The Royal Kennel Club has approved the following changes to the regulations for Agility.
The below amendment to the regulation allows for dogs of 12 weeks and over to enter Agility shows as Not for Competition.
Amendment to dog age regulation
Regulation H4.e
TO:
- Only dogs of 18 calendar months of age and over on the day of competition are eligible for competition at Royal Kennel Club licensed agility shows. However, societies may accept Not for Competition entries at their discretion. Dogs four months and over are eligible to enter Not For Competition. Dogs 12 weeks and over are eligible to enter Not for Competition.
(Effective 1 January 2025)
The following amendments (and additional annex) update the use of the term ‘competition manager’ to ‘show manager’ and define this role, due to agility having shows rather than competitions.
Amendment to Regulation H9.c.(1)
TO:
On the front cover or title page, the name of the society, the type, venue and date of the Show as described on the licence and any additional title for which prior permission has been given by the Board of the Royal Kennel Club; the secretary’s name, a contact address and telephone number and the name of the competition show manager, and the date of closing of entries.
(Deletion struck through. Insertion in bold.)
(Effective 1 January 2025)
Amendment to Regulation H24
TO:
In the absence of any agreement to the contrary, the liability of the sponsor(s) for any class or classes at an agility show shall be limited to making good any deficiency between entry fees received and any prize money paid out. The competition show manager must intimate the amount of sponsorship due within one calendar month of the close of the competition and the sponsor(s) must pay this amount within 14 days of receipt of such notice. If the sponsorship is not paid within the specified time the competition show manager must report the matter to the Royal Kennel Club.
(Deletion struck through. Insertion in bold.)
(Effective 1 January 2025)
Amendment to Regulation H(1)5.a.
TO:
- Marked running orders Championship Class – The show society must publish a marked running order containing the following:-
- On the front outside cover or title page, the name of the society, the type, venue and date of the show as described on the licence and any additional title for which prior permission has been given by the Board of the Royal Kennel Club; the secretary’s name, a contact address and telephone number and the name of the competition show
(Deletion struck through. Insertion in bold.)
(Effective 1 January 2025)
Amendment to Regulation H(1)10.e
TO:
- The society shall appoint a Show Manager whose name must be announced in the schedule, and who The competition manager must not enter for competition a dog which is recorded in their ownership or part ownership or work a dog at the agility show.
The person appointed must be aware of their responsibilities as laid out in the Instructions as to the Duties of Agility Show Managers Annex.
(Deletion struck through. Insertion in bold.)
(Effective 1 January 2025)
Amendment to Regulation H(1)(A)4.
TO:
- Standard classes may be scheduled for agility shows, as agility classes or jumping classes. All standard classes must contain the weaving poles obstacle. Standard agility classes must contain the following elements: ‘A Frame’, Dog Walk and See-Saw. In the event of mitigating circumstances (i.e. adverse weather conditions) at a show a Judge, with the full agreement of the competition show manager, may omit any item of compulsory equipment as deemed appropriate at the time. Any omission from the equipment must be reported by the show management to the Royal Kennel Club within 14 days of the date of the show. With this proviso classes are defined as follows:
(Deletion struck through. Insertion in bold.)
(Effective 1 January 2025)
Amendment to Regulation H(1)(B)1.a.(2)(iv)
TO:
(iv) In the event of extreme adverse weather conditions at a show a judge, with the full agreement of the Competition Show Manager, may omit any compulsory equipment as deemed appropriate at the time. Any omission to the equipment must be reported by the show management to the Royal Kennel Club within 14 days of the date of the show.
(Deletion struck through. Insertion in bold.)
(Effective 1 January 2025)
New Annex H(1)(E)
TO:
INSTRUCTIONS AS TO THE DUTIES OF AGILITY SHOW MANAGERS
- Experiences and Qualifications
The Show Manager should have a sound knowledge of the Royal Kennel Club Rules and H Regulations.
- Responsibilities
- To ensure that competitors and judges abide by the Royal Kennel Club Rules and H Regulations.
- To act as decision maker in all matters relating to the Royal Kennel Club Rules and H Regulations for the duration of the show.
- To fully document all decisions and actions taken in relation to the H Regulations in the show’s Royal Kennel Club Incident Book.
- To support the show management team in the smooth running of the show.
- Duties
- In the event of extreme adverse weather conditions at a show a judge, with the full agreement of the Show Manager, may omit any compulsory equipment as deemed appropriate at the time. Any alterations must be recorded in the show’s Royal Kennel Club Incident Book and be reported, by the show management, to the Royal Kennel Club within 14 days of the date of the show.
- Should a judge be prevented from completing a class which has already started, the Show Manager shall decide what action is to be taken. Guidance is covered in the Code of Best Practice for Agility Judges and Stewards.
- The Show Manager in conjunction with the show management must act to remove a dog from the show under the conditions of the Removal of Dogs from Competition Regulation.
- If there are any concerns over the suitability of a course the Show Manager must consult with the relevant judge, and if available Accredited Trainers, and agree the proposed course of action
- Any complaints or matters arising at the show should be referred, in the first instance to the Show Manager, who may consult with other members of the show management before taking appropriate action. All incidents, even if they are resolved on the day of the show, must be recorded in the Royal Kennel Club Incident Book and be reported, by the show management, to the Royal Kennel Club within 14 days of the date of the show.
(Insertion in bold.)
(Effective 1 January 2025)
The amendment below was made to ensure that bitches in season are removed from the competition area as quickly as possible following their run.
Bitches in season at agility shows
Regulation H13.a
TO:
A bitch which is in season is allowed to attend a show providing it is kept away from the competition areas. (eExcept those dogs that are attending the show to compete in quarter-finals, semi-finals and finals of Royal Kennel Club Prestige Events, other than events held under YKC rules), who are allowed to compete in these classes only. Qualified handlers are asked to remove their dog from the competition area as soon as they have competed in the Prestige Event.
(Insertion in bold. Deletion struck through)
(Effective 1 January 2025)
The following regulation amendment has been made to allow those judging/competing during a show at which a special event is being held, to then compete/judge at the special event when it is held after the show has closed.
Special Event Clarification
Regulation H(1)4.
TO:
Societies are required to apply for permission to hold Special Events –
Applications should be submitted to the Royal Kennel Club by email at least six weeks before the start of any qualifying heats for the event.
Special Events are designated as any activity-related event which cannot be included on the schedule of a normally licensed show/trial/competition due to being invitational and therefore not open to all competitors, or which are not being held at a licensed show. Where competitors qualify for a final via heats held at that and other shows/trials/competitions, special event permission must be sought for the final whether it is held in conjunction with a licensed show/trial/competition or as a separate standalone event. This would not apply where all of the heats are held at the same show/trial/competition at which the final is held.
The regulations relating to the disqualification and forfeit of awards will apply to these events, except that a person may judge/compete at the show at which the Special Event is held and compete/judge at the Special Event, provided it is taking place once the main show/trial/competition has closed.
(Insertion in bold.)
(Effective 1 January 2025)
In addition to the above regulation change, the below regulation was also changed to a similar effect, where qualifiers for a final are held at the same show but on a different day. In this situation a competitor may qualify for a final on a day they have agreed to judge.
Regulation H28.a.(7)
TO:
A dog may be disqualified by the Board from any award whether an objection has been lodged or note, if proved amongst other thing to have been:
(7) Judged by their registered owner or handled in the ring by a judge at that competition. This shall not apply to dogs owned by a judge appointed in an emergency, or where a judge has been appointed to judge on the day of a semi-final / final but has qualified for that semi-final / final. The qualifiers must have been held on a different day to the final at the same show and the semi-final / final must be held after the show has closed.
(Insertion in bold)
(Effective 1 January 2025)
The following regulations relate to when an appeal may be permitted, and to provide further clarity when handler information may be required.
Regulation H29
TO:
Penalties
The Board shall have power to impose any of the following penalties upon any person for any breach of Royal Kennel Club Regulations subject to a right of appeal, notice of intention of which must be lodged within 14 days from the date on which the decision is given and subject to the prescribed appeals process as shall be determined by the Board from time to time.
- Warn
- Censure/Reprimand
- Apology directive (Conduct Regulation or the Control of Dog Regulation)
- Fine
- Award disqualified
In addition, the Board may make the following directives; - A dog’s registration record may be marked ‘incident recorded’
- A dog’s registration record may be endorsed ‘not eligible for entry in any event held under Royal Kennel Club Rules and Regulations, nor any unlicensed event recognised by the Royal Kennel Club.’
The right of appeal against directives f) and g) listed above extends to an appeal on the finding of fact of a deliberate dog bite only, but does not extend to an appeal against those directives f) and g) in terms of cancellation or modification of such directives if there is a finding of fact of an intentional dog bite.
In the event of any fine not being paid, or non compliance with any apology directive issued within the time stipulated by the Board, then that person may, at the discretion of the Board, be dealt with as if a complaint under Royal Kennel Club Rule A11 had been lodged and proved to the satisfaction of the Board.
For complaints of conduct whether at a licensed event or on social media, in addition to a warning issued - a short term fixed period of refusal of entry/attendance at Royal Kennel Club licensed events may also be imposed in accordance with procedures to be published from time to time to implement this regulation.
(Insertion in bold)
(Effective 1 January 2025)
Regulation H11
TO:
The owner, exhibitor, handler or other person in charge of a dog at Royal Kennel Club licensed events must at all times ensure that the dog is kept under proper control whilst at the licensed venue, including its environs, car and caravan parks and approaches. This Regulation applies before (at any time during the set up period at the venue), during the event and afterwards (at any time during the breakdown of the event). The mating of bitches within the precincts of the competition, as stipulated above, is forbidden
An exhibitor or competitor should ensure that contact details for any handler are available and must be provided upon request in any investigation of a breach of this regulation by such handler.
(Insertion in bold)
(Effective 1 January 2025)
Regulation H(1)11.a
TO:
No person shall carry out punitive correction or harsh handling of a dog at any time within the precincts of the show whilst at the licensed venue, including its environs, car and caravan parks and approaches.
(Deletions struck through. Insertion in bold)
(Effective 1 January 2025)
The below amendment was added in order for the winner of each qualifying championship round to automatically qualify for the final, providing that they have competed in both rounds.
Amendment to Regulation H(1)9 Progression to the Championship Class Final
New Regulation H(1)9.b
TO:
The winner of each round will be invited to the final, in addition to the top 50% of the entry, up to a maximum of 20 dogs from the combined results of the two qualifying rounds, making the final a maximum of 22 dogs. The winner of the jumping round will run first in the final, the winner of the agility round will run second in the final. If the winner of either of the two qualifying rounds are in the top 50% of the entry, up to a maximum of 20 dogs, then the ‘win on spot’ will not transfer down to the 2nd placed dog. The winner of each round must have competed in both qualifying rounds.
(Insertion in bold.)
(Subsequent paragraphs to be renumbered.)
(Effective 1 January 2025)
The following regulation amendments have been made to give greater flexibility for show organisers when setting out rings.
Proposed amendment to Regulation H(1)10.a and H(1)(B)1.a.(1) Test area
Regulation H(1)10.a
TO:
Test area shall have a suitable surface and measure a minimum of 32m x 32m for outdoor rings. must be a minimum of 1024 square metres. Each side of the ring being a minimum of 30m for outdoor rings. All rings must be square or rectangular. Indoor rings are recommended to be 600 square meters but must be a minimum of 450 square metres with no one side measuring less than 15m. For outdoor all weather arenas of one or more rings that are enclosed by structure, fence or permanent barrier each ring is recommended to be 800 square meters but must be a minimum of 600 square metres with no one side measuring less than 20m. All indoor and outdoor all weather permanently enclosed rings for Prestige Events and/or Championship classes must be a minimum of 800 square metres with no one side measuring less than 20m. The ring area includes space for officials, including the scrime and ring party, but where possible the ring tent should be outside the ring area.
(Deletions struck through. Insertions in bold.)
(Effective 1 January 2025)
Regulation H(1)(B)1.a.(1)
TO:
Test area shall have a suitable surface and measure a minimum of 32m x 32m for outdoor rings. must be a minimum of 1024 square metres. Each side of the ring being a minimum of 30m for outdoor rings. Indoor rings are recommended to be 600 square meters but must be a minimum of 450 square metres with no one side measuring less than 15m. For outdoor all weather arenas of one or more rings that are enclosed by structure, fence or permanent barrier each ring is recommended to be 800 square meters but must be a minimum of 600 square metres with no one side measuring less than 20m. All indoor and outdoor all weather permanently enclosed rings for Prestige Events and/or Championship classes must be a minimum of 800 square metres with no one side measuring less than 20m. The ring area includes space for officials, including the scrime and ring party, but where possible the ring tent should be outside the ring area.
(Deletions struck through. Insertions in bold.)
(Effective 1 January 2025)
The regulation below was added to prevent smoking and vaping around competition areas.
Proposed addition to Regulation H(1)10. Management
New Regulation H(1)10.d
TO:
No smoking or vaping within the ring area.
(Insertion in bold.)
(Subsequent paragraphs to be renumbered.)
(Effective 1 January 2025)
The amendments to the regulations below have been changed to prevent food from being carried into the ring, including feeding dogs on the start line, as dropped food could cause issues for subsequent dogs.
Amendment to Regulations H(1)11.e & H(1)(D)9.e
Regulation H(1)11.e
TO:
- Except for mobility aids, nothing shall be carried in the hand while the dog is under test and food shall not be carried in the hand or given to a dog whilst in the ring. Competitors are prohibited from wearing bags or leads whilst under test – elimination.
(Insertion in bold)
(Effective 1 January 2025)
Regulation H(1)(D)9.e
TO:
- Silent toys may be used in the ring, at the discretion of the organisers, but must be used with consideration for other competitors. Except for mobility aids or silent toys, nothing shall be carried in the hand while the dog is under test and food shall not be carried in the hand or given to a dog whilst in the ring – elimination.
(Insertion in bold)
(Effective 1 January 2025)
The following regulation has been added to give a clear definition of how an Agility class is won.
New Regulation H(1)(A)7.
TO:
A class will be won by the dog that has completed the course in the fastest time with the least number of faults, unless otherwise stated for special classes.
(Insertion in bold)
(Subsequent paragraphs to be renumbered)
(Effective 1 January 2025)
The below amendment clarifies the depth of the central elements and the material that must be used in construction of a wall obstacle.
Regulation H(1)(B)3.b
TO:
Wall – The height of the wall must be 600mm for Large Dogs, 500mm for Intermediate Dogs, 400mm for Medium Dogs and 300mm for Small Dogs. Width: 1.2m minimum. All central units must be easily displaced by the dog and not interlocking with the pillars. Pillars with a minimum height of 900mm must be used. Central elements should have a uniform depth of 200mm. The wall must be constructed of an impact-absorbing material.
(Insertion in bold)
(Effective January 2025 to provide sufficient time for equipment suppliers to replace equipment)
The following regulation has been amended to ensure a consistent format of how the Rising Spread Jump is to be set up with different lengths of poles for the front and back, removing the issue of interlocking jump wings.
Amendment to Regulation H(1)(B)3.c
TO:
Rising Spread Jump – A maximum of 2 single jumps as in item a-(Hurdle) placed together to form a double spread, there must be no more than 2 elements to this obstacle. The top bar on the first hurdle must be 400mm for Large Dogs, 300mm for Intermediate Dogs, 300mm for Medium Dogs and 200mm for Small Dogs. The maximum spread to be: Large Dogs – 550mm, Intermediate Dogs – 475mm, Medium Dogs – 400mm, Small Dogs – 300mm. There must be only one pole on each hurdle. The feet of the side supports (wings) should not be interlocking but touching and must not be out of line by more than 75mm.
The back pole must be 1.5m in length. The front pole must be 1.4m in length.
(Insertion in bold)
(Effective 1 January 2025)
The below amendment has been made to specify the construction of the long jump.
Amendment to Regulation H(1)(B)3.f. Long Jump
Regulation H(1)(B)3.f.
TO:
Long Jump—Each unit a minimum length of 1.2m. Large Dogs - To comprise 5 units the overall length to be between 1.3m and 1.5m. The height of the front unit to be 127mm and the height of the rear unit to be 381mm. Intermediate Dogs – to comprise 4 units, the overall length to be between 1m and 1.2m. The height of the front unit to be 127mm and the height of the rear unit to be 305mm. Medium Dogs - To comprise 3 units the overall length to be between 700mm and 900mm. The height of the front unit to be 127mm and the height of the rear unit to be 229mm. Small Dogs - To comprise 2 units the overall length to be between 400mm and 600mm. The height of the front unit to be 127mm and the height of the rear unit to be 170mm. Marker poles with a minimum height of 1.2m shall be used, these should not be attached to any part of the obstacle. The units must be constructed of an impact-absorbing material & weighted at the base for stability. Each unit should be of uniform depth and a consistent shape.
(Insertion in bold.)
(Effective from 1 January 2025)
The following regulation amendment has been made to remove the water jump and wishing well in the interest of safety of the dogs involved in competition.
Removal of Water Jump and Wishing Well
Regulation H(1)(B)3.g.
TO:
Water Jump—The overall spread should be: Large Dogs - between 1.2m and 1.5m. Intermediate Dogs - between 1m and 1.3m. Medium Dogs - between 700mm and 900mm. Small Dogs - between 400mm and 500mm. A low hurdle or brush, with a maximum height of: Large Dogs - 550mm, Intermediate Dogs - 450mm, Medium Dogs - 350mm, Small Dogs - 250mm may be placed in front of the water. Marker poles with a minimum height of 1.2m, should be placed at all 4 corners, these should not be attached to any part of the water jump.
(Deletion struck through.)
(Effective 1 January 2025)
Regulation H(1)(B)3.h.
TO:
Wishing Well—This obstacle will be of stable construction and will be able to be fixed to the ground. To ensure the safety of the dog, it will have no sharp edges. Should a design be utilised which involves a removable centre section then the resultant corners must be rounded or padded. It will have a roof of which the bottom will be no less than Large and Intermediate Dogs - 1500mm, Medium Dogs - 1220mm, Small Dogs - 950mm from the ground. The roof must not project beyond the width or depth of the base. It will have a displaceable top bar the height of which will be: Large Dogs - 600mm, Intermediate Dogs - 500mm, Medium Dogs - 400mm, Small Dogs - 300mm. The minimum space from the top of the bar to the top of the base will be Large Dogs - 160mm, Intermediate Dogs - 155mm, Medium Dogs - 150mm, Small Dogs - 105mm. The overall width of the base will be between 900mm & 1400mm. The depth of the base which the dog jumps will be a maximum of Large Dogs - 550mm, Intermediate Dogs – 475mm, Medium Dogs - 400mm, Small Dogs - 300mm.
(Deletion struck through.)
(Effective 1 January 2025)
Regulation H(1)(B)5.a.(2)
TO:
Wishing Well – a dog should be faulted if it touches the base or dislodges the pole.
(Deletion struck through.)
(Effective 1 January 2025)
Regulation H(1)(B)5.a.(4)
TO:
Water Jump – must be cleared without contact with the water.
(Deletion struck through.)
(Effective 1 January 2025)
The following regulation was amended to ensure consistency in the pipe tunnel as an obstacle.
Amendment to Regulation H(1)(B)3.i Pipe Tunnel
Regulation H(1)(B)3.i
TO:
Pipe Tunnel – This obstacle should must have a diameter of a minimum of 600mm and should must be a minimum of 3m in length. The tunnel may only curve in a single direction. The inner surface of the tunnel must have the same finish throughout.
(Deletion struck through. Insertion in bold)
(Effective 1 January 2025)
The below amendment adds additional wording to specify the construction of the weaving pole equipment for the safety of competing dogs.
Amendment to Regulation H(1)(B)3.j Weaving Poles
Regulation H(1)(B)3.j
TO:
Weaving Poles – The number of poles should be six or twelve. The maximum number of weaves in a standard class is 12. They should be in a continuous line, as straight as possible and should be 600mm apart (between the poles). The poles must be of rigid construction and with a minimum height of 762mm and a diameter of 35mm. The base must have support bars at the bottom of each pole and they must be positioned away from the side a dog would normally negotiate each pole.
The base must be of a rigid construction and poles must be made from a plastic pipe.
(Insertion in bold)
(Effective 1 January 2025)
The following amendment to the regulations ensures that all dogs must be measured in order to compete including those in the large category.
Regulation H(1)(B)4.(2) – reviewed in September
TO:
(2) Dogs competing in small, medium, or intermediate height categories All dogs must be measured for competition and must be at least 15 months old before their first measurement. Competitors must ensure that their dog is measured prior to their first competition and that the dog's Agility Record Book has been signed and dated by the measuring officials.
(Deletion struck through. Insertion in bold)
(Effective 1 January 2025)
Regulation H(1)(B)4.(4)
TO:
(4) Large dogs entered for competition will not require an official Kennel Club measurement. Once a dog has competed in any Class in the Large Height category at a Kennel Club licensed event it may not change to a different height.
(Deletion struck through and subsequent paragraphs renumbered)
(Effective 1 January 2025)
The amendment below allows dogs who obviously fit into the large dogs category to be measured prior to 15 months of age.
Age for Measuring Large Dogs
Regulation H(1)(B)4.(2)
TO:
Dogs competing in small, medium, or intermediate height categories must be measured for competition and must be at least 15 months old before their first measurement. Large dogs that are, in the official measurers’ opinion, obviously over 500mm (prior to reaching 15 months of age) can be measured. Competitors must ensure that their dog is measured prior to their first competition and that the dog's Agility Record Book has been signed and dated by the measuring officials.
(Insertion in bold)
(Effective 1 January 2025)
