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June 2, 1998
State of the IDDHA
The following is a summary of the first two quarters of operations for the International Disc Dog Handlers' Association.
In a word - auspicious. The IDDHA now has members in over a dozen states from coast to coast as well as Canada. New clubs or chapters of the IDDHA are forming for the purpose of conducting IDDHA titling and testing and many members are becoming representatives with the intent of holding titling matches and offering testing to new members and other disc dog enthusiasts. The overall impact of the organization has been an increase in awareness and attention for the sport of Canine Disc.
The IDDHA has been well-received by the media. Articles have appeared in the May issue of Dog Fancy magazine and the Jan/Feb issue of the Australian Shepherd Journal. There is an announcement planned to appear in Dog World magazine and the IDDHA will be mentioned in an upcoming issue of the Wishbone Fan Club Newsletter. In addition, the IDDHA has established an internet link with AMBOR (The American Mixed Breed Obedience Registry).
From an organizational perspective, the IDDHA is ideally positioned to fulfill the requirements of a non-profit corporation. Using other animal/sport related associations as models - organizations such as the National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) - the IDDHA has committed itself to applying and satisfying the requirements for non-profit status. This is an arduous process and an ongoing project with a 15 month limit for application - needless to say, a lot of work. Updates will follow.
Fortunately, ALPO/AWE has recognized that coexistence with the IDDHA is possible and mutually beneficial. There have been numerous referrals to ALPO/AWE's annual contest due to the influx of new interest generated by the IDDHA's media exposure and website and many members have used their contest scores to garnish legs for their titles. Initially, there had been some concern that allegiances to ALPO/AWE might hinder participation in the titling and testing program or that membership in the IDDHA might effect the subjective bias of the ALPO/AWE judging. I am happy to report that there has been no evidence to support those misconceptions and that those concerns were completely unfounded and remain as such. Many IDDHA members continue to be loyal to ALPO/AWE, participate in any competition with impunity and still have fun titling their dogs.
To my knowledge, one of the most pleasant manifestations of the IDDHA has been the small, informal gatherings of members that have started to occur. With an IDDHA representative present and at least five dogs (member dogs or not) and a minimum of two handlers (one of which can be the representative), members can easily hold titling matches. This is a very informal type of competition and simple to organize. This gives friends (members or not) a chance to get together and compete without feeling like they need to beat each other or create a contest that requires a big production. We had a gathering like this last weekend outside Atlanta and it was very comfortable - noticeably unlike other disc dog contests held in GA in the past. Handlers put legs on a number of dogs and several new members were tested and received welcomed advice from other members on how to get to the next RPT level. There was a great feeling of camaraderie. In fact, we started out in the heat of the afternoon by tying the dogs out in the shade and playing a game of Ultimate with a fastback. This seemed an effective way to warm-up and had players on each side working as a team. After recovering, we conducted the RPT testing and from there, started the titling match. The titling went on until dark. Everyone had a super day and lots of handlers and their dogs went home winners.
The last issue I would like to address concerns the immediate future. Next year, the IDDHA will expand its titling and testing programs to include titling for freestyle, ranking and judge certification. Submission of proposals for augmenting and/or amending the IDDHA Standards and Guidelines are now being accepted from all sources; however, only the IDDHA membership will vote. Submission of proposals will be accepted until August 1, 1998. Proposals will be presented to the IDDHA membership in the third quarter newsletter and the results of the vote will be announced in the last newsletter of 1998. The principal incentive for handlers to join the IDDHA now is this vote and the developments that will follow. Members of the IDDHA, have the unique opportunity to take an active role in the future of Canine Disc - a role that goes beyond mere participation.
On a personal note, I'd like to thank all the disc dog enthusiasts that have joined the IDDHA. Your enthusiasm and dedication to the sport are what makes the IDDHA an association that can responsibly represent disc dog handlers everywhere.
Sincerely,
Greg Tresan, Director
IDDHA