2000
in Retrospect
Our
fourth year of operations resulted in consistent growth and new allegiances. Handler
participation increased by almost 30% and our disc dog registry has grown to over 230
dogs. We have new members in Mexico, Ecuador, Canada and Germany. IDDHA handlers and their
dogs were well received during their performances at the Pro Football Hall of Fame
Festival in Canton, Ohio, last July and the success of the 2000 IDDHA Freestyle
Championship in Del Mar, California, in September laid the foundation for our new
association with the MBNA Foxhall Cup equestrian event. This premier, three-star Olympic
qualifying event is home to the National Championship of Eventing and has been designated
as the official site of the 2001 IDDHA Canine Disc World Championships. The year 2000 was
the most successful year in the history of the IDDHA and set the stage for further growth
and participation in 2001.
Looking
Ahead
As the
IDDHA enters its fifth year, canine disc activity is at an all-time high. In addition to
the 2001 IDDHA Canine Disc World Championships scheduled for May 4-6 outside Atlanta,
there are currently more than a dozen contest organizers across the country running
competitions that range in character from free, entry-level events to sponsored, televised
invitationals. As a result, there will be more events in 2001 for handlers to attend and
compete in than ever before. This is a good thing. While the IDDHA has committed itself to
producing a world-class championship every year, the organization remains dedicated to its
original intentions - namely, to educate, inspire and assist all levels of individuals and
organizations interested in the growth of the Canine Disc sport. The IDDHA continues to
support all Canine Disc enthusiasts by promoting unified standards in the sport and
recognizing achievement through IDDHA testing, titling, ranking and records. These ideals
remain our primary focus.
The
Benefits of IDDHA Disc Dog Registration
In our
continuing effort to streamline the operations of the IDDHA, keep pace with the dynamic
nature of the sport and once again imitate other successful dog sports organizations such
as the USDAA and the NAFA, the IDDHA Board of Directors has chosen to offer a new method
of participating in IDDHA programs. With the publication of this newsletter, many IDDHA
membership privileges are now available by simply registering a dog with the IDDHA Disc
Dog Registry. Registration is valid for the life of the dog and is transferable. IDDHA
registered disc dogs are eligible for testing, titling, and ranking, as well as IDDHA
Championship registration. IDDHA Lifetime and Annual memberships remain available and
qualify handlers for IDDHA Judge Certification and IDDHA Representative status. Members
will also receive the quarterly newsletter, whereas disc dog registrants will not. To make
the transition smooth, all dogs registered over the last 4 years of IDDHA operations and
currently included in the IDDHA database will continue to be considered viable for
titling, ranking and/or championship registration regardless of whether a handler’s
membership is current or in arrears. Handlers will maintain their current IDDHA number,
but a decimal following the handler’s number will designate each dog. For instance,
if your IDDHA number is 162 and you have two dogs, one will be 162.01 and the other will
be 162.02. If you register a third dog, it will be designated 162.03, and so on. New dog
registrants will be designated a handler number along with a corresponding decimal for
their dog. The bylaws are being restated to reflect these changes, and handlers will have
the opportunity to review their records via the Internet by mid February. These new
changes will make the IDDHA more accessible and easily managed and, in turn, a more
effective organization.
