LOOK OUT 1999!

Wow! What a year 1998 was! As we approach the millenium, the IDDHA has grown beyond the boundaries of the United States and continues to gain interest around the world. For example, Brazil’s largest pet magazine will contain a feature article about Canine Disc discussing the IDDHA and its programs. This is the kind of interest we are perpetuating and we are exceeding all expectations. Look out 1999!

HAVE YOUR CAKE AND EAT IT TOO

"What can the IDDHA do for me?" We hear this question often. There are many answers. But the most provocative response requires a clear conception of what the IDDHA really is. Is it a contest organizer? No. Is it a sponsor? No. Is it a registry for disc dogs? No. The IDDHA is an organization dedicated to representing the handlers of the sport. More exactly, its an agreement among handlers to work together, compete and cooperate within a framework we define as the sport of Canine Disc. You and what you do with your dog are the sport and, in essence, the IDDHA is you. The members are our greatest benefit.

The question that needs to be asked is "what can I do for myself?" And, the answer is that with a little creativity, some elbow grease, and help from the IDDHA you can accomplish a great deal. You don’t have to wait for an event to come to you. Take the initiative and grow your own event. Many members are creating new clubs, competitions, organizing clinics and playdays all using elements of the IDDHA Standards and Guidelines. They are doing it to enrich their own environment for enjoying the sport. Yes, you can have your cake and eat it too.

To shamelessly paraphrase JFK and adopt his sentiment for our organization, "Ask not what the IDDHA can do for you, but rather what you can do for the IDDHA." Submit proposals for the 1999 IDDHA Ballot, vote, be an event organizer in your community and, in turn, you will be doing something for yourself, the dogs and the sport that you enjoy so much together.

WE ARE HERE TO STAY

Most people that contact us (media, handlers and those simply interested in watching events) are genuinely relieved that the IDDHA is not spouting key phrases, slogans and propaganda for a large corporation. While we recognize the necessity for financial assistance in producing competitions and will continue to encourage widespread sponsorship of Canine Disc events, the IDDHA remains determined to maintain its independence and stay membership supported. As members of the IDDHA, you can all be proud of contributing to the growth of the sport and all its positive benefits. You can also be proud of the fact that this organization does not need corporate support. We are membership driven and we are here to stay.

Although the IDDHA depends on the membership for financial resources, with the current rate at which new members are joining, the organization can sustain itself indefinitely. As you know funds are generated through membership dues, titling and ranking fees. New handlers joining the organization and existing members participating in the titling and ranking programs maintain the cash flow that supports the IDDHA’s relatively low operating costs. The majority of the membership dues and titling fees collected in 1998 have been saved and allocated for incorporation and filing expenses for the IDDHA’s non-profit status. We have enough capital for the endeavors requiring legal and professional assistance and because the membership base continues to grow and new avenues for generating funds are continually being created, the IDDHA will thrive and increase benefits for the membership.

With an eye toward economy we will be moving the IDDHA website, which has been hosted by Mindspring at a cost of $49.95 a month, to a server maintained by IDDHA Advisory Board Member Andrew Mouser. Andrew has generously offered to host the website at no charge which will alleviate this monthly expense. Thanks Andrew!

DO WE NEED INSURANCE?

In this day and age, litigation in regard to personal injury, liability and property damage threatens any person who has a dog. As disc dog handlers we are dealing with two of societies most sensitive subjects in regard to canines and the law - namely, dogs that are off leash and dogs that are biting things (hopefully, just discs). For this reason, we highly recommend that any group that organizes events in any capacity secure liability insurance. Many of the clubs carry policies and with similar intent, the IDDHA has decided to purchase an insurance policy which will cover liability of any event (demonstration, competition, clinic, etc.) that is held on behalf of or sanctioned by the IDDHA. This is not to say that contest organizers will not need their own insurance but IDDHA members unaffiliated with a club will be able to use the IDDHA’s policy when they hold an IDDHA event whether its a clinic, demonstration or competition. More details to come when the policy is in place.

THE VOTES ARE IN

The first IDDHA Ballot was a huge success; over 80% of the ballots were returned. All of the proposals passed with between 90 to 100% approval. We can all look forward to many positive developments during the 1999 Disc Dog Season. The IDDHA has defined clear objectives for the future of Canine Disc as an organized sport. Many of the programs that we have set out to develop will take time and work to bring to fruition. I appeal to your patience and sense of cooperation to create a thriving atmosphere for Canine Disc competition.

Starting with the first competitions of the 1999 Disc Dog season, IDDHA members will be able to obtain ranking points for both Throw and Catch and Freestyle type competitions. Including the BDD, the IDDHA now offers four titles and a Master RPT Rating. In addition, a letter has been drafted to send to IDDHA member Jeff Hoot, the organizer of the Quadruped, to recognize our petition and allow for IDDHA Canine Disc Distance record attempts in his contest.

The development of the IDDHA Judge Certification Program is in full swing. The program will include both written and practical tests. The written test will be relatively easy to assemble and distribute. The practical test, also under development, poses more of a challenge. The practical test will entail scoring sample routines from a video and sending the scores in for verification of accuracy along with the written test. Although several handlers have donated video-taped routines for this project, we need additional tapes to give prospective judges well-rounded experience judging freestyle competitions. Teams are encouraged to send in their video-taped routines to be considered for inclusion in the IDDHA Judge Certification tape. Send tapes to the IDDHA headquarters as soon as possible. The parameters for submissions to the IDDHA Judge Certification Tape are:

Freestyle routines have a maximum duration of three minutes and a minimum of 90 seconds. Any number of any discs can be utilized. Routines must be video taped (VHS) from beginning to end and the tape must be submitted unedited. Music is required but production quality is not important. Filming should be accomplished at the widest angle necessary to keep the dog and handler in frame and clearly visible whenever possible. The camera should be positioned no higher than 6’ above ground level, on the sideline mid-point of a field approximately 60 x 40 yards. Handlers are required to submit a written, sequential list and brief description of all maneuvers performed in their routine along with the video tape. The deadline for submissions is February 1, 1999 with distribution of the tape being scheduled for the beginning of March.

Not only will this compilation be an excellent practice tape for potential judges, it will be a great resource for handlers. We can all learn from each other and the IDDHA is genuinely interested in fostering an atmosphere that encourages handlers to share their knowledge and help grow the sport.

Once the IDDHA Judge Certification Program is in place we will begin qualifying judges all over the world. This will make IDDHA Freestyle Ranking a reality. The purpose of ranking is two-fold. First, it is an effort to create a scale of competitive status that is representative of Canine Disc performance on an international basis. Secondly, it is the only way to involve teams that are prevented from travelling by either geographical barriers or financial limitations. With universal judging criteria and judge certification we can be reasonably certain that teams all over the world will be judged in relative equanimity.

LET’S PLAY MORE!

In conclusion, I’d like to appeal to all of the IDDHA representatives, now in over 20 states and Canada, to organize competitions, clinics and demonstrations during the 1999 Disc Dog season. Act locally and think globally! Even though many of you may not consider yourselves experienced handlers, you are uniquely qualified to host and organize events because of your enthusiasm, commitment to the sport, and your support from the IDDHA. You can do it at any level you choose. It doesn’t take much effort to hold a sanctioned titling event (a minimum of five dogs, two handlers and an IDDHA rep). You have the choice of being as informal as you want or producing a full-blown sponsored freestyle event. This kind of participation is what will truly grow the sport on a local basis. If you need support and input don’t hesitate to contact me or any of the other IDDHA Advisory Board Members.

The 1999 Disc Dog season is right on top of us so make sure you renew your membership to qualify for novice and freestyle ranking. This is a great time to be involved in such an exciting sport. As IDDHA members, you are on the cutting edge of Canine Disc. Please use the enclosed application form for your renewal.