5ft depending on the how dog approaches a jump (slices/backsides/straight on/etc).

Question 9

How much time will be available for walk-throughs?

Accepted Answer

There will be a 10 minute walk-through before each course.

Question 10

Does my dog have to be measured?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All dogs will have to be measured even if they have been an a team already EXCEPT dogs jumping 24".

Question 11

Will previous medalists be used to fill team spots?

Accepted Answer

Only 2019 medalists that run at Tryouts will be looked at and only if needed.

Question 12

How will team spots be determined?

Accepted Answer

Overall winners at each height will be offered a spot on the team, followed by the 2nd place dog, then 3rd, and so on until spots are filled. If a team declines a spot the next team in the ranking will then be contacted. Handlers trying out with more than one dog in the same height will be given a single spot to the dog with the highest score if that dog earns a win on spot. Handlers cannot swap a chosen dog with another of theirs. Handlers with multiple dogs can only earn one spot per height as per IFCS rules.

Question 13

Can a person run using the senior/disabled handicap and still tryout for the team?

Accepted Answer

There will be no senior/disabled handicap help for a world team spot but if they want to run just for qualifiers then they can certainly use it.

Question 14

If I want to apply what height does my dog have to jump?

Accepted Answer

All teams applying for a spot on the team must compete at their IFCS height. IFCS heights are determined as such: TOY – 30cm / 11.81" & under will jump 12" MINI – 40 cm / 15.75" & under will jump 16" MIDI – 50 cm / 19.69" & under will jump 20" MAXI – no restrictions on height to jump 24"

Question 15

When do applications need to be submitted for a team spot?

Accepted Answer

All applications have to be received by the NTMC no later than 11:59 pm MST on December 31. Even if tryouts are pushed back due to COVID the intent form deadline will NOT change.

Question 16

Is sending in my deposit without the form good enough to show my intent?

Accepted Answer

No. If the intent form is not received at the national team email address regardless if a deposit has been submitted then that applicant will not be considered for the team.

Question 17

I've sent my intent form to my Regional Director/AAC Board member/etc by accident. Is that good enough?

Accepted Answer

No. Intent forms sent anywhere but to nationalteam@aac.ca are considered null & void

Question 18

If I don't earn a team spot will my deposit be refunded?

Accepted Answer

Yes, as already stated on the Tryout process document, the deposit will be returned except for the $50 nonrefundable admin fee that will be put towards the Team's fundraising efforts.

Question 19

If Tryouts in my area are cancelled due to COVID will I get a full refund on my application deposit?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Any applicant unable to compete at Tryouts due to any COVID related reasons will get a full refund on their deposit.

Question 20

How many teams will be going to IFCS?

Accepted Answer

We have set the minimum amount to 24 with the option to send 30 and will reassess the number the closer we get to Tryouts. With so many unknown factors involving COVID, & an extremely shorter window to fundraise, it will be a fluid decision as January rolls in.

Question 21

I was part of the 2019-2020 team that was cancelled due to COVID. If I make the team again do I still have to fundraise or will the money I already raised go towards my portion of fundraising efforts?

Accepted Answer

Money raised for the 2019-2020 team has stayed in the team's account and will not be carried over as an individual fundraising effort if you make the team again. Everyone starts over with a blank slate. Since there is a surplus in the pot for the 2022 team, the hope is that the amount of money each person has to raise will be much lower than in previous years.

Question 22

What happens if COVID restrictions suddenly change?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, with these uncertain times of COVID and the short window to get a team together, there is not much the NTMC can do. If one province gets locked down the tryout applicants have other events to go to if they so choose. We hope the other hosts would show good sportsmanship and allow those team applicants mast minute spots in their event if such an issue arises.

Question 23

My dog's tail is docked; can I still compete at IFCS?

Accepted Answer

As per Dutch law; "Dogs with docked tails are currently only permitted to enter shows in the Netherlands if this took place for medical reasons. There are no entry restrictions for dogs with docked tails coming from countries where tail docking is currently allowed." Since Canada still allows docking Team members with docked tail dogs will be able to compete at IFCS for 2022.

Question 24

My dog's ears are cropped; can I still compete at IFCS?

Accepted Answer

No. As per Dutch law; "Dogs with cropped ears are not permitted to enter shows in the Netherlands regardless of their country of origin."