NADAC
EQUIPMENT SPECIFICATIONS
January 15, 2013
Guidelines for Agility Equipment
All
obstacles used in NADAC-sanctioned competitions must meet NADAC specifications.
Obstacles
must be constructed so as to be safe and reliable when used by the smallest or
the largest of dogs expected to train or compete on that equipment. Equipment
builders should always have safety as the primary concern when constructing
equipment.
Contact Obstacles
Contact obstacles should
always provide a non-slip surface that provides good traction for the dogs
without being so rough as to damage the dogs pads. Surfaces must be maintained
on a regular basis so that dogs will not slip when performing these obstacles.
Most
equipment builders have found that products such as Skid-Free, No-Skid, Skid-Tex,
Deck-Tec or other such products will provide a better traction surface than
using a large, coarse sand mixture. Most of these products, when mixed heavily
with paint, will provide a non-slip surface that also works well when wet.
Rubber
surfacing is highly recommended, but MUST be approved by NADAC.
All
contact zones must be have a clear line of demarcation 42 from the bottom of
the ramp.
This
may be done by painting the lower 42 with yellow paint or applying a minimum of a 1 white line at the 42 point on the
contact ramp.
Slats
are not allowed on the contact equipment.
The
following table lists the heights of each of the contact obstacles, along with
the widths and lengths of the ramps of each of those obstacles. Also listed is
the length of the contact zone for each obstacle.
|
|
Ramp
Length |
Ramp
Width |
Height |
Contact Zone |
|
A-frame |
8
or 9 |
3
to 4 |
48
for 8 ramps |
42
inches |
|
Dog
Walk |
116
to 12 |
11.25
to 12 |
46
to 50 |
42
inches |
Weave Poles:
Weave Poles shall be of rigid
construction, 24 from center to center.
The base of the weave poles shall be
no more than 1/2 in height and no more than 2 in width.
There shall be no rough or
protruding edges along the base of the weave poles, nor any bolts or nuts in an
area which a dog may step on while weaving. Consideration should be taken
for the many sizes of dogs which will be using the weave poles. The base should have a non-slip surface.
The weave poles shall be 41-48 in
height. The width of the poles shall be 1 outside diameter.
The supports (feet) should be offset
so that the dogs path never crosses over a support leg and are to be of
sufficient length (16-18) to support the poles without staking.
Weave poles must be free
standing. They are not allowed to be
staked.
Open
Tunnel:
The diameter (opening/exit) of the
open tunnel shall be approximately 24. The length shall be no less than 10
and no more than 20. Tunnels should be of a 4 pitch. Tunnels not in
good repair, those with holes, loose threads, or do not stay open with tunnel
holders (i.e. the openings collapse frequently and easily) should not be used
because they pose a safety hazard to the dogs.
Tunnel
Holders:
NADAC recommends saddle bag
type tunnel holders be used for all NADAC classes. Twenty pounds of sand or
three gallons of water in each bag has proven to be sufficient to hold tunnels
in place. If sand is used, it is recommended
that it be disbursed into individual zip lock baggies and then inserted into
the tunnel bag. Tunnel snugglers,
Omega holders, or holders with flat plates and straps are acceptable.
Bungee cords or chains are
not allowed. Metal cradle type tunnel holders are not allowed.
Non-Winged
Jumps:
All jumps are to be 4 to 5 wide
with uprights a minimum of 32 high and adjustable for the jump heights: 4,
8, 12, 16, and 20.
Bars must be easily displaceable,
and may be made of wood, plastic or PVC. There shall be a minimum diameter of
Ύ for jump bars. Jump supports may be constructed of any solid material.
Winged
Jumps:
The same specifications as above
apply, with the addition of side wings or other support standards. Wings should
be free of sharp or hazardous edges and shall be a minimum of 6 to 12 higher
than the highest jump height to be used.
Hoops:
Please refer to the NADACForum.com
under Media for pictures and descriptions of NADACs hoop design.
The
arch design is preferred. http://nadacforum.com/index.php?action=media;sa=album;in=4
Open Tunnel
The diameter
(opening/exit) of the open tunnel shall be approximately 24. The length shall
be no less than 10 and no more than 20. Tunnels should be of a 4 pitch.
Tunnels not in good repair, those with holes, loose threads, or do not stay
open with tunnel holders (i.e. the openings collapse frequently and easily)
should not be used because they pose a safety hazard to the dogs.
Tunnel Holders
NADAC
recommends saddle bag type tunnel holders be used for all NADAC classes. Twenty
pounds of sand or three gallons of water in each bag has proven to be
sufficient to hold tunnels in place. Tunnel snugglers, Omega holders, or
holders with flat plates and straps are acceptable.
Bungee cords or chains are not allowed. Metal cradle type tunnel
holders are not allowed.
Non-Winged Jumps
All jumps are to be 4 to 5 wide with uprights a minimum of 32
high and adjustable for the jump heights: 4, 8, 12, 16, and 20.
Bars must be
easily displaceable, and may be made of wood, plastic or PVC. There shall be a
minimum diameter of Ύ for jump bars. Jump supports may be constructed of any
solid material.
Winged Jumps
The same
specifications as above apply, with the addition of side wings or other support
standards. Wings should be free of sharp or
hazardous edges and shall be a minimum of 6 to 12 higher than the highest
jump height to be used.
One bar per
jump is required for all winged and non-winged jumps. (Two bars are to be used
if there is no cross bar/support between the uprights.)
Barrels:
Soft,
pop-up or rigid barrels may be used.
22-28
across and 24-42 high