The purpose of these guidelines is to ensure that practice sessions run smoothly, and are a productive and enjoyable time for everyone present.
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Who qualifies for practice? In order to participate in the RAT practices you must meet the following criteria:
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1. Be a RAT member AND… |
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2. Meet one of the following requirements if training with RAT: |
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- The dog being worked has successfully completed a minimum of 8 weeks of classes at level II and has written approval from their instructor.
- The dog being worked is registered in a Level III class or higher.
- Have a written recommendation from your agility instructor and approval from the training director.
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OR Meet one of the following requirements if NOT training with RAT: |
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- The dog being worked has earned at least one qualifying score in Regular Titling at the Novice Level or above in a sanctioned agility trial.
- Be a handler who has put a minimum of an Elite/Masters/Excellent title on a dog that you have trained.
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The PIC or Person in Charge of RAT practice
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One person will be in charge of any given practice session. This person is responsible for providing a course or drills to be worked on for that session as well as running the practice.
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Responsibilities of the PIC:
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1.
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Ensure that all guidelines are followed.
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2.
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Make sure equipment is properly and safely set up and put away.
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3.
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Set the amount of time per run.
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4.
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Notify the practice coordinator and facility owner at least 5 days in advance of the practice. In the case of the Kent facility, be sure it is posted in the arena. The Redmond facility is rented well in advance-contact the Redmond site coordinator.
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5.
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Collect any fees.
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6.
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Be there early and open any gates or trailers.
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7.
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Determine what time and day the practice is to be held. Traditionally Kent practices are held on Saturday mornings, however they may vary if the facility is available at other times and days. The Redmond facility currently holds practice on evenings when classes are not available and scheduled.
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Eligibility requirements to be a PIC
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The PIC (person in charge) must meet ONE of the following requirements:
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1.
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Be competing at the Masters/Elite or Excellent level at agility trials.
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2.
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Be a RAT instructor.
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3.
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Be approved by the practice committee.
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Guidelines/Rules for Handlers and Dogs at Practice
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1.
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All members are required to be at practice to set up and tear down the equipment.
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2.
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Every dog attending practice is required to be supervised at all times. The dog may be in an x-pen, crated, leashed or physically restrained in some manner.
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3.
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Members will be expected to pay late fees if arriving late to practice or leaving early. Members will be expected to stay and tear down the equipment and not leave early. Late fees are discussed in further detail under "Late Fees" below.
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Each handler/team is allowed to run up to two dogs. A person wanting to run more than two dogs may run two for one turn and then a different pair on the next turn.
Example: On the first turn handler A runs dogs B and C. On the next turn handler A may run dogs B and D.
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Practice Organization
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1.
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Members will add their dog’s names to the sign up board.
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2.
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Running order will be by jump height.
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3.
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It will be expected that the next handler team will be on "deck" and ready to run when it is their turn.
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4.
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The clock will start when the previous team leaves the course or a jump height change has been completed.
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5.
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Help is always offered, but please ask in advance if you want assistance, i.e. targets, judges, stewards etc.
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6.
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All members are expected to help set courses, change bars, straighten chutes etc.
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Guest Policy
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Late Fees Policy
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1.
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It is up to the participants to know in advance what time practice begins. Information on practices can be obtained by calling the RAT Practice Hotline. The practice begins at the time posted, starting with the set up of equipment. If someone arrives late, but in plenty of time to help with most of the set up, they are not considered late nor assessed a late fee. |
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2.
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If a member doesn’t help with setting up the equipment whether or not they are late or they leave early, they are expected to pay a $2.50 fee for the first occurrence. The PIC will also place that person’s name on a "late list" which will be kept at the training sites. |
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3.
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If a member arrives late or leaves early a 2nd time within the same calendar year, they are assessed another late fee of $2.50, and their name again placed on the "late list". |
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4.
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With in a calendar year if a member arrives late or leaves early a 3rd time they will not be allowed to participate in that practice, nor for the next 2 practices at that site. |
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Exceptions to the "late" policy include emergencies, illness etc. This policy should be enforced using "common" sense decisions by the PIC. A common sense approach to these guidelines by the PIC is encouraged. |
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