If you're new to flyball there is a learning curve not only in training your dog but also in learning about the different flyball organizations.  Hopefully you are lucky enough to have both U-FLI and NAFA tournaments available.  That way you have the opportunity to meet each organizations' representatives and participants and gather your own information first-hand.

To supplement your first-hand information and experiences, I hope a few of my previous blog posts have helped.  This post picks up where I left off. 

Chapter Two - The Rules

Each organization has a 'Rulebook' that governs the competition and provides the do's and don'ts in flyball.  Each rulebook is similar in how the game is played with a few exceptions such as Singles and Pairs racing in U-FLI, different jump heights and height dog measuring and different points structure for earning titles and awards.
 
U-FLI's Rulebook is 49 pages.  Approximately 15 of them are forms for tournaments, entries and hostings.

NAFA's Rulebook is 123 pages and includes sections for Policies and Procedures and By-Laws.  Approximately 25 pages are forms.

NAFA's Rulebook contains and provides for rule 'challenges' that may be used when a flyballer wants to file charges or a protest against another flyballer or flyball official for alleged or suspected cheating, bad behavior or breaking the rules.  Such challenges include personal ethics, sportsmanship, breed of dog and height of dog.

NAFA rules appear at times to be written in a form of legal-ease.  From experience and observation, some of their rules are convoluted and particularly unclear.  Some flyballers think the rules change frequently and at times are not consistently, fairly or evenly applied across the country nor within specific tournaments.  Some believe this is due in part to the political influences within the organization.
   








U-FLI Rulebook does not contain challenges, charges or protests.  Rule changes appear to be minimal; the current version is 2.2.  Changes include a
description of the reason for and intent of what is changing in an effort to aid participants' understanding.


Both NAFA and U-FLI rulebooks are available on their websites.

That's all for now; but, Chapter Three is just around the corner. 

Sincerely,
I Like Flyball!
 
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Flyball Surgeons General Warning:  Attack dogs and owners who do not pick up after their dogs beware of the underground electric fence. No visible training flags.

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