Question: “Do teams have to meet a minimum score to qualify for a trophy at M.A.D. events?”
Answer: The Maine Association of Dogsports remains committed to raising the bar in environmental personal protection sports and obedience. In the past, a few teams have placed (1st, 2nd 3rd) at our tournaments with extremely low scores. In the interest of raising the bar for everyone we do not wish to reward teams for extremely low scores. We would also like to have personal protection, obedience and environmental training goals a bit more challenging. As a result a certain percentage of total points must be attained by a team in order to qualify for a trophy at the two M.A.D. personal protection tournaments The M.A.D. Summer Challenge and the NITE BITE. These percentages are as follows.
In novice level 60% of available points to qualify for a trophy.
In intermediate level 70% of available points to qualify for a trophy.
In advanced level 80% of all available points to qualify for a trophy.
As a result of these qualifying minimum basic percentages a team can place first and still not receive a trophy. If this is the case the first place and or second place and or third place recipients will receive a certificate of placement suitable for framing.
Question: “Are there any limitations on entering a certain level at a M.A.D. tournament?”
Answer:
The only rule on limitation is in the novice level. Novice level is for novice dogs. Dogs (not handlers) that have titled or placed (1st, 2nd, or 3rd) in another personal protection competition are NOT eligible for novice level. Titles include but are not limited to Brevet, SchH B or BH, BST’s from any organization that includes bite work in their BST or any personal protection trial or tournament including but not limited to a M.A.D. personal protection tournament or event. Experienced handlers can enter a novice dog if the dog meets the eligibility requirements listed above.
We maintain a list of dogs that have placed at M.A.D. tournaments and continue to update it after each tournament. We also ask that handlers use the honor system when registering for novice level.
The Maine Association of Dogsports reserves the right to dismiss dogs and or handlers from the field at any time if either presents a risk to the well being of any other human, animal or dog in attendance. Other grounds for dismissal include but are not limited to unhealthy dogs (kennel cough, non vaccinated, injured etc.) and handlers can be dismissed for disrespect of judges, decoys, spectators or poor sportsmanship.
Question: “Can I bring and use my own decoy/helper or hire a decoy/helper to work my dog durring a M.A.D. competition or event?”
Answer: No. In the past we have allowed “personal decoys” in the challenge section of the M.A.D. Summer Challenge. We have decided to discontinue this practice. The decoys selected for the M.A.D. Summer Challenge are safe and qualified to accomplish the scenarios or challenges asked of them. In the interest of providing an even competition level competitors will use M.A.D. decoys.
However during an “open field” at a M.A.D. personal protection event handlers may certainly use their own decoys, training directors and equipment as they see fit, as long as the training is non-abusive and appropriate.
We also make every effort to use non club decoys on club members during a M.A.D. event. Meaning if a M.A.D. club member is participating in a trial, every effort would be made to use a non-M.A.D. decoy the tournament. We also make every effort to do the same if an outside club has a decoy helping us during the tournament. We say “every effort” because it is not always possible with the complexity of scenarios and the scarcity of decoys available.
THANK YOU!
We continue to appreciate all the interest and support in our events. If you have any questions or constructive comments please feel free to post them on our M.A.D. message board. (CLICK HERE FOR M.A.D. message board.)
Thanks in advance and see you at the next tournament.
Safe training,
Chris Fraize
M.A.D President /Training Director
